Kalu gets NFF members support to vie for FIFA presidenc

<img alt="Orji-pix-2-7-2-15" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4825" height="240" src="http://newngrguardiannewscom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Orji-pix-2-7-2-15.jpg" width="320" /><br /> <br /> Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu’s dream of becoming the next FIFA president at the weekend received the support of the board members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). But the board wants him to make a formal request for endorsement from the federation.<br /> <br /> Speaking on the merits of having a Nigerian in charge of the world football governing body, a member of the NFF Technical Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Fresh, said Dr. Kalu’s achievement with Enyimba International of Aba while he held sway as the Abia State governor showed that given higher responsibility he would not be found wanting.<br /> <br /> “I am enthusiastic and happy that Nigerians are starting to show interest in the top football position in the world. Dr. Orji Kalu has the right to contest for the FIFA job but he must get the endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).<br /> <br /> “He cannot aspire to contest without the backing of the NFF and if he seeks our support, we shall surely give him.<br /> <br /> “He has countless of achievements to show from his performance as two-time Governor of Abia State. He made Enyimba what they are today because it was through his effort that Nigeria broke the CAF Champions League jinx. He won the competition twice as well as the CAF Super Cup.”<br /> <br /> Also speaking on Kalu’s ambition, Alhaji Ahmed Mu’azu Kawu, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL), said it is not abnormal, although but advised him to go through the proper channel to actualize the dream.<br /> “I like the doggedness of Dr. Orji Kalu in aspiring to be the FIFA president. Of course, he’s qualified and has the record to back it up. But he has to go through the proper channel, that is seeking the clearance of the Nigeria Football Federation,” he said.

Kalu gets NFF members support to vie for FIFA presidenc

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu’s dream of becoming the next FIFA president at the weekend received the support of the board ...

Continue Reading»

Kelechi Ihenacho: To be loaned out or not, Man City growing dilemma

<strong><em>Kelechi Iheanacho is an amazing young talent. Normally the course would be to loan out the 18 year-old. But does Raheem Sterling’s rapid development with Liverpool give a better test case? </em></strong><br /> <strong><em> </em> </strong><br />  Kelechi Iheanacho is without question the most exciting young player to come through Manchester City’s youth ranks in recent years. The 18 year-old phenom caught the eye last preseason and this year has kicked on. Historically, players like Iheanacho are sent out on loan for long periods of time. However, last season youngster José Ángel Pozo was kept around the first team all season and he was able to make three Premier League appearances. Chances are this year, Pozo will be sent out loan along with the likes of Marcos Lopes and other.<br /> <br /> But Iheanacho is a unique case. His pace and refined runs already resemble that of a first team Premier League player. Quite honestly, his game is reminiscent of where new Blues recruit Raheem Sterling was just four seasons ago when as a youngster he broke into the Liverpool squad without the traditional method of being loaned to a smaller club.<br /> <br /> With Manchester City lacking pace, and a certain degree of cutting edge particularly on the counter attack, a pacey player like Iheanacho could be useful as a late substitute. But then again, not loaning him out in his formative years could retard his development.<br /> How to handle Iheanacho’s development is among the more critical questions that will face Manchester City’s top brass and coaches in the next week. SB Nation

Kelechi Ihenacho: To be loaned out or not, Man City growing dilemma

Kelechi Iheanacho is an amazing young talent. Normally the course would be to loan out the 18 year-old. But does Raheem Sterling’s rapid d...

Continue Reading»

Awoniyi brace sets up Nigeria vs Germany showdown

<img alt="Taiwo Awoniyi" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-241792" height="179" src="http://cdn.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Taiwo-Awo.jpg" width="320" /><br /> <br /> Nigeria have set up a mouth-watering last-16 meeting with Germany after beating Hungary 2-0 to leapfrog the Magyars into second place in Group E.<br /> <br /> The Hungarians still qualify, though, as one of the best third-placed teams and will now kick off the knockout phase against Group D winners Serbia in Dunedin. Nonetheless, they were well beaten at New Plymouth’s Taranaki Stadium, with Taiwo Awoniyi’s brace no more than the African champions deserved for their overall dominance.<br /> <br /> Manu Garba’s charges were the better side throughout, nullifying four-goal forward Bence Mervo and providing a constant threat at the other end. They would have taken the lead as early as the 16th minute but for an incredible save from Gyorgy Szekely, who stuck out a strong right hand to beat away Awoniyi’s powerful close range header.<br /> <br /> The Hungary keeper was merely delaying the inevitable though and was helpless to prevent the deadlock being broken 17 minutes later. Awoniyi was the scorer, ghosting away from his marker to volley in at the near post from Saviour Godwin’s teasing low cross.<br /> <br /> The Europeans rarely threatened a comeback but did produce one effort of note a few minutes into the second half. Mario Nemeth was just a couple of inches away from a wonder goal, in fact, having taken aim from 30 yards and rattled the crossbar with Joshua Enaholo beaten.<br /> <br /> However, the points – and second place – were secured in the 54th minutes when Awoniyi doubled his and tally. It was a goal that neither Attila Osvath or Akos Kecskes will want to watch again, with the Hungary duo having both gone up for the same header at the halfway line, collided and missed the ball entirely.<br /> <br /> Awoniyi could hardly believe his luck and, though he still had some work to do, he did it in style, dribbling past a covering defender before rounding Szekely and tucking the ball into the unguarded net.<br />

Awoniyi brace sets up Nigeria vs Germany showdown

Nigeria have set up a mouth-watering last-16 meeting with Germany after beating Hungary 2-0 to leapfrog the Magyars into second place in ...

Continue Reading»