Tunde Folawiyo

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.

The above-mentioned Eagles’ supporter Folawiyo is a well-known entrepreneur. If you would like to learn more about him, read the Frontiers success story on Tunde Folawiyo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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