Tunde Folawiyo

Eagles supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo will probably be relieved to learn that the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) is now close to establishing the terms of a new contract with Stephen Keshi, which will result in the coach returning to his former role as the Super Eagles coach. Keshi was appointed to this position in late 2011; since then, he has helped the team to achieve some outstanding results at both CHAN and AFCON.

However, after guiding the Eagles to the final 16 at the 2014 World Cup, his contract with the NFF was allowed to expire, and it seemed as though he would be forced to bid farewell to the team which he had been coaching for close to three years. Both the Sports Ministry and the NFF were initially reluctant to renew his contract, perhaps due in part to Keshi’s insistence on better terms. However, recent reports indicate that the coach and the NFF have been able to compromise and reach an agreement which suits both parties.

Despite the fact that the salary offered is less than what the coach had originally asked for, he is believed to be willing to accept it, and stay with the team for at least another three years. In a press conference, Keshi explained that overall, he was pleased with the improvements to his contract, adding that he is now ‘ready to serve’, and is looking forward to finishing what he started.

With this matter now settled, Eagles’ fans like Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt eager to see the team begin their preparations for AFCON. Tijani Babangida, a former winger for Nigeria, has advised Keshi and the players to concentrate all of their efforts on readying themselves for this tournament. With less than a month to go until they meet Rwanda for the qualifying match, the pressure is on.

Babangida has said that whilst the Super Eagles are unarguably a strong team, and have the ability to defeat their opponents in upcoming games, they will not do so unless they train intensively over the next few weeks. He noted that the first match of any major tournament is always important, and cautioned the Eagles against taking their game against Rwanda too lightly.

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For his efforts in leading the Super Eagles to the final 16 of this year’s World Cup, Stephen Keshi earned a sum of $300,000. In addition to this, the team’s victory over Bosnia earned the coach another $40,000. However, whilst helping the players to reach this stage of the tournament was certainly a great achievement, Keshi’s critics contend that he did not do his job as well as he should have, thereby implying that perhaps this large payment was not deserved.

In a recent report, a sports commentator argued that there were obvious weaknesses within the squad, which could have been addressed through the inclusion of players such as Reuben Gabriel. It was also asserted that there were several team members who should not have made the squad, including John Obi Mikel.

Those who support the Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo, may know that Chief Michael Ajayi had much to say on this subject as well; in a press conference in Lagos, the retired referee criticised Keshi for selecting what he described as a ‘structurally defective’ group of players. He said that, when one looked closely at who had been chosen for the squad, it was clear that they could not possibly make it past the round of 16.

Shortly after Nigeria was eliminated from the World Cup, rumours began to fly regarding Keshi’s future with the Super Eagles. It was suggested that he would almost certainly be leaving, and that SAFA (the South African Football Association) were going to offer him the job of head coach of Bafana Bafana. However, whilst SAFA did acknowledge that Keshi was in the running for this position, they later announced that they would be hiring Ephraim Masaba instead.

In light of this information, fans such as Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt wondering what Keshi’s next move will be. The coach has admitted that he would be very happy to remain in his current role, provided there were some improvements to his contractual conditions, as there have been some issues regarding delays with his salary in the past. Immediately after the World Cup, the NFF refused to comment on the matter; however, they have since released a statement, explaining that they are now in talks with Keshi, and are hoping to extend his contract, although they cannot guarantee that this will happen.

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Now that the Super Eagles’ World Cup venture has come to an end, the future of one of the team’s most beloved players remains uncertain. Peter Odemwingie has stated he is currently unsure of a future with Nigeria upon an early exit at this year’s World Cup. The forward secured the team’s only win with a goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina, demonstrating his great talents on the field. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of Super Eagles fans throughout Africa and beyond may be saddened to see the skilled player part ways with the Nigerian squad as his contributions have proved vastly significant in the recent success of the team.

Whilst the Nigerian squad indeed looked promising ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, advancing past the first round, the team sadly came up short –  Stephen Keshi’s team failed to triumph over France during the last16 knockout period, putting an end to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes. Whilst his future remains uncertain, ‘Osaze’ regards wearing the green jersey as one of the proudest accomplishments of his career. ‘Osaze’ made his Super Eagles debut during 2002, where he has since represented the team more than 60 times, twice at the World Cup and through four Cups of Nations included. He was also part of the team that went on to win a silver medal during the Olympics of 2008.

The Stoke City footballer was raised in both Nigeria and Russia, beginning his professional career in Nigeria’s Premiere League. The forward went on to play European football for La Louviere of Belgium, where he played three seasons ahead of a move to Lille. He scored an impressive 26 goals for the team, prompting Moscow’s Lokomotiv to extend an offer of £10 million in exchange for his services during July of 2007. Scoring 23 times for the team, during a three-and-a-half year period, ‘Osaze’ moved to West Bromwich Albion during August of 2010. Thirty Premiere League points later, he was awarded among the Premiere League’s Players of the Month three times. Later, he was acquired by Cardiff City during August of 2013 before ultimately joining the Stoke City team in exchange for Kenwyne Jones during January of 2014.

As one of Africa’s most popular soccer stars, Odemwingie’s fate will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation for Super Eagles fans across Africa and beyond. His contributions to Stoke City and the Nigerian national team alike may continue to regard him as an inspiration to African citizens like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the world.

Super Eagles’ Coach Stephen Keshi has resigned, prompting speculation of a move to South Africa where Coach Gordon Igesund is nearing a contract expiration. It has recently been reported that Keshi leads a short list of prospective replacements. Whilst the seasoned coach has led the Super Eagles to success since his start with the club in 2011, South Africa’s poor recent history may benefit from an experienced manager with a reputation like that of Keshi’s. Given the Nigerian team’s triumphs in recent seasons, loyal Super Eagles fans like Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout Africa and beyond may be saddened to see the coach depart Nigeria.

Keshi’s decision came after the beloved Super Eagles’ failure to advance past the first round in the World Cup, following a disappointing 2-0 loss to France. In spite of the rumours, the NFF has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the departure. As a new free agent, Keshi has been quoted referencing his family and fresh challenges awaiting him. Dennis Mumble, South Africa’s CEO, has been unavailable for comment regarding the Keshi resignation.

Since his start with the team in 2011, Keshi has led Nigeria to a Cup of Nations championship and a World Cup qualification, demonstrating his coaching capabilities. First reports of a South African switch emerged during World Cup stage matches. Whilst it was rumored that Keshi would agree to a two-year period with Safa, the team dismissed these rumors in a statement, announcing club leaders would have reached a decision by mid-July.

Keshi was appointed Nigeria’s coach during 2011, kicking off a successful leadership of one of Africa’s most popular sports teams. He led the team to victory at Africa’s national Cup last year, also helping the Super Eagles secure a World Cup qualification. Whilst the group stage match portion of the World Cup was riddled with rumors of a two-year agreement with Safa, the team later issued a statement dismissing any such deal with Nigeria’s coach. A long list of popular coaches are said to stand under consideration to replace Igesund upon his contract expiration, with Dick Advocaat, Frank Rijkaard and Carlos Queiroz most prominent amongst them. European coaches Bernd Schuster and Juande Ramos are also rumored to be considered as Ramos has chosen against renewing his current contract with Ukraine’s Dnipro. Super Eagles fans like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout Africa and beyond may eagerly await news of a Keshi move to Safa.

Nigeria have been eliminated from the World Cup, following their defeat at the hands of France. This news has no doubt disappointed many fans, including Tunde Folawiyo. The Super Eagles got off to a good start, managing to defend themselves with ease up until the interval; however, during the second half of the match, their opponents suddenly came back to life, taking the lead at 79 minutes, when Vincent Enyeama failed to block a header by Paul Pogba. Shortly after this, Nigeria’s fate was sealed by their own captain, Joseph Yobo, who accidentally scored an own goal.

The match was somewhat controversial, as commentators noted that the referee made a number of errors in judgement. Some argued that he should have sent off Blaise Matuidi, after his unnecessarily aggressive challenge on the midfielder Ogenyi Onazi led to the player being carried off the field in a stretcher. It was also pointed out that Olivier Giroud should have received a harsher punishment for having intentionally elbowed John Obi Mikel. Keshi criticised the referee, and even went so far as to accuse him of being biased. He explained that whilst mistakes were bound to happen, the referee’s decisions were ‘questionable’.

In addition to delivering a scathing review of the referee, Keshi was also said to have announced that he would be stepping down as manager of the team. However, just two days after the media reported that he had resigned, Keshi released a statement denying this. He explained that he whilst he would probably be leaving, he was not choosing to do so, and was only moving on because his contract had not been renewed by the NFF.

The aforementioned Joseph Yobo also released a statement, announcing his retirement from international football. This should come as no surprise to Tunde Folawiyo or other Eagles’ fans, given Yobo’s unfortunate own goal. However, with the exception of his most recent match, Yobo has served the team well over the years, and will be remembered best for having been the first ever Eagles player to participate in 100 matches internationally. Yobo described his decision to leave as ‘bittersweet’, noting that whilst he will be sad to say goodbye, he is looking forward to focusing more on his family.

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.

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.

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.

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.