Provisional list: Reasons for delay, As Keshi submits list to NFF for vetting
The Super Eagles coach has put in a list of almost 40 players to be considered for camping ahead of the World Cup in June
Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi has submitted a list of about 38 players to the Nigeria Football Federation for vetting ahead of the World Cup.
The NFF is expected to cut down the list to 30 names that will then be sent to FIFA as the country’s provisional World Cup squad by May 10.
Keshi met with the Technical Committee of the NFF in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, a meeting that lasted for about three hours.
Hopes that the provisional World Cup squad would be released afterwards were dashed when Keshi emerged from the meeting without the final list. He told the media that there will still be consultations with NFF before the final announcement.
“I have about 37 to 38 players on my list from there I will select about 30 players because that is what FIFA needs [as provisional list] on May 10th, 2014,” Keshi said.
He used the opportunity to deny that any list had been leaked to the media.
“I am worried about the list I have been reading on the pages of newspapers. I did not make that list and I am not happy that you guys are reporting this to mislead people,” he said.
The provisional list was expected to be released on Tuesday, after Keshi submitted a list comprising of 38 players to the NFF.
But after due consultations with the Technical Committee of the NFF during which Keshi defended his rationale for inviting the listed players, it was agreed that the release be delayed.
In a joint address of newsmen after the meeting by Technical Committee member Paul Bassey and Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, Bassey informed that the delay is occasioned by the need to monitor the players listed, especially those who are currently nursing injuries.
“We have decided to shelve release of the list until further consultations are made. We took the opportunity to look at the preparation programme of the Technical Committee,” he said.
On his part, Keshi confirmed the submission of the list, but he however downplayed the effect of the delay, assuring that it will not affect the preparation programs of the team.
“I have submitted the list to the NFF Technical Committee. Mr Paul Bassey would tell you more about that. I submitted a list of 37 or 38 players. From that, I will draw up another provisional list of 30 which is what Fifa needs.”
The waiting game therefore continues.
IMHA Minority Leader Decorated
with Olympic Gold by Special Athletes
The member representing Aboh-Mbaise State Constituency and the Minority Leader of the hallowed chambers, Barr Lady Ngozi Pat Ekeji was on Monday April 21 decorated with two gold medals by two special Citizens of Imo State.
The event which preceded the chieftaincy title ceremony of the House member by Aboh-Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers took place at the palaciouse home of the wife of the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Dr Patrick Ekeji.
During the presentation Ceremony, the two special athletes, Lovelyn Ogbuji who hails from Ahiazu-Mbaise (a Para-Olympic gold medalist in power lifting at the London Para-Olympics 2012) and Precious Orji from Ikeduru (a gold medalist at the world power lifting championship in Dubai) described Lady Olaedo as a true mother and a mentor who has been more than supportive to the special athletes especially during every championship and the Bus she donated to them.
Miss Ogbuji who incidentally is from Mbaise nation as Olaedo noted that with the decoration of the House member with gold medals, it goes a long way to buttress the fact that the chieftaincy title bestowed on her by the Traditional Rulers naturally fits her head because of her undowted qualities and humanitarian service especially to the special athletes.
Also speaking, coach of the athletes, Mr Luke Ibeh (the Miracle Coach) who also hails from Mbaise used the occasion to thank Hon Olaedo and her husband for the exemplary life they have been living praying God to continue showering his blessings on their family.
In her reaction, Barr Lady Olaedo Ekej expressed her joy and happiness over the wonderful recognition being shown to her especially the gold medal decoration on her by the special athletes promising to continue in her little support for them as well as ensuring that other young talents are also supported to achieve their own desired goals.
NPL MIDWEEK GAMES WEEK 8
angers — Abia Warriors
Sunshine — Taraba FC
Giwa FC — Akwa United
Kano Pillars — Bayelsa UTD
Enyimba — Lobi Stars
Nembe City — Heartland
El Kanemi — Crown FC
Kaduna UTD — Sharks FC
Nasarawa UTD — Gombe UTD
Dolphins — Warri Wolves
IMO FA CUP ¼ FINALS
Nek United 1 0 Bussdor UTD
Obulimba FC 0(3pen1)0 Pakat FC
23/4/14
Barton FC — Elephant FC
EUROPA LEAGUE ¼ FINAL GAMES
24/4/14
Benfica — Juventus
Sevilla — Valencia
FA Cup Fall out: Obulimba FC,
NEK UTD Book Semi-final berths
The 2014 Federation Cup after two weeks of action entered its quarter final stage on Monday as two teams, Obulimba FC and NEK United have booked their place in the semi final berths.
In one of the quarter final games decided on Tuesday April 22 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, debutants Obulimba Fc who were made to play their round of 8 game twice stormed PAKAT FC on penalties after the regulation time ended goalless.
The Obulimba boys who are sponsored by the Honourable member representing Owerri-West at the State House of Assembly, Hon Innocent Obulimba Ekeh converted their first 3 spot kicks while the side from Owerri-Municipal lost two of their fist three as the goalkeeper for the master cheff lads saved two to make the score line at 3-1.
Obulimba Fc will now face either Heartland or Amacuff Fc in the semi-final tie later next week, a game the young lads have termed the turning point of their career.
Earlier on Monday when two National Amateur sides, NEK United and Bussdor United locked horns in the first quarterfinal berth, NEK ran away with a one nill victory setting up a semifinal tie with the winners of the round of 8 game between Barton Fc (police) and Elephant FC which took place at the Nworieubi township stadium in Mbaitoli LGA yesterday.
The two finalists of the state Federation Cup will go ahead to represent Imo State at the National level.
Heartland Fc won the Fed Cup back-to-back in 2011 and 2012 and will be aiming to return back to the continental scene by winning the trophy once more especially after failing to begin their League season on a good note with 4 consecutive home draws which has left them Languishing at the bottom of the log.
