Sports
‘Domestic League Players, Not Ready For Eagles, Yet’
Former national team captain, Austin Okocha has admitted that players from the domestic league are the future of the Super Eagles, but says they are at least three years away from being ready.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is implementing a not so quiet revolution of populating the Super Eagles with local players, but former Captain Okocha said they still need time to gain consistency.
“I guess it is definitely the way forward, but I don’t think the home-based players are ready yet, so if I were in Keshi’s shoes, I would be trying to get them ready in the next 3 or 4 years,” Okocha, now a member of the NFF Technical committee, said during a programme on the GuinnessVIP mobi platform.
The former captain conceded that there were a few talented players who could make the squad, but plumped for the more exposed Europe-based players.
“Of course, if some of them are so talented that they are quick learners, then, I would include them in my squad, but the truth is that we still have so many professional players who are hungry and eager to play for their country, so it will be better to use them as they have that level of exposure.”
With Nigeria turning to focus on the home-grown lads after years of disappointment, Okocha agrees that the future is at home. “Definitely the future lies in those new players, but for the moment, they cannot be as consistent as where we want to be.”
Okocha also spoke about his relationship with former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and how he mentored the former Brazil star.
“I had a great time at PSG and Ronaldinho was like my kid brother. I realised he was just so talented and he just needed someone to guide him. And I’m so glad he turned out to be one of the best players in the world.”
Okocha played for clubs like Fenerbahce, PSG and Bolton Wanderers, but picked out lowly Eintracht Frankfurt as his best club.
“Eintract Frankfurt was my best team, as for coach that was (Dragoslav) Stepanovic because he was the one who brought me from a third division club and gave me my first real opportunity.
“For me, for a coach to be able to scout a player from a lower league and make him a first division player shows he has some great qualities. He was definitely the best I’ve played under.”
Sports
Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best
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
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
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.
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