Sports

Brazil 2014 : No Automatic Eagles’ Shirt – Keshi

Published

12 years ago

November 22, 2013

The Super Eagles’ Head
Coach, Stephen Keshi, has warned that there would be no ‘automatic shirt for players in the team, as it prepares for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Keshi gave the warning in London while talking to the players as the team closed camp following a successful football year.
A statement by the team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, said the players were decamped after the friendly against the Azzuris of Italy, which ended 2-2 at the Craven Cottage, Fulham, London.
“It’s time to go back and work hard for our various club sides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year.
“The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes.
“So, those who want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their club sides,” the statement quoted Keshi as saying.
“He used the opportunity to thank the players for their commitment to the national team and wished them and their families merry Xmas and prosperous New Year in advance.
“Keshi noted that the team could have ended the year on a high note with a win against the Italians, who have won the world cup three times.
“Maybe, we had too much respect for them but I am sure that if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance,” it further quoted him as saying.
The statement said that three England-based stars, Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses left the camp on Monday night for their bases, while the other players waited to leave on Tuesday.
Keshi and other officials of the team are expected back on Thursday morning, as they are expected to depart London on Wednesday night via Heathrow Airport for Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have pleaded with President Jonathan and Senate President David Mark, to boost the team’s morale following its qualification for the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, the team’s Captain, who spoke on behalf of the players, noted that the support received from relevant government agencies aided the team’s qualification for the World Cup.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

15 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.

The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.

Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.

” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.

” This programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the programme”, Inyengiyikabo stated.

Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.

He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was indication the game was popular in Nigeria.

” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.

“The few days we have stayed Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.

Kiadum Edookor

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

Sports

FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.