Semi Ajayi excited after scoring For Flying Eagles

Charlton Athletic's Semi Ajayi has expressed delight after scoring one of the goals in the Flying Eagles routine 3 - 0 victory over part - timers Feldmoching in the team's second build up game played on Monday afternoon near Munich.

Seven minutes from full-time, Semi Ajayi, a second half substitute, scored a headed goal off a corner kick fromChristian Pyagbara.

''I am over the moon to get my first goal in Nigerian colours and hope it is the first of many more to come. I just need to keep working hard.

''Feldmoching offered a good test for us, but we played well and kept good possession of the ball eventually wearing them down towards the end.

''And the game became a bit more open because of this and we took advantage,'' Semi Ajayi toldallnigeriasoccer.com.

The 19 - year - old, who has spent most of his life in the United Kingdom, has praised his teammates for welcoming him into the fold.

Adding to his previous statement, Semi Ajayi said:

''The team have all been positive with me and made it easy to settle in. They are all good lads and the team chemistry is good here. ''

Semi Ajayi is described as a defender who is composed on the ball, boast a good range of passing, tall and good in the air.

Photo Credit: Private

allnigeriasoccer.com

Dinamo Zagreb Negotiating With Mainz Over Anthony Ujah

Cologne attacker Anthony Ujah has revealed exclusively to allnigeriasoccer.com that he is wanted by Croatians Dinamo Zagreb in the summer transfer market.

The 22 - year - old ex Lillestrom talisman has been a big hit for The Billy Goats since he joined the club on loan from top flight Mainz last August.

After Anthony Ujah regained his scoring touch with Cologne, clubs have intensified their push for the ex Nigeria youth - teamer.

So far, the only official approach has come from Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb, who are willing to meet his asking price.

''I am aware of the interest from Dinamo Zagreb.  I am delighted that my name has been linked with clubs.This shows my decision to come on loan was not wrong.

''However,  no decision has been taken on my future yet, so hopefully I will know better in the coming weeks,'' Ujah said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Now that it has been established that Cologne won't be promoted to the Bundesliga at the end of this campaign, Ujah's priority is to play for a team where he is guaranteed match time.

In the first place, he left Mainz frustrated last summer because of his lack of playing opportunities.

Adding to his previous statement, Anthony Ujah said:

''I have a contract with Mainz 05 until 2015 and until nothing changes that remains the fact.

''I want to play regular football as this is the reason I left Mainz so whatever happens it has to be for my best.

''At the moment, joining up with the national team is my priority so I can concentrate although I want my future to be clarified as soon as possible as well.''

Initial valuation of Anthony Ujah is in the region of 1.75 million euros.


allnigeriasoccer.com

Hull City Bid Farewell To Olofinjana

Through a statement on the official website, newly promoted Premiership side Hull City say that they won't be extending the contract of Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana.

The midfielder is one of 12 players released by the Tigers. Olofinjana's contract expires at the end of the 2012 - 2013 season.

Hull City signed Olofinjana from Stoke City four seasons ago for a fee believed to be in the region of three million pounds.

Injury curtailed the progress of Olofinjana at Hull City and the 31 - year - old had to be shipped out on loan first to Cardiff City then Sheffield Wednesday.

Seyi Olofinjana reportedly earned £1.5 million every year at Hull City.

Photo Credit: goal.com

allnigeriasoccer.com

Pius Ikedia Training With IJsselmeervogels

Former Nigeria international Pius Ikedia could have a second spell in Holland as he is currently undergoing trials with third - tier IJsselmeervogels.

The 32 - year - old winger participated in an exhibition game against a combined team of De Meern on Saturday afternoon. The match ended in a scoreless draw.

Ikedia, who played for the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup, previously represented Dutch clubs Ajax Amsterdam, AZ,  Groningen,  RBC Roosendaal and RKC Waalwijk.

In addition to his stint in Holland, the globetrotter in football terms also defended the colors of teams in Ukraine, Cyprus and Azerbaijan.

IJsselmeervogels have won the Hoofdklasse or equivalent of fourth - tier on 31 different occasions. They are widely regarded as Holland's most successful amateur side.

Photo Credit: ajax.nl

Allnigeriasoccer.com

Council Boss Pleads With 3SC Fans Over Attack On Coaches

Following the uproar that trailed the home loss of Ibadan darling 3SC to Heartland in their week 12 fixtures of Nigerian Premier League match by the teeming followers of the club, a strong backer of the club and the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South/West Local Government, Hon. Taoheed Adeleke has pleaded with the furious fans to pardon the 3SC’s technical crew who are still subject of abuses from the fans.

The Council boss who also witnessed the humiliation suffered by the Oluyole Warriors at the hand the Naze Millionaire at Lekan Salami Sports Complex where Shooting Stars lost 0-2 appealed to the fans to absolve the two head coaches of the team, Tunde Odubola and Akeem Busari that were subject of attack from the irate fans after the match over their perceived mistakes.

Despite that the two coaches were assaulted after the Wednesday match, most fans that came around to watch the team train at the Adamasingba Stadium have not stopped raining abuses on the coaches which Adeleke considered as a bad omen that, if not quickly addressed can put a clog in the wheel of progress of the club this season.

''My appeal to how fans is the pardon our coaches so that they can concentrate at the job at hand and give us something to cheer again.

''All hope is not yet lost, we can still catch up and end with good result at the end of the league.

''These are people that had given us good results before the Heartland game.

''It would be a bad idea to throw away baby with the birth water,'' Adeleke said.

The council boss who had been purchasing and giving out 1,000 match tickets free to fans at every 3SC’s home match this season however, urged the aggrieved followers of the team to not to be dissuaded by the home loss but come out in large numbers to give their support to the team when it faces Nasarawa United on Wednesday.

3SC who has been maintaining a clean home record prior to Heartland’s visit is now placed 13th on the log and would need nothing but an outright in the Nasarawa match in order to pacify the fans and restore back their confidence.

Akanbi Agiri

Steaua Bucharest Told To Increase Offer For Ebagua

To land the signature of Italian - Nigerian striker Osariemen Ebagua, Romania powerhouse Steaua Bucharest must did deep into their pockets.

The 26 - year - old's contract with Serie B club Varese expires at the end of next season, and will be available for a bargain 400,000 euros.

According to reporting by prosport.ro, Gigi Becali's side are interested in a six - month loan deal but are willing to offer a meager 50,000 euros.

Ebagua's agent, Aurel Damian says the sum proposed by the Romanians is too small to convince Varese to allow their prized jewel leave the club in the summer transfer market.

''The amounts that have emerged are far from the truth. Varese is aware that it has a very good player, you can not give a price so low.

''Any team in Romania that wants him, you will have to dig deep into your pocket to sign him,'' Damian was quoted as saying by prosport.ro.

In the just concluded season, Osariemen Ebagua netted 17 goals in 35 matches.

Photo Credit: forzaitalianfootball.com

Courtesy: allnigeriasoccer.com

Sani Gideon delighted Akhisar Belediyespor survived relegation

Nigerian striker Sani Gideon's team Akhisar Belediyespor escaped being relegated on the last day in the Turkish Super League after they defeated Orduspor away by 2-0 and finished 14th on the log with 42 points, two places above the drop zone.

Sani Gideon a former Magate FC academy player was happy with his team's performance in the just concluded season and  his experience in the top flight.

Speaking with allnigeriasoccer.com, he said "I feel good and happy that we finally escaped relegation,  we will continue from where we stopped this season come next season.

"I had some experience in the  Super league  and learning so many things from some players in the league, the likes of Lua Lua, Drogba, Zokora and Kalu Uche.''

Going further, Gideon talked about how injury kept him on the sidelines for most part of second stanza.

"I feel bad but there's nothing I can do about it,because its part of the game and it happens that I was not favored this season by going down with injury.

''Every player will want to play the full season without any problem."

Sani Gideon is being monitored by newly promoted Balikesirspor, Adana Demirspor and Denizlispor.

Owolabi Aleshinloye 

Jamiu Alimi Will Not Extend Olympiakos Stay

20 - year - old center back Jamiu Alimi has announced that he will not extend his stay with Olympiakos Nicosia.

Due to his lack of first team opportunities at Ukrainians  Tavriya Simferopol, the Nigeria youth - teamer spent this past season on loan at the Cypriot club.

''I am very sure I am not remaining with Olympiakos Nicosia. My manager will decide my next destination. I still have two more years before my contract expires with Tavriya.

''I think I will be joining another club in Ukraine. After my break, everything will become clear,'' Alimi said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Jamiu Alimi recorded 6 appearances for Olympiakos Nicosia in the just concluded season.


Courtesy: Allnigeriasoccer.com

Keshi releases "The List" to face Mexico

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Stephen Keshi has announced its 25-man roster for the upcoming international match against the Mexican National Team on Friday, May 31 (8:00 p.m. CT) at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Nigeria, the current Africa Cup of Nations champion, is preparing for two 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches in June before traveling to Brazil to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The Super Eagles will count on its English Premier League stars to lead the way, including Chelsea midfielders John Obi Mikel, and Victor Moses, one of the top wingers in European soccer.

In addition, Nigeria have called in two players based in the German Bundesliga, two from Serie A in Italy, two from the Scottish Premier League and two from the Portuguese Liga. Mexico is expected to release its roster in the coming days.

Tickets for the highly anticipated match in Houston, presented by Allstate, are available via www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 and at all Houston-area Ticketmaster locations, including all Houston-area Fiesta stores. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invites fans to use their Visa cards.

Mexico and Nigeria have met three times with a 1-0-2 record in favor of Mexico. The two teams last met in October of 2007 in an international friendly, with the match ending in a 2-2 tie at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

Media planning to cover the upcoming Mexican National Team match against Nigeria can apply for media credentials online. The deadline to submit a credential application is Tuesday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. CT. No credential applications will be accepted after the deadline. NIGERIA ROSTER:

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves/NGA), Austin Ejide (Hapoel/ISR), Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv/ISR) Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves/NGA), 

Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Elderson Echiéjilé (Sporting de Braga/POR), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag/NED), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars/NGA), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars/NGA), Francis Benjamin (Heartland F.C./NGA), Odunlami Kunle (Sunshine Stars FC/NGA)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), John Ogu (Academia de Coimbra/POR), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland/NGA), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers/NGA), Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas Kryvyi/UKR), Reuben Gabriel (Kilmarnock/SCO)

Forwards: Joseph Akpala (SV Werder Bremen/GER), Brown Ideye (FC Dynamo Kyiv/UKR), Anthony Ujah (FC Koln/GER), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese/ITA), Kalu Uche (Kasamspor Kulübü /TUR), Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars F.C./NGA) Head Coach: Stephen Keshi

Reported by : 9jaFootball

Maigari awarded Nigeria Sports Personality of the Year

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari will be the cynosure of all eyes on Friday when he is honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year 2012 at the African Development Magazine Awards in Accra, Ghana.

The 2nd Annual ADM Awards of Excellence in Development will take place at the Novotel City Centre, Accra on Friday evening, starting from 6.30pm.

According to the top-flight magazine’s Chief Executive, Ayo Ilesanmi, President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Dr. John Dramani Mahama will be Special Guest of Honour while the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Godswill Akpabio, will be the Special Guest.

Maigari, who was honoured in Lagos on Saturday with the year’s Achievement Award at the annual Awards Ceremony of the Lagos Junior League, has been severally honoured this year for the remarkable turn-around in fortunes and wave-after-wave of success of Nigeria football in the past 16 months.

No Nigeria National Team has failed to qualify for a major tournament in the past 16 months, with the Super Eagles lifting the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years, at the 29th edition in South Africa earlier in the year.

The U-20 and U-17 National Teams also impressed at their continental championships in March and April respectively, in the process qualifying for their respective FIFA World Cup championships. Victory in South Africa has also earned the Super Eagles the ticket to represent Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil next month.

The keynote address for the day will be delivered by Professor Robert Woode while Professor Leonard Karshima Shilgba will give the day’s lecture.

Last year, the U-20 and U-17 Women National Teams impressed at their different FIFA tournaments in Japan and Azerbaijan respectively, while the Super Eagles, Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets all qualified for African tournaments.

After finishing third at the 12th African championship in Algeria, the Flying Eagles qualified as one of Africa’s representatives at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013, which will take place between 21st June – 13th July. On their part, the Golden Eaglets finished second at the 10th CAF U-17 Championship in Morocco, losing on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire, and also qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013, between 17th October – 8th November.

Remo Stars talks tough ahead Federations Cup

Remo Stars defender, Abiodun Awoyemi has described playing in the

Nationals of the Federations cup as a good feeling and hopes the team

achieves the very best in the competition.

Remo Stars will travel to Ede in Osun State on Wednesday to take on

Ondo State finalist Tiwa Warriors in the Nationals of the Federation

Cup.

The right full back just recovered from an illness and will be in line

to face Tiwa Warriors who lost the finals to Sunshine Stars by 4-2,

has indicated that the Nationals is the difficult and surprising stage

of the competition.

Speaking to www.remostars fc.com “Securing qualification to the

Nationals was an amazing experience because we were knocked out in the

first round last season but this time around we proved that we had

learned our lessons.

“We are not going to relent; we want to go as far as possible in this

competition because its gives us believe as we progress and when you

come up against the big teams in the country it’s a challenge and a

way to make names for yourselves when you create an upset by defeating

the big teams.

“Tiwa Warriors is a team we have to give respect to because in the

finals against Sunshine they were on the verge of winning the title

only for Sunshine to show experience at the end. We will try as much

as possible to impose our game on them and we will leave no stones

unturned as we hope to progress further in the competition.”