Daily Archives

June 22, 2017

Worldcup 2018 qualifier- Super Eagles will put Cameroun to the sword- Kojo Williams

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Former chieftain of Nigeria’s Football Federation, Anthony Kojo Williams, has told www.brila.net that he`s quite confident Super eagles will maul the indomitable lions of Cameroon in August and September double header World cup 2018 qualifier.

Kojo was ousted from his position as NFA Chairamn after just one year in 1999 said,

Kojo said: “Let them bring it on, we`re ready for them, they`re a very physical side so Gernot Rohr must ensure the eagles play one touch football and avoid going physical with the cameroonians.

Kojo Anthony Williams, who is no stranger to Nigeria football further said Rohr must avoid the temptation of going physical and despite the eagles 2-0 loss to South Africa in the AFCON 2019 quailfier, he still remains optimistic that the Super Eagles will pick both the AFCON/World cup tickets.

Kojo added: “Nigeria has what it takes to beat Cameroun and all that is required of the coach is bring in experienced players and the result will swing the way of the eagles.

“It might sound a bit funny because we just loss to South Africa but always remember in every national team or clubside everything evolves, there’s always a rough patch and that’s what Nigeria is going through but if the coach avoid playing to the pattern, the cameroonian will present its confident the eagles will triumph,”.

Meanwhile, despite Nigeria’s embarrassing defeat in the 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa in Uyo, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has stated emphatically that the Super Eagles will not leave the venue.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

Uruguayan club names new pitch after Luis Suarez

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Luis Suarez broke down in tears as he made an emotional return to the pitch in Uruguay where he first kicked a football.

The Barcelona star and his family went back to his first club, Nacional, where a new synthetic pitch has been named in his honour.

And the opening ceremony for the Luis Alberto Suarez pitch at Nacional’s Los Cespedes training complex in Montevideo clearly brought a lot of happy memories flooding back for the striker.

‘The feeling is of emotion and joy,’ he told the crowd. ‘For a long time I couldn’t come, everyone will understand that because of a calendar issue which is difficult to compromise.

‘I wanted my children to see where I came from, where I was born as a footballer.’

Suarez joined the youth ranks at Nacional at the age of 14 and was playing for their first team two years later before coming to Europe with the Dutch club Groningen.

And having been on a spectacular journey first, Suarez was obliging with some words of advice to the players of the Nacional junior sides that watched his address.

He said: ‘Although they are going to go through very difficult moments at 13 years, 14, 15, 18… in fact any age… the boys must enjoy themselves.

‘And never give up. Because of each one’s own pride, they cannot give up.

‘I say it because I’ve been through a lot and here in Nacional I’ve always been treated spectacularly.

‘I am privileged to have a pitch in my name and I am totally grateful to Nacional.’

By: Adam Shergold for MailOnline

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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Esiti focused on Gent amid PSG interest

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Super Eagles and KAA Gent of Belgium midfielder, Anderson Esiti has distanced himself from reports linking him with a move to French giants, PSG, adding that he is only focused on his clubside at the moment.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Gent and Super Eagles midfielder Anderson Esiti in the coming summer transfer window.

According to reports in France, PSG new sporting director Antero Henrique has penciled down the Nigerian international as part of his reinforcement plans for the Parisians’ midfield.

With Thiago Motta turning 35 in August and Grzegorz Krychowiak’s below par performance last season, the French club need a defensive midfielder and the arrival Esiti could prove very vital.

Henrique has reportedly opened talks with the representative of the 23 year old, Paul Onamomo with a view to a transfer, according to reports, but there is a snag which says the challenge in PSG’s pursuit of Esiti is in the player’s valuation, with Gent holding out for a fee of 20 million euros.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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NUJ National President Odusile Pays Courtesy Visit To Brila FM

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile on Thursday, June 22, 2017 paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM in Lagos.

Odusile who doubles as President, Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) was warmly welcomed and received by the Chairman/CEO Brila Media Dr Larry Izamoje.

Dr Izamoje later introduced the NUJ boss to members of the station’s management team plus key members of staff who form the journalistic core of the organisation.

For his first visit to Brila FM, Odusile was able to explain the NUJ’s plans to check the menace of fake journalists through registration. He intimated everyone present on how the NUJ will complete the task through the biometric registration of its members following their completion of the online process on http://www.nuj.org.ng.

Photo Credit: Veektour1Photography

While noting that the exercise was not a witch-hunt, Odusile stressed that the biometric registration is a must as scannable ID Cards will be allocated. According to him, members will get ID cards that will be valid for three years.

Photo Credit: Veektour1Photography

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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NPFL match day 26 preview: Rivers United versus Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

On February 5, 2017 Rivers United played probably their worst game in the NPFL this season and the opposition on the day was 3SC.

Rivers United lost 1-2 that day but that result, more than anything else, flattered the boys from Port Harcourt as only a shocking display of profligacy by the 3SC forwards, good fortune and some extraordinary goalkeeping performance right out of the top drawer by Femi Thomas kept the score line respectable.

3SC arrive in Port Harcourt on Saturday with the hopes of going for an encore but meet a Rivers United side high on confidence after recently putting their Caf Confederation Cup campaign back on track with a crucial win against KCCA on Tuesday.

A win for United will see them climb four places to 13th on the NPFL log while 3SC, currently mired in relegation trouble will leave the drop zone if they become the first side to inflict defeat on the ‘Pride of Rivers’ at their stately patch.

Head coach of 3SC, Fatai Amoo is full of respect for the opposition and does not expect any display of complacency from the hosts.

“I don’t think they (Rivers United) will be distracted as a result of their participation in the Caf Confederation Cup,” Amoo told our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.

“You don’t just stumble on (qualification to play) on the continent.

“There were four Nigerian clubs on the continent but today, only Rivers United is left so it means they have all it takes (to play at that level).

“It is an advantage for them but it will also motivate us.

“We respect them,” he said.

Lukman Mohammed scored for Rivers United in the reverse fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan just over four months ago and he also spoke to us ahead of Saturday’s contest.

“The fans cannot write the team off for now; we ask for their support as it is still possible for us to have a good season,” he said on fans’ discontent over United’s underwhelming displays in the NPFL this term.

Saturday’s contest will be a compelling one with both sides desperate for points that will guarantee gradual, if not steady progress, towards the top half of the table.

Overview Game: Rivers United versus Shooting Stars

Competition: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

Current positions of respective clubs on the NPFL log: Rivers United (16th); Shooting Stars (18th)

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017

Venue: Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt

Time: 4pm

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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Osimhen: Super Eagles will fight for Qualification

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Wolfsburg striker, Victor Osimhen, has insisted that the Super Eagles will go for a broke in the remaining AFCON 2019 qualifiers after they lost 0-2 at home to South Africa recently.

Three-time African champions, Nigeria, have missed out of two straight AFCONs, but Osimhen has assured that the Eagles will be at Cameroon 2019 despite the shock home loss.

“Sure, the Super Eagles will be at the AFCON 2019”, Osimhen said.

“The defeat by South Africa is a wake-up call for us and we are going to answer the call in subsequent games.

“The defeat was unfortunate, but it cannot stop us from being part of the championship in Cameroon”.

The 18-year-old forward maintained that the Eagles will fight with the last drop of their blood to secure the AFCON ticket, noting that the country cannot afford a third consecutive absence from the continental soccer showpiece.

“With hard work we will be there. We cannot afford to miss the AFCON again, no, it cannot happen”, Osimhen stressed.

Nigeria will be away to Seychelles in March 2018 in continuation of the AFCON qualifiers.⁠⁠⁠⁠

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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Isaac Success pledges allegiance to Nigeria

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Nigerian footballer Isaac Success has promised to be committed to Nigeria’s National football team.

Watford FC of England forward, Isaac Success, has pledged his allegiance and commitment to the Super Eagles, saying he is ready for the big challenge to lead the team’s attack in the very important games lined up for the three-time African champions.

Injuries and circumstances have limited the former junior international’s chances with the Super Eagles, with only one appearance against Senegal in March 2017 under his belt.

He came on in the second half in that game played at The Hive, home of League 2 clubs Barnet FC and London Bees.

The young lad was severally listed by Nigeria for matches after he broke into the first team of FC Granada in the Spanish top flight, before moving to Watford last summer for 12.5 million British Pounds.

“I feel bad that I have not been able to feature many times for the Super Eagles. There have been either injuries or some other issue during the times I was invited.

I am however restating my commitment to the national team and I promise to give my best and shine whenever I’m called again.”, Success assured.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

Azubuike Okechukwu Visit Brila Fm Lagos Studio

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Yeni Malatyaspor midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu visited the Number one sports radio in Nigeria on Thursday morning as he talks about Mikel being a natural choice to lead the Olympic team.

Azubuike stated that he was happy to hand over the captain band to former Chelsea man, Mikel Obi after coach siasia gave the directive.

Azubuike acknowledged Mikel as not just a player in the team but also a leader of the National team and so had to show respect to a more experienced player by handing over leadership to him.

Azubuike, 20, also talked about the next step with his Turkish club.

Watch the video to get more insights on his future and more.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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LMC dedicates Matchday 26 to Emeteole

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Players, officials to wear black armbands and observe one minute silence as LMC dedicates Matchday to Emeteole.

The LMC wants Players and match officials of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to turn out with black arm bands to honour a former coach of prominent NPFL clubs, Kelechi Emeteole who passed on in the early hours of Wednesday.

Emeteole, nicknamed ‘Caterpillar’ in his playing days for various league clubs in the country died in India where he underwent surgery for throat cancer.

Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) expressed grief at the demise of the Coach who in addition to managing several league clubs also worked with national teams including the Super Eagles, the Flying Eagles, the Golden Eaglets and the Beach Soccer team, otherwise called the Super Sand Eagles.

“The passing on of Coach Emeteole is a great loss to the NPFL because he was a coach that has been very prominent in the league coaching teams and raising some of the players who have made this country proud.

He was a true Nigerian who played football and worked with clubs across the states, speaking all three Nigerian major languages”, remarked Dikko.

After retiring from active football with the then Spartans of Owerri, Emeteole took to coaching and remarkably helped El-Kanemi Warriors return to the NPFL rising all the way from the then Division 3 through to the Division two and to the defunct Nigeria Football League. A prominent protégé of his time at the Borno side is Enyimba International FC’s Ikechukwu Ibenegbu who had gone on to represent Nigeria at the senior level and the Beach Soccer championships.

The late Emeteole also had repeat stints at Heartland FC of Owerri and Rangers International.

The LMC has therefore directed that a minute silence be observed across all NPFL venues on Saturday, June 24 and on Wednesday, June 28 for the Match Day 26 fixtures.

According to Dikko, “Emeteole deserves all the honour we can accord him at this time. We commiserate with his family and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to pass through this trying time in their famil⁠⁠⁠⁠y.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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Ibrahimovic’s sportswear company hints on his move to LA Galaxy

by Brila June 22, 2017

written by Brila

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s clothing company A-Z Sportswear have dropped a massive clue that the Swede could be heading to MLS when he is fully fit.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose name appeared on the Premier League’s released list earlier this month, will reportedly sign for MLS side LA Galaxy following his release from Manchester United.

Though the 35-year-old still trains at Carrington as he recovers from a cruciate ligament injury, the Swede was not on United’s retained list which was released this week, signalling his imminent departure.

LA Galaxy have tried previously to lure Ibrahimovic but talks were held with the player prior to him joining United.

And now, LA want to make Ibrahimovic the highest paid player in MLS history.

According to the Swedes sportswear company-A-Z’s twitter account, a picture of the striker wearing Galaxy colours was shared, alongside the slogan: ‘Welcome to Los Angeles.’

The Swede scored the winning goal to help Man United win the EFL Cup. (Photo: AP)

The message could, of course, just be that their brand is now being sold in the USA, but many believe it could be a sign that Zlatan is heading to join the MLS club.

The former Paris Saint Germain player is reportedly ready for a new challenge after proving himself in the Premier League after just one season.

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in all competitions and provided 10 assists for the Red Devils.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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