THROW BACK TO NIGERIA’S LAST TRIP TO LESOTHO

Christian Obodo in Maseru after supplying the cross for Yakubu Aiyegbeni's game winner against Lesotho

Nigeria arrived in Maseru on Saturday ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho on Sunday.

It has been 13 years since the Super Eagles were last in the southern African country. Not a single Super Eagles player from that era remains in the squad today.

Recently-retired former captain John Mikel Obi, who missed that game (a story for another day), would have been the only player from that time still in the squad if he was still around.

I was one of just two Nigerian journalists in Maseru for that game, which unfortunately, was n to broadcast live. So it was my match report for KickOffNigeria that most people had to rely on for proceedings.

Here is my throwback travelogue and report from that trip and game from 2006. 

This report was originally written for the CyberEagles forum

ARRIVAL

I left Nigeria on Thursday night and arrived Johannesburg about 6am Friday morning. Before leaving Lagos, I was told that the boys would be going by road to Lesotho (pronounced Lesutu). 

On arrival, I rang Idah Peterside and he told me the plans had changed. A first batch of players had left at 6am that morning and a second batch was due to leave by 9:30am. 

As it was already close to 8am, I crossed over from Arrivals to Departures and was lucky enough to catch the second batch. Leading them was Tunde Adelakun, accompanied by Team Co-ordinator Jossy Dombraye (I will return to him later) and Chidi Ngoka, an NFA staff. 

Luckily, I discovered there was a seat available and I quickly bought a ticket. Players on the trip were Emmanuel Okoduwa, Bob Osim, Uche Udeorah and Oguche (no relation to Lobi team mate Andy). 

FLIGHT OF FEAR

Nothing prepared us for the shock we got at the tarmac. We were to fly in a Jetstream 41 aircraft 

It’s the smallest thing I have ever flown in and like I reported here, not an experience I want to repeat. Dombraye was providing entertainment of sorts for the players by clinging to the seat in front of him for dear life. By the time we touched down, there was a general agreement that we take photos in front of the plane, which we did. 

CAMP SPIRIT 

Most of the players were still in bed when we arrived and I only got to see them at lunch. But there was quite obviously a relaxed atmosphere in the camp. 

BTW, I had planned to join the team bus for training. After lunch, I decided to go upstairs to my room as we still had about an hour to go before training. The bus was due to leave by 2:45pm. 

While watching TV, I didn’t know when I dropped off, and by the time I opened my eyes to take a leak, it was 4pm! I had to find my way to the place. . .and it cost me. 

It would take someone who has been in the Eagles camp before, during- and post-Oliseh to understand what I mean here. 

Yobo walked up to the two new boys,, Udeorah and Ogbuke, shook their hands and welcomed them to the family. Kanu did the same, and even took Udeorah under his wing. 

Players were walking into each other’s rooms, staying up late, talking, gisting, laughing and sharing jokes. The camaraderie was unbelievable. For instance, after the game I was in Oruma and Yakubu’s room where Kanu, Oruma, Yakubu, Obodo, Enakarhire, Ogbuke and Udeorah spent hours watching Nigerian home videos and reliving past experiences until 3am in the morning. 

We were joined by others who came and went, like Nwaneri, Okonkwo, Enyeama, Yobo, etc. It was a mini-party of sorts with an i-Pod terminal hitting music like mad, and everyone singing and dancing. Even Samson Siasia joined the party, although he took some time to speak to Obinna about his game and how he should clean up his act. 

MIKEL SITUATION

The one sour angle to all this was the Mikel situation. All the players are very upset with Mikel for not turning up. Almost everyone compared him to Kanu, saying he hadn’t achieved as much as Papilo and yet he was doing big man. 

The general feeling is that Mikel is feeling like a ‘Big Boy’ because he plays for Chelsea, and I suspect he wont get hugs and kisses the next time he shows up in camp. 

I will post the story of the saga later. 

PITCH AND MATCH BALLS

The players got a chance to train on the pitch on Saturday afternoon. 

Let me just talk a bit about the weather. When I got there on Friday, I discovered the game was for 3pm Lesotho time. 

Come 3pm, the whole place was hot as hell and I asked the FA official is they would not have to change the time to maybe 4pm? He said it would be fine by Sunday. 

On Saturday, by 3pm, the place was biting cold. I couldn’t believe it. 

When the boys trained on the pitch, they were aghast. It was rough, bumpy and undulating even though it looked good from a distance. 

After dinner, the discussion was the best way to approach the pitch and the directive from Eguavoen was that they should not stretch themselves too much. Just do enough to make sure the Likuena did not have time on the ball and pressure them high on their side of the field. 

As for the ball, it was horrible. Just a touch (even for a non footballer like me) was enough to know that those match balls would not cut it. Unfortunately, the boys had to live with it. 

By 1pm on Sunday, it was raining cats and dogs. Up until we got to the stadium, it was still pouring. In a way, this helped our boys as it softened the pitch, but it also meant the balls were flying and as they had been instructed to take it easy, it meant chasing lost causes was out of the question. 

Martins tried on one occasion and learnt his lesson. 

MINUTE BY MINUTE REPORT

FIRST HALF 

1’ Kickoff by the hosts. Nigeria in green, playing from right to left. 

4’ Martins chases down what looks like a lost ball, out paces his marker to win the ball. But there is nobody to meet his cutback inside the box. Lesotho clear. 

5’ Oruma hits a shot that is deflected for a corner kick. 

7’ Taye Taiwo misses a right foot clearance in front of the 18-yard box. Sello Muso latches on to it, but Taiwo recovers to block the shot. 

8’ Yakubu is put through by Martins, but he is crowded out by two defenders inside the box. 

10’ A poor defensive header almost lets Martins in, but he wins a corner kick from which Ogbuke’s shot is headed agonisingly over the top by Martins 

14’ Yobo concedes freekick just past the halfway line. Bokang Mothoana hits a ferocious drive which is scrambled to safety by Enyeama as it headed for the bottom right hand corner. Lesotho win their first corner kick after Nigeria’s three. 

19’ BOOKING: Yakubu gets the ball inside the net, but the whistle had already gone for offside and the Middlesbrough striker is booked. 

20’ Mothoana hits another long range drive that Enyeama fists away, as it heads for the top right hand corner. 

23’ Yakubu’s threaded ball splits the defence and Martins is through on goal, but goalkeeper Phasumane Kholuoe is quick off his line and makes a fine save 

25’ Seyi Olofinjana, who has been having a great game, dispossesses one man and finds Martins who forces another good save from the keeper. 

28’ Olofinjana wins the ball—again—inside his half and makes a great run past defenders with ease. But he fails to make the pass and loses the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box. The subsequent counter attack almost proves fatal. Eguavoen is livid! 

34’ Obodo heads at keeper from Abbey cross 

35’ Ogbuke misses from close range from Taiwo’s freekick. 

40’ Obagoal again just heads over as the half peters away. 

SECOND HALF 

46’ Oruma wins freekick on the right hand channel. Taiwo curls it inside the box and is headed in by Yakubu, but the goal is ruled out for a foul on the keeper. 

50’ GOAL! Obodo picks up the ball in the left hand channel, gets in a bit of a mess as Taiwo tries to shoot. But Obodo gets the ball, floats it into the area and Yakubu is on hand to make an easy tap in. 

53’ Yobo almost makes it two from another Taiwo freekick, but heads narrowly wide. 

57’ BOOKING: Bushy Moletsane booked for a challenge on Oruma. 

58’ BOOKING: Abbey promptly joins him after a crunchy challenge from behind on Bokang, who has been Lesotho’s most dangerous player along with Muso. The Nigerian is lucky to escape with only a yellow. 

62’ SUBSTITUTION: Bokang off for Katleho Moleko and Bushy off for Ralekoti Mokhahlane. 

73’ Nwaneri easily disposseses Refiloe Potse—for the umpteenth time, and frustrated fans call for the striker to be substituted. 

74’ Martins breaks through again, but the goalkeeper makes yet another great save. 

75’ SUBSTITUTION: Okoduwa on for Ogbuke 

78’ Oruma’s freekick causes all manner of panic in the Lesotho box. Yakubu’s ball looks to be dribbling in but is cleared off the line! 

80’ Potse makes way for Tefo Maipato to derisive applause from the crowd. 

82’ Fans bay for penalty as ball hits Yobo on the arm. Ref rules it was shoulder 

83’ SUBSTITUTION: Yakubu off for Kanu. 

86’ BOOKING: Langana Nkhethoa booked for poor challenge on Oruma 

88’ SUBSTITUTION: Oruma off for Okonkwo. 

89’ A clearly unfit Kanu gives the ball away for the third time. Muso gets a good shot in but Enyeama has it covered. Five minutes of added time to be played. 

95’ FULL TIME: Crowd unhappy at referee ending the game ‘early’. 

PLAYER RATINGS 

Enyeama 6 

Apart from two long range efforts, one from a freekick, he could have taken a holiday in the Carribeans. 

Abbey 5 

Took out one half of Lesotho’s dangerous duo with what should have been a sending off tackle from behind. Did his primary job of keeping his corner tight. 

Taiwo 6 

Bounded up and down the left flank and gave the Likuena plenty to think about whenever they conceded freekicks. 

Yobo 7 

Commanding in the air, solid in the tackle and quick to close down opponents. Gave nothing away except for that near-miss with hand ball. 

Nwaneri 6 

Started shakily, but grew in confidence and mauled Potse so much that fans called for the striker to be taken off and the player himself must have been relieved to see his name on the board. 

Olofinjana 7 

By far his best game for the Super Eagles so far in recent times. This, despite being outnumbered in the centre of the park. All he needed was a goal, and he almost got one. 

Oruma 7 

Ran the show in the middle, and kept possession well despite getting crowded out by a packed midfield. Involved in most of our attacking moves. 

Obodo 7 

As usual, kept cutting into the middle to help out. Fabulous, quick thinking assist for the goal. 

Ogbuke 5 

Always willing to take on defenders and track back to win the ball back. Unfortunately, he lost the ball too often in trying to take on players. When his moves begin to come off, defenders will be in trouble. 

Martins 7 

Worked hard, worked the channels and had about three half chances that he should have put away. 

Yakubu 8 

Undoubtedly the man of the match. Roughed up the Lesotho defenders, always available to give or receive a through ball and was willing to do his share of defensive duty. 

Okoduwa 5 

Showed committent on his debut and almost forced the keeper into a bad error with his never say die spirit almost immediately after coming in. 

Okonkwo 5 

His first international and he came out selling of roses. Kept it simple with the one-touch passing. All he needs now is a European club. 

Kanu 3 

A poor game by his standards through no fault of his and even Papilo himself knows it. Gave the ball away each time he got it. 

THE NIGERIA SQUAD TO LESOTHO

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba, Nigeria) 

Defenders: Joseph Yobo, (Everton, England), Taiye Taiwo, (Olympique Marseille, France), George Abbey (Macclesfield Town, England), Joseph Enakhaire (Bordeaux, France), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia), Bob Usim (Heartland, Nigeria), Ude Uche (Nasarawa United, Nigeria) 

Midfielders: Wilson Oruma, (Olympique Marseille), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Kazeem Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Okardi Blessing (Ocean Boys, Nigeria), Oguchi Uche (Lobi Stars, Nigeria) 

Forwards: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesborough, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille, France), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle, England), John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France), Ayodele Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Chinedu Ogbuke (Lyn Oslo, Norway).

ETEBO EXCELS, IGHALO LEADS AS NIGERIA DESPATCH CAMEROON

Oghenekaro Etebo was again in excellent form as the Super Eagles rallied from surrendering an early lead to pull an epic comeback win over Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Saturday in Alexandria.

Odiomn Ighalo’s brace puts him on the board for high marks, but who else stood up to be counted on a night when heart was needed and heart was exactly what was on show?

AKPEYI 6

It is hard to put the blame at his doorstep for any of the two goals, especially the first. But we have been spoiled so rotten by the brilliance of Vincent Enyeama’s shot-stopping skills, that we expect our goalkeepers to triumph over strikers in one v ones. That said, he came up big when it mattered at the point when Cameroon were doing their best to batter down the door

AWAZIEM 7

His early going throw caused problems for Cameroon but he had a time of it trying to keep up with the ferocious pace of the duo of Christian Bassogog and Clinton N’Jie, who swapped positions at will and almost always seemed to be able to fly past him. Beaten by Bassogog to cross for Cameroon’s first goal. But he stuck to his task and by the latter stages of the game, he had found their number and his cross led to Ighalo’s second goal

AINA 6

After the highs of three great games, I guess he was due one not so great game. Struggled with his timing against the same duo for much of the first half and was outstripped an d swatted off the ball by N’Jie for the second goal. He had got them sussed out by the second half.

TROOST-EKONG 7

One of those days for him. Defended well overall, but his hurried clearances away - especially in the second half - always seemed to end up with the opposition, inviting further pressure. Won all his aerial battles and led from the back as the Super Eagles defended set pieces with relative ease

OMERUO 8

Immense performance from the centreback, again showing why his absence was such a miss against Madagascar. Had a few anxious moments, but overall, there are few adjectives to describe how immense his performance was. It simply had everything

NDIDI 8

A disciplined energetic performance from the Leicester man. His ability to read the play, be at the right place at the right time to close down passing lane and hunt down Eric Choupo-Moting helped the Eagles control the game for long periods

ETEBO 9

It is a high bar indeed to a perfect 10, but all Etebo needed here was to get a goal and he would have had it. A dynamo in midfield, his boundless energy, fearless tackling and ability to interrupt play is what kept the Super Eagles on the front foot.

Sign Up for BestBet360 and enjoy great ODDS and FAST payouts

IWOBI 8

Started by launching a long ball to Awaziem straight from kickoff that caused all manner of chaos in the Cameroon area and forced a cornerkick. Then he went almost invisible before bursting to life in the second part o the game and finishing off with the winning goal.

SIMON 7

Took on players, caused problems with his pace and running and dropped back to help Awaziem with defending. Delivered the ball to Ighalo for the first goal.

MUSA 8

Endless running and hard work from the stand in captain. Involved in all three Nigeria goals. Won the free kick for the first goal, cushioned the ball with his chest to Ighalo for the second and intercepted the ball to find Ighalo for the set up to Iwobi for the winner. 

IGHALO 9

No arguing with two goals and one assist. It could even have been a hat trick but for a brilliant save from Onana when the Nigeria forward turned and shot from close range.

Hard to add anything to this performance. A true striker’s display, not to mention his constant attempts to ginger his teammates even before kickoff.

SUBS

CHUKWUEZE 6

On for Simon with an hour gone, his willingness to run, take players on and let fly from distance left the Cameroonians petrified and almost led too an Ighalo goal

ONUACHU 5

His brief was to keep the Cameroon defenders busy, win headers in both boxes and help see out the win. He lost the ball too many times, unfortunately.

BALOGUN 

Not enough time for a rating

DIFFERENT STROKES OF TENSION AND RELAXATION, AS NIGERIA AND CAMEROON FACE OFF IN TITANIC CONTEST

Gernot Rohr

Nigeria and Cameroon could not be any more different in outlook heading into Saturday’s titanic round of 16 clash at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt.

Friday’s pre-match press conference represented a marked contrast in styles for both sides on the eve of the game.

Nigeria’s Gernot Rohr, doing his best to stay calm and jocular even as he admitted his job was on the line

“What I have heard is that even if we win the cup, my job is not safe,” he said with the slightest hint of a forced laugh.

Beside him was a serious William Troost-Ekong in a serious-visaged exhortation of his teammates “Any player who needs to be motivated for a game like this does not have the right mentality,” he said.

Contrast with the relaxed mien of Clarence Seedorf, who looked so relaxed as he fielded questions that Cameroon journalists were left bristling. 

“I was even more relaxed than this before I played in the Champions League Finals that I won,” he said in response to a very passionate-sounding Cameroonian journalist who seemed upset to see him so loose. “It is not about being too serious. But about having the right balance between focus and relaxation. We don’t have to remind the players because we have a very intelligent group of players here.”

Goalkeeper Andre Onana, taking a cue from his boss, sat next to him, chuckling and smiling his way through the press conference like an excited kid 

“I’m born ready,” he quipped, his eyes lighting up when asked about how prepared he was for the game.

Sign Up for BestBet360 NOW and enjoy great odds and FASTEST payouts

CRTV Journalist Njie Enow was not amused

“How can he be so relaxed. He is not being serious enough with the players and that concerns me and everyone other Cameroonian here.

“The former coach had a go at Christian Bassogog in public because he was not being serious and that helped him. But Seedorf is almost playing around.”

He would have been thrilled at Rohr’s approach then. The players were sequestered from media and fans in the two days leading up to the match. Rest time was strictly observed, and unlike in the days during the group stages, players were not even allowed to lounge around in the hotel.

One day was allowed for media interaction and interviews, but after that, it was closed house. Open training was restricted to two 15-minute sessions as the team focused on the task at hand.

Troost-Ekong acknowledged that Cameroon would be fired up for the game after their World Cup qualifying loss to Nigeria, but said that the Super Eagles were smarting from that giveaway loss to Madagascar and were looking to make amends

“Nobody was happy about that game. But we know that we have to make up for it in the next one and that is just what it is.”

One thing both teams have in common is their inability to score goals. Both coaches acknowledge the problems

“We have to create chances,” said Rohr. “We have good players who can score. But we have to put them in good position so they can score.”

Seedorf could have been copying from Rohr’s playbook

“It’s not so much about scoring but the things you do before. Our decisions in the last part o the field is something we need to improve. We need to continue as a team too try to create chances. We have the quality to score.”

Captain John Mikel Obi has been ruled out with injury and was seen at Friday’s training with his right need heavily strapped in ice. Shehu Abdullah is also not ready to return yet but Rohr said there was good news about left back Jamilu Collins

“He can play now, but I don’t know if he is ready to start.”

On a final note for Rohr, the lesson of humility that was handed down by Madagascar would play a key role in the approach to Saturday’s game

“It was a lesson of humility for the players, for the coaches and even for the fans too,” he said.

And for Seedorf, it is a game that could go either way

“We have to demonstrate that we are the better team and win. But if Nigeria prove to be the better team and win, we will congratulate them.”

SEE WHO PLAYED THE WORST, AS MADAGASCAR STUN NIGERIA

Oghenekaro Etebo was the standout player on an afternoon of forgettable performances

An afternoon of woebegone performances by Nigeria saw the Super Eagles succumb to a 0-2 defeat against Madagascar. 

Lailana Nomenjanahary pounced on Leon Balogun’s defensive mistake to round Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the first half, and Carolus Andriamatsinoro finished off the more higher rated Nigerians when his freekickmtook a heavy deflection;off Nigeria substitute Wilfred Ndidi and sailed past Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

There were precious few displays to give credit to and we do our best 

EZENWA 4

Not very much he could do about the first goal, and short of growing an extra couple of inches Same with the second.

Beyond that, he was hardly ever tested although he did have to make a low reaction save from a scramble that followed a corner kick.

AWAZIEM 5

Was given a bit of a bother by Carolus for most of the game but offered the major attacking outlet on the right little. When he did peel forward, barely got any service and delivered only a few crossed balls

AINA 6

One of the few who came away with any sort of credit from the train wreck that was the Alexandria night. Stayed strong in his tackling, and looked a danger helping out in attack. Infact, almost created one good opportunity.

TROOST-EKONG 5

Held his own strongly in defence, but also had his moments of nervous uncertainty on occasion. Lost his man on the second goal, forcing Ndidi into a tackle that led to the fatal freekick.

BALOGUN 5

Guilty in the second phase of the error that led to the opening goal. Almost caused a second with a back pass but from then on, kept his head about him as he tried to shake off the mistake. Beaten in the air from a cornerkick close to the hour that almost led to a third goal but overall, reacted well to making a mistake

OGU 4

Even he will be wondering how quickly he can forget this game. Looked invisible for most of his time on the pitch. Responsible for the first goal with a high risk pass to Balogun under next to no pressure.

ETEBO 7

Another one to emerge out of all this with some of his dignity intact. Ran himself aground tracking players, making tackles, and trying to win second balls. The Stoke man was a major reason this stayed respectable and he kept the midfield going when the other two went AWOL. Man of the Match.

MIKEL OBI 4

A poor display from the skipper. Looked off the pace, misplaced his passes, mistimed tackles and just lost the ball uncharacteristically. In fact, the less said the better.

MUSA 6

The last of the trio who acquitted themselves well on the day. Musa tried to win the game on his own, switched wings, took players on, dropped deep and had at least one chance to score which he ruined by taking one touch too many. 

KALU 4

He may have been passed medically fit to play, but Kalu played like a man with one eye on his medical report. Lacked his usual verve and even his take-ons were tentative and lacking in spark.

IGHALO 4

Bad day at the office for him. Totally shut down by Pascal Razakanantenaina. His first touch deserted him and he never quite found his way back into the game.

SUBS

NDIDI 5

Brought some much-needed energy back into the middle, not to mention assistance for the overworked Etebo. But was guilty of recklessly giving away the free kick that led to the second goal. Almost made amends when he turned inside thebox and let off a left footer, only to see it go straight to the keeper.

IWOBI 4

Added a bit more spark and drive after coming in for Mikel, but by then the damage had been done and there was little he could do to shake the confidence of the Madagascans.

SIMON

Not enough to earn a rating 

ROHR’S AXE, IHEANACHO AND OTHER MATTERS

Kelechi Iheanacho has been shut out of the Super Eagles

Such has been the consistency of Gernot Rohr’s squad and team selection that there was next to no surprise when his final 23-man squad list for the African Cup of Nations was released.

And while Semi Ajayi’s cut may have stirred a flutter of emotion from fans, the axing of Kelechi Iheanacho, expected as it was, cut to the quick.

It has been less than four years ago since the forward made a blistering start to his senior international career. Since then, his club fortunes have taken a nosedive. Offloaded by Manchester City, Iheanacho’s career at Leicester City has stalled to the point of stagnation.

For the first time ever, he was left out of the Nigeria squad for games last March, and suffered a public chiding by the Nigeria manager.

Even when he was called up to the current squad it was little more than a token recognition, and after he failed to feature in the friendly against Zimbabwe, it was clear that the deed was done.

From the high of being one of the most talented players of his generation, perhaps a future leader around which the team could be built, Iheanacho finds himself cut from the Nations Cup squad, and replaced by Paul Onuachu and Victor Osimhen.

It is a rude awakening for the forward, if he will take the lessons. Rohr agreed that he spoke to the striker, but declined to say what was discussed

“I speak to the players but our conversations are confidential,” he told me.

It is clear however, that whatever the conversation was, it would have involved pulling up his socks and knuckling down for next season. Moving clubs, if necessary and possible.

For a player of his talent and potential to fall so low in such a short time is as shocking as it is unacceptable.

Kelechi’s failure is not his alone. It is also Nigeria’s failure. To put it in perspective, Christian Pulisic is the poster boy for the future of the US national team. After a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, he will now join Chelsea where his growth trajectory is projected to continue to stay on the upward curve.

While it can be a dangerous pastime trying to predict the future (Freddy Adu, anyone?), Pulisic’s foundational grounding and management means he is more likely to hit his expected heights than Iheanacho or most other African talent.

Looking at the bigger picture, the same basic foundational issues that afflict the likes of Iheanacho (a leaden first touch, amongst other things) was also on exhibition when the Flying Eagles stank up the joint at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Poland, and when the Super Falcons let in three goals against Norway at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

These are all symptoms of a much bigger malaise, one that needs immediate surgery and reconstruction. 

At the moment, there is too much of a dependence on the hit or miss approach. It is time to start taking a more structured approach to both identifying, developing and grooming talent for the long haul.

It is the only way we can avoid seeing a major talent gradually slink into oblivion, or two (and more) national teams display disgraceful performances at the international stage.

Otherwise, the only way is down.

MIKEL, CHUKWUEZE EXPECTED IN NIGERIA'S PROVISIONAL AFCON SQUAD

Samuel Chukwueze expected to be recalled to Nigeria squad ahead of Afcon 

Nigeria’s provisional 25-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will be announced over the next few days and coach Gernot Rohr says there will be a return for captain John Mikel Obi.

Also expected to be named in the squad is youngster Samuel Chukwueze, who was left out of the Flying Eagles squad to the FIFA Under 20 World Cup starting next week in Poland.

Mikel, 32, has not played for Nigeria since the 2018 World Cup in Russia but said via Ayo Olu Ibidapo that he would be in Egypt

“We had a very good meeting with Obi Mikel,” Rohr said. “Our list will be made and Chukwueze will be in our group of 25 players preparing for the AFCON.”

It will be a return to the senior squad for the Villareal teenager, who was left out of the squad for the last two games in March to help the under 23s overturn a two-goal deficit over Libya in the second round of Olympic qualifiers.

Nigeria will play Zimbabwe on June 8 in the first of their preparatory games for the Nations Cup.

Total become new CAF Nations Cup sponsors

CAF have announced multinational oil and gas company TOTAL will take over from Orange as the new sponsors of its ten principal competitions.

The new partnership will run for the next eight years, starting with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, which will now be renamed the Total Africa Cup of Nations.

“This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing search for additional resources to accelerate African football’s development, bring its governance up to date, upgrade its sports infrastructure and advance its performance globally,” Issa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of African Football said in a statement released by the body. “As a leading multinational in its field, with strong ties to Africa, Total will make a significant contribution to CAF’s initiatives to foster personal and professional growth for young Africans.”

“We are delighted to partner with CAF, because Africa is part of Total’s makeup,” commented Patrick Pouyanné, President and Chief Executive Officer of Total. “Through this commitment, we hope to strengthen ties to our stakeholders and customers through exciting, celebratory events that are always popular, including within our own teams.”

As the title sponsor of 10 CAF competitions, Total will be seen during:

·         The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

·         The African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

·         The CAF inter-club competitions (CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup).

·         The Youth competitions (U-23, U-20 and U-17 Africa Cup of Nations).

·         The Women Africa Cup of Nations.

·         The Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.

No details of the financials involved have been released