Sports
Stakeholders Caution Eagles On World Cup Selection
Swimmers struggling for honours during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Football stakeholders in
Enugu have cautioned against undue pressure on the Super Eagles technical crew in the selection of players for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Some of the stakeholder who spoke to newsmen said that people should not manipulate the technical crew or impose any player on them.
A director in the Enugu State Ministry of Sports, Mr Edwin Eze, said the call was vital because football neophytes were trying to put pressure on the technical crew and the football governing body.
“This demand is being unleashed on the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the World Cup team crew.
“The NFA is determined to ensure that the team performed well at the Mundial but some people are trying to force players on the technical team.
“First, we should understand that the players are selected based on the coaches discretion.
“Beside, Nigeria is blessed with players around the globe but not all would represent us at World Cup.
“I believe Keshi will do well if he is given a free hand with the World Cup players’ selection,’’ Eze said.
The sports director said that players like Mikel Obi, Godfrey Oboabona, Ramon Azeez and Ejike Uzoenyi to mention but few should not be over looked at the final screening.
In his reaction, a former Rangers player, Nwabueze Nwankwo, said it was the technical team’s final list that will prevail.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, I nurse the hope of the Super Eagles winning at the summer World Cup but let’s not forget that experience matters.
“Well, the coach knows this because he has played at that level and has coached different national teams,’’ Nwankwo said.
Another Rangers former player, Dominic Nwobodo, also said that the call for the recall of the experienced players was okay.
“ It will bring out the best in the new players. Energetic and experienced players should be invited for the World Cup,’’ he said.
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.