Daily Archives

August 23, 2018

Leicester Boss hails Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Leicester City boss Claude Puel has applauded Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, after penning a new six-year contract with the Foxes last weekend.

Ndidi joined Leicester from Genk in January 2017 and has made 62 appearances for the former Premier League champions since his arrival at the King Power Stadium.

A number of teams were said to be interested in signing the Nigerian this summer, but Leicester managed to keep him, and have since tied the midfielder to the club until the summer of 2024.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton, Puel claimed that Ndidi is improving as a footballer all of the time.

“We forget that he is just 21.

“It is crazy. He is an experienced player.

“He wins the ball but he has got better on the ball: his control, his passes, and capacity to take information and give direction,” Puel told reporters.

Ndidi was a part of the Nigeria team that competed at the 2018 World Cup and he is expected to be part of Coach Gernot Rohr’s squad for September’s AFCON qualifier against Seychelles.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

WORLD FOOTBALL

West Ham’s Jack Wilshere out to prove Arsenal wrong

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is determined to prove the Gunners were wrong to release him when he revisits his old club with West Ham on Saturday.

The 26-year-old spent 11 years at the North London club before joining West Ham on a free transfer in July, and he is set to make his first appearance against them at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Wilshere played on loan at Bolton Wanderers in 2009-10 and at Bournemouth in 2016-17 but has yet to experience lining up for Arsenal’s opposition.

He told West Ham’s matchday programme: “It’s down to me to prove a point to Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid of me.

“It’ll be a strange one for me as I was never able to go there and play when I went out on loan as you can’t play against your parent club.”

West Ham have suffered a dreadful start to the 2018-19 season, slipping to a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in their opening game before being beaten 2-1 at home by Bournemouth.

But Wilshere indicated the Hammers are confident of heaping more woe on Arsenal, who have yet to earn a point under new manager Unai Emery.

“It’s one I’m looking forward to,” said Wilshere. “I quite fancy our chances.”

August 23, 2018 0 comments

Featured NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

FINALLY! Gernot Rohr reacts to Victor Moses’ retirement decision

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Gernot Rohr hopes that the prospect of winning a second AFCON title will make Victor Moses revverse his decision to retire from International football.

The 27-year-old made the shocking announcement that he will no longer be representing Nigeria at international level following their group stage exit in the World Cup.

But Rohr hopes that Moses’ decision is “not definitive”

“We spoke already and I hope that his decision is not definitive,” the German told ESPN.

“I think it depends on his motivation. If he really wants to commit himself again, he is welcome.

“Maybe the chance to win the Afcon is motivation. We will see.”

The Chelsea winger played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ third African title in 2013 and proved to be an invaluable member of the squad.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

Featured NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Gernot Rohr rules Skipper Mikel Obi out of Seychelles clash

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has been ruled out of the AFCON 2019 qualifiers clash against Seychelles by the team’s technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.

The Franco-GERMAN tactician confirmed that John Obi Mikel will not be available for selection ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles next month.

Rohr spoke via ESPN and confirmed that Mikel had called him to ask for his name to be withdrawn.

“We spoke together. He is just coming back from injury and he needs to push his club commitments to get back in shape” Rohr said.

“After the injury, he needs time to get fit again,” the German tactician added.

Gernot Rohr is expected to announce his squad for the September clash on Friday, August 24th.

Nigeria lost the opening group game against South Africa last June and a win on September 8th will ensure the Eagles are on track to qualify for the 2019 tournament in Cameroon next June.

Four key players in the Super Eagles will miss the match against Seychelles which includes victory Moses, John Obi Mikel, Shehu Abdullahi, and Tyrone Ebueyi.

It is yet to be seen if these injuries worry, retirement excuse, and needs to be fit again will not be counterproductive against Seychelles come first week of September.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

WORLD FOOTBALL

Iwobi reveals Key difference between Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has revealed the key difference between former boss Arsene Wenger and new manager Unai Emery.

Wenger left after 22 years in charge during the summer and was replaced by the Spaniard.

Emery’s start to life in England hasn’t been easy with the Gunners being beaten by Manchester City and Chelsea in their opening two Premier League games.

Arsenal have a chance to get their first points on the board on Saturday as they host West Ham (3 pm).

Iwobi has been at Arsenal since the age of nine and shone at the end of last season under Wenger.

But the 22-year-old is enjoying life under Emery too, despite admitting there’s more to focus on with the former PSG boss.

“He demands a lot,” Iwobi said. “He’s a lot more intense.

“A lot of high pressing and keeping the ball so that it benefits us if we have the ball.

“It’s good for us, especially the attackers who like to have the ball a lot.

“It’s exciting times to be fair. Everybody’s enjoying and buying into the new ideas.

Culled – Mirror Football

August 23, 2018 0 comments

Featured Lifestyle

Wenger in Liberia to receive Country’s highest honour from President George Weah

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has arrived in Liberia, where he will be presented with the country’s highest honour by the president and former footballer George Weah.

Weah, who was signed for AS Monaco by Wenger 1988, became Liberian President in January this year after winning a landslide election victory.

He has often spoken of the impact Wenger had in bringing him to Europe, where he went on to play for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, and became Fifa World Player of the Year in 1995.

Wenger will be given the title of Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption in recognition of his “contribution to sports in Africa” and work in giving “many Africans opportunities”.

During his time as Arsenal manager, Wenger helped to develop the careers of some of the most famous African footballers of the past 30 years, including Nwankwo Kanu, Lauren, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

Featured NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Seychelles vs Nigeria: Gernot Rohr to Release Super Eagles List on Friday

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr will on Friday this week release his list of invited Nigerian players for the away qualifying clash with Seychelles.

The Franco-German tactician had earlier checked out the facilities at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in the company of NFF’s 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor.

According to thenff.com, the former Germany defender Rohr will on Friday this week release his list of invited players for the away clash with Seychelles.

The Super Eagles will face Seychelles in Victoria on matchday 2 of the series on Friday, 7th September and will then entertain Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Nigeria on Matchday 3 in the second week of October.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

WORLD FOOTBALL

Nigeria-born former England striker Carlton Cole declared Bankrupt

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Nigeria-born former England forward Carlton Cole has been declared bankrupt despite earning millions over a 16-year career playing in the Premier League and for England.

The 34-year-old was told of the verdict at London’s High Court and hopes his desperate situation can be a warning to young players exposed to the riches of the modern game.

“I hope my story will help young footballers to take responsibility for who they listen to and take advice from,” Cole said.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t realize what was going on until my career was in the latter years and too late for me to turn things around.”

Cole enjoyed a fine career after coming through the ranks at Chelsea, including seven caps for England.

His best spell came at West Ham, with 293 appearances and 68 goals for the Hammers over nine years.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

AFCON 2019: Super Eagles not under pressure to qualify – Former Coach Christian Chukwu

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Former Super Eagles Coach Christian Chukwu has stated that the Super Eagles under Gernot Rohr is not under any pressure ahead of AFCON 2019.

In a brief chat with brila.net’s Yinka Oyedele, the former Enugu Rangers Manager says the only pressure facing Nigerian football was the pressure of averting a probable football ban which would have almost killed Nigeria’s aspiration for the 2019 AFCON.

Chukwu opined that the team will be ready for any opponent from here since the Football ban has been avoided and there will be no pressure ahead of AFCON 2019 qualifiers against Seychelles.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

Featured NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Everton turns down Galatasaray’s £22.5m bid to sign Onyekuru permanently

by Brila August 23, 2018

written by Brila

Merseyside club side Everton FC has turned down a massive offer from the Turkey Super League giant Galatasaray, for Super Eagles forward, Henry Onyekuru.

Onyekuru is presently on loan with Galatasaray, but his impressive start to life in the league has warranted Galatasaray to approach the Toffees for a permanent deal for the pacy forward.

The Turkish giants offered £22.5m for Onyekuru but Everton has turned down the offer making it clear that they have a long-term plan for the player.

Onyekuru opened the goals account for Galatasaray over the weekend with a sublime finish in the 1-0 win over Goztepe.

The Former Eupen striker is expected to be among the Super Eagles players to be invited by Coach Gernot Rohr to camp for September’s AFCON 2019 qualifying fixture against Seychelles.

August 23, 2018 0 comments

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