Nigeria Sports Arena

Dressed in his National team jersey, Nigeria minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare says he could not hold back the happiness as he watched the Golden Eaglets trashed their Hungerian counterparts 4-2 to announce her presence at the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Brazil from the comfort of his living room in Ibadan. The minister could not hold back his excitement as he jumped to celebrate after the Golden Eaglets came from 2-1 down to level scores, before going on to win 4-2 at fulltime.       Speaking to NSM media after the match, the minister said " I was tensed up but optimistic from start to finish. I prayed for victory and when it eventually came, I couldnt hold back the happiness. "At some point during the game, I couldnt sit to watch the match as I moved from one place to the other in my living room. As you know, I have a strong passion for the Nigerian youths and I will do anything to encourage this set of players. I was directly involved in the welfare ...

Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare, has motivated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria ahead of  the FIFA U17 World Cup starting in Brazil on 26 October 2019. The Honourable Sports Minister charged the  Golden Eaglets this morning in Abuja when he paid the team a courtesy visit camp in Abuja. “We have been world champions on five occasions and on the cusp of another major tournament in Brazil,” he said at a interview session attended by Futbalgalore.com. “From a distance I have watched the games they played and read about their exploits. “Since they were in Abuja, I felt it was very important to encourage and motivate them. The Golden Eaglets and coaching crew have done great and made us proud. Sunday Dare promised to ensure that all hands are on deck to motivate the boys ahead of the Cadet tourney in Brazil. “I am here to listen to their requests and the kind of intervention they need. It’s better to hear from them directly. “The Ministry...

President of the  Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has charged the U17 National Team, Golden Eaglets to keep level heads and stay focused in order to conquer Ghana’s Black Starlets in Niamey on Saturday and qualify for the the finals of the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.  Both West African giants of world cadet football clash in the final of the CAF U17 Cup of Nations WAFU B Tournament at the Stade General Seyni Kountche on Saturday evening, with the lone ticket to the Africa U17 Cup of Nations Tanzania 2019 to serve as the spur for an explosive encounter. The atmosphere will be further charged by a 67 – year rivalry between both nations, with crucial wins for either country over the decades. But the Eaglets are encouraged that Ghana’s semi final victims Cote d’Ivoire, suffered a 5-1 hiding when both teams met at the same venue last week.  Nigeria would be further buoyed by the maturity that comes with a plurality of experience, havin...

Photograph by FIFA.com Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits.  A Seleção were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao. Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out. The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bam...

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly advised the Golden Eaglets to put behindFriday's 2-1 loss to Croatia in Coquimbo and refocus their mind on greater performance at theFIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.   Addressing the team shortly before their departure from Coquimbo to Vina del Mar on Saturday, NFF's Assistant Director (Technical), Siji Lagunju said the Golden Eaglets can be back to winning ways if they discover the same strong mental attitude that saw them to an impressive 2-0 win against USA and 5-1 win over host Chile earlier in the tournament.   "With my over 40 years experience in football as  a player and coach, I can categorically tell you that you technical crew led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has done remarkably well in training and preparing you for this tournament," he noted . "I commend them for being able to impact to you the spirit of hard work and discipline, but whatever you achieve ...

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly advised the Golden Eaglets to put behindFriday's 2-1 loss to Croatia in Coquimbo and refocus their mind on greater performance at theFIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.   Addressing the team shortly before their departure from Coquimbo to Vina del Mar on Saturday, NFF's Assistant Director (Technical), Siji Lagunju said the Golden Eaglets can be back to winning ways if they discover the same strong mental attitude that saw them to an impressive 2-0 win against USA and 5-1 win over host Chile earlier in the tournament.   "With my over 40 years experience in football as  a player and coach, I can categorically tell you that you technical crew led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has done remarkably well in training and preparing you for this tournament," he noted . "I commend them for being able to impact to you the spirit of hard work and discipline, but whatever you achieve ...

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has given thanks to God and commended his players for Nigeria’s ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Chile later in the year.   Speaking moments after Saturday’s convincing 3-1 defeat of Zambia, which ensured first-place finish for Nigeria in Group A, a semi final berth and automatic ticket to Chile, Amuneke told Team Media Officer Morakinyo Abodunrin that his boys fought hard on the day.   Can you describe your feelings tonight? I'm very happy; and grateful to God. I'm grateful to the players because they fought so hard today. The condition of the pitch also enabled us to express ourselves much better but we are grateful to God that we have qualified for the semi final and also secured our ticket to the World Cup in Chile. We would enjoy the moment and focus on the next match but generally, I'm happy and grateful that we were able to achieve our objective. To whom are you dedicating this victory? How...

The Nigeria Football Federation has called on the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, to go all out for a win against Guinea’s Syli Babes in Niamey on Wednesday.   The top-of-the-table clash at the Stade General Seyni Kountche starts at 3pm and the winner will automatically become the first African flagbearer at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Chile later in the year.   NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who is in Niamey with the team, said a victory is non-negotiable as Nigeria look to book an early ticket to the finals in Chile to go and defend the world title.   “We are the champions of the world, and that we must underscore boldly here. The Eaglets did well to win their first match against the host nation despite all the odds against them. There is no way Guinea will stand up to our boys on Wednesday.   “The NFF has provided everything the team needs to succeed and we expect nothing but victory against the Guine...

Golden Eaglets' Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has predicted a tough test for his wards when they open their 11th African U-17 Championship account against Niger at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) in Niamey on Sunday. The former Barcelona star believed a win against the host would set a good omen as Nigeria push for the trophy yet again. Golden Eaglets nearly won the championship the last time in Morocco but lost to Cote d'Ivoire in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a pulsating 1-1 draw. "The first game is very important and we want to win irrespective of the fact that we are meeting Niger," said Amuneke who scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Zambia at 1994 African Cup of Nations Final Match. "Of course, we know it is never going to be an easy match because both teams would like to win. " He said he was not oblivious about the huge test of playing against the host in front of a partisan crowd, adding his wards must gird their loins:"We...

  The Nigeria Football Federation has handed down a win-the-trophy mandate to the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, as they begin campaign in the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic on Sunday.   Speaking in Abuja on Friday, NFF President Amaju Pinnick reflected that as champions of the world, the Eaglets have no business finishing lower than first place at the continental finals.   “The NFF is giving the Golden Eaglets total support to conquer in Niger Republic. Our belief is that we have a team to conquer Africa. As champions of the world, we have no reason not to win in Africa.   “Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his assistants have been doing a great job. I watched the team a number of times and I could see in the players the hunger to achieve. “   The Eaglets start their campaign on Sunday, as they tango with host nation Nigeria Republic at the General Seyni Kountche Stadium in Niamey, starting from 3pm.   The Nige...

Nigeria's Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets, Thursday arrived safely in Niamey for the 11th African Under-17 Championship and were given a royal welcome by members of the local-based Nigeria Football Supporters Club. Flag-waving members of the NFSC led by their chairman, Sidney Sunday Ubanna, rode in a motorcade with the team to their  new abode in Niamey, Palace Royale Hotel , where accommodation have been reserved for the team. The Nigerians assured the team of total support for the team throughout their stay in Niamey. A representative of Nigeria Ambassador to Niger, who was unavoidably absent, was also at the hotel to welcome the team. "Some of us were actually in Sokoto yesterday when you played the friendly match against Fasbir and we were really impressed with the performance of the boys," said Sidney. "We are also expecting more of our members and we are going to support the team all the way at this championship." Meanwhile, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke on a...

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the Golden Eaglets would be accommodated at Royal Palace Hotel during their campaign at the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger. The newly-built is reportedly a four-star facility and the NFF has already   secured rooms for the team after thorough inspection by Director of Competitions, Dr. Muhammed Sanusi. According to him, the Royal Palace Hotel is tidy and  within  close proximity to the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) multi-purpose stadium where Golden Eaglets will play their first two matches against host Niger and Guinea on February 15 and 18 respectively. "The NFF is doing the best to ensure there won't be any hitch when you travel to Niamey and we have secured your accommodation  at the Royal Palace Hotel," informed Sanusi. " In fact, we are very lucky since you are going to be the only team to be accommodated there after the ballot for hotels were made in Equatorial Guin...

The President of Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has told the Golden Eaglets to be fearless in their quest to conquer the continent at the 11th African  Under-17 Championship which kick-off on Sunday in Niamey. The Nigeria's Under-17 team last won the trophy in 2007 and nearly went all the way in Morocco the last time in 2013 only to lose to Junior Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire via 5-4 penalty shoot-out after 1-1 draw. In a goodwill message delivered to the team  yesterday by Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Gusau,  on behalf of the board and management of the NFF,  Mr. Pinnick was quoted as saying that the present team is on the threshold of history if they can conquer the continent again. "You have a big task ahead of you because  you are the team to  beat in Niger  because as  the defending champions of the Under-17 World Cup, no team would  take it easy with you " Gusau  told players and officials of ...

His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar IV, the Sultan of Sokoto, has charged the  Golden Eaglets to 'go and  bring the African Under-17 Championship trophy' as he prayed for the team's  successful outing at  Niger 2015 holding in Niger between February 15 and March 1. The national U-17 team who are in Sokoto to finalise their preparation for the tournament, paid a courtesy call on the titular ruler of Sokoto in his palace on Monday at the behest of Kogunan Sakwatto, Mallam Danladi Nasir Bako - the Sokoto's state commissioner for information. In the presence of some of his high-ranking palace chiefs, the Sultan who is a keen follower of soccer, advised the youngsters to be disciplined and focus on the assignment at hand in Niger in order to bring honour to the country. "I'm very happy to receive on behalf of the hospitable people of Sokoto and I want to believe this is the first time some of you are coming to the palace," the Sultan told his...

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again reiterated its commitment towards ensuring Golden Eaglets' impressive showing at next month's U-17 African Championship to be hosted in Niger. This much was said by Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF's Vice-president, during a whistle-stop at the team's NFF/FIFA Goal Project camp late Wednesday. He commended officials for working assiduously over the festive period, adding that that NFF would offer its usual maximum support to the team at the forthcoming continental cadet championship. "I want to commend you for the good job you have been doing and we have been following all your activities even during the holiday period," said Akinwunmi, NFF's Acting President in the absence of Mr. Amaju Pinnick who is on official duty for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the on-going 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. "On our part, we would do everything possible to support you for a good ...

  Manu Garba, the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-winning coach, believes the Niger 2015-bound Golden Eaglets being managed by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke can go all the way at the 11th African cadet championship. Watching the new lads for the first time during Saturday's 2-0 win over Nigeria National League side, Sokoto United at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, Garba drew out some positives, advising Nigerians to rally behind the team's quest for glory in Niger. He said he has already hinted his predecessor on some technical tips, saying he was confident that the Amuneke-led team is also on the threshold of history with good preparations for their upcoming competitions. "It would be wrong to start comparing this present team with the one that won the World Cup," began Garba now tinkering with Flying Eagles. "I was particularly impressed by the two well planned goals. The team will surely qualify for the world Cup and with inclusion of other good players...

Nigeria's U-17 team, Golden Eaglets on Saturday beat Sokoto United 2-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Kaduna's home boy Suleiman Abdullahi and languid striker, Victor Osimhen scored twice in the second stanza to break the resolve of their more experienced opponents who fought like Trojans throughout. In fact, it took some gallantry display on the part of Sokoto United's goalkeeper Masud Isah for keeping the score line at a respectable margin against the Nigeria National League side. Golden Eaglets soon took over the match moments after Sokoto United took the kick off following signal by referee Patrick Ishaya. Victor Osimhen got Eaglets' first real chance in the seventh minute but saw his shot going over the bar. He also saw goalkeeper Isah held firmly to his well-directed header following a cross by Etiboy Akpan in the 22nd minute. Five minutes later, Isah again foiled the Golden Eaglets when he tipped over the bar Suleiman Abdullahi's goal-bound heade...

Defender Lukman Halilu rose from the bench on Wednesday to score Golden Eaglets' record 100th goal after 33 friendly and official matches as Nigeria's U-17 team cruised to an 8-1 win against Giodano Football Academy of Kano at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. Ebere Osinachi also got a rare hat-trick and a brace for Ndu Iheakam; there were also goals for Captain Kelechi Nwakali as well as Suleiman Abdullahi while Ahmad Sabo got Giodiano's lone goal. "We have never been thoroughly beaten like this before," confessed Giodano's Coach Ismail Ismail."We have always thought we were the best especially in Kano but today, we have seen that we still need to learn new things." After  earlier misses , Golden Eaglets went in front in the 29th minute when Giodano's Hamza Abdullahi brought down rampaging Abass Ibrahim in the box and Nwakali converted the resultant penalty kick as he sent goalkeeper Rabiu Adamu the other way. Four minutes later, Nwakal...

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the weekend confirmed that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) in Kaduna would on January 17 host the proposed friendly match between the Golden Eaglets and Amajimbos of South Africa. Both countries will be using the match to test the readiness of their youngsters for next month's 11th African Under-17 Championship in Niger where they have been drawn in separate preliminary groups. While the Golden Eaglets drew Niger, Guinea and Zambia in Group A, the Amajimbos who are coached by Molefi Ntseki, are in Group B alongside defending champions, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Cameroon. Officials believe the friendly would also afford both teams the chance of playing against a team outside their sub regions. Incidentally, the trip to Kaduna would be Golden Eaglets' second time under coach Emmanuel Amuneke after they recorded a 3-2 and 3-1 win against their colleagues from Egypt last May. Yet the forthcoming match promises to be even more exciting a...

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, beat Abuja-based Virgin Kids Academy 3-1 at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Saturday in continuation of their build up towards Niger 2015. Kehinde Ayinde and Victor Osimhen scored three goals between themselves to cancel Virgin Kids' opening goal by Samson Ekemezie. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke started with a possible line up pairing the duo of Chidera Akachukwu and Kanu Chibueze in the central defensive positions in only their first match for the national U-17 team. Virgin Kids started the game fast and furious and defended in numbers to keep the adventurous Eaglets' attacking duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Ayinde at bay. The Eaglets would later concede a corner kick on the other end and Ekemezie wasted no time in volleying the ball behind goalkeeper Udoh Akpan in the 24th minute. But 10 minutes later, Ayinde who was snapped  from Kwara Football Academy, gave the Golden Eaglets the needed  equaliser when he sneaked behind the opp...