EMENIKE: I’m not a trouble maker

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has exclusively opens up on his celebration after scoring an equalizing goal against Zenith Petersburg in which his club won 2-3 in the Russian league.

The bullish Nigerian striker was sent off for tapping his forearm immediately after awkwardly knocking the ball into the net. With soccer having enough suggestions of corruption, such bizarre refereeing will not go unnoticed.

“I don’t care what some papers might have report but I know myself that I am not a trouble maker, I have not done anything wrong in my celebration against Zenith, I love the celebration when Samuel Eto’o did it against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final, and he’s a kind of player that I cherished so much and I develop a lot of things through his game, so why my name everywhere over such celebration?”

“I think the referee was either confused or wrong but I am not in position to judge the situation instead I will concentrate on our last game to see if I will be legible to play the game. 

“I will never be intimidated, this is my career, I have so much to build on it, controversial issues like this can only make me stronger, it is one of those things but fair play is the best.

Emenike has said that finishing at the second spot at the end of proceedings in the Russian elite division will be a dream come true for him at Spartak Moscow.

The 24-year-old forward scored his 12th goal in 18 matches last weekend. 

“I am hungry of more goals, I have been commended by my team mates and the coaching crew for my speedy development in the league even when the going was rough, I still concentrate and that is when you can see that Emenike has not time to make trouble but to score goals.”

EXCLUSIVE! Arsenal set to offer ODIBE bumper deal

…AS Roma, Levante on queue

Arsenal kiev of Ukraine are ready to offer Nigeria international Michael Odibe a bumer deal that will rank him among the Nigerian big boys in Europe to block off suitors like Marseille, Werder Bremen and AS Roma of Italy.

Reports are gathering pace that the Ukrainian club side are feeling reluctant to lose one of their most outstanding player of the season Odibe who had shun like millions of stars in the defence role of the team, and the club are looking to offer him a mouth watering deal that will fence transfer speculations and rank him among the league big boy earners.

The club President has been largely impressed by the lanky defence who has four goals and helped in sanitising the defence to place the club in Europa cup play-off next season.

9jasoccerblog also understand that AS Roma of Italy and La Liga outfit who are also in the race to sign Kabiru Akinsola are showing interest but Marseille who are the top bidders are now ready to renew their bid for the highly rated defender and they believe the club would not be able to refuse a big money offer.

OFEM Inah woos Keshi for invitation

Sunshine Stars and Dream Team V right full back Ofem Inah has task Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi for senior national team call up having been part of Home Base Dream Team players under the failing class of Austin Eguavon who has all the equipment to land Nigeria to London 2012 Olympic soccer game in August but failed technically.

Inah has been regarded as one of the finest Nigeria Premier League defender, and a consistent starter in Sunshine Stars reveal that he’s looking forward to a call up from the Super Eagles coach.

“I want to be part of the Home based Super Eagles players,” said Ofem.

“Every local players like myself love to don the country’s colors, not only to wear but the prove my talent, I will be glad if the coach can give me chance for the subsequent matches in his hand, I also think that I have what to convince him as regulars in the team.

AKINSOLA set for La Liga next season

Cardiz CF forward rave of the moment Kabiru Akinsola has refuse to restrict his dream of playing in one the best league as his rising form could land him in the Spanish top divison next season.

The gangling winger, currently on loan to Cardiz from Granada, has been in hot-form in the Spanish second tier and his goals have gotten on noticed. And a return to Granada in the summer is on the card with some club in La Liga moving closer to sign him.

“I have mature enough to play at the highest stage, I don’t know what will happen but I will like to play in La Liga next season, I have justified my loan deal and I think my performance in Segunda B are already linking me with some move but the President is yet to comment.”

“I am enjoying myself self here but if Granada call me back to the team since they remain in La Liga, of course I will gladly be there but if not I may join another club in La Liga in the summer if the President agrees.

"With the exit of Ikechukwu Uche, I think I may have my chance because it will be difficult for the club hold the service of three Nigerians with the likes of myself, Ighalo and Uche but I have not been contacted yet,” he concluded.

Dolphin’s CHINWO: We’re perfectly ready for Arsenal test

Dolphin right back Kennedy Chinwo has hails the organizers that will be bringing one of the best team in the world Arsenal FC to Nigeria to play Dolphin and has disclose the level of their readiness to compete with 13 times English Premiership champions.

It has been confirmed that Nigeria Premier League defending champions will tackle Arsenal on their pre-season tour to Nigeria in August, and Chinwo the former Flying Eagles star cannot wait to play against a team like Arsenal who have the largest fans in the country and could not imagine how the fans will turn up for such game.

“I am so excited when I heard the reports that a date has been confirmed for our game against Arsenal,” said Chinwo.

“We are perfectly ready to have a test against a team like Arsenal.

“It will really be a wonderful game on that day and I cannot imagine how the stadium will full because Arsenal have the largest fans in Nigeria and such a game could open doors for most of our guys here because Wenger on his own is a good coach though he does not believe in trophies but money.

“I wish this kind of things continue to enhance our league improvement.

Dolphins are facing some stiff test as they are already out of CAF Champions League and suffered 2-0 defeat in the hand of Enugu Rangers who currently occupies the top spot .in the midweek games.

“We are still in the race, there are plenty of games to be played and we have learnt from out lapses, we will bounce back. “We all felt bad for losing out in CAF Champions League and we are concentrating more on winning the league again. I think we wil do better next season when we are there again. 

Belgium base starlet OSAGIE eyes Flying Eagles shirt

WONDER KID: Bright (in Yellow)

Blessed with pace, vision, trickery, agility and the uncanny knack of being able to find space in the box, Bright Osagie is an excellent young talent currently playing for KVC Westerlo youth team in Belgium has told Flying Eagles chief coach John Obuh to give him a chance in the current Flying Eagles team having all the criteria to have a breakthrough in the national team. Added to the fact that he has had a magnificent season for his club this season and could be promoted to the first team.

The Nigerian has awesome acceleration and is composed on the ball in front of goal, making him a lethal finisher.The talent of the 17-year-old prolific striker is quite unnoticeable as a youth lad but his work rate is also commendable and he is a willing runner into space and the channels. 

Undoubtedly Bright is one of the most sought after footballers in the youth team, having record his name with 20 goals this season combined with stamina and a never give up attitude has resulted in Bright becoming his club fan favorite.”I was born in Nigeria and played for academy in Nigeria before my agent got me deal in Belgium where I am currently doing my best as young player.

“I’m not desperate for national team but I will be glad for invitation if the coach wanted to give me a chance but right now I am building on my future, I want to establish myself as first team player whereby I can show my class to the world then I can now be thinking about other steps but I will like to be there so that I can have more exposing games to boost my games.

Bright is a lethal finisher with both feet and a willing runner with and without the ball.A powerful, quick and hardworking striker has taken the Belgium league by storm and his success there could ultimately lead to his moving on to a bigger club.Bright has the tricks in the bag all good striker needs, speed, ability to turn on a dime, creativity, flair and a great cross. And his inclusion could booster the Flying Eagles team.

'Birthday Boy' Olanrewaju: I want to better Ronaldo

2009 Under-17 striker, Kayode Olanrewaju says he has what it takes to be a great striker like Real Madrid super star Cristiano Ronaldo.

While the former Flying Eagles star believes he has what it takes to compete at top levels within a short time.

The talented striker was a fringe player at the 2009 Under-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria.

"I am more matured now and that is why I need to tackle the challenges before me. I want to become a great player like Cristian Ronaldo of Real Madrid. Yes, I believe I can do it. It's a matter of time”. 

Olanrewaju, who recently turned 19 said: “I still have a long career ahead of me. Ronaldo and Messi have made their names and I believe that the future is bright for me. I have found love in Switzerland and, the coaching crew wanted me here but I still need to do more than what I am doing.

'I want to be productive like my hero and will give it all I have to achieve my goal,” added Olanrewaju.

STANLEY IHUGBA to Bury Late Dad On May 26

…Sarpsborg officials, players commiserate 

The late father of Nigeria international, Stanley Ihugba, will be buried in Imo State on Friday, May 26. Chief Linus Egbule Ihugba died on May 6 after a brief illness.

Stanley, a promising youngster who is dubbed as new Mikel Obi in Norway with his prolific style of play, disclosed that a church  service will take at St. Peter Catholic Church, Egbeada Ubomiri in Mbaitoli local government.

Late Ihugba is 76 years old who survived by Children, wife, grandchildren and relatives. The church service will start at 10am.

"I am inviting all my friends in the football family to join me in paying last respect to my wonderful father," Stanley said in a statement.

"It was a bad moment for me when my mum told me the news that I lost my dad just after I finished a game. "My father is one of the root of my career but I thank God for my life today because he has really tried in my career.

"I don't know if i will be there yet because my club is yet to get back to me on that but they have sow me love since, they told me to take it easy and focus on my game. I can't say if I will be coming or not but I wish to be there because I love my dad so much

ORELESI Ignores bumper deal in Albania

Skënderbeu Korçë Nigerian left full back, Nurudeen Orelesi, has told his club to wait till his contracts expire before talking about new deal.

Undoubtedly, Orelesi has been regarded as one of the finest star player in the league with so much contribution to Skënderbeu Korçë league title victory.

Before now, a lot of speculations are around the corner over the future of the former Flying Eagles star with some clubs in Holland and France speculated to be in link with his club for possible summer move but all the rumour were shunned off when he return to his club for this season’s campaign to claim the league title.

“I have told my club to wait till my contracts expire, I am no ready for new deal,” said Orelesi.

“They have called my mother to persuade me to re-sign but I still have to let the season finish, My future is with God not with anybody, though I want to move higher, I want to play in another league, I have offers, I mean good offers but my club are also ready to break bank according to the President in our last conversation.

“Sincerely speaking, I love everything around here, the President has been inspirational, he always be in good rapport with me, he called me to ask for my conditions if am happy or not but all the same I want to see what God have for me.

“My mother called me to inform me that my club officials called her over my new deal, and she was asking me to look into the new deal and take my decision, though she’s trying to plead as well but I let her know what my dream is all about.