Levin Oztunali’s first half goal was enough to take Germany through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand on Th...
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Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Enyeama raises dust over Kaduna venue
Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama has admitted he was unhappy with the choice of venue for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at ho...
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I want to stop Flying Eagles — Akpoguma, Germany’s half-Nigerian captain - See more at: ht
You can tell how happy and fulfilled Kevin Akpoguma has been in New Zealand over the past few days by the sparkle in his eyes. Germany’s ...
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F/Eagles will excel against Germany – Anyansi-Agwu
The Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu believes the Flying Eagles will triumph over Germany...
Read More
Ike Uche’s Villarreal For 2015 Emirates Cup
Ike Uche’s Villarreal ...
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Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Flying Eagles fail to make it past second round, lose to Germany
Levin Oztunali’s first half goal was enough to take Germany through
to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand on
Thursday at the expense of Nigeria. A match report on fifa.com indicated
that Germany were deserved winners against the Group E runners-up.
But while the Flying Eagles could not be faulted for effort, their
inability to create meaningful scoring chances proved to be their
undoing. Prior to the game, it was expected that Germany would attempt
to build their attacks by retaining the ball, with Nigeria utilising the
counter-attack.
This manifested itself during the opening 45 minutes. Yet, for all of the Europeans’ possession, the first real chance of the game came from a set piece. Marc Stendera’s corner kick from the right was looking for Stark, but Onyinye Ndidi’s attempted clearance spun narrowly wide of the near post.
The Flying Eagles were looking for opportunity to break and found one shortly after the quarter-hour when Taiwo Awoniyi broke down the right. He delivered a low cross into the box which Saviour Godwin almost reached. Germany took the lead in the 19th minute, when Stendera’s pressure on Kingsley Sokari led to him stealing the ball just outside the Flying Eagles’ box.
He found Levin Oztunali at the edge of the penalty box and the grandson of the legendary Uwe Seeler fired a powerful left-footed shot home. Germany could have — and probably should have — doubled their advantage later in the half, when a cross from their captain Kevin Akpoguma found Hany Mukhtar lurking. But the ball came off his shoulder and Joshua Enaholo was able to save comfortably.
The Group F winners finished the half strongly as Stendera forced Enaholo into two fine saves from close range. Stendera was at the heart of proceedings for Germany yet again when the second half commenced. He brought the ball from deep, found Julian Brandt who played the ball to Mukhtar. The Benfica forward elected to shoot rather than play the back to Stendera and he fired tamely wide.
Mukhtar had another good chance on the hour after some great skill from Oztunali down the right. But he was not able to get any real power behind his shot and Enaholo was out to save smartly. Germany withdrew goalscorer Stendera and Julian Brant midway through the second half and the changes seemed to have more of a positive effect on the Nigerian side.
Frank Wormuth’s side soon found themselves camped in their own half, with Success Isaac leading the charge forward, although Marvin Schwabe was not really forced into a save. The situation was however down to the fact that the Flying Eagles were not helped by some poor delivery from set-pieces.
Ultimately, the Germans hung on to book a quarter-final clash with Mali and stay back in Christchurch, while Nigeria’s Flying Eagles head home.
UNSTOPPABLE•••Saudi
Arabia’s Ali Alzubaidi (L) tries in vain to stop Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa
during their FIFA Under-20 World Cup last Group D match held at Hernan
Ramirez Villegas Stadium in Pereira . Nigeria won 2-0 . Photo: AFP
This manifested itself during the opening 45 minutes. Yet, for all of the Europeans’ possession, the first real chance of the game came from a set piece. Marc Stendera’s corner kick from the right was looking for Stark, but Onyinye Ndidi’s attempted clearance spun narrowly wide of the near post.
The Flying Eagles were looking for opportunity to break and found one shortly after the quarter-hour when Taiwo Awoniyi broke down the right. He delivered a low cross into the box which Saviour Godwin almost reached. Germany took the lead in the 19th minute, when Stendera’s pressure on Kingsley Sokari led to him stealing the ball just outside the Flying Eagles’ box.
He found Levin Oztunali at the edge of the penalty box and the grandson of the legendary Uwe Seeler fired a powerful left-footed shot home. Germany could have — and probably should have — doubled their advantage later in the half, when a cross from their captain Kevin Akpoguma found Hany Mukhtar lurking. But the ball came off his shoulder and Joshua Enaholo was able to save comfortably.
The Group F winners finished the half strongly as Stendera forced Enaholo into two fine saves from close range. Stendera was at the heart of proceedings for Germany yet again when the second half commenced. He brought the ball from deep, found Julian Brandt who played the ball to Mukhtar. The Benfica forward elected to shoot rather than play the back to Stendera and he fired tamely wide.
Mukhtar had another good chance on the hour after some great skill from Oztunali down the right. But he was not able to get any real power behind his shot and Enaholo was out to save smartly. Germany withdrew goalscorer Stendera and Julian Brant midway through the second half and the changes seemed to have more of a positive effect on the Nigerian side.
Frank Wormuth’s side soon found themselves camped in their own half, with Success Isaac leading the charge forward, although Marvin Schwabe was not really forced into a save. The situation was however down to the fact that the Flying Eagles were not helped by some poor delivery from set-pieces.
Ultimately, the Germans hung on to book a quarter-final clash with Mali and stay back in Christchurch, while Nigeria’s Flying Eagles head home.
Enyeama raises dust over Kaduna venue
Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama has admitted he was unhappy with the
choice of venue for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home
against Chad due to violent unrest in the state.
The two sides are scheduled to square off at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium
in Kaduna this weekend, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Enyeama feels the
players are being put in unnecessary danger.
“I’m not satisfied with the choice of Kaduna and you know I’m a very outspoken person. I don’t like the choice of Kaduna based on what is happening in the country but then the government knows exactly what to do to make us safe,” Enyeama said
“I am concerned because it’s not Kaduna but because of the security thing. I really don’t care where we play as long as there is going to be security and safety of the players and everyone coming to watch the match.”
Enyeama will, however, be hoping Nigeria are able to keep their focus on the football, with the nation desperate to make up for their previous shortcomings, having failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea.
Enyeama Vincent
“I’m not satisfied with the choice of Kaduna and you know I’m a very outspoken person. I don’t like the choice of Kaduna based on what is happening in the country but then the government knows exactly what to do to make us safe,” Enyeama said
“I am concerned because it’s not Kaduna but because of the security thing. I really don’t care where we play as long as there is going to be security and safety of the players and everyone coming to watch the match.”
Enyeama will, however, be hoping Nigeria are able to keep their focus on the football, with the nation desperate to make up for their previous shortcomings, having failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea.
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
I want to stop Flying Eagles — Akpoguma, Germany’s half-Nigerian captain - See more at: ht
You can tell how happy and fulfilled Kevin Akpoguma has been in New Zealand over the past few days by the sparkle in his eyes.
Germany’s captain is enjoying the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 to the full and looking forward to the next challenge as the eagerly awaited knockout stage looms. Of all the teams, Nigeria are the side the Hoffenheim defender and his team-mates have been pitted against in the last 16.
Needless to say, Akpoguma is currently very much in demand in Christchurch. “I’m half-Nigerian as my father is Nigerian, and I’m glad to be able to say that,” the youngster told FIFA.com, a smile playing about his lips. “This match is already a special one for me; my parents are here and Thursday will be even more memorable for my Dad. Although he’ll have both his Germany and Nigeria flags at the ready for when the national anthems are played, in the end he’ll just be happy if his son gets to the next round.”
Memories and gratitude
The 20-year-old model athlete is an engaging interviewee, a trait
befitting a player who refuses to shy away from any situation on or off
the pitch. Although Akpoguma has been soaking up the unique atmosphere
ahead of his side’s meeting with the Flying Eagles, he seems able to
remain consistently down-to-earth and realistic.
Even when he was a very small child, his father took him to the football pitch every day and helped him learn to have fun with a ball at his feet. “I’m very grateful to him,” he said, “but I also know that I’ll go into this match like I do every other. I was born and grew up in Germany so I consider myself to be German.”
Nevertheless, this powerful defender – capable of playing both as a centre-back and on the right side of a four-man defence – remains well-placed to identify with his team’s upcoming opponents. He has visited Nigeria twice and his grandparents live in Benin City, where Akpoguma fondly remembers everyone going to church on Sundays and then playing football together – something he was understandably pleased to be part of.
It is clear that the Hoffenheim youngster is proud of these experiences and has been shaped by them. “As a person I always want to get on well with everyone,” he said. “I can’t hate or envy anyone. I enjoy meeting everybody and I think that kind of mentality is typical for Nigeria.
“I always have fun and enjoy what I’m doing and the way I feel,” Akpoguma went on, pausing for a moment before grinning and adding: “As a footballer I also would say that I have my African roots to thank for my athleticism because I’m still fast despite being tall.”
The moment of truth
As Frank Wormuth’s team swept through the group stages with supreme confidence and a perfect record, Akpoguma was deployed as an attacking right-back, a role that will be key in Germany’s encounter with the technically adept yet hard-tackling Nigerians. “They rely on their attacking play and their one-on-one skills,” the 20-year-old explained. “They’re quick and have a insatiable urge to press forward. We’ve really got to watch our step as they’ve already shown that they score by putting two goals past Brazil.”
Nevertheless, Germany’s promising young defender – who counts the Flying Eagles alongside Brazil, Portugal, Serbia and his own team as title contenders – believes there is every reason to remain optimistic. “We don’t have to change much,” he told FIFA.com.
“If we can consistently remember our lines and stick to our plan, we’ll get good results. We’re getting into the business end of the tournament and we’re extremely fired up about what’s ahead. Nigeria are a great side, so now we can show what we’re really made of. We want to be in the last four and go all the way to Auckland. Having come here as European champions, that’s got to be our target.”
This ambition reveals the other side of the Germany skipper’s character – a fascinating blend of a formidable winning mentality, undoubted self-confidence and sheer willpower to leave the pitch victorious. As Akpoguma himself explained: “Although we’re a laidback group, we can flip the switch when it matters. I think that’s our greatest characteristic: we’re ready whenever we need to be,” he said.
“That’s also why there’s always such a good atmosphere within the squad, which is vital. When you’re having fun with your football, you can play with greater ease and freedom. When the referee blows his whistle, we’re there!”
Before embarking on a two-year loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf from Hoffenheim to gain more match experience in Germany’s second tier, this young man will be challenged in more than one respect against Nigeria at this World Cup – a fixture that will give Akpoguma a chance to grow both as a sportsman and as a person. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: dad Kelvin will be watching proudly from the stands.
First published on fifa.com
Germany’s captain is enjoying the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 to the full and looking forward to the next challenge as the eagerly awaited knockout stage looms. Of all the teams, Nigeria are the side the Hoffenheim defender and his team-mates have been pitted against in the last 16.
Needless to say, Akpoguma is currently very much in demand in Christchurch. “I’m half-Nigerian as my father is Nigerian, and I’m glad to be able to say that,” the youngster told FIFA.com, a smile playing about his lips. “This match is already a special one for me; my parents are here and Thursday will be even more memorable for my Dad. Although he’ll have both his Germany and Nigeria flags at the ready for when the national anthems are played, in the end he’ll just be happy if his son gets to the next round.”
Memories and gratitude
Akpoguma
Even when he was a very small child, his father took him to the football pitch every day and helped him learn to have fun with a ball at his feet. “I’m very grateful to him,” he said, “but I also know that I’ll go into this match like I do every other. I was born and grew up in Germany so I consider myself to be German.”
Nevertheless, this powerful defender – capable of playing both as a centre-back and on the right side of a four-man defence – remains well-placed to identify with his team’s upcoming opponents. He has visited Nigeria twice and his grandparents live in Benin City, where Akpoguma fondly remembers everyone going to church on Sundays and then playing football together – something he was understandably pleased to be part of.
It is clear that the Hoffenheim youngster is proud of these experiences and has been shaped by them. “As a person I always want to get on well with everyone,” he said. “I can’t hate or envy anyone. I enjoy meeting everybody and I think that kind of mentality is typical for Nigeria.
“I always have fun and enjoy what I’m doing and the way I feel,” Akpoguma went on, pausing for a moment before grinning and adding: “As a footballer I also would say that I have my African roots to thank for my athleticism because I’m still fast despite being tall.”
The moment of truth
As Frank Wormuth’s team swept through the group stages with supreme confidence and a perfect record, Akpoguma was deployed as an attacking right-back, a role that will be key in Germany’s encounter with the technically adept yet hard-tackling Nigerians. “They rely on their attacking play and their one-on-one skills,” the 20-year-old explained. “They’re quick and have a insatiable urge to press forward. We’ve really got to watch our step as they’ve already shown that they score by putting two goals past Brazil.”
Nevertheless, Germany’s promising young defender – who counts the Flying Eagles alongside Brazil, Portugal, Serbia and his own team as title contenders – believes there is every reason to remain optimistic. “We don’t have to change much,” he told FIFA.com.
“If we can consistently remember our lines and stick to our plan, we’ll get good results. We’re getting into the business end of the tournament and we’re extremely fired up about what’s ahead. Nigeria are a great side, so now we can show what we’re really made of. We want to be in the last four and go all the way to Auckland. Having come here as European champions, that’s got to be our target.”
This ambition reveals the other side of the Germany skipper’s character – a fascinating blend of a formidable winning mentality, undoubted self-confidence and sheer willpower to leave the pitch victorious. As Akpoguma himself explained: “Although we’re a laidback group, we can flip the switch when it matters. I think that’s our greatest characteristic: we’re ready whenever we need to be,” he said.
“That’s also why there’s always such a good atmosphere within the squad, which is vital. When you’re having fun with your football, you can play with greater ease and freedom. When the referee blows his whistle, we’re there!”
Before embarking on a two-year loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf from Hoffenheim to gain more match experience in Germany’s second tier, this young man will be challenged in more than one respect against Nigeria at this World Cup – a fixture that will give Akpoguma a chance to grow both as a sportsman and as a person. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: dad Kelvin will be watching proudly from the stands.
First published on fifa.com
F/Eagles will excel against Germany – Anyansi-Agwu
The Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix
Anyansi-Agwu believes the Flying Eagles will triumph over Germany in
their FIFA U-20 World Cup Round of 16 clash in Christchurch on Thursday,
because the Nigerians have a good idea of how the Germans will play.
“The Flying Eagles know what to expect when they go in there against the Germans. Apart from having watched tapes of the German team in action in the group phase, our boys had their final training camp in Germany and played friendly matches against German teams, winning all three games.
“I am not in any way saying that the match will be easy. It is going
to be tough, very tough. But I believe that knowing what to expect, the
Flying Eagles’ technical crew and players will perfect their plans on
how to get the better of the European champions.”
During their final training camp in Nurnberg, Manu Garba’s wards thumped FC Nurnberg’s second team 5-0, drilled Hoffenheim’s second team 5-2 and walloped Freiburg FC’s second team 4-1.
The Germans put away 16 goals in their three group phase matches, bagging the maximum nine points to top Group F. They also have the advantage of having played all their previous matches at the Christchurch Stadium – which hosted the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Nigeria played all their group phase matches in New Plymouth.
While the Germans pounded Fiji 8-1, brushed aside Uzbekistan 3-0 and thrashed Honduras 5-1, the Flying Eagles lost 2-4 to Brazil, dumped North Korea 4-0 and defeated Hungary 2-0 without getting into second gear.
Thursday’s clash of continental champions is expected to be explosive, with the African champions boasting a well-knit squad capable of bringing down any opposition on their good day. And Anyansi-Agwu believes Thursday will be their good day.
“I have tremendous confidence in the team. They have the capacity to deliver and that group has done that several times over the past two years. I see the Flying Eagles in the quarter finals.”
“The Flying Eagles know what to expect when they go in there against the Germans. Apart from having watched tapes of the German team in action in the group phase, our boys had their final training camp in Germany and played friendly matches against German teams, winning all three games.
ready
to go … Flying Eagles players celebrate in one of their matches at the
last African Youth Championship. Flying Eagles are set to take on the
World at the FIFA U-20 Championship in New Zealand.
During their final training camp in Nurnberg, Manu Garba’s wards thumped FC Nurnberg’s second team 5-0, drilled Hoffenheim’s second team 5-2 and walloped Freiburg FC’s second team 4-1.
The Germans put away 16 goals in their three group phase matches, bagging the maximum nine points to top Group F. They also have the advantage of having played all their previous matches at the Christchurch Stadium – which hosted the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Nigeria played all their group phase matches in New Plymouth.
While the Germans pounded Fiji 8-1, brushed aside Uzbekistan 3-0 and thrashed Honduras 5-1, the Flying Eagles lost 2-4 to Brazil, dumped North Korea 4-0 and defeated Hungary 2-0 without getting into second gear.
Thursday’s clash of continental champions is expected to be explosive, with the African champions boasting a well-knit squad capable of bringing down any opposition on their good day. And Anyansi-Agwu believes Thursday will be their good day.
“I have tremendous confidence in the team. They have the capacity to deliver and that group has done that several times over the past two years. I see the Flying Eagles in the quarter finals.”
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Ike Uche’s Villarreal For 2015 Emirates Cup
Ike Uche’s Villarreal For 2015 Emirates Cup
Olympique Lyonnais, VfL Wolfsburg and Villarreal were on Monday confirmed as the European clubs to take part in Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies usually played at The Emirates Stadium.
This year’s Emirates Cup will be played on July 25 and 26.
Arsenal FC’s official website confirmed the clubs’ participation in the tournament.
Arsenal have failed to clinch the trophy on the last three occasions, with the New York Red Bulls, Galatasaray, and Valencia the eventual winners.
This is arguably the toughest line-up in the Emirates Cup for a long time, with representatives from three of the top leagues in the world.
Wolfsburg have been the surprise package in the Bundesliga this season, and are on course to finish second.
Lyon looked set to clinch the Ligue 1 title, and have performed superbly throughout the season. They have fallen away somewhat heading into the tail end of the campaign however, with Paris Saint-Germain set to retain.
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