Tunde Folawiyo

After several weeks of negotiating, Stephen Keshi has officially agreed to continue serving as the coach of the Super Eagles. He sent his formal letter of acceptance to the Nigerian Football Federation last week. The news of the coach’s contract renewal will no doubt come as a relief to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Super Eagles fans, as it means that the team now have the leadership they need to prepare for the first of their AFCON qualifying matches, which is to be held on the 7th of September.

The team are set to face Rwanda, Sudan and South Africa in the Group A matches next month. Rwanda was named as one of their opponents after their outstanding penalty shootout against Congo resulted in a 4-3 victory. They will be travelling to Nigeria to play the Eagles. Although the Wasps performance against Congo was impressive, Eagles’ fans like Tunde Folawiyo are probably not too concerned, given how well their team played at AFCON last year.

More upheaval may be on the cards for the Super Eagles in the near future, as Sammy Amoebi, who currently plays for Newcastle, has expressed a desire to devote his senior career to Nigeria, much like his brother Shola has. In an interview, Sammy said that it would be a great honour to join the Eagles, adding that after seeing how happy his older sibling was with the club, he is sure that he too, would fit in well.

There have also been rumours that Kelechi Iheanacho, a player who rose to fame during his time with the ‘Super Eaglets’ last year, might be joining Nigeria’s senior team in the very near future. His performance at the U-17 World Cup 2013 was outstanding; the seven assists and six goals which he provided were instrumental in helping his team to win this title. His efforts did not go unnoticed, with the committee awarding him both the Golden Ball and the Silver Boot for his hard work on the pitch. During the same year, he was given the title of ‘Most Promising Youngster’ by the CAF.

However, opinions are divided on whether Iheanacho would do well if he joined the Super Eagles. Sports journalist Solace Chukwu contends that integrating into the senior Nigerian team might be too overwhelming for the young man, but James Ezimoha believes that the Eagles need some fresh faces, and that Iheanacho could provide the commitment, passion and zeal that the existing squad so desperately need.

Although football is something which interests Folawiyo greatly, he also has many other passions, including entrepreneurialism. Those who want to learn more can read about the Tunde Folawiyo success story on Frontiers.

Supporters of the Super Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo, were no doubt relieved and delighted by  their victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week. Peter Odemwingie was responsible for the goal which ended the team’s nine year spell of World Cup matches in which they failed to win. The game finished with a score of 1-0, which led to Bosnia being eliminated from the tournament.

Nigeria were given other opportunities to score, but their efforts proved fruitless, with a free kick taken seven minutes into the match failing to reach the net, and Onazi’s long-range attempts continually saved by Begovic. Commentators noted that, following Nigeria’s draw with Iran, Bosnia possibly made the mistake of underestimating the Eagles’ abilities. Their lacklustre performance during this first match, coupled with the absence of some of their star players, such as Sunday Mba, may have led their opponents to conclude that Nigeria simply weren’t up to the task – an error in judgement which  could very well have been the cause of Bosnia’s defeat.

After the match, Odemwingie spoke of his team’s success, noting that the result is likely to have silenced their detractors. He added that it had been difficult for the Eagles to earn their three points, but that they were thrilled to have made such a comeback, following their somewhat disappointing performance against Iran.  Nigeria’s coach, Keshi, also spoke of the victory, saying that he was thrilled with the ‘fighting spirit’ which his team had demonstrated, but was not surprised by how well they had done, as he had always been confident that they would reach the round of 16.

However, regardless of how far the Eagles go in this tournament, Keshi will be leaving them after it ends. Fans of the Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo, are doubtless saddened by this news. It has been reported that Keshi will be transferring to the South Africa Soccer Federation immediately after the World Cup finishes, in order to manage Bafana Bafana for the next two years. This development follows the news that South Africa fired the team’s previous coach, Gordon Igesund, after they drew in the match against Australia last month. According to recent news reports, the South African club has been impressed by how Keshi has managed the Eagles, and are hoping he will be able to improve Bafana Bafana.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

With a rich team history spanning over 70 years, Nigeria’s football team holds a vibrant, loyal fan base of millions, including Nigerian Tunde Folawiyo. Controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Nigerian national football team (NFF) – nicknamed the Super Eagles – has won many distinctions in their history as a franchise. The Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, a title they’ve won 3 times in their history, demonstrating the team’s immense talent on the field.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Super Eagles, it’s important to understand the history of the Nigeria Football Federation. Football was first introduced in Nigeria by a group of British colonists in 1914. Baron Mulford, a Briton, began organising weekly football matches between the youths of his country and those of Nigeria in an area now known as Lagos. Nearly three decades later, Dr. Nnammdi Azikiwe – who later became one of the founding fathers of independent Nigeria and the first President of the Republic – suggested a governing body to regulate football in Nigeria. An active sportsman and noted sports enthusiast, Azikiwe’s idea came to fruition in 1945 with the help of many others including Mr. R. G. Marshal, Chief Etun Bassey, Dr. Isaac Ladipo, Baron Mulford and Mr. D. H. Holley.

Founded in 1949, Nigeria’s first official football team travelled to the UK to compete in a series of friendly matches. Though these were played barefoot, Nigeria commanded attention with their play, drawing in record attendance at some matches. The team’s first international match took place on October 8 of that year. In 1959, the NFA became affiliated to CAF and one year later, to world body FIFA. The country was invited to play in a qualifying series for the FIFA World Cup finals a short time later. After flag independence in 1960, Nigeria football’s governing body was transferred to the Nigerians where Mr. Godrey Amachree became the NFA’s first Nigerian chairman.

On April 24, 1959, the NFA became affiliated to the continental body CAF, and the following year, to the world body, FIFA. Three months later, the country was invited for the first time, to participate in the qualifying series for the FIFA World Cup finals. This was for the 1962 finals staged in Chile. After flag independence in 1960, the administration of Nigeria football fell on the shoulders of Nigerians, with Mr. Godfrey Amachree becoming the first Nigerian Chairman of the NFA. With the rich history of the Nigerian Football Federation at the forefront of its success, the Super Eagles will continue to reply on player talent and a devoted fan base including Tunde Folawiyo in order to accomplish further triumphs on the field.

Nigeria’s friendly against Mexico at the Georgia Dome was a highly anticipated match, which ended with a draw of 0-0. The Super Eagles appeared to be the superior team at first glance, getting off to a strong start when Ahmed Musa was afforded a free kick just three minutes into the match. However, Musa failed to score, and this, coupled with Victor Moses’ penalty claim being denied five minutes later, probably dampened the hopes of the Eagles’ fans like Tunde Folawiyo.

Another attempt was made by Emmanuel Emenike a few minutes later, but Ochoa, Mexico’s goalkeeper, managed to catch the ball at the last second. Not long after this, the Mexican also successfully thwarted Ogenyi Onazi’s shot.

The flurry of attacks by the Super Eagles only seemed to spur on their opponents, and as the first half progressed, Mexico began to gain the upper hand, retaining possession of the ball and taking one shot after another at Nigeria’s net. The Eagles’ keeper Enyeama performed a number of skilful saves however, thus ensuring that despite their best efforts, Mexico did not take the lead.

They did however come very close to scoring in the 23rd minute, when Hector Herrara delivered a powerful shot; unfortunately for Mexican fans, the angle of Herrara’s kick was not quite straight, and it went just over the net. Minutes later, Rafael Marquez made a similar attempt, but Enyeama once again came to the Eagles’ rescue, diving to the corner just before the ball made contact with the goal. Towards the end of the first half, Musa was given an opportunity to score, but whilst he did slip past Mexico’s defenders, he couldn’t manage to get the ball beyond Ochoa’s reach.

During the interval, Keshi chose to make a number of substitutions, and as the second half commenced, Leon Balogun, Ramon Azeez and Austin Ejide all made their way onto the pitch. But these changes had little effect on the match; although Azeez did make a valiant effort to score during the 67th minute, his shot went just wide of the net.

The match ended with neither side having scored; whilst some Eagles’ supporters, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may have been disappointed by this result, Austin Egueavon, the team’s former coach, described the team’s performance as ‘impressive’, although he did criticise the players who had been unsuccessful in their attempts to convert their scoring opportunities. He attributed these failures to a lack of support in midfield.

The Nigerian national football team – nicknamed the “Super Eagles” – continue to serve Nigeria as a respected organisation with millions of loyal fans, including those such as Nigerian native Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout various African nations. Since the team’s founding in 1945, the Super Eagles have accomplished various fetes of significance, further cementing their spot as one of Africa’s most proud teams.

Throughout its rich history as a franchise, the Super Eagles have housed many athletes of incredible talent, each possessing expert skill and a passion for the game. Among these are Taye Taiwo, famed throughout football for his powerful long-range shooting and free kicks and Rashidi Yekin who was awarded the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

One of the most revered players in Super Eagles history is Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha. Born in Enugu, Enugu State on 14 August 1973, Okocha remains one of Africa’s most famed footballers. A midfielder highly-recognised for his skill, technique and overall athleticism, Okocha has long served as one of the Super Eagle’s most prominent players, garnering the respect of millions of Super Eagles fans. Like many other football stars, his passion for football began as a young boy. Joining the Enugu Rangers in 1990, Okocha displayed various triumphs on the field, demonstrating a superior skill for the game.

Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup where he assisted the team in 4–1 win which led to qualification to their first World Cup. Okocha’s first tournament as captain of the Super Eagles came in the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan. Scoring four goals in the quarter finals, Okocha led the Super Eagles team to third place at the 2004 African Nations Cup in Tunisia and was awarded Player of the tournament and joint Golden boot winner.

After more than a decade of service to the Super Eagles, Okocha announced that he would retire from the international scene after the Cup of Nations in Egypt. He then played in his final international appearance in a 2–1 victory in a third place playoff against Senegal in 2007 where he was honoured with a standing ovation nearly 60,000 fans in attendance. Named among the top 125 living footballers by Pelé in March 2004, Okocha remains a source of inspiration for millions of football fans throughout Nigeria and beyond such as Tunde Folawiyo and those with a passion for African sports.

When asked how he thinks the Super Eagles will fare at the World Cup this year, Stephen Keshi simply stated that although he has high hopes for the team, and is optimistic about their chances of reaching the semi-finals, he intends to take it one step at a time, and for now, is only concerned with ensuring that they get past the group stage.

Many Super Eagles’ supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo, are probably beginning to wonder which players Keshi will choose for the World Cup. Whilst the coach has refused to provide any names as of yet, he has said that he will be limiting the total number of people on the squad; in a recent interview, he explained that bringing 40 men to Brazil was unnecessary, and would only serve to distract the team.

Keshi also noted that he had been monitoring the performances of his players throughout the African Nations Cup, and would be basing his final selections on how well each person played during the tournament. He remarked that he had been very impressed by how hard they had worked over the past six weeks, and that this would make it all the more difficult to choose the right members for the squad.

In a separate interview in Cape Town, just after Nigeria’s victory over Zimbabwe, Keshi stated that he would only pick a maximum of four people from the Super Eagles to join them for the World Cup, adding that those who are selected must demonstrate self-discipline, dedication and respect. He then went on to thank the Sports Ministry and the Nigeria Football Federation for their support throughout the Championship of African Nations (CHAN), and expressed his gratitude to the technical crew and backroom staff, who had worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of each match.

Although, for the most part, Keshi has remained tight-lipped about the players he intends to choose, he has publically stated that he is considering the Villareal striker, Ikechukwu Uche, for his squad. This should come as no surprise to fans such as Tunde Folawiyo, who are familiar with the Super Eagles’ previous matches, as Uche has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s past successes, having been a part of the squad for both the 2008 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. In addition to this, he has also done well whilst playing for Villareal – during his 19 appearances for the Spanish team, he scored a total of 12 goals. Keshi has admitted that he has been following Uche’s career closely, and would be giving the striker the opportunity to try out for the squad when the time comes.