Tunde Folawiyo

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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