Tag: Stephen Keshi

7Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘Your legacy lives on’ – Yobo pays heartfelt tribute to late Stephen Keshi

The Super Eagles’ assistant coach took to social media to put out a heartfelt tribute to commemorate the death of the Nigeria icon Nigeria football legend Joseph Yobo has posted an emotional tribute to Stephen Keshi, who passed away on June 7, 2016. Keshi - the only man after Mahmoud El-Gohary to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and coach - passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 54 on this day four years ago - six months after losing his wife Kate to cancer. Yobo developed an incredible bond with the ‘Big Boss’ during his time as Super Eagles coach, having captained his team to winning the 2013 Afcon staged in South Africa. Also, he played a key role in his side’s 2014 Fifa World Cup outing where the three-time African champions bowed out to France in t...

Read More

17May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Obasi, Uche, Taiwo didn’t deserve to be in Keshi’s Super Eagles— Sylvanus Okpala

Sylvanus ‘Quick Silver’ Okpala, has said no coach will allow players like Chinedu Obasi, Ike Uche and Taiye Taiwo in a team given their unprofessional conduct at the time late Stephen Keshi was coach of the Super Eagles. Okpala, who was part of Keshi’s technical team, spoke in defence of Keshi, who some ex-national team players have accused of asking for bribe. According to him, Keshi, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, had good reasons not to pick Chinedu Obasi, Ike Uche, Brown Ideye and Taiye Taiwo as part of the 2014 Brazil World Cup-bound team. Meanwhile, Chinedu Obasi had said Keshi and his coaching crew asked him for money before he can be part of the team, adding that it was why other players did not make it to Brazil. However, Sylvanus Okpala, who said the pla...

Read More

17Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Federation Cup: Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes to battle for title in Kaduna

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium will also be the arena for the Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons Women's Cup final The Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna has been selected as the venue for the 2019 Federation Cup final games. After staging the 2018 Cup final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has opted to take the 2019 finals to the Northern state. A letter from the NFF to the Kaduna State Association stated the final matches will be played on Wednesday, July 24 with the female Cup final between Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons fixed for 1 pm and the men’s final billed for 4 pm.

Read More

5Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Shehu Abdullahi arrive Super Eagles camp

With the arrival of the Al-Nassr, Arsenal and Bursaspor stars, the number of players in camp has risen to 23 Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Shehu Abdullahi have joined Nigeria’s Golden Tulip Hotel camp in Asaba. The trio arrived on Wednesday afternoon to bring the number of players in camp to 23. Only Shanghai Shenhua striker Odion Ighalo and Udinese defender William Troost-Ekong are still expected. #TotalAFCON2019 camp update.@Ahmedmusa718, @OfficialShehu Abdullahi and @alexiwobi have arrived in camp.#SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong. — ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 5, 2019 The Super Eagles will play Zimbabwe in a friendly game at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday as part of their preparation for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Read More

16May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Mikel sets a Nigerian AFCON record

Mikel Obi who has been given an invitation by Gernot Rohr enters record books as the first player to captain Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations without featuring in the qualifying series. The nearest player to that was Joseph Yobo who featured in just one qualifying game for the 2013 edition before being recalled for the final tournament in South Africa. Yobo’s only match was the away duel with Rwanda in Kigali before he fell out with Coach Stephen Keshi’s favour. Mikel on the other hand did not feature in any of the six qualifying games Nigeria played. According to a release by the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday, Coach Gernot Rohr listed him along with pacy winger Ahmed Musa and defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Abdullahi Shehu in a 25-man squad to prepare for the 32nd Af...

Read More

28Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Eagles’ 2019 AFCON squad 69 per cent ready, says Rohr

No room for new invitees, door still open for Iheanacho  Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr is on the final lap of preparations for the Egypt 2019 African Nations Cup and he wants everybody involved in the process to get serious. Among part of the process that has been concluded, according to Rohr, is identification of possible players for the competition. Speaking after Tuesday’s friendly match against Egypt at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Rohr said he has chosen 69 per cent of the players he will need to succeed at the Nations Cup, adding that the rest will come from a pool that has been working with him for the past three years. Expressing his delight with the performance of the new players in his squad, the Franco-German said things were gradually falling to shape, adding that...

Read More

28Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ikpeba leads legends to Delta Principals’ Cup final

Super Eagles’ former striker, Victor Ikpeba is among the retired international football expected at the final of this year’s Delta State Principals Cup, which holds at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on April 1. Obule Integrated School, Sapele and Boys Secondary School, Obiaruku are to compete for honours in the final, while Ekpan Secondary School and Comprehensive Secondary School will fight for bronze in the third place shortly before the final. Also expected in the final of the competition sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc. are former Super Eagles stars, including Henry Nwosu, Victor Agali, Samson Ozogula, Sam Sodje, Humphrey Jebba, Edema Fuludu, Ifeanyi Udeze, and Alfred Anijeku. The legends attended the first two editions of the competition. Speaking on the competition, Ikpeba...

Read More

25Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria vs Libya: Uzoho, Chukwueze included in U-23’s starting XI [Full list]

Nigeria national under-23 Head coach, Imama Amapakabo has released his line-up that will tackle Libya in today’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier second-leg fixture at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. The list was published through the official Twitter page of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Monday afternoon. Nigeria were defeated 2-0 in the first-leg last week in Tunisia. Below is the Nigeria’s starting XI against Libya: Starting XI: Uzoho, Duru, Awaziem, Etboy, Ozornwafor, Okechukwu, Nwakali, Orji, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Awoniyi. Substitutes: Dennis, Okereke, John, Adebowale,Oremade, Lazarus, Michael The kick-off time is 4pm.

Read More

22Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria 3-1 Seychelles: Super Eagles Finish 2019 AFCON Qualifiers On A High

Nigeria defeated Seychelles 3-1 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Friday to end their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on a high. Odion Ighalo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Rody Melanie - against all odds and all thanks to a Francis Uzoho howler - levelled for the Pirates to end the first half in a stalemate. Goals from Henry Onyekuru and substitute Moses Simon won the game for the Super Eagles, who were unconvincing at times in the dead rubber game. Meanwhile, Nigerians are not holding back their frustrations after goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s misjudged movement cost Nigeria an equaliser against Seychelles in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Odion Ighalo had put Gernot Rohr’s side ahead from the penalty spot in the 35th minute but the visitor...

Read More

21Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

AFCON Qualifier: Police beef Up Security for Super Eagles, Others in Delta

The Delta State Police Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke says adequate security has been put in place for the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles and players from other African countries, especially Seychelles and Egypt and others in the forthcoming AFCON qualifier and international friendly. The match billed to take place at the Stephen Keshi Township Stadium Asaba on the 22nd and 26th of March, 2019. CP Adeleke gave the assurance, in a statement signed by Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Orisewejie Chuks. “Adequate security has been put in place, for their safety and security before, during and after the event,” he said. The police commissioner added that “Operation order has been drawn-up and well trained security personnel deployed to a...

Read More

21Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Libya Puts Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles on the Edge with 2-0 Defeat

Nigeria’s quest to remain supremo at the Under-23 football level in Africa suffered a major set-back Wednesday as Libya inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the cup holders in the first leg of the qualifying match for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Before a fairly large crowd at the Stade de Ben Guerdane in Tunisia, the North African nation took the lead after just seven minutes into the match when striker Zakaria Alharaish scored from a close range. According to reports, things got worse for Nigeria after goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar was dismissed in the closing stages of the first half for handling the ball outside the goal area, Nigeria’s defence showed some nervy and uninspiring displays in closing down their superior opponents in that half. While Dennis Bonaventure mad...

Read More

11Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Moses yet to overturn decision on retirement, says Gernot Rohr

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has stated that former International, Victor Moses is yet to reverse his decision not to play for the country, as Nigeria is set to hoist her flag at the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for June in Egypt. Moses announced his retirement from the national team after the not too impressive performance of Nigeria at the Mundial in Russia, citing personal reasons.However, the Super Eagles qualified for continent’s biggest football fiesta with a game in hand fixed for March 22 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. The Chelsea player, who is on loan with Turkey’s Fenerbahce was, speculated to have been recalled for this month’s games against Seychelles and Egypt, which has not happened. Speaking to the official website of Confe...

Read More

6Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Pharaohs To Hit Nigeria on Chartered Aircraft

The delegation of Senior National Team of Egypt, Pharaohs, will arrive in Nigeria on Sunday, 24th March aboard a chartered aircraft, for the prestige international friendly with the Super Eagles. Officials of both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed that the team will fly into the Asaba Airport direct from Niamey, Niger Republic – where they are due to play that country’s senior team on the final day of qualifying campaign for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs, like the Super Eagles, have made sure of a place at the finals taking place 21st June – 19th July ahead of the final day of qualifiers, even before Egypt was handed the hosting right for the championship. Seychelles’ Pirates are the Eagles’ opponents for the final ...

Read More

31Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Rohr To Include Best U-20 Player In Eagles Squad For Seychelles, Egypt

Rohr in Flying Eagles Camp As the Flying Eagles’ delegation to the 21st Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations depart for Niamey, Niger Republic today, Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has challenged the players to give their very best and qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. The Franco-German gaffer has also pledged that he would be at the competition venue to pick the best Nigerian player and include him in the senior squad. “I watched the team’s training session and I see they are good. They are ambitious and I will be in Niger Republic to see some of the matches. “I have decided to pick one or two of them, the best ones, to give them a chance when we regroup for the matches against Seychelles and Egypt in March,” Rohr, who watched the Flying Eagles train on Tuesd...

Read More

20Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Moses Simon Yearns For Action Against Uganda In Asaba

STRIKER Moses Simon is eyeing a big role in today’s international friendly match against the Ugandan Cranes at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. Simon who is rediscovering his form at Levante of Spain after an injury forced him out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2018 World Cup said the game against the Cranes is more than a friendly, as they are aiming to boost their team’s confidence ahead of the AFCON 2019. “This is more than a friendly game. Our aim is to win and boost our confidence. “It is a thing of joy that we have qualified for 2019 AFCON in Cameroon,” the player, who did not play in last Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, said. Uganda who pipped Nigeria 1-0 in a friendly in 2015 suffered a six hour delay in Kampala before reaching Asaba. However, coach, Seba...

Read More

16Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ex-internationals to Storm Asaba for Eagles vs Uganda Friendly

Henry Nwosu Ikpeba, Yobo, Fuludu, others to feature in novelty match Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Some former Nigerian internationals are billed to feature in a curtain raising match to herald the Super Eagles friendly against the national team of Uganda on Tuesday at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. Some of the ex-internationals expected to be in action include, Victor Ikpeba, Bright Omokaro, Victor Agali, Edema Fuludu and Joseph Yobo. Other former national team players like Mutiu Adepoju, Yisa Shofoluwe, Ike Shorunmu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Kenneth Nwaomucha, Kingsley Obiekwu, Friday Ejedgba and Ezeji Victor are also in the line up with former Captain, Henry Nwosu, as Team Manager. They are expected to feature against former league players like Christian Eze Nduka, Tosan Bla...

Read More

14Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

AFCON QUALIFIERS: Okowa Watch Super Eagles Train in Asaba

Promises $25, 000 Per Goal AHEAD of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigerian Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana football club of South Africa, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has promised to give the Super Eagles $25, 000 for every goal scored. Governor Okowa gave the assurance on Tuesday while interacting with members of the Super Eagles after watching them train at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. According to the governor who watched the training with some members of the state executive council, “we are truly excited as a state to have you train at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, we are glad that you are in Asaba and from what we can see, this is a team for today and the future.” “The fact that you are leaving Asaba for South Africa; we are sure...

Read More

3Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Scoreboard, Floodlights To Come On In 24 hours

It has been disclosed that equipment for the flood lights and scoreboard of the Stephen Keshi Stadium will be installed in another 24 hours after failing to meet the opening day deadline. It was gathered that for the three weeks the ship bearing the cargo containing the equipment was stranded on  high seas. “The ship did not get clearance to berth and deliver the cargo. But as we speak the container is already in Asaba and ready for installation. “The Delta State government has spent a lot of money to ensure that the championships run without any hitch. The equipment spent three weeks at the sea as the ship was waiting clearance to berth. By Wednesday the technicians already received them and we are hoping that within 24 hours we will have the score board and flood lights,”hinted ...

Read More

14Mar By ZIHONo Comments

News

Delta Approves Completion Of Stadium In Asaba

The Delta State Government has approved the award of contract for the completion of the second phase of outstanding works in the Stephen Keshi Stadium (formerly known as Asaba Township Stadium) in Asaba. Making this disclosure, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that the approval was part of the decisions taken during the State Executive Council meeting held in Asaba on Tuesday. He said that the approval was to ensure the readiness of the stadium to host the 2018 Africa Senior Athletics Competition scheduled to hold in August this year. Mr. Ukah said that “the hosting right of the event given to the state by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) will not only harness the budding talents that abound in the state, but will further promote grassro...

Read More

24Jan By raymonNo Comments

Sport

Still Trending As Google Honors Stephen Keshi With Doodle

Google today celebrates Nigerian football icon Stephen Keshi, on the occasion of his 56th birthday. The technology firm honoured the former Super Eagles Captain on its doodle.   Doodle is a special logo on Google’s homepage that is temporarily alternated and intended to celebrate holidays, events, achievements and people.   Born in Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, Keshi was a member of the famed St. Finbarrs College Football Academy of 1977.   He was later called up and played for the Junior Eagles and the Super Eagles in preparation for the 1980 African Cup of Nations.   Google said football took Keshi all over the world, as he played across Africa, Europe, and the US. Known affectionately as “Big Boss”, he was beloved as a player for the national t...

Read More

24Dec By raymonNo Comments

Sport

World Cup: I’m Available If Gernot Rohr Calls Me – Gbolahan Salami

Gbolahan Salami, who plays for KUPS FC of Finland, says he’s available to partake in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Salami, who last featured for the Super Eagles when the late Stephen Keshi was coach, says he is hopeful of a recall to the team. “My doors are not close. I am a Nigerian who is ready to serve when called upon,” he said. “I was impressive for KUPS in the last Finland Veikkausliiga campaign. “The current coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr has done well. I have heard a lot of good things about him and will like to be part of his team for the World Cup.” Salami said the aim of the Super Eagles should be on advancing out of the tricky group. The Super Eagles are drawn in Group D alongside Croatia, Iceland, and Argentina. “The team should be focused on the task at hand. W...

Read More

5Jul By Czar Owolabi Marcus1 Comment

Lifestyle

Keshi’s Son Laments, Says ‘Nigerian Kids In The US Have It Easy Now, I Remember When We Used To Get Called African Booty Scratchers’

Stephen Keshi Jnr, son of late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, disclosed this via Instagram today.

Read More

30Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Edo FA Honour Shuaibu Amodu With Memorial Lecture

The Edo State Football Association will hold a memorial lecture in honour of the late Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu, today. In a release, Edo State FA Chairman Frank Ilaboya said the lecture would be held to honour Amodu and also remember the life and times of one of the country’s finest coaches. The lecture entitled ‘Life and Times of Shuaibu Amodu,’ will be delivered by veteran coach, Alabi Aisien. According to Ilaboya, the event scheduled for the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, will feature coaches, former and current players, as well as sports and football administrators. “Beyond the lecture, the occasion will serve as a reminder to both Edo State and the Federal Government on the need to find a way to immortalise Nigeria’s past heroes,” Ilaboy...

Read More

7Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles Players Observe One Minute Silence In Honour Of Late Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles players who are currently in Akwa Ibom state training for their upcoming Africa's Cup of Nation qualifying match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa observed a one minute silence in honour of their former coach, Late Stephen Keshi who died one year ago today.

Read More

7Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles Will Defeat Bafana In Honour Of Keshi – Rohr

Nigeria will beat South Africa and dedicate the victory to the memory of the late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, Nigeria’s Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has said. Keshi who led the Super Eagles to win the AFCON in South Africa in 2013 died in June 2016 had also won the AFCON as a player in 1994 “We will dedicate our expected win over South Africa in Uyo on Saturday to Keshi to mark the one year of his death. The boys will play this game with all their might to ensure we get a win in memory of the former coach of Super Eagles,” Rohr said. “Keshi was a committed person as a player, I played against him in the French league while he was with Strasbourg. He was a good leader and good coach. We will play for him.” On his young team, he expresses confidence in the ability of the b...

Read More

17May By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Amodu Shuaibu’s Son, Suleman, Dies At 12

Another tragedy has befallen the family of the late Nigerian coach, Amodu Shaibu as one of his children has reportedly died last Sunday. According to Segun Oguns, a former national assistant goalkeeper, said the boy, Suleman Shaibu, 12, was a JSS 2 Student of Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta. He reportedly came to Lagos last Thursday on holidays and the mother noticed that he was not looking too good. He was taken to a hospital in Surulere the next day before he passed on Sunday and buried the same day. Amodu, his father, a former national coach died last year June, barely three days after that of another former Nigerian skipper and coach, Stephen Keshi.  

Read More

23Jan By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Throwback Photo Of Stephen Keshi On His Posthumous Birthday Today

Today is the posthumous birthday of former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. His son, Stephen Jnr, just shared this throwback photo via IG and captioned it: 'Happy Birthday Pops  

Read More

29Jul By Czar Owolabi Marcus1 Comment

Uncategorized

Ex Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi Finally Laid to Rest

The remains of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has been finally laid to rest at his hometown Ilah in Delta state. At his grave side were his children, family members, well wishers and friends. May his soul rest in peace Amen.

Read More

9Jun By Czar Owolabi Marcus2 Comments

Sport

My Last Encounter With Stephen Keshi – Aderonke Ogunleye

“Hello Sir, I am Aderonke Ogunleye, a sports journalist from MTNfootball.com, I want you to react to your new appointment as the Eagles Coach,” I called his number in the USA. In return, he said: “Do you know the time? It is 1am in the morning and your call just woke me up. I hurriedly apologised and said I would call back. Keshi: No, I am up already……. (he went on and on but he reacted, I had a story, an exclusive which I excitedly sent to my boss, Samm Audu. We got the first reaction after he was announced as the Super Eagles gaffer.’ As a kid I watched him play. It was an honour for me to even speak to him, a legend. Surprisingly, few weeks later a number called me and said “Hello I am Stephen Keshi and you can come for the interview, good to hear your tiny voice agai...

Read More

8Jun By Czar Owolabi Marcus2 Comments

Sport

Celebrities Mourn Stephen Keshi

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Keshi died after a Cardiac arrest in the early hours of today Wednesday June 8th. Nigerian celebrities have been sharing tributes and mourning his death on Social Media.

Read More

8Jun By Czar Owolabi Marcus4 Comments

Sport

Former Super Eagles Captain & Coach, Stephen Keshi, is Dead

One of the most iconic captains of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, and former coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, is dead, TheCable newspaper has reported. According to the paper, the death of the former international was confirmed by his relatives and close associates. Mr. Keshi had lost his wife of 33 years, Kate, to cancer last year. “He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,” TheCable quoted one of his friends, whose name was not given, as saying. Mr Keshi, popularly called the Big Boss, is the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations. He also became the second person in history to win the competition as a player and as a coach after Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egyp...

Read More