Tunde Folawiyo

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria recover from a short-lived World Cup venture, rumours of Coach Stephen Keshi’s fate with the team continue to swirl. Nigeria’s head coach has announced South Africa as one of the countries who have approached him to manage their teams upon the conclusion of the Super Eagles World Cup trek. Now that that time has come, fans of the Super Eagles may await news of the coach’s future with breath that is baited. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others with a passion for Nigerian football may find the coming months to prove significant to the club’s future.

South Africa is seeking new leadership upon its national team’s failure to qualify for participation in the 2014 World Cup. With Gordon Igesund’s contract set to expire in July, the head coach position is up for grabs, prompting the interest in Keshi. Whilst South Africa carries the largest league revenue of any team in the continent, Bafana Bafana has won Africa’s CON only once, also failing to regularly qualify for World Cup treks.

Dubbed “Big Boss” by fans, Keshi has captained the Super Eagles for over a decade. Throughout his playing career, he lent his talents to Nigeria, Belgium, Ivory Coast and France. During 2002, he served as assistant coach for the national team, the same year the team was a World Cup qualifier. He later serves as coach for Togolese’s national team, assisting them to qualify before being let go just before their World Cup venture began. He went on to manage Mali’s team before taking over as head coach for the Super Eagles during 2012. He led them to a Cup of Nations victory last year.

South Africa’s Football Association recently stated that no coach had yet been appointed, also mentioning a July decision. Spokesman Dominic Chimhavi declined to further comment.

According to a list provided by the spokesman, a number of prominent coaches are interested in South Africa’s vacancy. The list includes Manchester United’s recently sacked coach David Moyes and Iran’s current coach, Carlos Queiroz, along with Keshi. France’s former captain Marcel Desailly sits on the list, as well, as do Chelsea’s Jimmy Hasselbaink and former Chelsea coach Avram Grant. French Coach Herve Renard, Italy’s Giovanni Trapattoni and the Netherlands’ Patrick Kluivert are all other names competing for the coveted title of South Africa’s head coach. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of devoted Nigeria fans may wish to hold on to Keshi, given the Super Eagles’ great success in recent seasons. Regardless of South Africa’s decision, Keshi’s contributions to Nigeria are undisputable.

After losing their match against France, the Super Eagles were eliminated from the World Cup; this development has no doubt disappointed fans of the team, such as Tunde Folawiyo. It has also given rise to some criticism of the players’ performances, and there have been suggestions that there needs to be a complete overhaul of the current squad. However, Christian Chukwu, who once served as the coach of the Eagles, has said that such drastic measures are unnecessary.

In an interview with the press, he argued that the team had actually done quite well at the tournament, and that it was simply bad fortune, rather than a lack of skill, which led to their defeat. He did however, admit that some of the players’ needed further training.  Ejike Asiegbu, the Nigerian actor, also had his say regarding the Eagles’ elimination; he described it as a ‘wake-up call’, but added that Keshi could create a stronger team, if given the opportunity to do so.

He went on to say that the Nigerian Football Association should extend the coach’s contract, as Keshi’s management of the team has already resulted in a vast improvement in its skill level. Whether or not the NFA will heed Asiegbu’s advice remains to be seen. Keshi himself has publically stated that he would be quite happy to remain in his current role, if the NFA wanted him too. Speaking to a journalist in Abuja, he explained that he believed the Super Eagles could become an incredible team over the next couple of years, if provided with the right guidance.

Despite Keshi’s obvious attachment to the Eagles, it looks as though he will be moving on. This will no doubt sadden Eagles’ supporters like Tunde Folawiyo. Although news of his possible departure only broke a few days ago, reports indicate that there are several people already vying for his position. Rumour has it that the Argentine coach Rodolfo Zapata may be a potential candidate.

Many spectators noticed Nigeria’s lack of technical finesse during the World Cup, and this is something which Zapata has been encouraging the team to work on for several months now. His astute observations of the player’s weaknesses suggest that he may be a wise choice. An NFA official refused to comment on whether or not they were considering Zapata for the position, explaining that they could not disclose this information before Keshi officially resigns.

As the Super Eagles embark on yet another World Cup venture, team spirit remains high. Adding fuel to the fire, Nigeria received a boost as it’s been announced Kenneth Omeruo has returned to training full-time with the Super Eagles. The Chelsea defender has sat out since being injured after a collision with player Victor Moses during training. Coach Stephen Keshi and fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Nigeria may be thrilled at the star player’s return.

After having missed the team’s last friendly against team USA, Omeruo had been working with a physiotherapist in hopes of a quick recovery. He will return to the field alongside defensive player Godfrey Oboabona as they prepare to battle for World Cup glory, beginning with a June 16 match against Iran. In May of 2014, the young player renewed his contract with Chelsea for an additional three years.

Born in 1993, Nigerian Kenneth Omeruo plays for the Middlesbrough team whilst on loan by Chelsea. The player began his early career with bouts at both Anderlecht and Sunshine Stars before later signing with Standard Liege. Signed with Chelsea in January of 2012, he was loaned to ADO Den Haag. The 18-month deal would see him remain with the club up until the 2012-2013 season’s end. During April of 2012, the player scored his very first goal for the club in a game against the club FC Groningen. Today, he remains the only Dutch league player to kick a goal, earn a red card and make an own goal during one match.

At the young age of 19, Omeruo was called to the Nigerian team upon his great displays of talent. His role as centre back for the Nigerian team led to his great popularity amongst fans. Today, an international regular, Omeruo has proved a great source of power for Nigeria, representing the team during the Cup of Nations in 2013 and in Brazil’s Confederations Cup in 2013. He later secured a starting line-up place at the Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles displayed tremendous play, adding to Omeruo’s popularity. Super Eagles fans are eager for Omeruo’s arrival as the team anticipates a successful World Cup trek. Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout Africa may regard the young player as a valuable tool in the team’s hopes for World Cup victory. If the young player’s efforts prove successful, fans and coaching staff alike may find themselves wanting more of Omeruo.

With the World Cup just weeks away, Super Eagles’ fans including Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt wondering how well the team will perform at the tournament. A number of players and NFF officials have voiced their opinions on the subject; Vincent Enyeama, the Eagles’ keeper, is optimistic about the team’s chances, and has publically stated that he believes they will reach the semi-finals. However, he was quick to add that for now, he and his teammates will be taking it step by step, and for the moment, will only be focusing on reaching the second round.

Like Enyeama, Victor Moses is hoping that Nigeria will secure a spot at the semi-finals. Moses, who currently serves as a winger for Chelsea, is cautiously optimistic about the team’s ability to get ahead at the tournament, although he noted that this could only be achieved if they are willing to listen to the advice of their coach, Keshi. He finished by saying that there is a great deal of camaraderie between the players, and that this will be helpful when it comes to attempting to realise their ambitions at the event.

Gustavo Dzugala, who was recently appointed as Nigeria’s Argentina Ambassador, refused to comment on which team would emerge as the ultimate winner of the tournament; however, he did name Nigeria and Argentina as favourites in Group F. He predicted that these two clubs would manage to defeat Iran and Bosnia.

In terms of individual players, Osaze Odemwingie has been named as someone who is likely to outshine his teammates at the tournament. Emmanuel Babayaro, who once served as Nigeria’s goalkeeper, noted that Odemwingie has a number of qualities which will help the Eagles’ to succeed in Brazil. He described the forward as dedicated, experienced and confident.

Odemwingie’s recall to the squad after a two-year absence is likely to have come as a surprise to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Eagles’ supporters. The forward has clashed not only with Keshi, but also with other Eagles coaches over the years. However, Odemwingie seems eager to put these tiffs behind him, and has spoken on Twitter of how happy he is to be back with the team. Whilst some remain sceptical of Odemwingie’s humble words, and have argued that he is merely putting on a front in order to get a place on the World Cup squad, there’s no denying that he will be a valuable asset on the pitch.

As the Nigerian national football team prepares for its World Cup journey, word of the final squad has spread, with Chelsea’s Nigerian trio Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel and Kenneth Omeruo set to take the field in Brazil. As part of Nigeria’s provisional World Cup team, the three are expected to contribute a world of talent to the club as the hopes of fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others rest firmly upon their shoulders.

The trio proved their outstanding worth to Nigeria at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. Stephen Keshi’s choice to include the three in the 30-man Nigeria squad demonstrates his commitment to the further success of his team.

During early June, the 30-man roster will be cut to 23 before the team travels to America for a series of matches. It is expected that all three Chelsea players will survive the cut unscathed. Potential goalkeepers for Nigeria include Vincent Enyeama, Daniel Akpeyi, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim. Omeruo joins a long list of defenders including Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Joseph Yobo and Kunle Odunlami. With Obi leading the midfielders, Moses and other forwards such as Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Uche Nwofor are expected to contribute much to the team’s World Cup hopes.

Born in the city of Jos, Mikel’s passion for football began at the age of 12, when he was picked from over 3,000 youth talents to compete in Pepsi’s Football Academy. Exhibiting spectacular skill, he was selected to compete for Plateau United. He quickly garnered headlines for his play during the FIFA-hosted Under-17 World Championship in Finland. From there, he moved to South Africa’s Ajax Cape Town prior to joining Norway’s Lyn.

In 2005, Mikel competed for Nigeria at FIFA’s World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Despite a 2-1 loss to Argentina in the final, Mikel and the Nigerian team showcased great play on the field. Later, Obi was awarded a Silver Bell for being named the youth tournament’s second greatest player.

Throughout their rich history as an organisation, the Nigerian national football team has united citizens from all over the country. With last year’s successful season, the team has much to strive for. Fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may anticipate the World Cup with much excitement as the sport of football remains a great passion nationwide.

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.

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.

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.