'Obagoal' fails to lift club in Europa League

Nigeria striker, Obafemi Martins endured a poor night in the Uefa Europa League on Tuesday as his side, Rubin Kazan slumped to a 0-1 home defeat to Greek side, Olympiacos.


The forward came on as an 81st minute substitute for the Russians who capitulated to a morale shattering defeat in the first leg of their Round of 32 clash at the Luzniki Stadium.


According to SuperSport.com, Martins has made three appearances for Rubin Kazan in the Russian Premier League this season.


He has also played four times for Rubin Kazan in the Europa League netting twice.
The 27-year-old has not played under new Super Eagles' coach, Stephen Keshi despite scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances for the Nigerian national team.

MONDAY JAMES: 2008 Beijing Olympics, the best in my career so far

2008 Beijing Olympic Silver medalist, Monday James goes down memory lane by pointing out the 2008 Beijing Soccer Olympic games in China as the best of his career so far but still looking towards another great moment in the national team assignment in the future.

The Hammarby IF of Sweden star also played at the U-20 World Cup in 2005 reveal that representing Nigeria at top competitions has made him a better player and the experience still counting on in his career.

“My best moment? Yes, it is the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in China, a wonderful tournament for me and my career. Before then, I used to point out 2005 U-20 World Cup but now, I have greater one which is the Olympic.

“Yes, we came close in winning the tournament but I can say we are not lucky enough because we played Argentina hands down and they really saw fight.

“My worst moment? Still the Olympic because we lost to the same team that defeated us at U-20 in Holland. It really painful and such revenge cannot occur again because we are all professionals.

“My next step is with God but I will be back to national team soon. You know, Keshi is a different coach and you can’t just be expecting to be there because you have to work hard before you dream of coming to national team. Of course, I want to play for Eagles, and I have a lot to prove but let wait and see what the coach has on his table.

UGO UKAH keen to make mark in Eagles

Italian-Nigerian defender Ugochukwu Ukah  has vowed to prove his worth in the Super Eagles team as Keshi making effort to reinforce the defending channel of the team.

The self confident central defender made his Eagles debut against Zambia in Kaduna, though he has been invited by the former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia but could not make the team until the appointment of Keshi who has tipped the lanky defender to succeed in his team.

The former Queen Parks Ranger of England told 9jasoccerboysblog that he is looking forward to another chance to prove what he is capable at the defence line of the team who tackle Rwanda in 2013 Nations cup qualifiers later this month.

 "It is a pleasure for me to make a debut for Nigeria after long waited years, and I am still happy that the dream came to past but I am looking forward to more games to prove my invitation in the team,” Uka said.

“For me to have been given an opportunity in Nigeria that means I must prove myself for the people of the country. I have great moment of my debut and my family was happy for that but I want more games to put myself in good shape for the team.

"I am very eager to work with the coaches and the players just to make Nigeria great at the highest stage of football.

“Of course I’m aware of the rebuilding process and I believe I can make an impact in the team if I am given the chance and I need to learn the mentality which coach Keshi has implemented."

“I hope to have continuity, get playing time and work to be one more option for the coach."

OBINNA OBIEFULE set 30 goals target

Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule is enjoying a new lease of life in the Maltese Premier League after his proposed switch to Norwegian side Sandnes Ulf fell through. 

His frequent goal bursts have installed him as the undisputed goal king in Malta and has set a minimum of 25 goals target to attract more offers at the end of summer before taking a decision on where his future lies next season.

Obinna is delighted with his blistering start to the season. 

The younger brother of Paul Obiefule has been dubbed the new king of goals in Malta, currently the top scorer in the Maltese championship with 15 goals in 14 matches but the promising striker has insisted in breaking a record in the league with 30 goals in his mind.

“I think it getting tougher now as the league is moving on and all eyes has been on me with my goals but I wish to score close to 30 goals by the grace of God but I think 20 to 25 goals is not a bad performance if I end it there.”

“But no matter what, I will not end it here, I will keep proving myself and scoring goals. Consistency is my priority and I want to be scoring at every week for my club.

“I don’t have to stop thanking God for the great moment, it’s been a wonder outing for me since I came back to Malta and I believe my best I s yet to be seen.

OFEM INAH: Super Eagles my next dream

Sunshine stars left full back, Ofem Inah says he has done well in the Nigerian Premier league to book a chance in the national team, obviously the Super Eagles.

The Dream Team V left back has attracted lots of foreign offers which still hold a doubt if he will remain in the local league next season and has a dream of playing for Super Eagles.

“I always believe in God’s time like they use to say, and I know a move out of the league or even before then will open my Super Eagles dream for me,” Inah told 9jasoccerboysblog on phone.

“I’m enjoying every bit of my career in the league but playing for Super Eagles as always been a target of every local stars.

“Nothing good for me now than to be in the Super Eagles, Yes that is where my focus is for now. “I don’t think I lack any criteria in playing for the Super Eagles for me to have established myself in the league. I have nothing to fear about in the team if the coach gives me a chance.

“Yes, I want to go to Europe but I have everything personal for now.

9jasoccerboysblog scoped that some clubs in Sudan, South Africa, Ukraine, Germany and France are in contact with the player who will be free agent at the end of this season.

Another Russian club join race for BIOBAKU

Atletico Baleares right back Taofeek Biobaku could soon join the numbers of Nigerian players in Russia if the reports revealing to us by a source could be true as another top club in Russia set to acquires the service of the Nigeria right full back who is set to quit Atletico Baleares at the end of the season.

Taofeek has make a name for himself in the Atletico team as one of the favourite for the past two season, his talent and speed have helped him become the most wanted player this season as some clubs in Ukraine and Russia already showing interest for his signature in the summer.

“Taofeek is wanted by some clubs in Russia and Ukraine but he’s yet to receive their offer officially before we know the next discussion but for now he has not set his mind in any of those clubs as he’s agent still working on a bigger and better move for him,” a source told 9jasoccerboysblog in a chat.

Spain is the best place for upcoming players like myself, and I am so excited for passing through the league, Biobaku told 9jasoccerboysblog  sometimes ago but on reaching the player to know how true was the story, he said: “Bros for now, I am still Atletico player and I have to wait and see any offer in the summer but for now everything is still speculations,” he said.