Thursday 10 October 2013

Onazi: I’m Godly made for success!

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, says he’s truly living his dream life in the cosy Italian city of Parma.

Speaking to The Nation Sports & Style recently, the Lazio FC midfield maestro reflected on his career and life in the ancient city and noted that he’s enjoying every bit of life in the ‘beautiful city’.

Hear him: “When I got to Lazio I was put in Team B, so I had to work very hard in training and on the pitch to achieve lots of strength and stability in the team. I was desperate for success and everybody in the team knew. I was quite young at that time and knew that to command regular shirt would be tough. I knew the only way to achieve my dream of first team shirt was to be committed and dedicated. So when I got the opportunity I was able to justify the first team shirt. I was born to play and be great. I love the club and the cosy life in Lazio. The city is also beautiful. The fans and the management of the club are fantastic and I have never regretted my life in the team because I am already living my dream.”

Onazi, for many that do not know him too well, is a ‘promised child’.

Until recently when he became a household name being sought by Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi, to hold his midfield alongside Mikel Obi, Onazi was a youngster in the colours of My People FC; a youth team put together by televangelist TB Joshua.

While Onazi was a key player in Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations’ victory, this was not the first time that the 20-year-old has been brought to public attention. In fact, few players have been raised and developed with such expectation and anticipation as Onazi. His progress has long been a subtle narrative for Nigerians.

Onazi and his compatriot, Sani Emmanuel, were selected for the Nigerian U17 team before long and soon earned moves to Europe, and to Italian giants, Lazio.

Since the transfer, Onazi has flourished, and at the time of writing this piece has taken his game to the national level. Onazi, who has identified Chelsea as an ideal future home, speaks on other issues. Excerpts:

Flying high with Eagles
I will like to say I have been so fortunate to maintain my regularity in the national team. It was not that I am perfect in commanding regular shirts but I think God has been so helpful to me not only in Super Eagles but in my career generally. I came into the national team with passion and visions and I thank God my dreams are perfectly coming through.

Patience in career
My career generally has something to do with time. I endured a lot with prayer and determination to get to this level of my career. It took me lots of patience because I have believed in God’s time, which is the best. During my endurance, I tried as much to learn a lot of things in the game and also held my determination to be a better player. So I would like to say, the awaited time of God is paving ways to my success at the moment.

Afcon glory
I was born to be a champion. I will forever be a living champion because I have been ordained to live, conquer and be successful. I went to South Africa with a huge confidence. But I never disclosed it to anybody. The game of football is about one philosophy; you must not doubt your mind, the moment you doubt your faith, it will definitely shake off. I went to the tournament with big faith of winning. Even when critics started kicking against the team, my faith was intact. I had that belief that Eagles would conquer in South Africa and it became stronger when we beat Cote’d’ Ivoire. I see the Ivoirians as the tournament’s main threat to the Super Eagles and we handled the game well. That was when our critics started believing that we could go all the way to win the trophy.

God-made
When you work in God’s directions and obey his commandment, you are bound for greatness. I am God-made because I dedicate everything I have to him because he has been wonderful to me at every point of my career. The first thing I do on waking up is to praise his name before any other thing. And I always see that effect in my daily activities because I have put him before anything.

Making waves in Lazio

When I got to Lazio I was put in Team B, so I had to work very hard in training and on the pitch to achieve lots of strength and stability in the team. I was desperate for success and everybody in the team knew that. I was quite young at that time and knew that to command a regular shirt would be tough. I knew the only way to achieve my dream of first team shirt was to be committed and dedicated. So when I got the opportunity I was able to justify the first team shirt.

I was born to play and be great. I love the club and the cosy life in Lazio. The city is also beautiful. The fans and the management of the club are fantastic and I have never regretted my life in the team because I am already living my dream.

Onazi, the midfielder
I improve with every action tasted in Lazio and that is the magic of my game. I work hard to play better than my last game. I don’t believe I can’t do anything my mates are doing. I think it is a general thing in a footballer’s career; the more you play, the better you become intelligently. Consistency has really paid off for me because I find joy mostly on the pitch especially when I am doing my job well. However, I am not yet there because there are many great footballers in the world today, that is why I am not resting on my oars. I am taking my game higher, higher and higher every day. As a midfielder, you must be dynamic in your style of play and let your team mates feel your impact either in defending or offence; so I am putting lots of creativity into my games.

 Positivity
I love living a positive life even in the world of negativity. I am always positive.

Off the pitch
I play snooker to unwind. I can never get tired of it. It is another great game that I love with a passion. I play the game well and my teammates know I’m really good at it.

 

Wednesday 25 September 2013

UGO tips Keshi, Eagles for World Cup

Jagiellonia Białystok of Poland defender Ugo Ukah has tipped the Super Eagles to go past Ethiopia in the 2014 World Cup play-off.

The 29-year-old who is looking forward to another opportunity in the Super Eagles shirt after making his long awaited debut for Nigeria in Kaduna two years ago said Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup by beating Ethiopia mercilessly in the first leg in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"In all ramifications, Super Eagles deserve a World cup ticket. It is not only about winning the Nations Cup, but I think the flair of football has returned to Nigeria like what we used to see in the 90s. I started having passions for Nigeria since 1994 Nations Cup, though I was young but I can still remember some things back then. I think the truth of the matter is that history is trailing Keshi, he won the cup as a player and coach, and I still believe he will lead the team to the World cup as a coach again.

The lanky centre defender further heaps praises on Stephen Keshi’s achievement as a national team coach.

“There are no words to describe the coach than saying "best coach" in Africa. It is not only that he won the Nations Cup but on his confidence in the team and always stay to accept every critics. I am happy for him because he has done what white man could have done and he deserves some respect.

"Going to Ethiopia will be tough, the coach knows that already. It is better to prepare for war than undermining the team. Nigeria are good for World Cup, even the Brazilians are already expecting the country because of our populations and flair of football."

 

Saturday 21 September 2013

ALUKO scored a tremendous volley goal

Sone Aluko scored a tremendous volley goal Hull fought back to claim a memorable 3-2 victory at St James' Park. The Nigerian steered an inch-perfect 76th-minute volley past goalkeeper Tim Krul to snatch victory after the Tigers had twice come from behind on Tyneside.But Magpies boss Alan Pardew will have been furious with the way his side capitulated on a day when striker Loic Remy demonstrated his potency. The Frenchman, the club's only senior summer addition, struck twice before the break to give his side the lead, much to the delight of watching owner Mike Ashley and director of football Joe Kinnear. However, to the horror of the bulk of a crowd of 51,523, Newcastle endured a dreadful day at the back and were made to pay for their failings. It took Remy just 11 minutes to get his name on the scoresheet, heading home from close range after strike-partner Papiss Cisse had dragged a shot across the face of goal.But after a promising start by the Magpies, they allowed Hull to work their way back into the game and they were level within 15 minutes when Robbie Brady was gifted time and space inside the penalty area to beat Krul.

Friday 20 September 2013

Ugo Ukah eyes Eagles recall

Jagiellonia Białystok of Poland defender Ugo Ukah has said he hopes for more Super Eagles action after he made his debut against Zambia in November 2011.

The towering defender who has Italian passport has been an impressive impact to his Polish club, two victory in a role, and has declared his readiness to honour another invitation from Stephen Keshi.

The 29-year-old former Queens Park Rangers defender further revealed how he missed a chance to play in England last season with Crystal Palace almost a destination.

"Keshi called me sometimes ago to ask how I was feeling and doing in my club and it was something that lifted my spirit, it shows I am needed, though it may not be at that particular time but I feel great for showing me love," said Ugo in an exclusive interview.

"Playing for Nigeria has always been a definite option for me, I don't think twice before I honoured the invitation and I will be glad to do it again and again. Nigeria is a blessed country with much talented players all over the world. And I think it is something privileged when such country FA invited you to show your ability."

"It is a big privileged for everybody playing in the national team because there are far better players who are desperately looking for just 20minutes debut, but I am happy to have been a lucky one."

Ugo further speaks on Stephen Keshi for taking the country's further in success following the AFCON glory in February but warns that Super Eagles should be ready for another AFCON cracker when playing Ethiopia in World Cup play-offs.

"There are no words to describe the coach than saying "best coach" in Africa. It is not only that he won the Nations Cup but on his confidence in the team and always stay to accept every critics. I am happy for him because he has done what white man could have done and he deserves some respects."

"Going to Ethiopia will be tough, the coach knows that already. It is better to prepare for war than undermining the team. Nigeria are good for World Cup, even the Brazilians are already expecting the country because of our populations and flair of football."

"Well, the coach has promised to give me a call, but I don't know his plans for now but I will be glad to be part of the play off. And if it goes either way, I will keep my support for the team because my vein is green."

EMENIKE, MOSES lead Eagles killer squad

Nigeria have named an unchanged 23-man squad from the Malawi qualifier for next month’s playoff clash in Ethiopia.

The African champions will be guests of the Ethiopians in Addis Ababa on Saturday, October 12, while the return leg take place at U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday, November 16.
Top on the list are Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, stand-in Captain Vincent Enyeama, Liverpool winger Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike. 


The list comprises of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and six strikers as the Eagles aim for a win in Addis Ababa to make the second leg in Calabar easier.
Five players from the domestic league namely Chigozie Agbim, Francis Benjamin, Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Sunday Mba make the team. 
  
The Nigeria Football Federation are making arrangements to have the full squad train for four days in Abuja before the departure to Addis Ababa on the eve of the game.


THE FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers:
 Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Francis Benjamin (Heartland, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea,England); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England); Sunday Mba (Rangers, Nigeria); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike(Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen, Netherlands)

MICHAEL excited with victorious goal

Nigeria winger Babatunde Michael was Volyn hero again as he scored the only goal that gave them victory over Illichivets on Friday.   
Babatunde struck in the 13th minute and the goal was enough to earn his side all three points as the game ended 1-0. 
  
Volyn are 10th on the table with 12 points from 10 games. 
  
This is his second goal in four matches for his new team Volyn in the Ukrainian top flight. 
  
"I feel good that my goals are coming, this will put me on my toes and make me to work harder to scoring more goals in the subsequent games., said Michael.
  
“I feel happy here every week because I am having the chance to play and showcase my talent. 
  
“I think my first two games have really helped me to settle well in the team, and I wish to continue giving my best to the coach who has so much faith in me."  
  
He was substituted in the added minute of Friday’s game by Cameroon player Eric Matoukou

Wednesday 18 September 2013

PETER UTAKA happy with scoring form

Peter Utaka hopes to finish on high note in the China Super League after scoring a brace on Saturday.
Utaka outshone compatriot Yakubu Aiyegbeni in a China Super League match when his brace helped Beijing Guoan beat Guangzhou R&F 6-0.
 
Utaka scored to give his side a 4-0 lead in the 70th minute, before he completed his brace with the sixth goal in the 90th minute. 
"It is always expected and I am glad doing it right again," said Utaka.
"I have always been confident about the goals coming, I am here simply because of my ability and it is great proving just little towards the end of the league but I will be back to rule again next season."
"Going by the statics, I have not done badly, four goals in seven matches with five assists. But I can always get better in order to do better."
Undoubtedly, the prolific striker has contributed immensely to the progress of Beijing despite his short time in the capital city.
"Right now, I am focusing on the third place for Beijing so that we can have a chance in the Champions League because I will like us to be there and prove some stuff. I am happy with the goals and I intend to add more."
"I'm here for special reasons and I will like to do special things because I was born for specialty." He sounded off.
The younger Utaka now has 10 goals to his credit in the league and his team Beijing Guoan are third with 40 points from 24 matches, while Yakubu’s Guangzhou R&F are fifth with 32 points from 24 matches.