Nigerian Football
FUTURE EAGLES ON TWO-WEEK BREAK, TO RESUME FINAL PHASE IN ABUJA
The U15 National Team, Future Eagles on Saturday have broken their training camp in Sagamu, Ogun State for two week breaks and will resume in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja after the ongoing Ramadan for the final phase of preparations ahead of the Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Japan next month.
The team has been preparing for this year’s edition of U16 International Dream Cup which will hold 12th – 16th June in the city of Sendai in Japan. Nigeria will compete for honours in the tournament alongside the host country Japan, Romania and Mexico.
Team Administrator of U15 National Team, Adewale Adeyinka told thenff.com: “We have had to break camp in Sagamu for the boys to go on recess and get ready for the final phase of preparations in Abuja.
“We will regroup in Abuja after the Ramadan fasting with 18 players selected from the 30 we had for this first phase of the preparation. The 18 players will train for five days in Abuja before departing for Japan on 9th June.”
Head Coach of Future Eagles, Haruna Ilerika has said he is impressed with the boys performance in the residential camping in Sagamu.
“The boys have been impressive and that gives me positive headache of selecting 18 from the group of 30 we had in Sagamu.
“The level of competition among the boys is amazing and that is what we require from the boys at this stage of development. Unfortunately, we can only travel to Japan with 18 players and we have to select the best among the best,” Ilerika told thenff.com.
The Future Eagles played two tune-up games against Remo Stars U15 and Ekofootball Future Stars on Thursday and Friday, drawing 1-1 with Remo Juniors while spanking Ekofootball Future Stars 4-1.
Nigerian Football
Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop
Remo Stars continued their good form in the Nigeria domestic league as they snatched another 2-0 away win against one of the traditional strong sides, Kano Pillars on Sunday.
They had earlier had another 2-0 away win when they defeated Abia Warriors in Umuahia two weeks ago. With Sunday’s win, they remain on top of the log with their nine points and five goals.
They are yet to concede any goal this season. On Sunday, Sodiq Ismail put Remo Stars in front after 26 minutes. Togolese import, Franck Mawuena doubled the lead in the 60th minute.
In another encounter, Niger Tornadoes pulled a major upset, winning 2-1 away from home as they beat former Nigerian champions, Plateau United. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute. They doubled theit lead in the fourth minute of added time of the second half through Kufre Ebong.
A minute later, Pam Samuel scored a consolatory goal for Plateau United. Hearrtland of Owerri continued their winless run as they played a goalless draw at home with visiting Katsina United.
Sunshine Stars also played 0-0 with Abia Warriors.
Nigerian Football
Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
Nigerian Football
Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
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