Sports

Super Eagles’ Loss To Croatia, Shocking – Izilein

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2018

A former coach of the Super Falcons, Godwin Izilein, has described as shocking, the Super Eagles 0-2 loss to Croatia in the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
Izilein stated this in an interview with newsmen while reacting to the match played at the weekend.
He attributed the loss to lack of effective team management and some errors by players.
He, however, said that in spite of the loss, the Eagles played a very good game and was confident that they will progress from the group stage.
“It was a shocking result and we were punished for our silly mistakes. In spite of that, I am still very optimistic that we will perform well in the other two matches.
“We had problem in the midfield, the opponent had numerical strength and that neutralised our ability to spray passes to the attackers.
“Odion Ighalo was virtually left on his own because of him not getting the desired services from the midfield.
“Mikel Obi was not used in the appropriate position. In Chelsea, he played in front of the standing four that gives him the ability to spray passes to number nine, but here, he was used behind the nine which made him seem almost lost in the game.
“The use of Iwobi at the flank neutralised his creative ability. He shouldn’t have been used there. He should have been used in his natural position where he would have come handy in the match.
“As for the defence, I am still saying Ichiejele should be allowed to play because he is a natural left footer. Idowu often turns to play the ball. This is wrong, no time to waste, because it is a game that is full of mobility.
“In the right full back, Ebuehi would have effectively carried out what Moses was trying to do. That boy likes running in the flank to spray passes to the front liners.
“He should have played in the stead of Abdullahi whose wing was clearly dominated by our opponent.
“Generally, what we lacked was the effective management of what we have, we should be able to correct it before our next matches.”
Tidesports source reports that the Eagles now occupy the bottom of group D with no point and two goals deficit after first round of matches.
Croatia, who defeated the Nigeria, top the group with three points while Argentina and Iceland follow in that order with a pliny each.
Eagles next group match is against Iceland.

Sports

… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup

Published

12 hours ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights firmly on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players as the team aims to get their faltering qualifying campaign back on track.
Unveiled to the media in Abuja on Monday, Finidi, who succeeded the outgoing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, wasted no time in laying out his immediate priorities, two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite. You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” Finidi told reporters on Monday.
Recognising the importance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger emphasised the significance of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations), and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
Nigeria currently finds itself in third place in their qualifying group, with just two points from as many games, while South Africa sits second with three points.
Finidi, who has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year, acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team of a country with over 200 million people.
However, he exuded confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, stating, “I have a tough skin.”
While his salary remains undisclosed, the 53-year-old coach expressed a willingness to prioritise performance over immediate financial rewards.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro.
“Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” Finidi said.

Sports

I’m Not Under Pressure, I’ve Tough Skin – Finidi

Published

12 hours ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has underlined that the word pressure is not in his dictionary and appealed for support from key stakeholders including the media.
Speaking after his unveiling yesterday in Abuja, the former Enyimba of Aba coach said; “In life you cannot be afraid. As you see me here, I am a quiet person but I’m not afraid of anything. The worst you can get in football is not getting the result, the best you can get is winning all the time, and I will try my best to make sure that the team functions properly and we start winning games.”
On whether is under pressure to justify his appointment, the coach stressed; “Pressure, I don’t think I have it. I have that tough skin and I want to plead you guys, the media we need your support.
“What is in the contract is boldly written, what the NFF wants and Nigeria in general, but for me personally my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the World Cup. AFCON qualifiers definitely will be coming up soon, but the major step for me is these two games that we have.
“If we can win against South Africa and Benin, we will set the tone.”
During the unveiling ceremony, the NFF confirmed that ex-Super Eagles striker; Daniel Amokachi and Abiden Baruwa will be the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach respectively.
The first assignment for Finidi, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Sports

Amusan Becomes World’s Fastest Woman, Sets New Track Record

Published

12 hours ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

Nigerian sprint icon Tobi Amusan has become the world’s fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles after running a world-leading 12.40 seconds.
In a thrilling race, the world record holder secured the victory, leaving behind Danielle Williams, the world champion, who clocked her best time of the season at 12.46 seconds. Following closely was American Christina Clemons, claiming the third spot with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This triumph means the Nigerian athlete has now claimed the top spot globally, surpassing American Tonea Marshall’s previous record of 12.42 seconds set in late April.
Tobi Amusan’s impressive win arrives just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
John Enoh, the minister of sports development, on his X handle congratulated Amusan over the feat.
Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!
You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons.
“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time! You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd in 12.54s,” he wrote.
“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you.”