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.

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

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. 

SUPER EAGLES face Ethiopia for World Cup spot

AFCON holders Nigeria will battle Ethiopia for a spot at the 2014 World Cup, as was decided by the Africa zone play-off draw in Cairo on Monday.

The Super Eagles will play away first to the Walya Antelopes in October, before hosting the second leg at home in Nigeria.

Ethiopia are the least-ranked of the 10 teams that qualified for the final phase of the series, with a FIFA ranking of 93 and 25th in Africa, compared to Nigeria's 36th place.

It is obvious that Stephen Keshi's look favourite base on their recent performance but the star studded team will have to work harder to stop their opponent this time around. Nigeria beats Ethiopia at this year's Nations Cup in the group stage to advance to the quarter final.

The odds favour the African champions in this draw. In 7 previous meetings, they have won 5, drawn 1 and lost just once to Ethiopia.

By far the toughest draw of the round features Ghana against Egypt, while Africa's top-ranked team Côte d'Ivoire get to play Senegal in a repeat of their 2013 African Nations Cup qualifying.

The first leg of the ties happen in between October 11-15 with the second legs taking place between November 15-19.

Draw results:
Ethiopia v Nigeria
Ivory Coast v Senegal
Ghana v Egypt
Tunisia v Cameroon
Burkina Faso v Algeria

Michael promises more goals

FC Volyn Winger Michael Babatunde has promises to score more goals for his Ukrainian outfit after scoring his first league goal on Saturday.
The Super Eagles attacker has been an impressive part to Volyn following his move from Kryvbas.

Michael scored in Volyn's 2-1 loss to Arsenal Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League on Saturday.

The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 36th minute off an assist from Dmytro Kozban, to hand visiting Volyn a first-half lead.
But two quick goals in the second half from Artem Kravets and Ghanaian striker Dominic Adiyiah secured a win for the hosts.

"I'm not too happy because the goal didn't counted for victory and I would have prefer a victorious goal instead, " said Michael who is enjoying a new life in Ukraine.

"Well, in other way, I feel good for making my debut goal, I think it will make me to work harder for scoring victorious goals in the subsequent games. I feel happy here every week because I am having my shirt to showcase my talent. I think my first two games had 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."

The Nigeria international has started four of Volyn's games this season.

 

9JA SOCCER BOYS: OBIEFULE: My life, my wife and my style

9JA SOCCER BOYS: OBIEFULE: My life, my wife and my style

OBIEFULE: My life, my wife and my style

 

A successful marriage, according to Mignon McLaughlin, requires falling in love many times and always with the same person.

No wonder, Paul Obiefule, Super Eagles' midfielder at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, has crooned that he's still head over heels in love with the Danish lady he met in 2004. Obiefule practically stole some lines from the hit song by the British new wave band -Tears for Fears - 'Head over Heels':   Something happens and I'm head over heels; I never find out till I'm head over heels; Something happens and I'm head over heels, as he spoke about the love of his life.

“You know the Bible tells us that having a good wife is a blessing from God,” said Obiefule. “At every point in my career, I have been praying to God to give me my own wife.

“I had to pray very well because I am a very simple, easy-going person and I won't want any problem with my marriage. I can't withstand pressures in my matrimonial life and that kept me praying every time and by the grace of God, I finally got married in 2004.

“I actually met my wife (Omie) when I was then playing for Viborg in Denmark. Initially, we were just friends, like with every relationship, but as time went on, we extended it further by injecting love.

“I was charmed by her facial smiles. She wears her smile always and she is the type that loves to be happy; that really got me attracted to her. I'm really a lively person and was actually looking for a woman to complement my happiness and I truly got one by the grace of God.

“She is not a dull person and we try to live a fun-filled life and I'm so happy with the family that God has given to me,” he explained, as he shed more light on the flip side of his soccer career which has seen him spending almost a decade in the Nordics. Excerpts.

THE NORDICS AS HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Norway has been great to my career. I made huge impact in all the teams I have played for and they treated me specially. It was great for my career and also a great environment to live in. I'm lucky to have played in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. I thank God for the entire journey so far. I enjoyed living in the countries because of the flexibility of life and culture. Right from Denmark, I have been feeling comfortable in the Scandinavia. That also influenced my move to Norway because life is somehow easy only if you can create your own environment. I have been fortunate and I am still enjoying my career here well; life is also good in Finland because I was able to justify my contract with the club. I used my experience and my ability to help them at some points and they really appreciated my contributions. Why I could not stay longer was because of their offer and they could not afford to strike a deal beyond the six months, but I was able to maintain my fitness rate. The four countries have almost the same culture and similar languages but Finland is the only country that has a different language. But the weather and every other thing are somehow the same.  Yes, there were speculations that I was going to leave for China but I'm comfortable in this region, coupled with the fact that I have played here for nine years. I started raising my family here and I'm comfortable. I am not saying I can't live outside here, of course it's my career, but it has to take something more tangible and interesting to be able to move my family from here.

MY WIFE AND I

You know the Bible tells us that having a good wife is a blessing from God.  At every point in my career, I have been praying to God to give me my own wife. I had to pray very well because I am a very simple, easy-going person and I won't want any problem with my marriage. I can't withstand pressures in my matrimonial life and that kept me praying every time and by the grace of God, I finally got married in 2004.

I actually met my wife (Omie) when I was then playing for Viborg in Denmark. Initially, we were just friends, like in every relationship, but as time went on, we extended it further by injecting love. I was charmed by her facial smiles. She wears her smile always and she is the type that loves to be happy; that really got me attracted to her. I'm really a lively person and was actually looking for a woman to complement my happiness and I truly got one by the grace of God. She is not a dull person and we try to live a fun-filled life and I'm so happy with the family that God has given to me.

It was after that we moved to Norway together after I signed for Lyon Oslo. And that is how God has been leading us and I am very much happy for the one I chose. I am truly blessed with this precious woman while we have jointly been blessed with two kids - a boy and a girl.

Though my wife is Danish, she loves absolutely everything about my country.  She was so thrilled the first time she came to Nigeria and the experience was sweet for her.  She likes coming to Nigeria and one aspect of our lives that she likes is our unique culture.

 

MY FAMILY AND I

My family resides in Denmark and that is why I always consider my movement because they give me so much joy being around them. They are one of the reasons I'm still playing in the Scandinavia.

Staying in any of these Scandinavian countries is great because they are safe countries and you enjoy yourself. I know what I am saying in terms of security and other social amenities. Even the living standard is economical compared to some other European cities. Nevertheless, I still have the ambition of playing outside the Scandinavia but have not been fortunate enough. To cap it all, I am happy and grateful for the teams I have played for in these countries.

I travel a lot because of football, as a result, any free time I have, I try to spend it with my family.

Of course, marriage has brought so much to my career. It has brought a lot of things to my career when we talk about being focussed, love and happiness. I have been exposed to some important things in life and it really shows in my mentality because I always feel great being a family man.

As I said before, football has to do with a lot of travelling, that means I leave my family often but thank God, I have a wife who knows the nature of my job. She loves football and has been very understanding. But I don't joke with my free time with my family, I try to spend every free time I have with my family because football is taking me away from them so much.

Being in a good a marriage makes it easier for me to concentrate and knowing that I have a family that I can always look forward to seeing. And what is always on my mind is to make them happy with good performances. I handle the opposite sex with respect and show them my identity of marriage by telling them I have a family that I love, and I think that has been working well for me. I have no reason to have any attachment with the opposite sex when I go for club assignment. I just concentrate on my football. I am blessed with two sweet kids. My first kid is a four-year-old girl, her name is Olivia Adaobi, and the second one is a two-year-old boy, his name is Elliot Ikechukwu Obiefule.

Of course, they recognise me as a footballer; they watch me play almost every game from when they were little babies till now.

ON PLANS FOR KIDS

My plan for my kids is to give them good education so that they can d be responsible for whatever they choose to do. I don't have any personal profession for any of them. I just want them to follow their own dreams and support them in whatever they have passion for. But I would be happier if my boy will play soccer as well because football runs in our family and he already knows that.

On being called 'The Don'

My friends call me 'the don' maybe because of my experience and long stay in this region. I am a sociable guy, I love seeing people around me and I love hanging out with friends.

ON BEST DESIGNING OUTFITS

I love Dolce & Gabbana and that's what I wear mostly all the time. I like other designers but he's my favourite. I spend my money wisely on that because of the smartness and fitness of the cloth. I think that is the emerging cloths in my wardrobe. I'm not complete without a Panama fez cap, but it's must be a D&G.

ON FAVOURITE FOOD

I can eat rice and plantain three times a day; I just love it, and it's a direct meal.   

On favourite car

I love Volkswagen. I have Volkswagen jeep and Golf cars. It's a convenient wheel for every sports guy.

On relaxation

Spending time with family and friends, watching movies and having some quite time for myself.

Culled from The Nation