Author: Adebanjo Ogunseye
Lobi Stars goalkeeper Femi Kayode got the perfect birthday gift on Tuesday following his side’s hard-fought draw in the CAF Champions League against Wydad Athletic Club in Rabat.
With the Flying Eagles already guaranteed a spot in the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup, Ex Nigeria defensive stalwart Yisa Sofoluwe says the team needs exposure if they must go on to end the world cup hoodoo. Nigeria has never won the World Cup despite reaching to finals. The country has failed to replicate their continental domination – most successful in the cadre – at the world level and Sofoluwe believes it’s because the players and team generally don’t get proper preparation. The former Eagles man told www.brila.net that the team can only improve their chances of winning the world…
Senegal and Ivory Coast are “miles ahead” of Nigeria in terms of producing top football stars because while they keep developing and improving the academy system, Nigeria lacks a proper system. This is according to ex Eagles Friday Elahor, who told www.brila.net that the failings also show in the type of leagues or clubs where the best of the three countries ply their trade. He argues that players from football academies in Senegal and Ivory Coast are more likely to play for top sides whereas home grown Nigerian players get overlooked.
Abdu Yahaya has confirmed his move from Pillars to Rivers Hoopers ahead of the FIBA Africa Basketball League Group A tip off next month. Since booking a spot in the ABL from the zonal qualifiers, Hoopers had made Yahaya a priority acquisition and inside sources had informed www.brila.net that negotiations had been ongoing for the Power Forward. Confirming the move Yahaya said the deal left all the parties involved satisfied. Meanwhile, he also suggested the deal was a short term commitment that would run for the duration of the ABL. Hoopers get their League campaign under way…
Super Eagles and Rivers United defender Emeka Atuloma says his pursuit of a career in football was inspired by Eagles 2013 AFCON winning Captain Joseph Yobo. Atuloma who has earned 5 international caps told www.brila.netthat watching Yobo on television, as a youngster in Port Harcourt made him aspire to reach the highest levels and represent Nigeria, a dream he has since achieved. Recently, the duo shared the pitch in a novelty match and the Rivers United defender said it was “a huge honor” to have played alongside an inspirational figure.
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Godwin Okpara says French youngster Kylian Mbappe will make the difference on Tuesday night in the UCL match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. PSG who’d be without several key players including Neymar and Edison Cavani, but, Okpara has told www.brila.net the Parisien club will still be favorites in England tonight. The former Nigeria international who made 19 appearances for PSG joined the club from Strasbourg. He also praised United’s run of form under caretaker Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but doesn’t see them adding another one to the stack up teams defeated already…
Sunshine Stars move second in Group B following Monday’s 2-0 win over a stubborn Katsina United in the NPFL and goalscorer Dayo Ojo says he’s inspired to get more. Speaking with www.brila.net after he notched his first goal of the season, the midfielder expressed delight and hopes to find the back of the net more often this season. The Akure based club have two games in hand, but have picked up 11 points from 6 league games already this season.
The search for a perfect left-full back in the Super Eagles might take a while longer because there aren’t many naturally gifted players available according to EX Eagles Ben Iroha. Iroha, who earned 50 caps in his 8 year international career, was one of the best left-backs the country ever produced and he has described the full-back position as “unique”. In a chat with www.brila.net the former Elche and Watford player said the requirements for full backs have multiplied and that they aren’t just expected to defend anymore. He opined that the inability of Nigerian players to adapt to this…
Team Manager of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation national teams, Dele Coker is confident the country could produce some of the best female players the Sport has seen.
Nigerian Women’s Rugby is 80 percent ready to fly and start competing internationally again according to former player and now the Women’s Rep. on the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Grace Kurah.
