Odibe Dreams Of Eagles Return

In-form Arsenal Kiev of Ukraine defender Michael Odibe hopes the new national team coach Stephen Keshi will give him a chance in the Super Eagles team having made his first and last appearance under former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia against Sierra Leone at Teslim Balogun Stadium, last year.

The former First Bank of Lagos defender has been in a top form over the last four weeks and a regular starter in Arsenal team with two goals to his name so far.

 “Playing for Super Eagles again is my priority,” Odibe stated exclusively. I have been dreaming of coming to play for my country but I never know why I was shut out since my debut. But I believe with my present improvement in my club, I believe the new coach can give me a chance.

“Making my debut under Siasia was a good one but I think Keshi can still have my best if am giving the chance. I can work under any coach because every coach has his own advantages on players.

" For now I just want to do well for Arsenal Kiev, then there is plenty of time for everything else."

Worgu Ready For Shirts War

El-Merrikh of Sudan striker Stephen Worgu says he’s ready to fight for a place in the star studded Dream Team IV team after being named among the 15 pros by U-23 Chief coach Austin Eguavon for the London 2012 Olympics qualifiers in Morocco this month.

The former Eyimba of Aba star made several newspaper headlines both in Africa and Europe in 2008 when he emerged as CAF Champions league top scorer with 13 goals.

Worgu scored eight goals in four matches in Enyimba CAF campaign in 2008, averaging two goals a game. With eight goals in his pocket, he placed himself as the top scorer in the competition over leading strikers like Amr Zaki of the Egyptian Zamalek and El Shermeety of the Tunisian Etoile du Sahel.

It was a moment of joy for the Europe-bound striker after he was listed among the 15 pros for Dream team.

“Nigeria made me a better player to where I am today,” Worgu told 9jasoccerblog exclusively.

“I was happy the moment I discover I was invited because I have been looking for avenue to pay back my dues for Nigeria. I started my career in the country, and I was rated among the best striker in Africa in 2008, and I can still tell you that the quality is there for me to display if I get my chance at the end.”

“I am aware of the challenges in the team because of the players that started the journey but I don’t think that will stop my shirt if I can prove myself for the coach, and you know this is African game, it different from Europe and I am still in the continent, so I can have advantage to prove a point in the team but all will depend on the coach.

Due to his high talent in scoring and creating critical plays, the young striker has all the criteria a high-octane Nigeria u-23 team will need to emerge in Morocco.

“Of course, I’m playing in Africa does not mean I cannot challenge the foreign base stars in the team. “And remember I have played against most of these players in Africa and I know the task and strength to face them. It is definitely not going to be easy but we can prove them wrong.

Worgu also possesses the physical strength, fitness, and high proficiency that can easily pave a way for Dream Team in games against Morocco and Senegal.

In addition, Worgu has a set of developed skills in his repertoire that African youngsters don't have at the beginning of their career. This in effect will certainly stand as a great advantage for Eguavon team in the north Africa

OFEM: Sunshine Have Good Mentality To Claim League Title

Sunshine Star defender Ofem Inah has write off Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt claiming that the Akure gunners have the mentality to maintain the top spot and become the title winner at the end for the first time.

The former Eyimba player who won double with Aba millionaire last season before making a sensational move to Sunshine to compete for another league title also reveal that thhe Nigerian league is getting tougher and players are been developed in the league than before but advise the FA as well as the board to give more for the league for a better future.

“The league battles are not over, and I am still optimistic that Sunshine still the title winner, we have the advantage as league leader and I believe our good mentality will really prove us right in the race. We are in a comfortable corner to lift the trophy.

“As a matter of fact, I respect Dolphins players a lot, they are well matured players but we cannot fold our hands for them. “Everybody has a dream of winning the league, and it will be true dream for us (Sunshine) to claim the title. 

“With the remaining games, I believe we will not slip off, we can leave them there. We are already fighting for the battle and I can tell you that we will not relent in our remaining games.

"The league is getting tougher than before, there are more competitive games now because all the clubs have wake up and that is why you see a lot of developed players this season. "But I hope the FA can really concemtrate on the league for a better reward in the future.

ORELESI Tasks Dream Team Mates For High Spirit In Morocco

Dream Team V left back Nurudeen Orelesi has task his team mates for total commitment when the team takes on their opponents in Morocco for a slot in 2012 Olympic games.

Orelesi has remain of the finest player in the Nigeria U-23 team, he has undoubtedly prove a lot in the junior team, and his consistent in the Dream Team V could be his consistent first team shirt in hs club and also the fantastic effort in 2009 FIFA U-20 led by Samson Siasia, and the talented defender can be remember for his net tearing goal against Germany despite the poor outing of the whole team.

The Albanian base star who has also declared his mission to fight for the Super Eagles shirt has been enjoying another great form in Albanian league.

“Every invited players must know the importance of the game, and we must not let ourselves down nor the coaches who believes on us by inviting us for the tourney. I think my advice is that every players including myself must ready to fight for war against any of those teams.

“Obviously, it is not going to be an easy task for us but if we are committed and ready to do the job, we can equally take the pride at the end.

 “Only commitment and self determination plus coach instruction make best out of any player and I will beg them to make the country proud, because if they make the country proud by qualifying for 2012 Olympic, then the coach will be happy.

DOLPHINS' KENNEDY CHINWO REVEALS:

GOV. AMAECH’S OUR TITLE MOTIVATOR

 

Dolphins defender Kennedy Chinwo who was part of Nigeria’s U20 team that got to the final of the World Youth Championships in 2005 and played a part in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games team in the qualifiers says his team will win the Nigerian League title for Governor Rotimi Amaechi...

With few games left to end the season, do you think Dolphins is still title favourite?

I am very optimistic about winning the league title with Dolphins this season and nothing will change my optimism. I know the league has gotten to a tough time, but no matter what, we are winning the league this season.

What makes you think the title is yours, knowing fully that Dolphins are on the same points with Sunshine Stars FC?

I think they (Sunshine) are the main rival of the season, but we can always prove that we are a bunch of experienced players and use this in getting the maximum points needed to lift the trophy as soon as possible. We respect Sunshine Stars a lot because they have really shown great potentials, but to me, we are better than them.

Don’t you think Dolphins can still slip off in the title race?

And what makes you think our rivals cannot as well slip off for us to win the league? Or are you a fan of the club? This is football and anything can happen like you said earlier. But I believe something good will happen to Dolphins and help in lifting the title. The Nigeria Premier League is really developing in terms of players’ commitment and the tactical aspect of it. 

Chinwo, you look very confident in lifting the title. What makes you think Dolphins is the best team to lift the title?

We have among the most experienced players in the league and we have the zeal and determination to lift this season title. Let us forget the fact that we had some injury problems in the second of half of the season, and that is why teams like Sunshine can catch us with points. Remember, we started well at the beginning of the season, but we all know that injury is part of football and I am very happy that we were able to cope well even without the injured players.

Are you saying Dolphins is the best club in the Nigerian League now?

Of course, we are the best because we have experienced players in our team and we are well-motivated to do the job.

What kind of motivation have you guys received from the state government?

Sincerely speaking, they are really trying their best for us to win the league. They have assured us of better gifts if we win the league and apart from that, it is our dream to win the title and we will not let it go.

Have the players received Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s backing to bring the title to his cabinet?

Our governor is an able sportsman. We all know his status in the country and he has assured us of rewards if we win the league title. He has promised and he’s keeping us motivated. I think he’s the secret of our success this time around and we have all promised to make him proud.

Sunshine has been doing well recently, both in the league and the continental tournament and they are even at the semi final of CAF continental cup. How will you react to their threatening Dolphins for the league?

Sunshine Stars is also a good side in the league, they have been doing well like you said, we are all aware of their success at the continental tournament and I wish them well to lift the continental cup and forget about the Nigerian league title. I really respect the club and their players because most of the players in their squad have won the league title in the past with various clubs in the country and I think they should concentrate of lifting the continental cup, not the Nigerian league title.

But most of their players have vowed not to slip off in the league…

That is their dream anyway, but neither do we intend to slip off as well, but our game with Sunshine will decide who will lift the trophy.

Dolphins will play away at Sunshine in the last two games to end the season. How will you describe the game?

It’s going to be battle of the titans, but we will come out victorious. We all know it’s a fight to the finish and we are preparing for it already. Sunshine is very good at home, in fact they have been excellent of recent, but I don’t think that is a yardstick for us to be wary of their challenge. We are all professionals and I believe we have what it takes to handle situation.

How will you react to the match-fixing allegation laid against Sunshine in their game against Lobi Stars of Makurdi?

I think the case has been buried, but I think such things happen in the league, that means something is happening somewhere, but I will not like to talk much about that because it is an administrative issue, so let us wait and see how it ends.

What about if such things happen against Dolphins?

Nobody will dare try such things and let us believe it is just a coincidence. I don’t want to believe it’s true and nobody will do that to us, not even the officials.

Is it true that match-fixing exists in the Nigerian League?

I will not be able to answer that question because I have not been engaged in anyone before, but the questions can be referred to the match officials because they are the one who handle matches.

You have been doing well in the league after coming back from Europe, especially this season. What is the secret?

Its determination and God’s backing. I always give my best during the training session and repeat such performances in the league games.

After the end of the season, what is the next aspect of your career?

By the special grace of God, I still want to move to Europe because my dream of playing Europe is still alive even though I was there before. I still have the dream of returning to Europe. Also, playing for the national team has always been my dream. I want to get a national call up to the Super Eagles squad and I would like the coach to give me a trial in my position.

AKINSOLA: Playing for Dream Team is my PRIORITY

Cardiz CF of Spain striker, Kabiru Akinsola said he cannot wait for a return to the national U-23 team popularly known as Dream Team IV for a place in the pre-Olympic tournament.

The former Nigeria U-17 star Kabiru Akinsola popularly called Akingoal on loan to Cardiz CF after completing a three year deal with Spanish La Liga newcomer FC Granada.

Akinsola who has been targeting a national team return could not wait to jeer the Cardiz fans with eight prolific goals to his name in the Spanish league second tier.

"I'm put myself in a good shape for the new season to prove myself for the fans, and I am happy to be reaping it now. I am happy for my form but I want to keep scoring for my club, I believe my form will continue till the end of the season.

"I'm enjoying every bit of my training with the team and I am happy to be here.

"I think the best of player comes on the pitch when the big games begin, I have come here to play and to be a successful player both at club and national team level.

"I will really prove myself here, I have stay back to learn the game, I want to begin paying off the lost time. I want to prove the doubters wrong.

How are you doing right now in Cardiz CF?

It has been a great season for me here and I want to really keep it up. I am for everything here because everybody in the technical crew believe much on my ability and they always give me the confidence that I can do much better than what I am doing.

Obviously, things are moving well for you in Cardiz CF with eight goals to your name already. What is the secret of your form?

I don't know if you can recalled my game during the U-17 World Cup in Korea 2009, I was at my pick and my game was good according to you guys but at times in football, you lose form and people does not know that it is only encouragement you need to return to best form. I am being encouraged and appreciated here and that is why things are moving well for me. The team has really helped me in getting to my best form likewise the way am scoring for them. I think my best is just coming in a matter of time. My current form is base on total concentration and hardworking. I was motivated in my new club not monetary wise but with lots of confidence.

You’re scoring consistently these days. Was this something you specifically worked on before the season began?

Yes I did work in my scoring ability before at the pre-season. 
I’m playing higher up the field these days, almost like an attacker. It means I get behind the defenders a lot more and find myself in a lot more one-on-one situations and then I took my chances.

Did missing out on Dream Team Olympic qualifiers’ squad act as an added motivation going into the new season?

Let me quickly say this; I was certainly motivated to prove why I am needed in the Dream team during the qualifiers but unfortunately the coaches could not look into my way. It was a blow at the time, but long term, I think it was a good thing for me because I have enough time to help my club. It allowed me to get away on holiday and have a proper break, and when I came back I was hugely motivated. 

Is it true that you ignore Dream team call up?

I never received anyone! I always monitor national team assignment and I will know if I am invited or not but for now, I can authoritatively tell you that nobody has sent me any invitation.

How did you see Dream Team chances in morocco for the pre-Olympic tournament?

We are going to qualify. Why I use we is because I am a Nigerian and I love to play for my country anytime but I felt bad at times if some of my colleagues are getting call up and I will be ignore. If you can agree with me that Dream Team will qualify because the Super Eagles are already out of Nations Cup and Nigerians need consolation pride and that is what Dream team need to do for the country.

Austin Eguavon is touring Europe for players. How did you see your chances of playing for the star studded team?

I also see myself as a professional, and coming to play for my country will never scare me if am given the chance. I know what you are saying but I believe I can equally contribute my quota to the development of the team but it all depends on the coach.

Have you been in touch with the coach?

I have not but I was in touch with his assistant coach, Ben Iroha.

What is the discussion all about?

I told him my readiness to come and play for my country and I will be glad for a call up but he never guarantees me for any. But I think my performance here in Cardiz will surely open the door. What I need now is to up my games and keep my form and be hopeful of the call up.