Tunde Folawiyo

With the World Cup upon us, fans of Nigeria’s Super Eagles like 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’ goalkeeper, is optimistic about their chances, and has publically stated that he believes they will reach the semi-finals. However, he was quick to add that he and his teammates will be taking it step by step, and for now 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, Stephen 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, Peter 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 that 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. While 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 in the World Cup squad, there’s no denying that he will be a valuable asset on the pitch.

While supporters of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, like Tunde Folawiyo, are probably looking forward to the team’s participation in the World Cup, some say that they are simply not ready for what lies ahead. Adokiye Amiesimaka, a former player who was a member of the team during the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, has argued that the NFF and the club’s coaches should have been focusing more on the technical crew, and less on the squad list.

Samson Siasia, a former coach of the team, has also expressed his views on Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup. He contends that in the group stages, Iran are likely to be the Eagles’ most challenging opponents. They will face them in their first game of the tournament. Like Amiesimaka, Siasia noted that the technical crew need to work harder to ensure that Nigeria defeat this team. He suggested that the crew obtain a compilation of Iran’s past matches, in order to formulate the right type of tactical plan.

However, it seems that for most people it is the squad list, rather than the technical crew’s strategies, which has been occupying their minds. As a fan of the club, Tunde Folawiyo may have heard that the NFF are said to have rejected coach Stephen Keshi’s original squad list, on the grounds that he failed to include several key players, notably Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Joseph Yobo. Keshi tried to explain the reasons behind his decision to exclude these men, stating that there were issues regarding their fitness, and their recent injuries. However, the NFF asserted that the experience of these players would make them valuable assets to the team at the tournament.

Joseph Yobo has also assured the public that he will be physically fit for the World Cup, despite having missed out on several matches in recent weeks due to a calf injury. Yobo, who currently serves as a defender for Norwich City, has said that he has returned to full training and will be healthy enough to participate in the tournament.

However, while this announcement may have allayed fears regarding the player’s physical fitness, some still have doubts about his ability to positively contribute to the squad; Kashimawo Laloko, who works as the NFF’s assistant technical director, seems to agree with Keshi’s initial decision to exclude Yobo; he has argued that the defender will weaken the team.

Whilst the official departure of Stephen Keshi has not yet been confirmed, rumours of his replacement continue to circulate. With a recent period of great success for the Nigerian squad, a successor who will further guide the team on its path to victory may prove a difficult decision for NFF officials. Tunde Folawiyo and other Super Eagles fans may be eager for true word of Keshi’s fate and that of the Nigerian squad as a whole.

Since his debut with the team, Keshi has contributed a great deal to the Super Eagles on their road to success. Leading them to a Cup of Nations victory and a thrilling qualification for the World Cup, the “Big Boss” has paved the way for momentum for the newly confident Nigerian team. Thus, a replacement will indeed be considered thoroughly. With so much at stake, the NFF must carefully weigh their options.

Amongst the frontrunners to replace Keshi is Sunday Oliseh, a star in the eyes of many Super Eagles fans. A former midfielder, Oliseh once played alongside the coach and if selected, would carry on a recent trend for hiring former players to team management. Whilst Oliseh lacks the managerial experience of other prospective candidates, he carries with him an impressive 63 appearances for Nigeria – a testament to his outstanding playing career. He was seriously considered for the job more than five years ago but was ruled unfit due to a lack of experience. Although his coaching experience remains minimal, rumours place the talent as the frontrunner to replace Keshi. Nigerian football fans would undoubtedly be thrilled if he is chosen for the role.

56-year-old Shaibu Amodu is another coach rumoured to be up for Keshi’s job. With four stints as Nigeria’s manager in the past, he does possess ample coaching experience, but was sacked four years ago just before the 2010 World Cup. Whilst his knowledge of Nigerian football is well recognised, he has been criticized in the past for his in-game approaches and poor decision-making. During his time with the team, he led them to dual third-place finishes during Africa’s Cup of Nations and two World Cup qualifications.

Other coaches in the running to replace Keshi include Herve Renard, who has coached for several African teams including Zambia and Ghana. His extensive experience in African football makes him a prime candidate to take the reins of the Super Eagles. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of Nigerian football fans are surely awaiting news of the NFF’s final decision. For more information about his close ties to Nigeria, read Tunde Folawiyo About Me information.

Nigeria’s quest to defend their crown will begin in September with the qualifier for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. With Super Eagles fans such as Tunde Folawiyo on the edge of their seats, the fixtures have now been revealed:

6th September 2014              Nigeria v Rwanda

10th September 2014           South Africa v Nigeria

11th October 2014                Sudan v Nigeria

15th October 2014                Nigeria v Sudan

15th November 2014            Rwanda v Nigeria

19th November 2014            Nigeria v South Africa

Rwanda

The Super Eagles’ first fixture will be against the Amavubi of Rwanda at a venue yet to be named. Under new coach Stephen Constantine, Rwanda have made impressive progress, eliminating Libya 3-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round. Basking in confidence after their 2-0 win against Congo, they will surely be looking to add Nigeria to their list of wins.

South Africa

South Africa is rated as the weakest contender of the three, but with Serero’s flashes of brilliance and a few other good players amongst their ranks, Nigeria should be confident but never complacent.

Sudan

Sudan, under coach Mohammed Abdallah Mazdah, will be giving their all to qualify after bitterly missing out to Ethiopia in 2013.

The Africa Cup of Nations will be held from 17th January to 8th February 2015, with Morocco hosting the tournament for a second time. After a persuasive 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso in South Africa in 2013, the Super Eagles will be giving their all to hold onto the title.

Emmanuel Emenike was a major contributor to the Super Eagles’ 2013 Africa Cup of Nations success, scoring a free kick from an astounding 30 yards and three other goals in the tournament, earning him a place in the team of African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament and the Pepsi Tournament Top Scorer accolade.  Mba gave another impressive performance in the final, breaking the team out of deadlock against Burkina Faso just before the whistle. Once they had broken into the lead, the Nigerian team were unstoppable, running rings around their opponents, earning them a place at the Confederation Cup in Brazil.

The burning question of Super Eagles supporters like Tunde Folawiyo is whether the team can hold onto the top spot this year in Morocco and lift the Africa Cup again. To discover more about this Super Eagles enthusiast and award winning African businessman, visit the Tunde Folawiyo profile page.

Despite a showing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that some considered a bit disappointing, the Nigerian national football team is looking toward the future. Since their 1994 FIFA world ranking, a stunning 5^th place, the Super Eagles have been eager to fulfil their potential on an international stage. The team has a myriad of talented players and is excited for its next chance to return to glory.

John Obi Mikel is the team’s captain, following Joseph Yobo’s retirement in June 2014. Mikel, who also plays midfielder for Chelsea, was born in Nigeria and was picked up by a scout for the Pepsi Football Academy when he was twelve years old. He trailed at Ajax Capetown and later joined Lyn Oslo. He represented Nigeria in the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005—a year the team made it to the final before suffering a loss to Argentina. After some transfer confusion between Lyn Oslo and Manchester United, Mikel signed with Chelsea in 2006, and the team when on to win the Premier League and FA Cup in 2010. The 2014 World Cup was Mikel’s Cup debut with Nigeria, and he received special commendation for his efforts in the game against Iran.

Another young star on the Nigerian national team is Ahmed Musa. He was born in 1992 in Jos, Nigeria, and started his youth career at the Aminchi Football Academy. He nearly made his own World Cup debut at South Africa in 2010, until he was side-lined by an ankle injury. He was the top scoring player in the Nigeria Premier league in 2010. In 2014, Musa set a record as the first player from Nigeria to score twice in a match during the World Cup, netting two goals in the team’s ultimately losing contest against Argentina. Musa played for VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands from 2010 until 2012. Since then, he has been with CSKA Moscow, and was listed among the best players in the Russian championship in 2013.

Nigeria is considered one of the most enthusiastic nations in terms of football viewership as well as participation in the sport, and its fans remain deeply committed. Fans of the team continue to have high hopes for their future glory, including long-time fan Tunde Folawiyo. Those interested in this Nigerian entrepreneur can stay up to date with  Twitter updates from 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.

Whilst Folawiyo takes an interest in the world of football, he also has many other passions; for instance, he is fascinated by the lives of important, inspirational figures. To find out more about his thoughts on this subject, read the influential icons blog of 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.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Nigeria would be facing Sudan and South Africa in the Group A matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. This announcement was welcomed by many Eagles supporters, as neither of these opponents are considered to be stronger than the Eagles, and as such, it should be relatively easy for Nigeria to qualify. The Group winner, along with the first runner up, will be joining Morocco – the host team – for the final tournament.

It’s safe to say that many fans, including Tunde Folawiyo, are probably quite anxious to see Nigeria retain the title, following their extraordinary performance last year. Whilst some may doubt their ability to win again, two Eagles defenders – namely, Juwon Oshaniwa and Kenneth Omeruo – are sure that Nigeria are capable of achieving this. Oshaniwa, who was a member of the squad at AFCON last year, contends that the Leagues will serve as the ideal form of preparation for the tournament, and will ensure that the entire team is fit and active when the time comes. He finished by saying that he himself is looking forward to defending the title in Morocco.

Omeruo seemed equally confident; in an interview, he stated that with the support of coaches, the Eagles will have no difficulty in holding on to the trophy. The defender, who also plays for Middlesbrough, explained that the team have an extremely skilled coaching crew, who will not only be able to guide them in their training, but who will also be able to select the most suitable players for the squad. It will probably come as a relief to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Eagles supporters, to hear that the team members are so certain that they will do well.

For others, their concerns lie not with the team’s ability to succeed at the event, but with whether or not they will actually be permitted to participate. Christian Chukwu, a former coach of the Eagles, has called on the Nigerian Football Federation and the Sports Minister to find a way to resolve their differences, and thus end the FIFA suspension which has been placed on all Nigerian teams. Chukwu, who worked with the Eagles throughout most of the seventies and eighties, has said that only when the NFF board is reinstated and the suit withdrawn will the players be able to focus on preparing for AFCON.

As a supporter of the Eagles, Folawiyo may sometimes express his thoughts on the team via social media. Those interested in reading about such subjects can follow Tunde Folawiyo on Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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