Tunde Folawiyo

As the Nigerian National Football team embarks on their impending World Cup appearance, some former players and coaches have revealed their hopes and worries for the team. Former Super Eagles player and coach Samson Siasia has voiced that John Mikel Obi, a Chelsea midfielder, will play a crucial role in the team’s success in Brazil. As millions of fans including Tunde Folawiyo and countless others await the team’s first World Cup match-up, Siasia remains vocal about the future he sees for Super Eagles in the coming months.

According to Siasia, players such as Mikel, Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses are amongst the key players who will prove valuable in Brazil. As Mikel has played at the highest level for Chelsea – a top club – Siasia believes his experience will put the Super Eagles at an advantage. Whilst he has revealed his belief in the talent of the 27-year-old, Siasia has also noted his concerns. Mikel and others at the forefront of the Super Eagles do lack experience as first-team regulars. Whilst Siasia remains skeptical, Mikel, on the other hand, is eager to take the field after missing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa due to an injury.

The Super Eagles will face a number of difficult teams on their path to victory at the World Cup. With Argentina, Iran and Bosnia to be faced in the first round Group F. Mikel admits the teams will prove challenging.  The midfielder, however, is no stranger to pressure. His career has seen several high-profile matches.

Mikel made his senior team debut for Nigeria during August 2005 in a 1–0 friendly over Libya. Upon this, he was named for the 2006 African Cup of Nations squad. His first international start came during the team’s finalo group game over Senegal, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. Following disciplinary issues, Mikel was suspected from Nigeria’s national teams. Later, he was summoned to Nigeria’s national squad at the African Cup of Nations in 2008, where he scored a goal and registered an assist to help the team qualify for a quarter-finals match against Ghana. Though they were defeated, Mikel was later called to his country’s 23-man squad during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations before being selected for the country’s squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. With these esteemed appearances under his belt, there is much faith to be had in Mikel’s talents as the hopes of Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other Super Eagles fans rest on the shoulders of the Nigerian national football team.

Left-back Elderson Echiejile is one of the many players and fans expressing delight over Osaze Odemwingie’s return to Nigeria’s national team. In a statement, Echiejile noted the experience and quality Odemwingie he is sure to bring to the field. The striker is just one of a 30-player provisional list recently released by team coach Stephen Keshi ahead of this summer’s World Cup tournament. Many throughout the country of Nigeria hold a great devotion to the team’s football success. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other Nigerian football fans may be excited by the outstanding talent Odemwingie is expected to bring to the field.

Whilst Odemwingie’s place on the Nigerian national team is solidified, others like IK Uche and Brown Ideye were left behind. Though both players were part of Nigeria’s gold-winning Africa Cup of Nations team in 2013, they faced great competition. Echiejile, who previously made a shocking move to team Monaco, disclosed that he is unworried his play time with Ligue 1 side having an effect on his World Cup prospects.

Raised in Russia and Nigeria, Odemwingie began his Nigerian football career with Bendel Insurance. He then entered European football and spent season with Belgian side La Louviere before a move to Lille. Scoring 26 goals for the team, Odemwingie caught the attention of Lokomotiv Moscow, who paid £10 million to acquire his services during July 2007. With 23 goals over a period of three-and-a-half years for the team, he made the move to West Bromwich Albion during August of 2010. After a successful bout with the team that included 30 Premier League Goals, he was awarded the Premier League’s Player of the Month three times before being traded to Cardiff City for £2.25 million in 2003. After six months with Cardiff he joined Stroke City in an exchange with Kenwyne Jones during January 2014. Whilst his career has seen many transfers, his devotion to the country of Nigeria ever remained. African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo may regard him as one of the most talented player in years.

Throughout its history as one of Africa’s most popular sports teams, the Nigerian National team continues to inspire legions of fans throughout the continent and all over the world. Nigerian citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may be excited by the news of Odemwingie’s return to the team ahead of the World Cup this summer. With the football hopes of a nation resting upon their shoulders, Odemwingie and the hopeful Nigerian squad are ready for battle.

The United Nations has selected the Super Eagles to serve as its goodwill ambassadors during the 2014’s FIFA World Cup, set to take place between June 12 – July 13 in Brazil. The continent of Africa has long been plagued with high incidences of AIDS throughout, with significant numbers of citizens succumbing to the disease each year. Through this partnership and the continued support of Tunde Folawiyo and billions of others throughout the globe, the devastating effects of AIDS may one day be but a distant memory.

Djibril Diallo, a Special Advisor for the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), released a statement at a news conference announcing a lunch of the organisations “Protect the Goal Initiative.” Seeking to utilize the power of sports and the building excitement surrounding the 2014 World Cup, the project is also committed to promoting an AIDS-free era for future generations.  hopes to achieve these goals through implementing a zero discrimination, zero infection and zero AIDS related death for others.

Diallo cited the Eagles’ pedigree in the sport and Nigeria’s political and economic influence on the continent as reason for the choice. He also spoke of the United Nations’ commitment to focusing on using the AIDS and HIV as a tool in targeting the Millennium Development Goals. Whilst the initiative was aimed at the World Cup’s 32 qualified teams, Diallo noted Nigeria as its primary focus. The campaign began on March 5 during a friendly game in South Africa with President Jacob Zuma lending his signature to the ball.

The campaign is expected to reach Mexico and Chile during the period between May 25 and June 5 before its departure for Brazil for a World Launch on June 9. Each stop will see the Head of State join forces with the national team to promote a heightened awareness of the UN’s goal.

According to Professor John Idoko, a group of 14 countries around the globe are today responsible for 60% of HIV cases, with 10 out of the 14 within Africa’s borders. As football attracts an enormous fellowship in Nigeria, the United Nations is determined to utilize the sport in raising awareness. Through this joint effort, the impact of AIDS may one day be reduced. Citizens of Nigeria including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may find the news of the Super Eagles ambassadorship as a positive step forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS throughout the continent.

Following four long years, the Super Eagles will soon be on their way to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup. However, opinions are divided regarding whether or not they are in fact properly prepared for this monumental tournament. As a fan of the team, Tunde Folawiyo might know that the Nigeria Football Supporters Club seems to be quite confident; in a recent press conference, a representative stated that they were certain that the team would reach the semi-finals.

Amodu Shuaibu, the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director, appears to be equally convinced of the Eagles’ ability to defeat their opponents, and vehemently defended them, after one journalist implied that they would not be up to scratch in time for their first FIFA game. Speaking at an event in Abuja, he praised Keshi and the team for their preparatory work, adding that the friendly matches which have been played over the past few recent months have provided the players with ample opportunity to ready themselves for the upcoming tournament. He finished by saying that he believes the Eagles are ‘doing everything right’.

Other sports commentators are more interested in what Keshi’s tactical approach will be, and of course, who he will select for the squad. Regarding the former, some have speculated that the coach will use the same 4-4-1-1 approach that he favoured during their match against Mexico. It has been argued that this would be a particularly suitable choice when the Eagles play Argentina and Bosnia, both of whom are strong attackers, but are somewhat lacking in their defensive line. The central-field positioning would enable the players to prevent their opponents from entering the forward and midfield spaces.

As for the squad selection process – a subject which most supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo, are probably very curious about – Keshi has yet to reveal his list, but has said that both supporters and the media are likely to be surprised by his choices. He explained that he has been carefully monitoring Nigerian players – both those playing in their home country and abroad – and that he will publicise the names of the selected men in the very near future. Originally, his list contained 38 players; however, this number has since been narrowed down to 30. Currently, the NFF are reviewing Keshi’s choices; after they have given their seal of approval, the list will be submitted to FIFA.

As Nigeria’s national football team embarks on yet another World Cup venture, players of the past and their contributions to the team remain fresh in the minds of fans and players alike. Since its founding, the team has long been home to a number of incredible athletes. Nwankwo Kanu remains one of the most famed athletes in African sports for his accomplishments on the field. Fans of the Super Eagles, such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the country of Nigeria and beyond may have witnessed the outstanding displays of talent seen while Kanu navigated the green.

Born 1 August 1976 in Owerri, Nigeria, Nwankwo Kanu embarked on his football career at Nigeria’s Federation Works ahead of transferring to Iwuanyanwu Nationale. Following an impressive performance at U-17 World Championship, he signed with AFC Ajax during 1993. Scoring 25 goals over 54 appearances with the club, he was a sub in the team’s Champions League final win in 1995. During 1996, Internazionale acquired Kanu for the sum of $4.7 million. He served as captain of Nigeria’s team at the Olympics, leading them to a gold medal victory. He scored two goals during the semifinals, overturning Brazil’s 2-3 into a 4-3 victory for Nigeria during extra time. Accomplishments such as these have permanently cemented Kanu into African football history. That year, he was also awarded as Africa’s Footballer of the Year, demonstrating his immense talent in the sport.

While his contributions to the sport of football in Nigeria are of significant note, so are his philanthropic efforts. Upon being diagnosed with a heart defect that required surgery, Kanu founded the Kanu Heart Foundation, which aids African children currently suffering from heart defects, though the foundation’s efforts have since expanded to providing homes for homeless children throughout the continent.

Since its establishment, the Nigerian football team has long hosted players whose reputations far surpass those of their accomplishments on the field. As the African continent continues to face its struggles, the sport of football brings joy to countless individuals hoping to escape the realities of the poverty and disease that plague many citizens throughout its borders. As the team prepares for its World Cup appearance this summer, fans of the team, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others across the globe, may continue to be inspired by the tremendous talent that has once navigated the football fields of Nigeria.

Whilst some might say that next year’s AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) tournament is still a long way off, plans for the event are already well underway. The recent draw revealed that the Super Eagles will play against Sudan, South Africa, and the winners of the Libya v Rwanda, and Congo v Namibia matches. South Africa (or Bafana Bafana as they are known) were quite possibly disappointed by the results of the draw; Super Eagles supporters like Tunde Folawiyo are probably aware that SA has yet to defeat Nigeria in an international competition, despite having played against them on several occasions.

The tournament is to be held in Morocco this time, and will run from the 17th of January, until the 8th of February. In total, there are seven qualifying groups; each of the teams within these groups will play six matches between the months of September and November, after which the two top teams will progress to the final in 2015.

Aminu Maigari, the Nigeria Football Federation’s president, has expressed his confidence in the Eagles, stating that he believes they will once again win the tournament. During a press conference, he insisted that there was no question as to whether they would qualify for the final, or manage to retain their title. He was quoted as saying that the Eagles are in Group A, and will emerge with a grade A result. Describing the players as ‘vibrant and strong’, he finished by saying that he was sure they would do well in both AFCON and the World Cup. Whether or not fans of the Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo share his certainty, remains to be seen.

The NFF are clearly very optimistic regarding Nigeria’s chances of winning the cup; this is evident not only from Maigari’s words, but also from the very generous financial plan which they have drawn up, to cover all of the team’s tournament-related expenses. In total, the federation has earmarked N941 million for the event; a portion of this will be used to secure a training camp abroad, whilst the rest will be used for things like flights and accommodation for the 12 officials and 40 players who will be travelling to Morocco. Money has also been allocated to cover car hire, and accommodation for visiting teams, during the Eagles’ four home matches.

Speaking at a forum at the presentation of the Europa Cup, Former Super Eagles skipper Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha released a warning for the team in regards to a looming World Cup appearance. The BCC African Player of the year award winner cited the large role football plays in the lives of Nigerians, urging the Super Eagles to play their very best for fear that a loss could prove detrimental to the spirit of the game in Nigeria.

“Football in Nigeria is big and it unites us as a nation. I just hope that this time around our team would make the desired impact to make Africa proud,” he stated at the forum, mimicking the hopes of Super Eagles fans throughout Africa, including native Nigerian Tunde Folawiyo and countless other loyally supporting the team and sharing in their triumphs on the field.

Okocha’s declaration is not lost upon Nigerian sports fans. Holding the respect of Super Eagles fans throughout the world, Jay-Jay Okocha remains one of the most revered players in Nigerian football history, as well as one of Africa’s most famed athletic talents.

A midfielder highly-recognised for his outstanding skill, Okocha like many other football stars began his passion for football as a young boy. He made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he assisted the team in 4–1 win, leading to a qualification to their first World Cup. The year 2002 saw Okocha’s first tournament as captain of the Super Eagles during the World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan. Scoring four goals in the quarter finals, Okocha led the Super Eagles team to third place at the 2004 African Nations Cup in Tunisia, for which he was later awarded Player of the tournament and joint Golden Boot winner.

After more than a decade of dedicated service to the Super Eagles, Okocha announced his retirement from the international scene after the Cup of Nations in Egypt, after which his final international appearance took place in a 2–1 victory in a third place playoff against Senegal in 2007. Here, he was honoured with a standing ovation from nearly 60,000 fans in attendance, demonstrating the impact he forged on the national sports scene. Named among the top 125 living footballers by Pelé in March 2004, Okocha remains a source of inspiration for millions of football fans throughout Nigeria and beyond such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others with a love for African sports.

Amid speculation regarding the Super Eagles choice of coach for the club’s World Cup appearance, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced it will not engage the services of a foreign football coach for the nation’s senior male team. The news comes ahead of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Fans of the Super Eagles, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others, may find comfort in the clarification.

Speaking at the Federation’s media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Emeka Inyama, the Chairman, NFF Media and Publicity Committee, gave the assurance. Whilst speculation centred around the prospect of a foreign manager for the Super Eagles may be ongoing, Inyama noted the NFF’s confidence in Stephen Keshi, pledging support for the coach.

“I want to use this medium to clarify the issue once and for all, that we do not have plans as a Federation to hire any other coach for the World Cup. We do not have any plans whatsoever to bring any foreign assistant to work with Keshi,” he said.

Though the Federation’s plans to stick with Keshi have now been clarified, the NFF Executive Board member has acknowledged previous concerns between the Federation, the Super Eagles and their head coach.

“It seems as if there is war. It seems as if the country is going to break into two. But honestly, I want to assure you today that there is peace. There is no tension.”

Founded in 1949, the Nigerian National Football team have overcome various obstacles throughout their history as a club. Controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles became the first African football team to win gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, an accomplishment of vast significance for African sports. Twice qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, the team later went on to win a Silver Medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 after suffering a 0-1 defeat against Argentina. The Super Eagles also won a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa games and later went on to win third place in the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations. They won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013, one they’ve won 3 times in their history, further demonstrating the team’s enormous talent on the field. Through decades of triumphs and disappointments, the Super Eagles continue to inspire citizens of Africa as the sport of football remains a passion of many throughout the continent. Fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may approach this summer’s World Cup in Brazil with high hopes of a Super Eagles success story.

Since its establishment in 1945, the Nigeria national football team have accomplished various fetes of significance, cementing their spot as one of Africa’s most proud professional sports teams. After overcoming many obstacles as a team, the “Super Eagles” continue to serve Nigeria as a revered organisation boasting millions of loyal fans, including Nigerian native Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout various African nations.

Throughout its history as a franchise, the Super Eagles have been home to many players of great athletic talent, each possessing expert skill and an unwavering passion for the game. Among these is Taribo West, a defender who made over 41 appearances for the Nigerian national team. He was part of the Nigerian National team when they won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta before playing in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup. Peter Rufai was another such player with great talent, becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play abroad as he signed for Beninese team Dragon FC in 1986. He played a total of 110 international matches for Nigeria, including a 6-0 win at the 1994 Nations Cup qualifier. Representing Nigeria at the World Cups in 1994 and 1998, he also led the Super Eagles team to the 1994 African Nations Cup victory, held in Tunisia.

Regarded by many as one of the greatest Nigerian players of all-time, Segun Odegbami won 46 caps and scored 23 goals for the National Team, guiding Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations at the 1980 tournament. Among Odegbami’s most notable skills were his outstanding speed and precision. After years of play for the Super Eagles, Odegbami played his last game – the 1984 African Champions Cup final defeat to Zamalek. Whilst the athletic talents of Segun Odegbami cannot be denied, his younger brother was also a skilled athlete Wole Odegbami is a former national team player, as well. Not only were the two brothers extremely skilled on the field, but in academics as well. Segun Odegbami was nicknamed “Mathematical” not only for his precision, but because he attended and graduated from Nigeria’s premier technical institution, The Polytechnic, studying Engineering. Years after his retirement, in 2007, Odegbami appeared on Nigeria’s version of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ and donated all his winnings to ‘The Little Saints’ Orphanage on the Strong Tower Mission, further demonstrating the exceptional character that undoubtedly aided him to become the super talent he proved himself to be on the field. As the Super Eagles strive for dominance in yet another season, fans of the team such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others are sure to remember the amazing talents that have sported the green jersey years before.

Over the past week, the Super Eagles’ have been putting the finishing touches on their World Cup preparations. As a football fanatic, Tunde Folawiyo is probably aware that their manager Stephen Keshi has been closely monitoring several players whom he believes might be worthy of  inclusion in the final squad; he noted that he has been particularly interested in Chinedu Obasi, the winger for Schalke 04. Keshi spoke enthusiastically about Obasi, explaining that he had been impressed when watching the player’s recent matches in Germany and Spain.

Keshi himself will be under the same level of scrutiny soon enough; a report published this week revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation will be paying close attention to how he manages the team during the upcoming tournament. Keshi has acknowledged that if the Eagles do not perform as well as expected, he may have to begin looking for a new position. His contract is nearing its end, and its renewal is not certain.

This week, Leon Balogun, another player whom Keshi is said to have been considering for the World Cup squad, spoke to the press regarding his recent injury. The defender, who fell to the ground during his debut match with the Eagles in Atlanta, has said that he is healing quickly, and is optimistic about his chances of joining the team for their upcoming training session in the USA next month.

Meanwhile, the NFF has decided that, contrary to their original statement, the team are now allowed to bring along their wives and girlfriends when they travel to Brazil for the World Cup. Keshi announced this development whilst at a press conference in Lagos. The coach however, was less than enthused about the players taking their other halves. A representative from the NFF’s technical committee also advised against it, arguing that doing so might create a distraction, which could ultimately affect the performance of the team.

A few days ago, the NFF also announced that the musician ‘Solidstar’, would be recording the official theme song for the Super Eagles. This is a performer that most music fans, including Tunde Folawiyo, will be familiar with. He is scheduled to work with the label Achievas Music to complete the song; an NFF spokesperson explained that they chose Solidstar, as he is not only talented, but also passionate about football, and moreover, almost everyone can relate to, and enjoy his style of music.