Tunde Folawiyo

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.

The assistant director of communications at the NFA, Ademola Olajire, has announced that the Super Eagles’ final training session will begin on the 26th of May; he explained that although they would prefer to prepare a little earlier, this was not possible, as most of the players will be busy with their own clubs’ matches up until midway through the month, and will then need a rest before they start focusing on the tournament. Olajire added that, as the World Cup draws nearer, the competition for places in the squad is becoming more and more intense, with dozens of players hoping to impress Keshi and secure a place on the team.

The coach has stated that he intends to have a 35-man, rather than a 30-man squad; this might come as a surprise to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Eagles’ fans. Whilst it’s good news for those who wish to join the team for the tournament, it is a decision which Keshi will need to justify to the NFF’s technical committee. He is due to meet with them, and present his case this coming week in Abuja; however, Chris Green, who serves as the chairman of this committee, has assured the public that they will not be asking Keshi to explain the inclusion of each individual player, but will merely be requesting that he discuss his decision to create a larger-than-average squad.

Sports fanatics like Tunde Folawiyo might be aware Keshi is considering bringing Peter Osaze Odemwingie on board. As of late, this player has been performed exceptionally well with Stoke City, and it seems entirely possible that Keshi will select him for the final squad. However, when asked about this, Keshi remained rather tight-lipped; speaking to the press, he explained that although he was pleased that Odemwingie had been scoring goals for his English club, this would not guarantee him a place on the Eagles team at the World Cup. He went on to say that he would not invite any players that could potentially disrupt the sense of unity which the team currently has.

Whilst the coach has yet to reveal his decision regarding this particular player, the public have already made it clear that they wholeheartedly support Odemwingie’s return to the Eagles; a survey conducted by Goal Nigeria showed that 86% of their readers would be happy to see him join the squad for the upcoming tournament.

Whilst Stephen Keshi might be a favourite amongst Super Eagles’ fans, the Nigeria Football Federation has expressed its frustration regarding the coach’s behaviour over the past two months or so, and are now asking that he explain himself. Sports fanatics like Tunde Folawiyo may have heard that the NFF is unhappy with Keshi not requesting permission before he decided to attend a media function, rather than going to the scheduled meeting with the NFF’s technical committee a few weeks ago. In addition to this, they have asked him to justify his recent trip to the USA last year, which resulted in him missing the event hosted for the Eagles by President Goodluck Jonathan.(1)

Although Keshi is required to send in a formal response to this complaint, this is probably the least of his concerns right now; with the World Cup drawing closer, he is undoubtedly more worried about preparing the team, and ensuring that they perform at their best when the time comes. Eagles fans such as Tunde Folawiyo may be aware that Vincent Enyeama, the Eagles’ goalkeeper, has stated that he has some doubts about how well they will fare against Iran and the other teams that they will be facing in Group F. He warned the rest of his teammates not to underestimate their opponents who, he argues, are just as determined to progress to the next stage.

Henry Nwosu, on the other hand, seems very confident regarding the Eagles’ abilities, and has said that he believes players like Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses will help to guide the team towards victory. Speaking to a journalist at the Tom-Tom event in Lagos last week, he described Emenike as ‘fantastic’, and said that his quick-footedness would make life very difficult for opposing teams.

Regardless of how things turn out, the Eagles will have a great deal of support; Dr. Rauf Ladipo, who serves as the President of the Nigeria Football Supporters club, has indicated that there will be at least 10,000 fans travelling to Brazil to cheer them on. Like Nwosu, Ladipo hinted at this whilst speaking to the press at the aforementioned Tom-Tom evening. He stated that he had spent 11 days travelling around the major cities of Brazil, encouraging Nigerian football fans to attend the upcoming matches.

With a rich team history spanning over 70 years, Nigeria’s football team holds a vibrant, loyal fan base of millions, including Nigerian Tunde Folawiyo. Controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Nigerian national football team (NFF) – nicknamed the Super Eagles – has won many distinctions in their history as a franchise. The Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, a title they’ve won 3 times in their history, demonstrating the team’s immense talent on the field.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Super Eagles, it’s important to understand the history of the Nigeria Football Federation. Football was first introduced in Nigeria by a group of British colonists in 1914. Baron Mulford, a Briton, began organising weekly football matches between the youths of his country and those of Nigeria in an area now known as Lagos. Nearly three decades later, Dr. Nnammdi Azikiwe – who later became one of the founding fathers of independent Nigeria and the first President of the Republic – suggested a governing body to regulate football in Nigeria. An active sportsman and noted sports enthusiast, Azikiwe’s idea came to fruition in 1945 with the help of many others including Mr. R. G. Marshal, Chief Etun Bassey, Dr. Isaac Ladipo, Baron Mulford and Mr. D. H. Holley.

Founded in 1949, Nigeria’s first official football team travelled to the UK to compete in a series of friendly matches. Though these were played barefoot, Nigeria commanded attention with their play, drawing in record attendance at some matches. The team’s first international match took place on October 8 of that year. In 1959, the NFA became affiliated to CAF and one year later, to world body FIFA. The country was invited to play in a qualifying series for the FIFA World Cup finals a short time later. After flag independence in 1960, Nigeria football’s governing body was transferred to the Nigerians where Mr. Godrey Amachree became the NFA’s first Nigerian chairman.

On April 24, 1959, the NFA became affiliated to the continental body CAF, and the following year, to the world body, FIFA. Three months later, the country was invited for the first time, to participate in the qualifying series for the FIFA World Cup finals. This was for the 1962 finals staged in Chile. After flag independence in 1960, the administration of Nigeria football fell on the shoulders of Nigerians, with Mr. Godfrey Amachree becoming the first Nigerian Chairman of the NFA. With the rich history of the Nigerian Football Federation at the forefront of its success, the Super Eagles will continue to reply on player talent and a devoted fan base including Tunde Folawiyo in order to accomplish further triumphs on the field.