Sports

Former Internationals Disagree On Eagles Defeat In Conakry

Published

14 years ago

October 13, 2010

Former soccer internationals — Okey Isima, Henry Nwosu and Bright Omokaro — have differed on why Nigeria lost Sunday’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in Conakry.

Tidesports source reports that while Isima and Nwosu believed that FIFA’s suspension of Nigeria affected the team’s performance, Omokaro said it had no bearing on the loss.

Alleging government interference in football administration, FIFA on Oct. 4 suspended Nigeria from international football only to temporarily lift the action last Thursday to enable the Super Eagles face Guinea in the qualifier.

Isima blamed the 1-0 defeat on the suspension.

“The players and officials were not sure if the match would hold until the last minute and that, no doubt, must have affected the players’ morale,” said the former defender.

“The Eagles played as if there was nothing at stake. The players did not show commitment.

“The kind of coordinated football Green Eagles of old were noted for was lacking and at a stage, I had to switch to the other match involving Ghana and Sudan to enjoy myself “.

Isima called for the prompt appointment of a substantive coach for the team before their next game against Ethiopia.

“This interim or caretaker coach appointment given to Eguavoen (Austin) does not augur well for concentration.

“The man does not know if he will be in charge for the next match and this instability will definitely hamper any long term coaching plan,” he added.

Former midfielder, Nwosu, said the loss was unfortunate and blamed the defeat on FIFA’s suspension.

“Guinea’s pedigree in football coupled with Nigeria’s suspension by FIFA contributed to the loss on Sunday in Conakry.”

Nwosu agreed with Isima that the uncertainty surrounding the game must have affected the players .

“The players and their handlers were not sure if the match would be played until the last minute and that must have affected them psychologically,” he added.

The former Asec Mimosas of Cote D’Ivoire star advised the coaching crew to work on the players psyche ahead of Nigeria’s next match.

“The players’ psyche must be worked on collectively and individually before the next match to enhance their winning mentality,’’ Nwosu said.

Omokaro differed from his former colleagues and called for the inclusion of some players from the domestic league in the team.

“The coach should include 80 per cent of the local players in the team to ensure stiff competition for shirts.

“Westerhof (Clemens) did that with us and it worked. I have noticed that majority of the foreign-based professionals don’t have anything to offer.

“They will wake up and show more commitment if they are displaced by the local players.

“I don’t subscribe to blaming the loss on Nigeria’s suspension by FIFA. The suspension was done indoor while football is played on the pitch.

“Was it FIFA that asked them to play badly and lose?’’, asked the former Insurance FC of Benin star.

Tidesport reports that Guinea now leads the group with six points followed by Nigeria and Ethiopia with three points each, while Madagascar have yet to win any game in two outings.

Sports

Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Ghana star, Mohammed Kudus has named Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as his greatest African footballer of all time, drawing parallels between Okocha’s style of play and his own.
Kudus, currently plying his trade with West Ham United, praised Okocha for his exceptional skills and entertainment value on the pitch.
Okocha’s illustrious career includes numerous achievements such as winning the Goal of the Year award in Germany in 1993, multiple Nigerian Footballer of the Year titles, and being named the BBC African Footballer of the Year twice.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kudus expressed his admiration for Okocha, emphasising the lasting impact of his creative flair and ability to entertain fans. He highlighted Okocha’s unique style of play as a source of inspiration for him as a young footballer.
”I will say Jay Jay Okocha. I will say explaining from my lens how I see creative players and entertain. That can never be washed away and the fans can never forget that,” Kudus told our source.
Despite joining West Ham United last summer, Kudus has quickly established himself as a crucial player for David Moyes’ side.
With stellar performances throughout the season, Kudus has garnered attention for his impressive contributions on the pitch. In his debut season, the midfielder has netted an impressive 13 goals in 38 appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for the club.

Sports

HFN Sets Deadline For League Registration

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) have called on teams that will participate in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 to complete all documentary registration on or before May 4, 2024.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 kick off with phase 1 to hold in Benin City, Edo State from May 12th to the 25th , 2024 and the HFN said all teams must document all their registration regarding player registrations, loans and transfers as soon as the 4th of May 2024 according to a statement addressed the officials of the twenty two participating teams by the Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Almu Umar Lambu.
“A total of 25 players and 4 officials shall be registered for the Season as there shall be no more registration in the Second Phase and all participating clubs should note that documentary registration of players, transfers and loans shall be completed on or before 4th May, 2024.” Mr. Lambu said.
Mr. Lambu also revealed that the HFN will hold an anti-doping seminar for players and officials during the course of the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 in Benin City, Edo State.
“Also Clubs should note that there will be Anti-Doping Seminar during the league to be organised by the HFN Medical and Anti-Doping Commission” Mr. Lambu concludes.
The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks by the Handball Federation of Nigeria for effective preparation in tandem with the sponsor Ardova PLC and will now hold from May 12 to 25, 2024.
Teams are expected to arrive Benin City on May 12, 2024 while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13 through to May 24, 2024. Departure is May 25, 2024.

Sports

Athletics: Ofili, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris Olympics

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Favour Ofili and Ezekiel Nathaniel have booked their places to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ofili won the women’s 200-meter event in day one of the Tom Jones Invitational on Friday, hosted by Florida at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.
The Port Harcourt, Nigeria, native blazed out of the blocks and clocked an event-winning time and No. 4 time in the world of 22.33 seconds (+1.4 m/s).
She defeated Anavia Battle who came through in 22.56s and Ida Karstoft in a new National Record of 22.60s
Her time dips under the Paris 2024 Olympics’ standard of 22.57 seconds, punching her ticket to the Olympics in her first season after turning pro.
It is her fastest time outdoors since 2022 where she set the Nigerian National Record of 21.96s the same year.
Nathaniel on his part shattered the Nigerian 400m Record at the Tom Jones Invitational, running a brilliant 48.29s.
The feat has seen Nathaniel automatically qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, surpassing the Olympic standard by almost half a second.
Chris Robinson of the United States won in a time of 47.95s ahead of Clement Ducos, who ran 48.26s.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s High Jump event, Nigeria’s Erhire Best won clearing a Season’s Best (SB) of 2.21m.
He defeated Riyon Rankin on countback, having needed just one attempt to clear the winning mark while Rankin took three tries. BJ Jennings was 3rd with 2.13m.