NIGERIA: Delta names Asaba Stadium after Keshi, rewards Eagles

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Read Time:2 Minute, 41 Second

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan Thursday night made members of the Super Eagles proud of their Nations Cup effort when he organized a befitting reception for them and also rewarded them with money.

The players left Asaba walking taller than their heights. And prominent among them was their chief coach, Stephen Keshi who said he lost words to describe the honour bestowed on him. He said that he would, forever, thank God for creating him a Nigerian from Delta State.

This followed the actions of President Goodluck Jonathan who Tuesday rewarded the players with money and plots of land in Abuja and Dr. Uduaghan who also rewarded the players and coaches with money and also directed that a befitting duplex be built for Keshi in Asaba. Uduaghan also named the Asaba Stadium which is still under construction after Stephen Keshi.

“I have really lost words to describe all these. I thank God for making me a Nigerian from Delta State. What can I do and how do I say thank you? The best way to thank you is to pray for you every day of my life,” Keshi told Dr. Uduaghan who is transforming sports in Delta State.

“Sports is one of the areas we want to develop and which we hope can help sustain our economy beyond the oil time,” Uduaghan said on a day top musicians and comedians entertained at the Dome in Asaba.

Each player of the Eagles got N2.5 million and Keshi’s assistants got N4m each. Keshi himself was given N8m.

For the purposes of making Delta youths take after the Nations Cup heroes, Uduaghan recognised present and former Warri Wolves players in the team and gave them additional N2.5 million. He also rewarded Deltans in the team (Fegor Ogude, Elderson Echiejile and Ambrose Efe) with additional N2.5m.

Warri Wolves FC received N5m for contributing players to the national team. Sunday Mba, Chigozie Agbim and Azubuike Egwuekwe are all Warri Wolves players. Nosa Igiebor, Fegor Ogude and Ambrose Efe all played for Warri Wolves before they left for Europe.

The governor assured that the Asaba Stadium will be completed in six months and should be ready to host local and international matches.

Deltans thronged into the Dome, venue of the reception, to honour the Eagles. The special visitors were greatly entertained. It was a night of laughter, music and celebration of the Nations Cup heroes. In the hall were, interestingly, some of the past heroes of Nigerian football who are of Delta origin.

George Ogawon was the first university graduate to play for the Eagles. He was there and made a speech. Jossy Dombraye, Godwin Etemike, Owolu, Ebuwan Didiare were also great names who played for Nigeria about fourty years ago. Jay Kay Okocha was there too.

Uduaghan wants heroes to mentor the younger ones. It is part of the culture he wants to build in Delta state and wants Keshi and Eagles of Delta origin to play a role in achieving this. The plan is to get more people into sports and also develop the industry.

Hosting the Eagles in Asaba, he said, would likely inspire some young players to stardom.

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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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NIGERIA: For lovers only, If Keshi were St. Valentine

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Read Time:1 Minute, 16 Second

The much awaited Valentine season is here again; just a few days after Nigeria reiterated its position as giants of Africa. Hopes are rising everywhere, with the word ‘love’ being used rampantly and consequently losing its much coveted meaning.

Only on Sunday, Stephen Keshi, the coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles delivered a landmark victory in South Africa at the Orange African Cup of Nations. This was seen as a divine intervention by many as they proclaimed their love for the coach and the country.

Indeed, Stephen Keshi had delivered Nigerians a Valentine gift. The passion with which the Super Eagles competed in the tournament for the past weeks was invigorating, something that could only have been borne by a love for motherland.

St. Valentine was an ancient martyr who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry under the Roman Empire. He is further said to have healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. St Valentine, while dying was said to have inscribed ‘From your Valentine’.

On the other hand, St. Keshi, as I would call him, is an ancient Nigerian player turned coach who was almost sacked for choosing players who had never faced AFCON battles under the Nigerian empire.

He is further said to have healed Nigeria of her long-standing football ill-luck.

However, while St. Valentine had to die for his cause, St. Keshi did not have to die for his, instead, he remained to  get more victories.

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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2014 World Cup: President Jonathan sets target for Eagles

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Read Time:1 Minute, 50 Second

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday charged the Super Eagles to not only ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but to play in the final of the competition.

The President made the charge at the formal presentation of the 2013  Africa Cup of Nations trophy to members of the Federal Executive Council by the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, President Jonathan also announced a donation of N5Million naira to the supporters club for their dogged support of the national team.

Speaking on his dream for the 2014 World Cup, President Jonathan said since the Super Eagles had come this far, they must ensure that they not only qualify for the competition but play in the final.

”I want to thank the Minister of Sports and the of course, the NFF which has always been associated with a lot of stories for this feat. If you had lost, you would have been humiliated.
”I know that it is challenging to manage a team. We will continue to praise and encourage the boys and charge them to ensure they qualify for the World Cup and get to the final,” the President said repeatedly.

Announcing a N5m donation for the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, the number one citizen said, “We also commend the supporters’ club. This really escaped me yesterday (on Tuesday) when we were announcing gifts for the players.

”Government will give the club N5m to encourage them. It is not easy supporting a team, be singing and dancing even when it seems the team is not winning. We need to encourage them” the president said.
While presenting the cup to the federal Executive Council, the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the victory of the Super Eagles was a vindication that God answers prayers.

”We can conveniently say that God has answered our prayers after 19 years of waiting. With the winning, the mood of the country has changed. God rewarded the President’s passion and commitment because before now, past administrations tried without success. God ordained it that this will happen during your (Jonathan’s) time,” he 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.
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NIGERIA: CFN kicks off 2013 activities with Port Harcourt tourney

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The Cycling Federation of Nigeria, CFN, will kick start its activities this year in Port Harcourt  tomorrow with the River State Cycling Assoc-iation sponsored annual Cycling Championship which is open to all the states.

The Federation will also  be attending the Confederation of Africa Cycling Congress in Cairo, Egypt on February 16 and the trip will be funded by the Federation’s president, AlhajiMohammed Nur Sheriff. In March, the cycling federation will attend an invitational tourney in Egypt as the Eygptian Cycling Federation has invited Nigeria to participate in the 45th edition of Tour of Egypt.

The CFN President has also approved the nomination of  the Rivers State cycling team to represent Nigeria in the tour. This is as a result of their impressive performance at the last two National Sports Festivals in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

Later in the year, the CFN will be having the International Track Cycling Championship which will take place at the Velodrome in Abuja.

The federation in consultation with the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC) and the International Cycling Union, UCI is to ensure the certification of the Velodrome is carried out before the event comes up.

Meanwhile, the federation has sent a memo to the National Sports Federation, NSC requesting that the Velodrome is made functional, provision of basic track equipment as well as assisting it to procure Track Racing Cycles and racing equipment.

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: Race for AFN board membership overshadows 2013 programmes

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It is almost certain that the 2013 season of athletics events will start in June as the race for who gets into the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN  and who becomes president gets underway.

The National Sports Commission, NSC last week published the elections and eligibility guidelines for all the national sports federations and there has been an increase of activity by those who have ambitions.

At the AFN, athletics officials are mute about their programes for the year particularly the World indoors in March, golden league and the world championships billed for August. However, the AFN president, Solomon Ogba and his kitchen cabinet are bent over backwards, as they strive to host a successful maiden African Youth Champion-ships in March.

“From the look of things, I don’t think we will have a proper direction till the elections are over in April. It is an election year and you know that everyone who is interested is taking territories for now. We only hope that the programmes we have early in the year will not be affected,” said a member of the AFN in Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that the Ogba is interested in going for a second term in office and has been reaching out to all parties and constituencies.

“For now he is the man to beat, if he does not step down from the race. He did his best for athletics in difficult circumstances. I don’t know of any candidate that has signified his intention to challenge Ogba. He has really pushed on with athletics,” added the AFN member.

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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Battle of Rustenburg: Iroha remembers Eagles of 1994

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With more than 24 hours to the quarter final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, tension seems to have gripped all soccer loving Nigerians, including ex national team players, all of whom have expressed reservations on the Eagles chances against their star-studded opponents.

Most Nigerians who have been speaking on both radio and television stations across the land have all given the Eagles little chance against the Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure propelled Ivorian side, stressing that the Eagles still lacked cohesion.

One of the ex internationals and former Eagles’ defender Benedict Iroha, who played a huge role
in that 1994 Nations Cup semi final match where the Eagles beat the Ivorians on penalties after a 2-2 draw, who is here in South Africa, said during the week that, “The Ivorians have always been tough customers. I played against them several times. I can never forget that 1994 semi final clash in Tunisia. Most of their players were my team-mates at ASEC Mimosas, including Michelle Bassole who scored their two goals, as well as Abdoulaye Traore and Aka Kouame.”

Continuing, Iroha said, “We got back into the game when Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scored and I then exchanged passes with Jay-Jay Okocha to score the equalizer. We had chances to win it in the second half but their goalkeeper, Alain Gouamene, was something else. We eventually won on
penalties and beat Zambia in the final to lift the trophy.”

Despite apprehension among Nigerian fans, Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, who was earlier rumoured to have bagged two yellow cards and would miss the quarter-final cracker, has warned Drogba and his team-mates not to write off the Nigerian side as they (Eagles) were capable of proving all the doubting Thomases wrong tomorrow. Mikel who missed a penalty against Burkina Faso said the media(he didn’t specify whether Nigerian or foreign media) have always reminded them that the Ivorians are very tough and unbeatable, adding that tomorrow’s match was a knock-out match and anything was possible.

“Playing against Ivory Coast is going to be both tough and exciting and some of our opponents are my friends, especially Didier Drogba,” said the 25-year-old Chelsea star.

“People who write off Nigeria do so at their peril. This is a knock-out match that we can definitely win.

“The media keep reminding us that Ivory Coast are unbeatable – we shall see.

“Ethiopia was a do-or-die game for us and we did really well, especially in the second half. “Having conceded late equalisers against Burkina Faso and Zambia, we told the defence to improve their concentration and they did.”

Ivory Coast hold a slight edge over Nigeria at Cup of Nations tournament clashes, winning two and losing one of five meetings that produced a meagre seven goals.

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: C/River maintain stronghold on grassroots athletics

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Cross River State  continued to demons-trate that they are the champions when it comes to grassroots athletics development. The state’s young athletes dominated the National School Sports Festival, which ends  today in Port Harcourt.

Though it wasn’t like a stroll in the park for the Bruce Ijirigho inspired athletes, the difference that was made is the professional training the Cross River athletes have received from the coaches that have been working with them for three years.

“Cross River is spending money on grassroots development programme and it is not a surprise they are dominating. My only wish is that other States will follow suit so that we can have a keener competition in school sports,” said coach Johnny Igboka who runs a sports academy without any support from his state government Anambra  Dr. Ijirigho who was happy with the development stated that Nigeria was way down in global athletics and to redress the situation more states should start their own developmental programmes particularly  athletics endowed States like Delta, Edo, Imo, Anambra and Rivers.

“If we have four states doing what we are doing in Cross River, we will be getting somewhere. I have checked on the IAAF rankings and I noticed that Nigeria is way down in grassroots performances.

“It is only in the 800m we have an athlete measuring up to world standards.

“We have talents everywhere, but if we don’t train them, we will continue to go down,” he 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.
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West Brom criticise ‘unprofessional’ Odemwingie

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West Bromwich Albion have criticised their striker Peter Odemwingie for driving to Queens Park Rangers on transfer deadline day in a vain bid to join the London club.

The Nigeria striker was pictured on Sky Sports television station sitting outside QPR’s Loftus Road stadium in his car, apparently in the belief that West Brom had agreed to sell him to their Premier League rivals.

However, QPR reportedly refused to let him enter their premises and West Brom reacted by rebuking the 31-year-old for his conduct.

“Albion can confirm that no agreement was reached with QPR over the transfer of Peter Odemwingie before the closure of the January window and that the striker remains under contract at The Hawthorns,” read a club statement.

“The club were extremely disappointed to witness TV footage of Odemwingie arriving at Loftus Road on Thursday evening despite further talks between the two Premier League sides proving fruitless.

“Odemwingie was also never given permission to speak to QPR about a potential move.”

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace said: “Peter has acted wholly unprofessionally. He must now accept the fact he remains under contract for a further 18 months and has to focus on his Albion commitments.”

Interviewed by Sky Sports News during his in-car vigil, Odemwingie appeared to suggest he considered himself a QPR player.

“It’s fine. West Brom was my home but this is a new chapter. I love West Brom and always will,” he told a reporter.

“I am optimistic. A few good players have arrived here (at QPR) and I am happy with the trust (QPR manager) Harry Redknapp has in me.

“The last few results have given us a chance to stay up. I don’t think the owners will bring in so many players if they don’t think it will happen.

“I hope West Brom are happy with what they will get and they hope to get players themselves.”

Redknapp, who did bring Christopher Samba, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend to QPR on Thursday, the latter two on loan deals, said he sympathised with Odemwingie.

“I think he probably felt that the deal had been agreed between the clubs and it hadn’t and it was all a mix-up really,” said Redknapp.

“I feel sorry for the lad and the way the whole thing’s turned out. It wasn’t any of our doing.

“I think he was maybe advised that he should turn up here and that the club had made an offer and the offer had been accepted. The wires got crossed somewhere.”

Odemwingie joined West Brom from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2010 and has since scored 19 goals in 53 games for the club.

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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Odemwingie stands ground over transfer farce

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Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

Striker Peter Odemwingie has dismissed criticism from his club West Bromwich Albion over his bizarre attempt to force through a transfer to Queens Park Rangers on Thursday.

Amid surreal scenes on transfer deadline day, the Nigerian was shown on television waiting outside QPR’s Loftus Road stadium in his car, apparently in the mistaken belief that West Brom had agreed to sell him.

QPR refused to let him enter their ground and West Brom subsequently issued a statement criticising his conduct, with chairman Jeremy Peace accusing Odemwingie of acting “wholly unprofessionally”.

Odemwingie on Friday conceded that his behaviour had been “a little unprofessional”, but alleged that he joined West Brom from Lokomotiv Moscow in similar circumstances in 2010.

“I came to this club (West Brom) in a wholly unprofessional way,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I wasn’t given any written permission by Lokomotiv Moscow, but I arrived at this club. I did a medical. I don’t think everything went so professional when I arrived.”

Clarifying his comments, he added: “I’m saying that these things don’t matter so much when adults are dealing with each other.

“I think there was a misunderstanding somewhere because I could have held my goodbyes to the (West Brom) players if I was told it is not going to happen.”

Odemwingie went on to explain that he had been made to believe West Brom were happy for him to leave.

“They (West Brom) didn’t give me written permission, but you know, we are in England, and when you’re gentlemen, you understand each other so easily,” he said.

“In my opinion, everything was done right and at the last moment, I don’t know what really happened, but I think other people can answer this question as well.”

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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Beckham signs five-month deal with PSG

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Former England captain David Beckham on Thursday signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a five-month deal, fuelling hopes of a celebrity boost for French football as it faces up to an exodus of top players.

The 37-year-old midfielder — one of the world’s most recognisable sportsmen with a pop star wife and an estimated net worth of 190 million pounds ($300 million, 220 million euros) — has been without a club since leaving Los Angeles Galaxy last year.

But after a day of fevered speculation, the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star was unveiled by the French league leaders at a packed news conference after a routine medical at a city hospital.

Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told reporters he was delighted to have secured Beckham’s services until June 30 while the player himself said he was “excited and honoured” to be part of PSG’s plans to develop into a major European force.

“I chose here because I can see what the club are trying to do, the players they’re bringing in,” said Beckham, wearing a charcoal grey suit, white shirt and grey tie, predicting PSG would have “a lot of success in the next 15 to 20 years”.

Father-of-four Beckham, whose family will remain in London, revealed that he would donate his salary during his time in the French capital to a local children’s charity.

News of Beckham’s pending arrival lit up the final day of the January transfer window, a year after the former Old Trafford playmaker was first linked with a move to the Parc des Princes.

The deal with “Becks” — who is married to the former Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria — gives PSG’s ambitious Qatari owners a celebrity brand with the clout to tap new markets for the club, particularly in Asia.

As a Manchester United player, Beckham was mobbed like a rockstar on visits to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand while in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, his distinctive mohawk hairdo sparked legions of imitators.

One Bangkok fan placed a sculpture of his idol in a Buddhist temple while a three-metre (10-foot) chocolate image of the player was even created in Japan.

“He’s more than a player. He’s a brand, a pop star,” said Leonardo in 2011 after making an initial approach to the player, who has a host of lucrative advertising and endorsement deals and is seen as much on on red carpets as in the corridors of power.

France coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday said Beckham could provide a much-needed filip to Ligue 1, which lags other major European leagues for star power and this January has seen a glut of transfers to English clubs.

Deschamps, who played for Chelsea in 1999/2000 while Beckham was at Old Trafford, described it as a “very, very good thing for the media profile of Ligue 1″.

“He’s a player whose personality goes beyond football like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It gives a greater visibilility to our championship internationally,” he added.

Former AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic was brought to PSG in the close season last year as the club spent more than 200 million euros on the transfer market but is one of the few players of undisputed world class in France’s top division.

Beckham, capped 115 times for England — a national record for an outfielder — first came to prominence at Manchester United and in 1999 helped the club win the coveted “Treble” of the English Premier League, FA Cup and European Champions League.

Renowned as a dead-ball specialist for the quality of his delivery from free-kicks and corners, Beckham rose through the ranks as one of a crop of talented young players including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

He made his United debut aged 17 in 1992 and went on to win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the English giants.

His England debut came in 1996 and two years later he was sent off during a last 16 defeat by Argentina at the 1998 World Cup in France, making him a brief hate figure for many England fans.

Beckham’s relationship with United boss Alex Ferguson soured towards the end of his time in Manchester, with the veteran manager concerned about his increasingly high profile after his glitzy wedding to “Posh Spice” Victoria.

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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