Sports
10 Nigerian Youths For Homeless World Cup
Community Connects for Leadership, a Lagos-based, Non-Government Organisation (NGO), has shortlisted 10 youths from Cross River State for the Homeless World Cup scheduled to hold in Mexico in 2012.
They are: Regina Otu, Onyinye Christpher, Ruth Nwana, Blessing Epko, Glory Henshaw, Bassey Ekpeynog, Edem Effiong, Kingsley Uduak, Alale Ilam and Peace Nse Edet.
Yomi Kuku, an official of the organisation, told newsmen on December 25, after a 3-week selection exercise in Calabar that only three youths of the 10 youths would eventually make it to Mexico.
He said the shortlisted players would undergo another screening in Lagos, out of which the three would be selected to represent the country in the tournament expected to hold between October 6 and October 18, 2012.
Kuku explained that the tournament was part of FIFA’s effort to encourage “fair play in football”.
He said that Cross River was the first state outside Lagos to embrace Community Connects for Leadership, “which is all about sharing and reaching out”.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Search and Groom, Nigeria, Ini Onuk, had said that 128 youths from across the 18 local government areas of the state participated in the exercise.
“We had over 2,000 male and female youths that applied to participate, but only 128 were accommodated at the end of which 10 were shortlisted,” she said.
Onuk said the exercise was made possible through a partnership with the Bridge Foundation for Leadership, and that it was aimed at grooming youths of Cross River for future leadership roles.
Speaking on the occasion, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said the exercise was beyond being champions.
“It is an opportunity for the youth to express their God-given leadership qualities.
“This whole exercise is all about turning you to become leaders. It is about preparing you for the future. It is about preparing you to be humble champions.
“It is also to prepare you to be leaders of your community and to be leaders of your country both on and off the football field,” Imoke said.
He said there was a need for the youth to always have vision in life, pointing out that with vision, they could help their community.
The Tidesports reports that outstanding players were presented with trophies in addition to the certificate of participation given to all the participants.
Homeless World Cup features a five-a-side format played without referees and the two teams decide the rules of the game.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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