JOHN CHIBUIKE returns against BRANN

John Chibuike makes his comeback to Rosenborg club against Brann in the Norwegian clash on Sunday after missing out on Thursday’s victory in Europa Cup against Rapid Wien, Rosenberg won 2-1 in Austria.

The Nigerian born utility player was sidelined for the Europa Cup match victory in the empty stadium of Rapid Wien in Austria due to minor leg pain but will be on the starting line-up against Brann on Sunday.

“I felt some pains in my leg and the coach decided to rest me for the Sunday’s match against Brann, I was little bit sad for not making my dream debut but sometimes, all things went for good, we played at empty stadium, the home fans were banned by UEFA and it was all boring game but we took our chances and I felt happy for my team for the victory at the end,” said Chibuike.

“I missed out the game, though we won but I am looking forward to the next Europa game against Bayer Leverkusen, I will be fine and ready for the clash but for now, I am focusing on three points against Brann on Sunday.”

He continued: “Victory on Sunday will take us to the top of the table depending on the result of others but I am ready to return and deliver for my club.” he concluded

EMENIKE: Barca were lucky

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has said Barcelona came very close to paying a big price for underrating his Russian club.
 
Spartak fell 3-2 to hosts Barcelona in a Champions League group game on Wednesday at the Camp Nou after they took a 2-1 lead late in the game.
 
Emenike revealed that he was disappointed that they left Camp Nou empty handed as it was his dream to beat Barcelona right in front of their home fans.
 
“I said before the game that we will shock Barcelona, which we almost did. Let me say we lost the game because we were unlucky, we were not completely overran by Barcelona as we made them know we are equal to the task,” he said.
 
“We were determined to beat them and we almost did it. They are the best team in the world no doubt, they underrated us in the early minutes of the game and we punished them.”
 
He continued: “I am not satisfied with the result because my dream was not fulfilled. It was a victory I wanted, but I pleased with our confidence, self believe and composure on the pitch. I am very sure Barcelona will be beaten in the return leg but Celtic are our next opponent, that’s our target now.”
 
On his cross that was turned in by Dani Alves for an own goal, Emenike said he was happy with his contribution, but would have loved to have scored by himself.
 
He said, “I was happy that I was involved somehow in that goal. I would have loved to have scored, but will do that in return leg.”

EMENIKE: Scoring against Barca will make my day

Spartak Moscow ace Emmanuel Emenike has restated his belief that his Russian club could upset mighty Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Both teams clash in a UEFA Champions League game on Wednesday in front of the fans of the Catalan giants.

A confident Emenike, who at the weekend scored his second goal of the season for his Russian team, disclosed that he will play the game of his life against Barcelona and believes Spartak could run away with a famous win.

"The game against Barcelona has been on my mind. We are looking forward to the game with great expectations even though we are playing against the tournament favourites,” Emenike said.

“Barcelona are beatable and that is why they have not won all the trophies since inception, no team is invincible and all we need do is to give them a big fight. We are ready for them."

Emenike further said: "I scored at the weekend and that has boosted my confidence even more. When a striker does not hit the back of the net in about four games, there will be pressure, but I kept my focus and the coach as well as the team also kept the faith in me. And so I’m delighted that I was back scoring again.

“I want to keep scoring and I believe I can repeat same feat in Camp Nou to help my team shock the world.

“Getting a goal against Barca will make my day, but victory will take me to the top of the world.

“I have watched Barcelona games several times and I have seen their weaknesses which we can capitalise on.

“And I can't wait to debut in the UEFA Champions League group stage. It has been my long-term dream. Everybody loves the Barca style but we will take the battle to them."

The big Nigeria international striker said he fancies his chances against the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night.

"I think I can go past their defence. I don't care who man mark me. I will play my game and mind you Camp Nou is not a forbidden place to win.

"Everybody in my club, in Nigeria and world as a whole wants to see me display against Barca but I have put everything before God. I will not disappoint."