All eyes on hat-trick hero Chima for Europa League tie

Daniel Chima Chukwu has said his weekend hat-trick for Molde in Norway will inspire him in a Europa League tie versus Stuttgart on Thursday.

Molde are bottom of Group E of the Europa League after they lost their first game 2-1 at Danish club Kobenhavn.

On Sunday, Nigerian striker Chima fired a treble against Stabaek in a 4-3 victory to shoot Norwegian champions Molde back to the top of the table.

“This performance against Stabaek has put me in a right frame of mind ahead of our Europa League match with Stuttgart," former Lyn Oslo star Chima has revealed.

"It was a great feeling for me to score three goals in a match, that was my first since I came to Norway. And most importantly is that we won and the victory keeps us on top of the league.”

His compatriot Emmanuel Ekpo was a 73rd minute substitute for Molde against Stabaek.

KESHI drops two Eagles star

The Super Eagles have dropped Pillars stars Papa Idris and Gabriel Reuben after they failed to recover fully from injury.

According to a media release, the two players have now been replaced by Kalu Orji of Heartland and Stanley Okoronkwo from Sharks.

Idris has been nursing a knee injury, while Reuben is battling a groin injury. Both players were also dropped for the first leg qualifier in Liberia last month.

After Monday morning’s training, coach Stephen Keshi and his assistants went into a lengthy meeting after which it was decided that the two players should be excused, going by the crucial nature of the game at hand.

 “It was a painful decision to let the two players go, but we have to look at the future of the players and the fact that we will need the two of them at the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup, that is why we have said we should give them more time to go and get themselves healed. After the game against Liberia, they should be back in the team,”Keshi explained.

As expected all the players invited save for the Sunshine Stars duo of Izu Azuka and Solomon Kwambe, beat the Sunday evening deadline and were part of the training session at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

“They have special permission to stay away for now”, declared Keshi of the Sunshine Stars duo, who are preparing to host Egyptian giants Al Ahly this weekend in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, Keshi has again insisted that there will be no automatic shirts in his team who will face Liberia on October 13 in Calabar.

“I know that 15 players are coming from Europe, but we already have 21 of you here, what we expect is that you go out there and prove yourself during training and leave the rest to me,” said the Eagles coach.

“No matter how fantastic players are in Europe and in their clubs, they have to come here to prove that they are good enough to start and if those of you that are here show that you are better you will start against Liberia.”

As if heeding Keshi’s call, newcomers Bassey Ezekiel and Brendan Ogbu shone like a million stars in Monday’s opening day training.

Central defender Kingsley Udoh, was also in his element same for Ohanduku Ogbu, but it was Ezekiel who was the star of the opening day that was superintended by Keshi and his four assistants.

The team continue training on Tuesday with two sessions at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

VALERENGA new boy SULAIMAN wants more

Ex-Heartland ace Ahmed Suleiman has said he wishes for more after he fought his way to the first team of top Norwegian club Valerenga.  
The forward, who has also featured for Enyimba, has settled down quickly in Europe since the winter and now wants to be given his chance in the Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles.
 
The Jos-born star revealed his burgeoning career so far as well as his ambitions going forward -
 
What were the clubs you played for in Nigeria before you moved to Europe? 
    I played for Mighty Jets, Plateau United, Unicem Rovers, Enyimba and Heartland.
 
How did you take it when the offer to join Valerenga in Norway came? 
   I was so happy. I was offered trials in January and it was not so easy at the beginning because there was snow everywhere, but being a Jos boy, I was able to adjust quickly. I was lucky to get a deal straight away after my first trainings as I impressed the officials. The rest is now history and I came back to Nigeria to do my paper work, then I returned to Norway in March to sign the contract.
 
How has the experience being since you came to Norway? 
   So far, so good. It has been wonderful on and off the pitch. I am enjoying myself.
 
How will you rate your performance so far? 
   Well, I think I am doing well, though I just got my chance in main team so I am taking my chances. I have not scored yet, but I have provided some assists.
 
Your club started well but are now fifth on the table? 
   Our dream was to win the league and we started well as you observed, but we had injuries to many regular players. Good enough these players are coming back gradually and we are hopeful we could at least finish well to feature in the Europa League next season.
 
Who are your role models? 
   I started out in same team that produced Mikel Obi, Joe Akpala in Jos, El Kanemi Junior, so I look up to Mikel, who is a great player and wish to be like him. I thank God that my time has come to play in Europe. Lionel Messi is my role model, I want to be like him and Obafemi Martins is another player I admire because of their style.
 
Do you have any nickname and if so, how did you come about it? 
   They call me Dan Zaki in Jos which in Hausa means “Baby Lion”. The name was given to me during the Governor’s Cup in Jos. I was always coming on in second half and I will go on to score, so people began to call me that name and it has stuck.
 
As a striker, do you have a target of goals you have set for yourself this season? 
   Not really, I am not thinking about that. I just want to cement my place in first team and do well for the club. I am adapting to the style here because it is very different from what I was used to. I like to play with ball but here it is kick and follow.
 
Do you have any national team experience? 
   No. I am still 19 years old and it is my dream to play for National team. I am still eligible for U20 World Cup. Whenever my senior colleague here Fengor Ogude goes home for a national team engagement, I always believe I will be there one day. I will be glad if coach John Obuh (Flying Eagles) gives me the chance in his team.
 
How is the relationship among the Nigerians in Valerenga? 
   It is very cordial. Ogude is my senior brother here and I tell him everything, he gives me advice on how to do things, he has been helpful. There is Aaron Samuel, who has just joined the team, and Olanade, who holds Norwegian citizenship with Nigerian roots. We get along very well and that is why I feel at home here.

EMENIKE ready to silent noisy AMBROSE

Emmanuel Emenike will battle Efe Ambrose, while Mikel said Chelsea will win at Nordjaellend as UEFA Champions League action resumes Tuesday.

Emenike’s Spartak Moscow welcome Celtic, who are most likely to hand Ambrose his champions League debut on Tuesday.

Ex-Fenerbahce of Turkey front man Emenike, who was a torn in the flesh of Barcelona Camp Nou on the opening day of the Champions League, has told MTNFootball.com that they are set to build on their display in Spain when they host Celtic.

"We played well against Barca though we lost, we are set to build on that good display and I believe if we can be more ruthless in front of goal to beat Celtic,” the Nigeria striker said.

“We just have to dominate possession and be more clinical in our finishing, take our chances in the
game. We need victory in this match to put ourselves back on track.”

He further said the top Russian club would not underrate Celtic.

"We are not underrating Celtic because we know they are a good team and we expect a tough battle from them." Emenike said.

"I have the confidence that we will qualify to the next stage of the competition, but that journey starts now. As usual, I wish to score in this game as a striker. But I am not desperate for goals because what is most important now is victory for my team. "

Celtic new signing Ambrose told MTNFootball.com that they hope to get a result in Moscow.
Efe, who only make the bench in the match day one, said he is looking forward to his Champions League debut after playing three domestic games for his Scottish club. 

"It is not going to be an easy game because Spartak are a strong team. We are also a good team and we will take the battle to them. We will do our best and hope for a result in Moscow,” he said.

“This will be my first appearance in the UEFA Champions League. I hope to make good use of my chances by helping Celtic get a good result."

Champions Chelsea will also be guests of Nordsjaellend and Eagles midfielder Mikel told MTNFootball.com they will not take the Danish champions lightly as they gun for their first victory in Group E.

"We are taking the game against the Danish team very seriously. We need victory in this game after we failed to beat Juventus in first game,” he said.

“Victory is crucial for us even though we are not going to disrespect or underrate them because they won the league in Denmark. They are a good side as no bad team can be champions anywhere. We are going there for outright victory because that is what we need."

The Stamford Bridge outfit let a two-goal lead slip against Juventus on match day One to draw 2-2 at home, while Nordsjaellend were beaten 2-0 by Shakhtar Donetsk, who currently lead the group.

Chelsea’s only trip to Denmark in the past was against FC Copenhagen in the 2010/11 season when they won 2-0 in a Round of 16 tie in the Champions League.

Nordsjaellend are featuring in the prestigious Champions League for the first time after winning their first-ever Danish Superliga title in dramatic fashion last season.

CHIBUIKE eyes debut goal against Leverkusen

John Chibuike has said he wishes to prove he is back and better with a goal in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Enugu Rangers star is expected to make his Europa League debut for Norwegian club Rosenborg at home against experienced German Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen.

And the 23-year-old Chibuike revealed that a goal on Thursday would prove he has fully recovered from an injury which kept him out of his club’s opening day Europa League match against Rapid Wien.

Rosenborg are top of Group K with three points after their 2-1 win away at Rapid in Austria.

"I missed the first Europa game due to injury, but I am back for good and I wish I could make that statement against Levekusen. I have scored in two matches after returning from the injury which made me miss the first match,” he said.

“I wish to debut in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen and score in the game. I am ready for the match." 

However, he admitted his club face a tough test in front of their fans.

"We are going to face a very tough opposition as Leverkusen have the experience at this level, but all we need to do is to remain focused,” he said.

“We don't fear them and we are going for victory. We know that victory in this game will put us on track for bigger things."

CHIBUIKE inspires ROSENBORG to top spot

...As KESHI set to call him

Rosenborg utility player John Chibuike has inspires his Norwegian club back to the top league table after coming from the bench the score in the emphatic home victory against Haugesund on Friday.

The Nigeria born star whom Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has advised not to play for Sweden and wait for his Super Eagles call soon, took just 10 minutes after coming from the bench to inspired the ambitious team back to the top of the table. The 83th minute’s goal on Friday increased his goal tally to seven goals.

"When you came from the bench to score, it gives coaches more confidence that you can do better on the starting line-up in the next game," said Chibuike.

"I was rested for the Bayern Leverkusen match but the coach needs to see if I am ready that is why I came in to show my fitness rate and I thank God that it was a sweet sub."

"I feel happy not only for the goal but for the victory and staying at the top of the table but I think we are on course even if Molde win their game on Sunday, we still believe that the title race is still wide open for us to clinch it."

"I want to keep the fitness and score more goals to help my team both in the league and in Europa Cup because we are aiming to move to the next round of the game."

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has asked John Chibuike to be patient and not consider taking up a chance to feature for Sweden.

Rosenborg of Norway star Chibuike has revealed his frustration that he continues to be overlooked by Nigeria and has even now told MTNFootball.com he would opt for Sweden if approached again.

"After this season, I will look into the matter of my international future, everything for now is still rumour, but I can't resist the opportunity of playing at Brazil 2014 World Cup. If Sweden come, I may have to consider the offer," he told MTNFootball.com

However, Keshi has said the former Enugu Rangers star is very much in his plans.

“I know of Chibuike in Rosenborg of Norway and I have even spoken to him, telling him his time will come and he will be here with us,” Keshi said.

On the back of impressive displays for BK Hacken in Sweden, the former Enugu Rangers ace caught the eye of several European clubs including one from England before he eventually chose Rosenborg, who feature in this season’s UEFA Europa League.

The 23-year-old who started his career as defender at Rangers, before he was converted to an attacking midfielder at Hacken and now he is a striker for Rosenborg.

Chibuike revealed that he is baffled by the cold shoulder from his country.

"Nigeria is my country, but it seems they don't need me,” he said.

“I was interested sometimes ago when I was at Hacken in Sweden and I made it known to the world that I want to play for the Olympic team at least.

“But to my greatest surprise no invitation was extended to me, whereas some players called from second tiers and in unknown leagues in Europe and Asia featured in the All Africa Games and Olympics qualifiers. With due respect to the players who were called, I believe I deserved a chance.

“Some people have called me from Nigeria that I should wait for my time, that the last dog eats the fattest bone, am I a dog? “

In Sweden, Chibuike was dubbed ‘The Nigerian Rivaldo’ on account of his displays.

"When I was coming up, I loved watching Brazilian players because of their skills and I learnt a lot from them, apart from Rivaldo being my idol, I am a Brazilian fan. I watched him play all the time in order to try and learn from him,” he revealed.

“And when I moved to Sweden, I had some Brazilian friends who saw my game and told me that I made them remember the days of Rivaldo and that is how the comparisons began.”
 
After a successful season with BK Hacken in Sweden, Chibuike joined Norwegian giants Rosenborg on a three-year contract last year.

"I am happy with my performance so far in Rosenborg. I enjoy every bit of the game," said Chibuike, who this season has been slowed down by injury but he is now back to full fitness.

"When you play for a club like Rosenborg where you amaze the fans with your skills, you will find life easy and that has been my secret.

"Not only here, even when I was in Sweden, the fans couldn't resist my football and I was able to pay them back with goals and some good performances.

"When I left Rosenborg, I had options of playing in England and Germany but I have read and seen that a lot of Nigerians have made it to bigger clubs from Norway and that was why I took that option.

“I am happy here and after here, I will be competing with the likes of Xavi, Kaka and Iniesta but I don't know where the future lies.”

Ofoedu, Emenike lead Nigerian goals' rush

Ex-Rangers striker Chikeluba Ofoedu and Emmanuel Emenike scored a brace each for their respective European clubs at the weekend.

Youngster Ofoedu fired his goals for Turkish club 1461 Trabzon in a 2-1 win over Adanaspor, while Nigeria international Emenike grabbed a double as Spartak Moscow recorded a 3-1 win over Rostov on Sunday.

Nigerian youngster Chikeluba Ofoedu opened his goals’ account for his Turkey first division side 1461 Trabzon on Sunday with a brace.
 
Ofoedu, who was a second-half substitute, scored both goals within eight minutes. The first came in the 57th minute to draw them level, before he netted the winner in the 65th minute.
 
An elated Ofoedu said that he was relieved to get his first goals for his new club.
 
He said, “I am excited to score a brace and my first for my club, I thank God for making it possible for me and giving us victory.
 
“This was my first home game after I played an away for about 10 minutes and so there was no better way to introduce myself to the home fans.
 
“I don’t want to promise a certain number of goals, but I will keep working hard to achieve great things here.”
 
Former Mighty Jets of Jos striker Chibuzor Nwogbo, who played for Adanaspor, could not rescue his side from the defeat.

In Russia, Emenike, who last week shone against Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League clash, scored in the 27th and 71st minutes to secure maximum three points for Spartak.

Former Nigeria international Isaac Okoronkwo was an unused substitute for Rostov.

Emenike has now scored four goals so far for Spartak in the league this season and his club are now sixth on the table with 16 points.

In Cyprus, Philip Onyemah scored in Olympiakos Nicosia 3-1 win over Ethnikos Achna. Onyema scored his team's second goal to give them the lead in the 38th minute.

John Chibuike scored Rosenborg's consolation goal in a 2-1 loss to Brann in the Norwegian top flight. He registered his name on the scorers’ chart in the 55th minute