THE IGBO

 No Protests Plan By Enyimba Supporters-Enyimba chairman

Enyimba chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has debunked reports that supporters of the club are gearing up for protests over the slow pace of work at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.





The People's Elephants have played their home games outside Aba for two consecutive seasons due to renovation work going on at the stadium.





Last season, they played their home games at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Port Harcourt, while they have adopted the UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar as their makeshift home ground this term.



There were reports in some sections of the media earlier in the week, that Enyimba supporters were unhappy with the situation of things and were planing  to stage a protest march.



But Anyansi-Agwu has denied the claims, stating that the Stadium is nearing completion.



"These  are untrue reports.Very untrue, very misleading and very shameful. There are no plans by supporters of the club to protest," reads a statement on the club's official Twitter handle credited  to the seasoned football administrator.



"We have no reason to protest. Stadium work has reached 85% level, all that is left is for grass to be laid and that will happen very soon."

Nigerian footballer, Chichi Igbo shows off her s.a.x.y body in underwear.
see photos

Ten-man FC Ifeanyi Ubah yesterday in Abuja, defeated League Champions, Enugu Rangers 4-3 on penalties to lift the 2017 Charity Cup.

The kickoff of the contest between the league champions and Federation Cup winners, was delayed for half an hour following the late arrival of Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.

Rangers new signing, Daniel Etor and Godwin Aguda tormented the FC Ifeanyi Ubah defence at the start of the encounter inside an empty Abuja National Stadium.

The win is a major boost for FC Ifeanyiubah ahead of their opening game of the new league season away to Kano Pillars.

Rangers get their League title defence underway in an Oriental derby against Abia Warriors on 15 January.

The Charity Cup match was also used to unveil the new uniforms for the new season’s match officials. It is organised by the Nigeria Football Federation as the curtain raiser to the new season.



IGBO KWENU !!!

Super Eagles captain and former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel explained why he accepted to move to Chinese Premier League to team up with Tianjin Teda. He said it was done to help Nigeria’s push to be at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Mikel had been primarily snubbed from playing with the first team by Chelsea Coach, Antonio Conte, but he still remained a regular for the national team



So he decided to move to Tianjin Teda on a three year deal so that he could get some playing time.
Mikel said during an interview with Owngoalnigeria.com:

“I could easily have stayed in Chelsea for the remaining six months of my contract but it won’t be in the best interest of my nation, as they need me match fit when the World Cup 2018 qualifiers resume”.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I seriously need matches to stay fit for Nigeria.
 Nigerians don’t deserve to miss out of the World Cup after back to back failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations”.

Adding that he didn't do it for the money even though his current paycheck is double what he made at Chelsea.




IGBO KWENU !!!

Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi recently announced his big move to Chinese club, Tianjin TEDA, where he will reportedly earn £140,000 a week. He had his first friendly match today and shared photos. Interestingly, it looks like he's the only black player on the team.


IGBO KWENU !!!

Nigerian former professional football, Augustine Okocha, aka Jay-Jay is trying to get back in shape this 2017. He made his intentions known to his fans by sharing a photo of himself playing tennis, along with the caption: "Getting back to shape".



IGBO KWENU !!!

Former England international and current football analyst John Fashanu has endorsed former Chelsea player John Mikel Obi's move to the Far East where he last week signed for Chinese Super League side, Tianjin Teda.



Mikel was this season snubbed by Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, and last week he signed with the Chinese club despite receiving plenty offers from European clubs. Fashanu believes financial security is important for footballers.

"It is great for anybody who has the capacity to go abroad into the western or the eastern world," “I'm very happy, financial security in the game of football; I must tell is quite easy to achieve.
“As long as he knows that the football played there [China] is not same as the football in Europe or back home. Good luck to him, I'm happy.' Fashanu told Goal.
“We must always remember that some players are playing for money, wealth, financial security. Some players also play because they want to achieve the greatest honours. Because you have somebody who wants to play for money, doesn't make him a bad person. Some players would say I had no opportunity to go and play in China.
''I could have gone to China to make millions. Looking back in retrospect maybe I should have gone to play in China and made billions over there and not play in England. “So each player has his own individual choice

IGBO KWENU !!!

John Obi Mikel has spoken for the first time, about his move to Tianjin TEDA.

The 29-year-old is set to seal a free transfer from Chelsea to the Chinese Super League club (http://dailypost.ng/2017/01/06/mikel-obi-arrives-china-complete-tianjin-reda-move-photos/), after 10 years and 374 appearances for the Blues.

In an open letter posted on his Twitter page, he wrote:

“To my Chelsea family,

“After ten years, 374 appearances and eleven trophies, it is time to say goodbye.

“Where do I begin? I joined Chelsea as a 19-year-old kid from the Norwegian Premier League, making my debut in the Community Shield. I say goodbye as a champion of England, a champion of Europe, and proud captain of my national team.

“To play in the Premier League, the best league in the world, is every professional player’s ambition. But to play for Chelsea, to become part of the Chelsea family, to work with some of the best managers and players in the world, has truly been an honour.

“Every achievement I have been part of in my time at Chelsea holds a special memory: my first goal, against Macclesfield in 2007 (even though there were only five more after that!). The nail-biting end of the 2010 season – securing the title on the last day, scoring a record 103 goals in the process, and winning the FA Cup a week later. Didier’s extra time winner against Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup Final. Beating two of our biggest London rivals in League Cup finals. Winning the Europa League in Amsterdam, with one of the last kicks of the game.

“Then there was Munich. We were desperate to make up for the disappointment of the 2008 final, but trailing with two minutes to go, against Bayern, in their own stadium, it seemed that once more luck was against us. But that night, with lions on our chest and the fans behind us, we fought. Up popped Didier, the rest is history, and to date we’re still proudly the only team in London with a European Cup.

“None of this would have been possible without the wider club’s support. To Mr Abramovich, the club’s staff, coaches, physios, and to the managers I played under at Chelsea, I want to say thank you.

“But my biggest thanks must go to the Blues fans. You brought me into the Chelsea family, you sung my name, and were there with us every step of the way. Thanks to your support, on nights like in Munich, you made the impossible possible.

“As you will know, I haven’t featured as much this season as I would have liked, and at 29 I still have many years in the game ahead of me. With this in mind, I feel now is the time to seek a new challenge. I’m delighted to be joining Tianjin TEDA in China, at a time that the Chinese Super League is really taking off, and I look forward to helping Tianjin TEDA continue to grow both on and off the pitch in the next few years.

“To everyone at Chelea – goodbye, and thank you. You will always be part of who I am, and I wish you the best of luck. I could not be happier to be saying goodbye with the club back where it belongs – top of the league.

“Keep the Blue flag flying high!

“Mikel John Obi.”

IGBO KWENU !!!

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has sent a message to departing midfielder, John Obi Mikel.

The Nigerian has completed a permanent transfer to Tianjin TEDA on Friday, after spending over a decade at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Obi, who never featured under Conte, has signed a four-year deal with the Chinese Super League club worth £140,000-a-week.



Conte said during his Friday press conference: “I want to say thanks to Obi, for this period when he worked with me.

“He showed great attitude and I wish for him and his family the best.

“I hope that these offers from China finish with Mikel and Oscar.”

Mikel Obi had penned an emotional farewell to Chelsea fans earlier today, in which he thanked everyone at the club.



IGBO KWENU !!!

Just like that, Mikel Obi has left Chelsea, the team where he grew from a boy to a man and became a father. In his 10 years at the London Club, Mikel rightly divided opinions, but his achievements for the club have to be hailed and will forever be remembered.

In his 10-year stay, Chelsea became a global club and won major titles that had not been won before he came in from Norway as a gangling ball-playing midfielder.

Chelsea’s official site said, “His finest moment came in 2012 in Munich when his incredible discipline in midfield protected the defence and helped us to claim our first Champions League triumph.”

And these four words, ‘incredible discipline in midfield’, best describe Mikel’s contribution to Chelsea over his 10-year stewardship. When he joined, he was a ball-playing midfielder, whom Jose Mourinho reformed to become the next Claude Makelele, who was just a ball retriever.

Many have argued that Mikel would have become a better player and better appreciated if Mourinho had allowed him to exhibit and develop what he was naturally gifted with or that he would have become a better player under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. But neither of that can be proven.

In 372 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, he scored just six goals, which showed the distance he must have kept to the opposing goal – but that was the job he was contracted to do. It could, however, be argued that he really did not enjoy this role because whenever he came to play for the Super Eagles, he always angled for a more offensive position.

With two English Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, four FA Cups and two League Cups, Mikel was a success in West London.

He has also been a success at the national team, helping the Super Eagles to an African Nations Cup triumph and winning a bronze medal with the Olympic team.

On arrival in China, Mikel said, “I’m delighted to be joining Tianjin TEDA FC in China, at a time that the Chinese Super League is really taking off, and I look forward to helping Tianjin TEDA FC continue to grow both on and off the pitch in the next few years.”

He could finally get a more offensive playing position in Tianjin TEDA, but would also give ‘incredible discipline in midfield’ and leadership in the team.

For Mikel, it is goodbye London, welcome China.



IGBO KWENU !!!

Footballer Joseph Yobo and his beautiful, pregnant wife, Adaeze Yobo are celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary today. Revealing how fast he popped the question after they met and how far they've come, Adaeze, who's an ex-beauty queen wrote via IG:

"Popped the question 3months after we met and I've been all in ya bizness ever since 7years!!! 3 cities, 6 diff addresses, 1 poke nosing 6 year old that can tell when we are fighting even when we pretend in his face, 1 little rascal + 1 more on the way and you still the annoying, anti-social, sexy, God fearing, intelligent, very loving, caring man i met. I love that when we fight you can't get anything done cos yu worried. I shld get yu a trophy for putting up with me babe. I love our relationship, our trust and love. Thank you God for making my marriage beautiful ❤ #7yearsweddinganniversary #newyear

IGBO KWENU !!!

Nigerian footballers, Emmanuel Emenike, Onazi Ogenyi and their spouses Nneoma Nnadi and Sandra spend December 31, together. Iheoma looks heavy!



IGBO KWENU !!!

Izu Joseph, the former Shooting Stars defender who was shot dead by Army officials while holidaying at his home town,  was laid to rest this December but nothing has been done by the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The footballer left behind a loving wife and a daughter


May his soul Rest in peace




IGBO KWENU !!!

Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Echiejile yesterday December 30th married his woman, Vwemo Ziregbe in Warri, Delta state.




Congratulations to the couple.


IGBO KWENU !!!

 Nigeria's super eagles defender Kenneth Joasiah Omeruo paid Emmanuel Ugolee a visit in his home two days ago with some members of his family to check on the broadcaster who is down with kidney diseases and seeking to raise Fifty million naira for a kidney transplant in the United States of America.


The 24years old professional footballer who plays as a defender for Turkish club Alanyaspor on loan from English club Chelsea FC, also took to his social media platforms to urge Nigerians to donate to the cause while speaking highly of Emmanuel..

Mr Omeruo had checked on him earlier in the hospital and then again came to the house with family but the suprise for Emmanuel however, was heightened when Kenneth gave him Two million naira as contribution from his foundation k.o foundation and promised to reach out to other fellow team mates of his who were known to have large hearts like Mr Emenike who happens to bear two of Mr Ugolee's names "Emmanuel" and "Chinenye", John Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo.



IGBO KWENU !!!

 The likes of Samuel Okwaraji, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Christian Chukwu, Emeka Ezeugo, Mikel Obi, Onyekachi Apam, Uche Okechukwu, etc.

 All the above-named great footballers are Igbo men, as most of the footballers of such caliber to have ever come out of Nigeria are from this tribe.


Are they more talented?

Nigerians are interesting people when it comes to tribal issues. Truth be told, the Igbos dominated and are still dominating football in Nigeria. Kudos has to be given to them, this trend is worthy of acknowledgement.

They have collectively brought glory to our great nation Nigeria in so many ways. In recent times, the squad that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations was full of the Igbos. Even the 2013 World Cup-winning U-17 squad.

The upcoming dudes are Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali, to name but two among many others. Looking at the Nigerian leagues across the nation, it can be observed that most of the players plying their trade there are of the Igbo tribe.


NIGERIAN PLAYER OF THE IGBO TRIBE ABROAD

The statistics of the players in different leagues moving out of the country show that there are players of the Igbo tribe or descent in the Scandinavian countries, the Middle Belt, even in Yemen. I feel they should be happy and proud of their input and contribution to local and global football while they rightfully enrich their pockets in return.

Many of them have adopted other countries due to the lack of chance to feature for their nation. They are of great determination. These folks represent us well with their sportsmanship.

I remember a Super Eagles player, Sunday Mba, who scored the winning goal at 2013 AFCON, Mikel Obi, young Kenneth Omeruo was also superb with the strong input from the now retired Emmanuel Emenike.

Statistically, about 70% overall national participation goes to the Igbo guys, while the remaining 30% is shared amongst other tribes. People from other tribes tend to "fade away" so soon, while the Igbo guys stand the test of time and are more devoted to the game and have lengthy footballing careers. I wonder how they do it. What is their secret recipe?


THE REASON BEHIND THEIR LOVE FOR FOOTBALL

 I realized that this set of people like the game of football more than the rest of the tribes in the country, and also get more encouragement in doing so.

It can be attributed to a number of reasons: physical prowess, as they’re genetically sturdier than the other tribes; they are encouraged by the number of successful Igbo players; their enterprising nature affords them the ability to foresee the riches that may lie ahead despite the short-termism of the career; football is better embraced as it is seen as a way out of poverty within the community; Igbos simply better football than the other tribes; there's a better scouting network within the tribe.

Meanwhile, you can hardly see a Hausa girl play football. Only few Yoruba girls come out to play the round leather ball game. Can we safely blame this on their religion and culture? Of course, yes!

Some scouts will rather an Igbo footballer, because it is widely believed that they take football more seriously. Another thing that came to my mind is that the Igbos are business-oriented, and one fast way to big money is through football.

I am really grateful for their efforts and I hope they keep contributing their skills to bringing glory to the nation through football

IGBO KWENU !!!