Just before the season started, Arsène Wenger sent Owen Coyle a text that undoubtedly disappointed the Bolton manager.
Jack Wilshere had spent a successful sojourn at the Reebok Stadium at the end of the 2009/10 campaign. The midfielder had gathered valuable Premier League playing time that his Arsenal manager simply could not accommodate.
Therefore it was no surprise when Coyle enquired if the 18-year-old could come back this term for a longer spell. But, ironically enough, Wilshere's improvement - largely down to his spell in Lancashire - convinced Wenger to refuse.
The youngster backed up his manager's position by starting the first two games of the Premier League season and, before that, winning his first England cap.
Therefore when Coyle arrives with his team at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, he will know exactly what he is missing.
"Yes Bolton wanted to keep him this season that is true and I considered it," said Wenger. "I told Owen Coyle they could have him for another year if I felt he had no chance to play for us at all. But after pre-season I felt he had a chance to compete for a place in our team. That is why I texted him to say that I will keep him.
"For me he's the same player that went on loan last year. They didn't teach him to play football at Bolton, he was already a great player. But he has more power now and they continued his development.
"Coyle did a good job but Jack was already a very gifted player. Since going there he has grown physically and is stronger. He has gained also experience and he is more mature."
That maturity was under scrutiny during Wenger's pre-match media work. Wilshere made unwanted headlines recently following an incident outside a nightclub. Subsequently he was left of the first England Under-21 game during the break but came back to star in the second.
Wenger was pleased with that reaction adding that "this is part of his character".
He went on: "Jack is quite focused in training and wants to do well so I was surprised [at his omission] but maybe he was concerned that this story gets out of proportion - that he was involved. But from what I've heard he hasn't done a lot wrong."
While Wilshere recovered his poise on England duty overall the international break has come at a cost for Arsenal. Theo Walcott damaged his ankle in the build-up to the Three Lions' first goal on Tuesday night and will be missing for four to six weeks.
Thomas Vermaelen collected an Achilles problem while playing for Belgium but his absence is likely to extend to Saturday alone. That means Sebastien Squillaci will make his debut alongside Laurent Koscielny at centre back. The former Frenchman has had 90 minutes of Arsenal action for the Reserves, the latter has had 180 first-team minutes.
Their compatriot Samir Nasri is back in the Arsenal squad having returned early from knee surgery. Meanwhile Johan Djourou is likely to be involved for the first time this season.
This week the absence of Robin van Persie (ankle) was confirmed at "four to six weeks" while Nicklas Bendtner (groin) is estimated at "three to four".
Bolton have made an assured start to the campaign with a draw at home to Fulham and a win at West Ham. However they will probably take most pleasure from their last game when they had Jussi Jaaskelainen sent off then let-in two goals to Birmingham before storming back to draw in the final stages.
Coyle has been credited with changing Bolton's reputation as a bulldozering side. But for Wenger they are still a work in progress and therefore still retain much of their traditional power.
"I believe Bolton have a good mixture of a direct game and football on the ground," he said. "They have kept their strong assets up front with Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies. Also they have good crossers of the ball with Martin Petrov and Chung-Young Lee on the flanks. They can be a very dangerous side because they have a good mixture of a technical game and a direct game.
"We are a mixture of patience and the need to dictate the way we feel the game has to be played. So you have to adapt to what you have and make the changes slowly and I feel Owen has done that well."
Last season, this fixture was testament to Arsenal's mid-term transformation. Having trailed Chelsea by 11 points on November 29, they went into the match with Bolton on January 20 with the opportunity to go top. They trailed 2-0 early on before storming back to win 4-2.
"Bolton are a good side," said Wenger. "If you look at the players they have on the pitch but I believe we have enough quality on the pitch to beat them and that's what we want to show. We've had a satisfying start to the season with two difficult away games with Liverpool and Blackburn and we have done well so it is important we build on from that."
Wenger's last point is the most pertinent. Those Arsenal fans celebrating up at Ewood Park a fortnight ago were relieved as much as they were elated.
Their team withstood a barrage in the final minutes but came away with a win. They had also grabbed a last-gasp point at Liverpool on the opening day of the season.
Arsenal have seven points when they might have had four - a sizeable difference. There is a tendency to think September will be straightforward given that October starts with Chelsea away.
But reaction is crucial in any successful League campaign. The ‘game after' syndrome could be the single factor that derails your title chances. Champions League trips are one part of that equation, international breaks are another.
Losing a couple of key players will not have helped Arsenal's focus but it must return by 3pm on Saturday because, make no mistake, Coyle's Bolton are just the type of team to capitalise.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Arsenal bolton match preview
Arsenal v Bolton, Saturday, 11 September 2010, 15:00
Arsenal will be without defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) for tomorrow’s visit of Bolton, but will have midfielder Samir Nasri available again following knee surgery.
Forward Theo Walcott is out for up to six weeks after suffering an ankle injury while on duty for England in midweek, and Holland forward Robin van Persie (ankle) is still not fit.
Sebastien Squillaci is set for his debut in central defence, while midfielder Denilson returns after an abdominal injury. However, Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) remain out.
Team (from): Almunia, Clichy, Squillaci, Koscielny, Sagna, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Eboue, Arshavin, Chamakh, Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Diaby, Vela, Denilson, Nasri, Djourou.
ì
Arsenal v Bolton
î
Saturday, 11 September 2010, 15:00
Bolton manager Owen Coyle will hand goalkeeper Adam Bogdan his first Barclays Premier League start tomorrow when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hungarian replaces Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is suspended after being sent off in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham.
Coyle will monitor the fitness of striker Ivan Klasnic, who missed that match because of a thigh strain.
Provisional squad: Bogdan, Steinsson, Knight, Cahill, Robinson, Lee, Holden, Muamba, Petrov, Elmander, K Davies, Klasnic, Lainton, M Davies, Blake, Taylor, Ricketts, Alonso, A O’Brien, Moreno.
Arsenal will be without defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) for tomorrow’s visit of Bolton, but will have midfielder Samir Nasri available again following knee surgery.
Forward Theo Walcott is out for up to six weeks after suffering an ankle injury while on duty for England in midweek, and Holland forward Robin van Persie (ankle) is still not fit.
Sebastien Squillaci is set for his debut in central defence, while midfielder Denilson returns after an abdominal injury. However, Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) remain out.
Team (from): Almunia, Clichy, Squillaci, Koscielny, Sagna, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Eboue, Arshavin, Chamakh, Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Diaby, Vela, Denilson, Nasri, Djourou.
ì
Arsenal v Bolton
î
Saturday, 11 September 2010, 15:00
Bolton manager Owen Coyle will hand goalkeeper Adam Bogdan his first Barclays Premier League start tomorrow when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hungarian replaces Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is suspended after being sent off in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham.
Coyle will monitor the fitness of striker Ivan Klasnic, who missed that match because of a thigh strain.
Provisional squad: Bogdan, Steinsson, Knight, Cahill, Robinson, Lee, Holden, Muamba, Petrov, Elmander, K Davies, Klasnic, Lainton, M Davies, Blake, Taylor, Ricketts, Alonso, A O’Brien, Moreno.
gallas 2 become caaptain
HARRY REDKNAPP is ready to hand William Gallas and Rafael van der Vaart their Tottenham debuts at West Brom.
Redknapp, who is without injured duo Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson, admits he must make better use of his squad during the club's maiden Champions League campaign.
And that means he will turn to new signings Gallas and Van der Vaart as Spurs look to get back on track after losing to Wigan before the international break.
Redknapp said: "The one thing I did learn — a lesson — last week was maybe I should've changed the team that played against Wigan.
"We went to Stoke and had a great result on the Saturday, came back and won the Champions League qualifier with Young Boys.
"And then I really went with the same team, more or less, on the Saturday against Wigan.
"Maybe I should've rested one or two and changed a few around, then it might have worked better for us."
Redknapp, who is without injured duo Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson, admits he must make better use of his squad during the club's maiden Champions League campaign.
And that means he will turn to new signings Gallas and Van der Vaart as Spurs look to get back on track after losing to Wigan before the international break.
Redknapp said: "The one thing I did learn — a lesson — last week was maybe I should've changed the team that played against Wigan.
"We went to Stoke and had a great result on the Saturday, came back and won the Champions League qualifier with Young Boys.
"And then I really went with the same team, more or less, on the Saturday against Wigan.
"Maybe I should've rested one or two and changed a few around, then it might have worked better for us."
Nigeria arrests ex-NFF officials over World Cup money
Four Nigerian former football officials have been arrested amid accusations that some $8m (£5m) went missing during the World Cup finals in South Africa.
The four, who include former football federation head Sani Lulu Abdullahi, are due to appear in court in the capital Abuja shortly, an anti-corruption official told the BBC.
The four were sacked over Nigeria's poor performance at the finals.
They have not yet commented on the accusations.
Their passports were seized in July.
After the Super Eagles' failure to qualify from the group stages of the World Cup finals, President Goodluck Jonathan banned them from international competition for two years, before relenting under pressure from the sport's world governing body, Fifa.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman Femi Babafemi told the BBC that the four - Mr Lulu, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Amanze Uchegbulam - would face a number of charges.
These include making payments to unauthorised delegates, chartering an allegedly faulty aircraft and paying $400,000 to stage a friendly match against Colombia in London, shortly before the finals.
The four have already been interrogated on these matters.
"This is a serious case of national interest hence all four men have been detained and will be in court on Tuesday," he said.
Meanwhile, a judge has ordered that elections for a new Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership be annulled.
The four, who include former football federation head Sani Lulu Abdullahi, are due to appear in court in the capital Abuja shortly, an anti-corruption official told the BBC.
The four were sacked over Nigeria's poor performance at the finals.
They have not yet commented on the accusations.
Their passports were seized in July.
After the Super Eagles' failure to qualify from the group stages of the World Cup finals, President Goodluck Jonathan banned them from international competition for two years, before relenting under pressure from the sport's world governing body, Fifa.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman Femi Babafemi told the BBC that the four - Mr Lulu, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Amanze Uchegbulam - would face a number of charges.
These include making payments to unauthorised delegates, chartering an allegedly faulty aircraft and paying $400,000 to stage a friendly match against Colombia in London, shortly before the finals.
The four have already been interrogated on these matters.
"This is a serious case of national interest hence all four men have been detained and will be in court on Tuesday," he said.
Meanwhile, a judge has ordered that elections for a new Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership be annulled.
wenger for englaand
ARSENE WENGER has stated once again that he believes England's next manager must be English.
With Fabio Capello set to leave the role when his contract expires after the 2012 European Championships, a number of potential replacements are already being touted.
Wenger was himself once top of the FA's wanted list, but firmly believes the next man in charge of the Three Lions must be home-grown.
He said: "I always come out with the same answer. Let the national team take somebody from England and that represents the country.
"That is the best way to do it."
With Fabio Capello set to leave the role when his contract expires after the 2012 European Championships, a number of potential replacements are already being touted.
Wenger was himself once top of the FA's wanted list, but firmly believes the next man in charge of the Three Lions must be home-grown.
He said: "I always come out with the same answer. Let the national team take somebody from England and that represents the country.
"That is the best way to do it."
Nigeria coaching job up for grabs as NFF advertise post Nigeria coaching job up for grabs as NFF advertise post
he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that it will advertise the vacant Super Eagles coaching post.
NFF board member Chris Green confirmed that after its executive committee's inaugural meeting, it was agreed the job would be open to applicants.
The new NFF executives said the move was taken in the interest of transparency.
Green also said that a new coach would be hired by 1 October, just days before an important qualifier away in Guinea.
The NFF announcement is a complete departure from earlier developments where the previous leadership of the football association had already opened discussions with former Olympic team coach, Samson Siasia.
Siasia's appointment stalled over his personal terms. The NFF offered him a monthly salary of $20,000, while the 42-year-old requested $100,000 and a signing-on fee.
Austin Eguavoen is currently in temporary charge of the national team, after Swedish coach Lars Lagerback vacated the position following Nigeria's disappointing World Cup showing.
I think things should be done properly and quickly to get things sorted, so we all know where we stand and [can] move forward from there
Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi
Earlier in the week, Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi demanded that the NFF put its house in order.
Mikel rebuked members of the NFF over the country's battered football image, following long-standing reports of internal feuding, which have overshadowed preparations for Sunday's 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
"Nigeria football has been a laughing stock to be honest, but I always try to defend my country by insisting we are still the best and biggest," Mikel told Brila FM in Lagos.
NFF board member Chris Green confirmed that after its executive committee's inaugural meeting, it was agreed the job would be open to applicants.
The new NFF executives said the move was taken in the interest of transparency.
Green also said that a new coach would be hired by 1 October, just days before an important qualifier away in Guinea.
The NFF announcement is a complete departure from earlier developments where the previous leadership of the football association had already opened discussions with former Olympic team coach, Samson Siasia.
Siasia's appointment stalled over his personal terms. The NFF offered him a monthly salary of $20,000, while the 42-year-old requested $100,000 and a signing-on fee.
Austin Eguavoen is currently in temporary charge of the national team, after Swedish coach Lars Lagerback vacated the position following Nigeria's disappointing World Cup showing.
I think things should be done properly and quickly to get things sorted, so we all know where we stand and [can] move forward from there
Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi
Earlier in the week, Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi demanded that the NFF put its house in order.
Mikel rebuked members of the NFF over the country's battered football image, following long-standing reports of internal feuding, which have overshadowed preparations for Sunday's 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
"Nigeria football has been a laughing stock to be honest, but I always try to defend my country by insisting we are still the best and biggest," Mikel told Brila FM in Lagos.
Osaze Odemwingie hits back at 'racist' Russian fans
Nigeria striker Osaze Odemwingie has hit out at fans of his former club in Russia, following apparently racist banners targeted at him last weekend.
Photographs showed Lokomotiv Moscow fans celebrating the sale of Odemwingie to West Bromwich Albion.
One (above) included the image of a banana and read "Thanks West Brom".
"It's a minority group but it's really sad - I have a good relationship with the club but this is a big disgrace," Odemwingie told BBC Sport.
The 29-year-old explained that black players are regularly subjected to insults in the Russian league but said the authorities do not act.
"Some fans treated me well at the club - only a group of supporters have shown how narrow minded they are to the world," Odemwingie said.
"Coloured players feel the open racism there and I recall a game against CSKA Moscow when their fans started the sick noises - I wouldn't have any of it and gave it back to them.
"This was widely publicised because photographers had shots of my protest but still nothing was done to curb it.
"Sadly, it's a picture of a minority group in Russia - it really makes you feel sick but that is what it is.
"You can't totally condemn the league or the people but I am a stronger individual, focusing on my career with Nigeria and West Brom now."
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has promised to write a protest letter to Fifa calling for disciplinary action to be taken following the incident.
"We condemn this act of racism aimed at Osaze Odemwingie, hence we are preparing a letter to Fifa to discipline racist incidents in accordance with the Fifa statutes and the Fifa disciplinary code," NFF spokesman Robinson Okosun told BBC Sport.
Photographs showed Lokomotiv Moscow fans celebrating the sale of Odemwingie to West Bromwich Albion.
One (above) included the image of a banana and read "Thanks West Brom".
"It's a minority group but it's really sad - I have a good relationship with the club but this is a big disgrace," Odemwingie told BBC Sport.
The 29-year-old explained that black players are regularly subjected to insults in the Russian league but said the authorities do not act.
"Some fans treated me well at the club - only a group of supporters have shown how narrow minded they are to the world," Odemwingie said.
"Coloured players feel the open racism there and I recall a game against CSKA Moscow when their fans started the sick noises - I wouldn't have any of it and gave it back to them.
"This was widely publicised because photographers had shots of my protest but still nothing was done to curb it.
"Sadly, it's a picture of a minority group in Russia - it really makes you feel sick but that is what it is.
"You can't totally condemn the league or the people but I am a stronger individual, focusing on my career with Nigeria and West Brom now."
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has promised to write a protest letter to Fifa calling for disciplinary action to be taken following the incident.
"We condemn this act of racism aimed at Osaze Odemwingie, hence we are preparing a letter to Fifa to discipline racist incidents in accordance with the Fifa statutes and the Fifa disciplinary code," NFF spokesman Robinson Okosun told BBC Sport.
Paul Scholes and Carlo Ancelotti pick up Barclays awards for August Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1310906/Paul-Scholes
Paul Scholes has been named Barclays Player of the Month for August with Carlo Ancelotti picking up the award for best boss.
Manchester United midfielder Scholes was outstanding in his side's opener against Newcastle, scored a superb goal in the draw at Fulham and was at his brilliant best in the 3-0 win over West Ham.
Class act: Scholes has been in superb form in the opening stages of the season
Rocket man: Scholes rifles one in from the edge of the box at Craven Cottage
Scholes, 35, has now received the award four times in his glittering career and is only one behind Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard in the all-time list.
He is tied with Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
Top of the pile: Ancelotti is looking down on the rest of the Premier League
Top of the pile: Ancelotti is looking down on the rest of the Premier League
Chelsea manager Ancelotti was honoured for guiding his side to the top of the table with three straight wins.
The Blues his West Brom and Wigan for for six and beat Stoke 2-0. The stubborn champions have yet to concede a goal.
Italian Ancelotti has now won the monthly award twice.
Manchester United midfielder Scholes was outstanding in his side's opener against Newcastle, scored a superb goal in the draw at Fulham and was at his brilliant best in the 3-0 win over West Ham.
Class act: Scholes has been in superb form in the opening stages of the season
Rocket man: Scholes rifles one in from the edge of the box at Craven Cottage
Scholes, 35, has now received the award four times in his glittering career and is only one behind Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard in the all-time list.
He is tied with Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
Top of the pile: Ancelotti is looking down on the rest of the Premier League
Top of the pile: Ancelotti is looking down on the rest of the Premier League
Chelsea manager Ancelotti was honoured for guiding his side to the top of the table with three straight wins.
The Blues his West Brom and Wigan for for six and beat Stoke 2-0. The stubborn champions have yet to concede a goal.
Italian Ancelotti has now won the monthly award twice.
Theo Walcott's injuries worry Arsene Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is concerned how Theo Walcott's latest injury setback will affect the England international on a mental level.
Walcott, 21, faces up to six weeks out after damaging his ankle in England's 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Switzerland on Tuesday.
Wenger said: "It is frustrating for him. You never know what kind of psychological impact it has."
"The mental side is always a question mark when a player gets injuries."
Walcott first suffered a lay-off in November 2008, when he dislocated a shoulder on England duty, ruling him out for six months.
A litany of further problems, including back, knee and hamstring injuries, marred his 2009-10 season - his stop-start availability for his club culminating in his controversial omission from England manager Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.
And Wenger added: "When you are a manager and you see an injury doesn't harm the career of a player, you are happy.
"After that the only unknown quantity is how much it will damage his confidence in the box, on tackling and all that."
Walcott made no secret of his disappointment at Capello's summer snub but he began this season brightly for club and country.
He found the net three times in four games for the Gunners and impressed in his three international appearances - even catching the eye during the 10 minutes he was on the field in Basle before a challenge by Swiss defender Yves Oehri ended his night.
But, despite his bad luck, Wenger has backed the player he acquired for £5m from Southampton in 2006 to once again bounce back.
"Ideally, you do not want a player to be injured many times by bad tackles," added the Frenchman.
"However, I believe Theo will deal well with that because he has done it before."
Second-placed Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign at home to Bolton on Saturday, with Wenger also without the talents of striker Robin van Persie, whose ankle knock carries approximately the same prognosis as Walcott's, and central defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles).
Winger Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, is expected back in November as the Welshman continues his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered at Stoke last February.
Walcott, 21, faces up to six weeks out after damaging his ankle in England's 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Switzerland on Tuesday.
Wenger said: "It is frustrating for him. You never know what kind of psychological impact it has."
"The mental side is always a question mark when a player gets injuries."
Walcott first suffered a lay-off in November 2008, when he dislocated a shoulder on England duty, ruling him out for six months.
A litany of further problems, including back, knee and hamstring injuries, marred his 2009-10 season - his stop-start availability for his club culminating in his controversial omission from England manager Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.
And Wenger added: "When you are a manager and you see an injury doesn't harm the career of a player, you are happy.
"After that the only unknown quantity is how much it will damage his confidence in the box, on tackling and all that."
Walcott made no secret of his disappointment at Capello's summer snub but he began this season brightly for club and country.
He found the net three times in four games for the Gunners and impressed in his three international appearances - even catching the eye during the 10 minutes he was on the field in Basle before a challenge by Swiss defender Yves Oehri ended his night.
But, despite his bad luck, Wenger has backed the player he acquired for £5m from Southampton in 2006 to once again bounce back.
"Ideally, you do not want a player to be injured many times by bad tackles," added the Frenchman.
"However, I believe Theo will deal well with that because he has done it before."
Second-placed Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign at home to Bolton on Saturday, with Wenger also without the talents of striker Robin van Persie, whose ankle knock carries approximately the same prognosis as Walcott's, and central defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles).
Winger Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, is expected back in November as the Welshman continues his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered at Stoke last February.
Fasuba will bounce back , Onyali
Former African queen of the tracks, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has backed African 100m record holder, Olusoji Fasuba to make a strong comeback to the tracks.
Fasubu has not featured in any race this season and he is not likely to do so due to loss of form.
But Onyali submitted that Fasuba still has some steam left to make a strong comeback.
She was speaking against the background of flagging performances recorded by Nigerian male sprinters at the African Championships.
AFasuba has been injured and I=m sure when he is fully fit he will make a comeback. We all know what he can do and so we need to give him a break to get himself back,@said Onyali.
Since running the African record of 9.85 in Doha, Qatar in 2006 and winning the World Indoor 2008 in Valencia, Spain, Fasuba has never been at his sprinting best.
His reign as Nigeria=s 100m champion was terminated in 2009 by Obinna Metu. Fasuba blamed his poor form on a career threatening ankle injury he sustained during training.
However, a member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Jide Josiah traced Fasuba=s plummeting form to his decision to marry when he was at the peak of his career.
AThis was a real big distraction to him. I remember quite well how former AFN president, Violet Odogwu-Nwajei pleaded with him to put his marriage on hold.
AShe really wanted him to make a strong impact after setting the African record but Fasuba still went ahead, since then he has not been his best,@he said.Former African queen of the tracks, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has backed African 100m record holder, Olusoji Fasuba to make a strong comeback to the tracks.
Fasubu has not featured in any race this season and he is not likely to do so due to loss of form.
But Onyali submitted that Fasuba still has some steam left to make a strong comeback.
She was speaking against the background of flagging performances recorded by Nigerian male sprinters at the African Championships.
AFasuba has been injured and I=m sure when he is fully fit he will make a comeback. We all know what he can do and so we need to give him a break to get himself back,@said Onyali.
Since running the African record of 9.85 in Doha, Qatar in 2006 and winning the World Indoor 2008 in Valencia, Spain, Fasuba has never been at his sprinting best.
His reign as Nigeria=s 100m champion was terminated in 2009 by Obinna Metu. Fasuba blamed his poor form on a career threatening ankle injury he sustained during training.
However, a member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Jide Josiah traced Fasuba=s plummeting form to his decision to marry when he was at the peak of his career.
AThis was a real big distraction to him. I remember quite well how former AFN president, Violet Odogwu-Nwajei pleaded with him to put his marriage on hold.
AShe really wanted him to make a strong impact after setting the African record but Fasuba still went ahead, since then he has not been his best,@he said.
Fasubu has not featured in any race this season and he is not likely to do so due to loss of form.
But Onyali submitted that Fasuba still has some steam left to make a strong comeback.
She was speaking against the background of flagging performances recorded by Nigerian male sprinters at the African Championships.
AFasuba has been injured and I=m sure when he is fully fit he will make a comeback. We all know what he can do and so we need to give him a break to get himself back,@said Onyali.
Since running the African record of 9.85 in Doha, Qatar in 2006 and winning the World Indoor 2008 in Valencia, Spain, Fasuba has never been at his sprinting best.
His reign as Nigeria=s 100m champion was terminated in 2009 by Obinna Metu. Fasuba blamed his poor form on a career threatening ankle injury he sustained during training.
However, a member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Jide Josiah traced Fasuba=s plummeting form to his decision to marry when he was at the peak of his career.
AThis was a real big distraction to him. I remember quite well how former AFN president, Violet Odogwu-Nwajei pleaded with him to put his marriage on hold.
AShe really wanted him to make a strong impact after setting the African record but Fasuba still went ahead, since then he has not been his best,@he said.Former African queen of the tracks, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has backed African 100m record holder, Olusoji Fasuba to make a strong comeback to the tracks.
Fasubu has not featured in any race this season and he is not likely to do so due to loss of form.
But Onyali submitted that Fasuba still has some steam left to make a strong comeback.
She was speaking against the background of flagging performances recorded by Nigerian male sprinters at the African Championships.
AFasuba has been injured and I=m sure when he is fully fit he will make a comeback. We all know what he can do and so we need to give him a break to get himself back,@said Onyali.
Since running the African record of 9.85 in Doha, Qatar in 2006 and winning the World Indoor 2008 in Valencia, Spain, Fasuba has never been at his sprinting best.
His reign as Nigeria=s 100m champion was terminated in 2009 by Obinna Metu. Fasuba blamed his poor form on a career threatening ankle injury he sustained during training.
However, a member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Jide Josiah traced Fasuba=s plummeting form to his decision to marry when he was at the peak of his career.
AThis was a real big distraction to him. I remember quite well how former AFN president, Violet Odogwu-Nwajei pleaded with him to put his marriage on hold.
AShe really wanted him to make a strong impact after setting the African record but Fasuba still went ahead, since then he has not been his best,@he said.
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