Sports
Nigerian EPL Stars Out of Super Eagles Squad
Nigeria have left Premier League stars John Obi Mikel, Taye Taiwo and Peter Odemwingie out of their squad for next month’s series of qualifiers.
The Super Eagles open their 2014 World Cup campaign against Namibia and Malawi, before hosting Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tie.
Mikel has yet to play for Nigeria since Keshi took charge in November.
“Mikel is in my plans but we will give other players an opportunity as well,” said Keshi yesterday.
“We need to give players from the local league a chance. After all, how many knew about such players as Uche Kalu, Ejike Uzoenyi or Godfrey Oboabona before now?”
Mikel’s situation is unusual since a midfielder who could start tomorror’s UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Germany has not made his national squad for World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers.
The 25-year-old, who played every minute of Chelsea’s semi-final victory over Barcelona, has already won the FA Cup with the Blues this season.
Although he cuts a divisive figure in Nigeria, where some fans believe his international performances do not match those for his club, Keshi does not rule out a return in future.
“The door is not closed on anyone,” Keshi said.
“We should focus on preparation instead of those who didn’t make the squad.”
Austin Ejide, Fengor Ogude, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile and John Utaka have all been recalled in a group of 11 overseas-based players, which also features Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses.
In-form Montpellier winger Utaka is making his first return to the Super Eagles squad since the team’s first-round exit at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“Utaka, Aluko and Elderson have been in great form for their clubs and we are confident they’ll translate their club form to the national side,” added the captain of Nigeria’s 1982 Nations Cup-winning side.
Nigeria will name another squad of 18 players from the domestic league, who are due to fly out this weekend for a friendly in Peru.
The Super Eagles host Namibia on 3 June in Calabar, before travelling to Malawi the following weekend for another qualifier.
On the weekend of 15-17 June, Nigeria entertain Rwanda as the sides contest the second leg of a first round Nations Cup tie, whose opening tie ended goalless in February.
Keshi was appointed coach of Nigeria after previous incumbent Samson Siasia failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.
Overseas-based players called up by Nigeria include,
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille, France), Austin Ejide (Petach Tikva, Israel)
Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbache, Turkey), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod, Israel), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
Midfielders: Fengor Ogude (Valrenga, Norway)
Forwards: Ike Uche (Granada, Spain), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow ,Russia), Sone Aluko (Rangers, Scotland), John Utaka (Montpellier, France), Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, England)
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.