Nigerian Football

AGAIN, FORMER SUPER EAGLES PLAYER, OBODO IS KIDNAPPED!

Published

4 years ago

November 16, 2020

Adversary has fallen a second time for former Super Eagles midfielder, Christian Obodo as he is reportedly kidnapped again by unknown gunmen along Refinery Road, Warri in Delta State, in one of the most southerly parts of Nigeria. .

According to Nigerian newspaper, The PUNCH, Obodo, 36, was reportedly by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Onome Onovawakpoyeya abducted by the gunmen when he stopped by to buy bananas on Sunday.

Obodo was the player whose substitution in a 17 August 2005 friendly match with Libya in Tripoli earned Mikel Obi his first Super Eagles’ cap.

“Obodo was kidnapped at about 5pm on Sunday around Ishaka Hotel just along Refinery Road,” Onovawakpoyeya told The PUNCH.

“He was with his girlfriend when he was abducted. They both stopped by the road to buy bananas.”

She added that no demand has been made for his release.

This is the second time the former Udinese midfielder has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The former Nigeria international was abducted by unknown gunmen on 9 June 2012, on his way to church in Warri.

But the day after he was taken, police tracked his abductors to Isoko, just outside Warri, where they found Obodo and arrested some suspects.

The 2006 AFCON bronze medallist, who described his ordeal eight years ago as a “terrible experience”, miraculously escaped from the abductors, before nearby villagers and a vigilante group, rescued him and informed the police, who trailed the abductors to Isoko.

Europe-based footballers and their relatives have been a target of kidnappers in recent years.

Ex-Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam was kidnapped by armed men in 2007, while an elder brother of former Eagles captain Joseph Yobo was abducted in oil-rich Port Harcourt before being released 10 days later in 2018.

In 2019, the father of former Eagles captain Mikel Obi was also abducted in Jos, but was rescued by police days later.

The mother of Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu was also abducted by gunmen in Aba, Abia State last year.

She was released after spending six days in the kidnappers’ den.

Nigerian Football

Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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 60^th 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 17^th 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

Published

1 week ago

September 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

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.”