Tunde Folawiyo

Nigerian footballer Obafemi Martins has been mentioned in the Turkish media once more, in light of a possible transfer toward Turkish team Konyaspor. The Seattle Sounders player has played an impressive season whilst in the U.S., having scored eight goals for the team. Now, as Konyaspor is said to be eyeing Martins, it remains to be seen whether the player will join the 11^th place team in the Turkish SuperLig. Three other Turkish teams, Rizespor, Genclerbirligi and Galatasaray have all previously expressed interest in the 29-year-old. Tunde Folawiyo and other football fans throughout Nigeria may be inspired by the rise of Obafemi Martins as he remains a powerful tool in the Nigerian team’s quest for victory.

Martins is also a valued member of Nigeria’s national team. Known for his great speed, he has played for several top-division clubs throughout Europe. Upon leaving his home country for Italy at the age of 16, he kicked off his veteran career during 2002 for Inter Milan of Italian Serie A before transferring to Newcastle, a Premier League English club during 2006. He then moved to Wolfsburg, Germany’s Bundesliga club during 2009. After joining Rubin Kazan, a Premier League in Russia during July of 2010, he was loaned to Birmingham City during January of 2011.

In regards to club football, the player won the Serie A title, a Super Cup and an Italian Cup, all whilst with Inter. He scored a winning goal with Birmingham during 2011’s League Cup Final. His European football career saw bouts with Inter, Wolfsburg and Newcastle, where he won the Intertoto Cup. During the 2004-2005 Serie A season, he had his highest scoring season with 11 goals and 17 during the 2006-2007 English Premier League’s. Internationally, Martin has played for Nigeria’s squad during Africa’s Nations Cup during 2006 and 2008, as well as 2010. He also played in FIFA’s World Cup during 2010.

Martins comes from a family of footballers as two of his brothers played professionally. Oladipupo Martins, his older brother, played for Partizan, Reggiana, and Innsbruck. He retired in 2009.

As the Nigerian National Team battles for the World Cup title once more, Nigerian football fans are surely anticipating the fate of its valued players. Obafemi Martins continues to serve Nigeria as a gifted footballer of immense talent. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Nigerian and the remainder of Africa may regard the player as one of the most talented in the continent.

As the Super Eagles embark on their World Cup journey, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reassured millions of fans that the team will indeed impress as the Fifa tournament kicks in Brazil. Aminu Maigari, the federation’s president, has reiterated his confidence in the team despite their failure to triumph during their past five friendlies against teams like Mexico, Italy, Greece, Scotland and the United States. Hopeful Super Eagles fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Nigeria may highly anticipate the team’s upcoming matches.

Aminu Maigari, the federation’s president, stated their confidence in Nigeria’s men’s team. Despite their failure to triumph over their past five international friendlies against Mexico, Italy, Scotland, Greece and the U.S.,  the Super Eagles are said to be ready ahead of their first World Cup match against Iran during 16 June. Maigari has spoken of his belief that the warm-up matches taught the team many lessons as he assures Nigerians that the team won’t disappoint fans in Brazil. Optimistic of the boys’ chances at victory, Maigari has spoken with Nigeria’s head coach, who apparently shares the same sentiment. According to him, viewing successful trainings during the USA has further solidified his faith in the team.

The Super Eagles have their work cut out for them as they enter the World Cup this June. They sit in Group F with former champions Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzergovina. Both spirits and tensions are high for Super Eagles fans who rely heavily on the team for entertainment. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans throughout Africa and beyond may be pleased with the president’s confidence. Whilst a few friendly match losses do not predict a World Cup failure, the reaffirmations are undoubtedly music to Nigeria’s ears.

Nigeria’s football team has exhibited much pride throughout its history. During 1994, the team was ranked 5^th on FIFA’s world ranking, the greatest ranking for an African team. As the reigning Cup of Nations champions, the team hopes to continue its record of triumphs. The team has won the tournament a total of three times, reaching FIFA’s World Cup rounds of 16 two times. Qualifying for five of FIFA’s last six Cup tournaments, the team is continues to forge a great impact on the field and in the world of African sports as a whole. Tunde Folawiyo and other fans throughout Africa may regard the proud history of the Super Eagles as a great motivator for World Cup victory.

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, are displaying great confidence as news of the next Africa Nations Cup draw spreads. The 2015 tournament qualifiers will see the team face-off against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Sudan, among others. As they have exhibited an extraordinary amount of talent in recent years, the Super Eagles remain high in the rankings for the Group A matches.

Loyal Super Eagles fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Nigeria and Africa may be eager to witness the team’s much-anticipated contests ahead of this year’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Super Eagles’ confidence level is not without foundation. There is much proof of their success of late, and as they embark on the next Nations Cup journey, they will be pitted against other Group A teams like Sudan. As the champions of the Nations Cup last year, Nigeria can approach the forthcoming tournament with strong confidence, especially with Bafana’s gradual slip down the ranks of the continental stage. The team’s record against Nigeria is unfortunate, to say the least.

Bafana’s reintroduction onto an international stage in 1992 began the start of a 1-6 record against Nigeria. But the team’s coach, Gordon Igesund, is optimistic about the coming fixture, calling the match a “fair draw”. The coach’s contract expires in July, leaving players and fans alike wondering whether it will be renewed. The South African Football Association has yet to give any indication, and the coach himself is staying quiet about what may happen in the coming months.

Bafana’s campaign begins in September with a trip to the east to compete against Sudan. Like Bafana, the Nile Crocodiles have won the Nations Cup championship once. They also failed to qualify for 2013’s Nations Cup in South Africa. Withstanding a disappointing qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup, the team is still under the control of coach Mohammed Abdallah.

While Sudan’s record lacks consistency, Igesund’s squad must not underestimate their East African opponent. Bafana’s final Group A match will be against Namibia, Libya, Rwanda or Congo. Libya seem to promise the greatest likelihood of advancement, as they took home last year’s Africa Nations Championship under coach Javier Clemente. They also exhibited impressive skill during their qualifying campaign for 2014’s World Cup, where they triumphed over Togo and Cameroon before finishing second in their group.

As the Super Eagles embark on their World Cup and Nations Cup journeys, the hopes of fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others remain high.

Amid news of the Super Eagles’ massive schedule of qualifying for the AFCON, the Nigeria Football Federation has reached out to assure the organization’s fans that the team will be ready for battle on the field. With a World Cup venture on the horizon, hopes are high as the Super Eagles strive to bring victory to their millions of fans, including Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout the country of Nigeria and well beyond.

Aminu Maigari, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, announced that the team are prepared to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title upon qualification for the tournament when the Morocco 2015 qualifying matches begin in September.

Grouped with South Africa, Sudan and the victor of two preliminary matches among Libya/Rwanda and Namibia/Congo Brazzaville, the Super Eagles have much at stake upon returning from the World Cup in June. Beginning the first week of September, the qualifying process will take place over six matches between September and November. Unusual for a major competition, the decision came as a result of the CAF’s move of the tournament to odd years with the African Nationals Championship taking place during even years.

The CAF Board announced on 29 January during the 2011 CAF Super Cup that Morocco will host the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament. The tournament will celebrate its 30^th anniversary in 2015. It will be held from 17 January to 8 February 2015 in Morocco, who previously hosted the tournament for the first time in 1988.

Whilst the CAF received hosting bids for the Africa Cup of Nations from two other nations, DR Congo and South Africa, Morocco is said to be favored to host the competition for its infrastructure and advanced stadiums. In order to form a decision, CAF visited each bidding country to examine stadiums, interest in the sport and infrastructure – all important factors in an adequate tournament host. First inspected was DR Congo, though the inspection was cut short before the country ultimately withdrew bids for the 2015 and 2017 tournaments.

With both the pressures and excitement of these imperative matches looming, devoted fans of the Super Eagles may be comforted by Maigari’s words as emotions run high. Citizens of Nigeria and the team’s fans throughout the world, including Tunde Folawiyo, may anticipate the World Cup as it may serve as a precursor of what’s to come when the team embark’s on the CAF qualifying process in September.

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles embark on another thrilling World Cup campaign, the spotlight is steadily focused on coach Stephen Keshi. The manager has held the reins of the team since 2011, leading them towards victory on football fields throughout the world. Fans of the Super Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others across Nigeria and beyond, may be inspired by the career of Stephen Keshi and its collective impact upon the history of Nigerian football.

Born in Azare, Nigeria, on 23 January 1962, Keshi once played the position of defender during his days as a professional footballer. In 1996, he joined others like Augustine Eguavoen to play for the Sacramento Scorpions of California, a short-lived team that saw Keshi play an integral role in defence. After a career playing with a variety of Belgian clubs, a determined Keshi travelled to the US to learn the art of  coaching. He was long part of Nigeria’s coaching staff before his official start as manager, as he served as the head coach of the country’s Junior Eagles during the African Youth Championships of 2001.

Between 2004 and 2006, Keshi led Togo’s national football squad to their debut World Cup appearance in Germany. He was then replaced by Otto Pfister, a German coach, once the team’s qualification was secure. After a near players’ strike and an unfortunate World Cup qualifying campaign, Pfister departed, leaving Togo without a manager until February 2007. It was then that they again approached Keshi to lead the team in a friendly match against Cameroon.

After working as manager for Mali’s national football squad in an appointment which began in April 2008, Keshi was dismissed in January 2010 after the team’s early exit during the group stages of Africa’s Cup of Nations. In 2011, he was appointed as coach of Nigeria’s national team, leading the country to qualification for 2013’s Africa Cup of Nations. With a 1-0 defeat over Burkina Faso, the Super Eagles won the final, demonstrating Keshi’s outstanding leadership on the field.

The team’s participation in Brazil’s World Cup this summer brings an opportunity for Keshi to further prove his worth as one of the greatest coaches ever to steer the Super Eagles. Fans of Nigerian football, like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Africa, may regard Stephen Keshi as one of the sport’s most significant figures.

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.

With a rich team history dating back to 1949, the Nigeria National Football Team, – nicknamed the Super Eagles have accomplished many fetes of distinction, solidifying their place as one of Africa’s most popular teams. As 3-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Super Eagles continue to inspire millions of fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others throughout the world. Among their many revered accomplishments, the Super Eagles once ranked 5th in the FIFA World Rankings in 1994 – the highest ranking in history for an African football team. Whilst the love of their fans and their passion for the game drove the Super Eagles to success on the field, the talents of famed players such as Rawshidi Yekini will never be forgotten.

Born 23 October 1963, in Kaduna, Rashidi Yekini moved to Côte d’Ivoire to play for Africa Sports National after beginning his career in the Nigerian league. He experienced his most memorable years while playing for Portugal and Victoria de Setubal, eventually becoming the first division’s top scorer with 21 goals. His career best, 34 goals in 32 games, earned him the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1993, the nation’s first ever. Whilst he played for a variety of teams during his career, his contributions to the Super Eagles are immeasurable. He was part of the team that participated in the 1994 World Cup, winning 3-0 against Bulgaria, as well as a participant in the 1998 FIFA World Cups and the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

As a Nigerian international, Yekini represented the nation in five major tournaments. His record breaking 37 goals in only 70 appearances is a record for the Super Eagles that still stands today. After years of transfers, he returned to the Nigerian championship with Julius Berger FC in 2003 at age of 39 and two years later, made a short comeback with Gateway United FC. Years after his retirement, Yekini fell ill and ultimately passed away in Ibadan on 4 May 2012. He was 48 years old. Whilst his life was cut short, the memories of his outstanding talent live on. As one of Nigeria’s most revered football players, Yekini’s story will continue to inspire football fans and sports fans alike. Armed with the everlasting support of Super Eagles fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the continent and beyond, the team will continue to showcase their immense talent to the masses, striving for greatness on the field and off.

With just a couple of months left until the World Cup begins, the excitement surrounding Nigeria’s participation in this tournament is palpable. However, there are some concerns which supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo probably want addressed.

For instance, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the sports chairman and minster for the National Sports Commission, was removed from his post last week, after having served in this position for just under three years. The reasons for his dismissal are unclear, and members of the press have asked whether this person’s removal from the organisation, so close to the World Cup, will cause problems for the team.

But Oyuki Obaseki, the former chairman of the NPL (Nigeria Premier League) has assured questioners that there is no reason to be alarmed by the sudden departure of Abdullahi, and that in fact, it is a ‘welcome development’, which would not have any impact on the Eagles’ preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Aminu Maigari, the NFF chairman did not mention Abdullahi in his recent statement to the press; he did however, address the worry that the squad chosen by Keshi for the World Cup would be too inexperienced. He noted that having a group of young players would actually work to their advantage, rather than hinder their chances of winning. Keshi himself promised that he would only offer positions to players based on their overall skill levels and technical ability, and would not be inviting anyone simply because they play for a prestigious club.

Maigari also spoke optimistically about Nigeria’s participation in the World Cup, stating that the team would make the continent proud, and that they would show football fans that the standard of skills amongst African football teams has improved tremendously over the past couple of years.

As an Eagles’ fan, Tunde Folawiyo is most likely aware that Keshi has not released the names of his squad, but this may be because he has not yet finalised the list. After all, the players do have one more opportunity to impress him, during the upcoming friendly against Scotland. This is to be held on the 28th of May in Craven Cottage. During a press conference, Keshi said that he and the team were ready for the match, and that they were ‘delighted’ to have the chance to play against Scotland. He finished by saying that he hoped plenty of Nigerians around London would make the effort to support their national team, as this will be the final game the Eagles will play before they are sent off to Brazil.