The Need for Change
By Toyin | 29th July 10
Nigeria, as usual, through the numerous unqualified and corrupt people in sport administration was brought into ridicule again. This time, it is the unmitigated corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian Football Federation. Unraveling the way funds were appropriated in the past few months is now the preoccupation of the EFCC.
While the World Cup was going on in South Africa with the Super Eagles performing woefully, the NFF officials were busy plotting how to remain in office and perpetuate the mediocrity that has become their lot in the recent past. Sanni Lulu and his co travelers knew that the time was up for them to put in the towel but they were not ready to do so. They however believe that they can go one better than their enemies by quickly arranging for another elections that would put them back in the saddle not mind the fact that there’s absolutely nothing to show for their years in office.
Towards this, they sponsored all the 36 states FA chairmen to South Africa to perfect their strategy. When the Sports Minister, Isa Bio got to know of the plan, he tried to stop the scheme by telling NFF to postpone the planned election. Lulu and his ‘people’ quickly reported to FIFA that government is interfering in football administration again! FIFA of course frowns at any kind of meddling in football administration due to the way politics is played all over the world. The organization warned Nigeria not to interfere in the election and to leave the NFF alone. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biz Football, Nigerian Football, Success Pills, World Cup | No Comments »
South Africa: A Good Example
By Toyin | 19th July 10
The world cup has come and gone and Africa can hold her head high in esteem for a job well done through one of her numerous children, South Africa. Personally, ‘am so proud of the achievement of that country that I can’t help but be envious of what they accomplished. The same South Africa that was enmeshed in racial tensions of the highest order; renowned for apartheid and political assassinations and killings have become the toast of the modern world by positively projecting everything that’s good about development and empowerment.
Within a month, the country passed in flying colours all the exams that were set for it and everyone associated with the hosting of the world cup can be proud of the eventual turn out of events. The Local Organizing Committee headed by Danny Jordan and Irvin Khoza did a great job of pulling off arguably the most exciting FIFA world cup to date. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The South African people demonstrated the highest level of patriotism and hospitality that could be expected of them. It was a wonderful experience all through.
Records were broken as first the first time in the competition’s history, a team that lost its opening match won the title in a most dramatic manner. It was also the first to be organized of the African continent. It had the highest collection of stars in attendance from the likes of home girl Charlize Theron to Leonardo di’Caprio, Tom Cruise, John Travolta etc. World leaders were not left out as my favourite; Angela Merkel of Germany graced us with her presence during the match between her country and Argentina. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biz Football, Nigerian Football, Success Pills, World Cup | 1 Comment »
What a Spectacle!
By Toyin | 29th June 10
Since the first blast of the whistle, South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup’s been a wonderful sight to behold. From the colourful South African supporters to the unceasing sound (more aptly noise) of the Vuvuzela to the breathtaking displays and goals scored; it’s been quite rewarding partaking of it all. Nevertheless and without sounding sore or angry, Super Eagles performance was an anticlimax! They played like a bunch of drunks who lack stamina to arrive at their destination.
As usual in any endeavour despite our failure to excel, football continues. Other serious and more prepared teams have moved on while like our undisciplined European ‘brothers’, France and Italy, we crashed out in the in the group stage. The only standout player for Nigeria was Vincent Enyeama who, I should quickly add should be our new captain. I don’t think anyone can contest this except of course we are determined to continue on a path of stagnation in our football.
Nigeria had other standout performers but in a negative way. Yakubu for instance missed a goal that my three years old son would definitely put away! Secondly, Sanni Kaita showed a serious lack of class by lashing out at another player over a simple throw-in. We led at that time and if the lad had not gone overboard to collect that card, we could have beaten the Greeks. Did I hear you say ‘not likely’? Well with the benefit of hindsight, I’d be quick to agree with you. It’s been a roller coaster indeed! Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Hot Stars, Cold Sands, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win, World Cup | 1 Comment »
National Pride!
By Toyin | 22nd June 10
Having failed in my last two estimations of the Super Eagles, I found it very hard to even give a title to this piece. With the hope of qualifying for the second round hanging on a thread, we are back on a familiar turf of looking up to others to do us a favour. How nice to always put our fate in the hands of others!
The performance of the team against Greece according to many is just a fair reflection of the Nation at large. We are faced with serious developmental challenges and all our legislators could do is to ask, seek, demand and scheme to have their allowances increased by 100% even when there’s no justification whatsoever for the kind of salaries they currently earn. The same is true of the Super Eagles who are among the most motivated teams at this World Cup and yet we do not even have a point to show for it! Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Nigerian Football, Success Pills, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win, World Cup | No Comments »
Greece Versus Nigeria: A Must Win!
By Toyin | 16th June 10
The Super Eagles still have every chance to progress to the second round of the World Cup; all they need do is win their remaining matches. While this won’t be a picnic on the beach, it certainly is not unachievable if we put our acts together and focus absolutely on the task. The mountains to be climbed are not so steep, careful placement of feet and determination is needed.
Eight years ago in Korea-Japan, we found ourselves in a similar situation. We lost our first match to Argentina by a lone goal. It became imperative for us to win the next one and instead of rising to the occasion; we lost the second group match to Sweden, incidentally coached by our current handler Lars Lagerback. Now we are faced with a bruised Greece who played so poorly against South Korea that one was left wondering how they got into the World Cup.
For the records, they knocked out Ukraine in the play offs to arrive in South Africa. Towing their pedigree as a former European champion, the Greeks should never be judged only by the performance against South Korea. Aside having one of the most tactically discipline gaffers in Otto Rehaigel, Greece know how to defend a lead whenever they have their noses in the front. They have a very good and deeply experienced goalkeeper who has seen it all. This coupled with the taste of victory in Portugal six years ago makes them a very formidable opponent. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Nigerian Football, Success Pills, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win, World Cup | 1 Comment »
Nigeria VS Argentina
By Toyin | 10th June 10
Not a few football analysts have written off the chances of the Super Eagles in this year’s World Cup. A preview of the group on Skysports online was so dismissive of the team that it borders on impudence from the reviewer. Many fans of the team in Nigeria and elsewhere have given up hope bearing in mind the state of the team, kinds of players and the legendary lack of adequate preparation for major tournaments by the country.
The above in contrast to the world class players available to the Argentines puts one in a pensive mood. From the likes Of Lionel Messi, to Diego Milito, Carlos Tervez; the ‘Argies’ are brimming with confidence ahead of the tie. While Nigeria lost arguably her best player in John Obi Mikel to injury, our opponent have a full complement of their players and virtually all are injury free and fit. The fact that we’ve not beaten them before in all major encounters piles more pressure on us to get a good result in the opener. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Hot Stars, Cold Sands, Nigerian Football, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win, World Cup | 3 Comments »
The Super Eagles!
By Toyin | 4th June 10
I had to wait patiently for Coach Lars Lagerback to name his team to South Africa before making any comments. If I have disappointed you with my unusual inconsistency on this blog, I sincerely apologize particularly for my lack of coverage of our Super Eagles towards this World Cup. One of the most significant events that took place on our way to South Africa of course was the sack of Coach Ahmodu Shuaibu and the appointment of our Swede handler.
Having failed to convince Nigerians with his tactical choices in Angola, the knives were out for Ahmodu for the second time. What actually got most people infuriated with him was his choice of players for the tournament in Angola. He took almost ten unfit players to the ACN and we paid dearly for that as we were beaten by a fitter, more compact Ghana in the semi final. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biz Football, Nigerian Football, Success Pills, Who Will Win, World Cup | No Comments »
The Big One is Here
By Toyin | 29th May 10
As I watch the build up to the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa on DSTV daily, I couldn’t help but feel the overriding excitement of the host country and its people. The colours of the Rainbow Nation, the noise of the Vuvuzela, the outstanding levels of preparation and facilities, beautiful hotels and resorts on the ground etc shows that SA and indeed Africa has (is) coming of age.
No one would deny the fact that hosting arguably the world’s leading sporting event is no mean task. With over $4 billion already spent, the FIFA World Cup is not for the lily livered. Constant approving words from the highly reliable Jerome Valcke, FIFA General Secretary indicates that the football governing body is not regretting the award of the hosting right to an African nation. As a matter of fact, South Africa has done more than expected.
Preparation is not limited to infrastructure and allied developments though I would be quick to admit that I was simply blown away by the architectural masterpiece named the ‘Soccer City’ in Soweto. The level of security readiness and awareness displayed by the necessary quarters is heartwarming bearing in mind the peculiarity of most African nations in this regard. Most significantly, South Africa reached out to other African countries to assist her in providing adequate security during the championship. This is in itself would foster Africa unity; a critical platform for the formation of the AU. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biz Football, Success Pills, Who Will Win | No Comments »
Next Up
By Toyin | 19th April 10
Hostilities resume again in the most prestigious club football championship in the world as Inter Milan hosts Barcelona in the first semi final of the highly anticipated round. Bayern Munich and Olympic Lyon will lock horns on Wednesday in the second semi final tie.
Inter Milan Vs Barcelona
Undoubtedly the top draw of this round is the encounter between Jose Mourinho’s Inter and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The teams met in the group stage and the Catalans took the lion share of the points by defeating Inter in Spain while they held out for a draw at the San Siro.
This is therefore a test of character for the Spanish side as the motivation on the side of Inter would be unparalleled. While the Italian side’s been a major force in the Serie A, the same cannot be said of their performance in Europe. As a matter of fact, they’ve been ‘also ran’ in the UEFA champions’ league for the better part of four decades. Amazing reality considering the kind of money the Morratti family had expended in the last 13 years and yet they do not have anything to show for it in terms of the big one. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Serie A, Success Pills, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win | No Comments »
The Difference is Clear
By Toyin | 4th April 10
It would seriously be called into questioning anytime Arsene Wenger and by implication Arsenal lay claims to being the masters of entertaining and awe inspiring football. Last Wednesdays match against Barcelona showed clearly that the Catalans are indeed the king of exciting and out of this world football. Looking at the statistics at the end of the first half, it was glaring that the possession football that Wenger has taken to a new level in the Premiership mattered little to the Catalans as they stoked the ball around Emirates like conquerors.
Another striking reality is the inability of Arsenal to cope with the high pressure tactics of Barcelona. They held on to the ball like selfish children and simultaneously harass and pressurize Arsenal into losing possession as soon as they had it; very impressive. Could Wenger had forgotten to clearly communicate a definitive plan to his team going into this tie? Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biz Football, Hot Stars, Cold Sands, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win | 1 Comment »
« Previous Entries