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.
Jonathan sacks service chiefs, IG, D-G SSS
Forty years after the Nigeria-Biafra war, an Igbo man was yesterday named chief of Army staff. President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Major-General O. Azubuike Ihejirika as the new head of the Army. He takes over from Lt.-General Abdulrahaman Dambazau.
By the action, Major-General Ihejirika becomes the first Igbo man to occupy the office of chief of Army staff (COAS) since the end of the civil war in 1970.
However, it was not all too good for Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo who was removed and replaced with Assistant Inspector- General (AIG), Hafiz Ringim.
The changes were announced in a sweeping overhaul of the leadership of the forces and the State Security Services (SSS) where Ita Ekpeyong was appointed to replace Afarkiya Gadzama.
Other replacements announced yesterday by President Jonathan include that of chief of defence staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike who was replaced with Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, immediate past chief of the Air Force.
Also removed was chief of the Naval Staff with Rear Admiral Ola Sa�ad Ibrahim, formerly Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Apapa, appointed in his stead, while Air Vice Marshal Mohammed D. Umar was appointed chief of the Air Force. Before now, he was Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna.
A statement by the special adviser on media and communications to the President, Ima Niboro, said the changes became necessary as the tenure of the service chiefs lapsed in August.
Niboro said the appointments took immediate effect but subject to confirmation by the National Assembly, in line with the provision of the Armed Forces Act, section 18, Cap A20, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
�The President thanked the out-going service chiefs whose tenure expired in August for their loyalty and dedication to service. He specially commended them for defending the Nigerian Constitution at all times and for successful command of the Armed Forces during their tenure,� Niboro said.
He also said that �the President also thanked the out-going Inspector- General of Police and Director-General of the SSS for their dedication to service of the fatherland and wished them well in their future endeavours.�
General Ihejirika, prior to the appointment, was a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja where he was in charge of logistics.
Earlier, he had served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Lagos. He had also been chief of standards and evaluation at the Army headquarters.
The office of the COAS is at the apex of the Army structure. It exists under his command, to deter all forms of aggression. Section 18(3) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, saddles the COAS with the responsibility of command, direction and general superintendence of the Army.
By the action, Major-General Ihejirika becomes the first Igbo man to occupy the office of chief of Army staff (COAS) since the end of the civil war in 1970.
However, it was not all too good for Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo who was removed and replaced with Assistant Inspector- General (AIG), Hafiz Ringim.
The changes were announced in a sweeping overhaul of the leadership of the forces and the State Security Services (SSS) where Ita Ekpeyong was appointed to replace Afarkiya Gadzama.
Other replacements announced yesterday by President Jonathan include that of chief of defence staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike who was replaced with Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, immediate past chief of the Air Force.
Also removed was chief of the Naval Staff with Rear Admiral Ola Sa�ad Ibrahim, formerly Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Apapa, appointed in his stead, while Air Vice Marshal Mohammed D. Umar was appointed chief of the Air Force. Before now, he was Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna.
A statement by the special adviser on media and communications to the President, Ima Niboro, said the changes became necessary as the tenure of the service chiefs lapsed in August.
Niboro said the appointments took immediate effect but subject to confirmation by the National Assembly, in line with the provision of the Armed Forces Act, section 18, Cap A20, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
�The President thanked the out-going service chiefs whose tenure expired in August for their loyalty and dedication to service. He specially commended them for defending the Nigerian Constitution at all times and for successful command of the Armed Forces during their tenure,� Niboro said.
He also said that �the President also thanked the out-going Inspector- General of Police and Director-General of the SSS for their dedication to service of the fatherland and wished them well in their future endeavours.�
General Ihejirika, prior to the appointment, was a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja where he was in charge of logistics.
Earlier, he had served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Lagos. He had also been chief of standards and evaluation at the Army headquarters.
The office of the COAS is at the apex of the Army structure. It exists under his command, to deter all forms of aggression. Section 18(3) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, saddles the COAS with the responsibility of command, direction and general superintendence of the Army.
Glo to sponsor 202 for Man United games
Telecoms company Globacom has said it will sponsor over 200 of its subscribers on trips to the United Kingdom to watch Manchester United‘s live games at the Old Trafford.
The sponsorship is the second in its series after the company launched its Recharge and Go To Old Trafford Promo earlier in the year.
Globacom also said over 12,000 of its subscribers in Nigeria and Benin Republic will win N90m cash and free airtime in the promo.
In the Season I of the promo, the company sponsored over 70 subscribers on the network to Old Trafford.
The winners were picked from a pool of subscribers who qualified by recharging their Glo lines with a minimum of N500 weekly.
Globacom officials said the company had raised the stakes in the package targeted at rewarding existing and new subscribers on the GloMobile network.
To qualify for the weekly draw from which winners will be picked, GloMobile subscribers will need to recharge their lines with a minimum of N500 airtime.
The sponsorship is the second in its series after the company launched its Recharge and Go To Old Trafford Promo earlier in the year.
Globacom also said over 12,000 of its subscribers in Nigeria and Benin Republic will win N90m cash and free airtime in the promo.
In the Season I of the promo, the company sponsored over 70 subscribers on the network to Old Trafford.
The winners were picked from a pool of subscribers who qualified by recharging their Glo lines with a minimum of N500 weekly.
Globacom officials said the company had raised the stakes in the package targeted at rewarding existing and new subscribers on the GloMobile network.
To qualify for the weekly draw from which winners will be picked, GloMobile subscribers will need to recharge their lines with a minimum of N500 airtime.
Pepsi tourney will produce new talents –Nelson
Pepsi Football Academy‘s Consultant, Iain Nelson, has said that new soccer talents will emerge from all the teams participating in the on-going Pepsi Eight-Nation international tournament.
The championship entered its third day on Tuesday with two Pepsi Football Academy teams filing out against their respective opponents in what were generally considered explosive fixtures.
Speaking after the clash between LAFAD Academy of Cote d‘Ivoire and Dragon International of Republic Benin which ended 2-1 in favour of the former, Nelson said it was fulfilling watching West African youth footballers display their talents on the field of play.
He said, ”It is gratifying to note that new football talents will eventually be discovered from all the countries participating because the standard of play has been very high.
”Pepsi as a brand draws a lot of fulfilment from this and even the players themselves will forever be happy for having the opportunity to use this platform to unleash their talents.”
The PFA consultant described the tournament as a worthy investment in line with the corporate responsibility of the 7Up Bottling Company which is driven by the desire to give something back to the society.
The championship entered its third day on Tuesday with two Pepsi Football Academy teams filing out against their respective opponents in what were generally considered explosive fixtures.
Speaking after the clash between LAFAD Academy of Cote d‘Ivoire and Dragon International of Republic Benin which ended 2-1 in favour of the former, Nelson said it was fulfilling watching West African youth footballers display their talents on the field of play.
He said, ”It is gratifying to note that new football talents will eventually be discovered from all the countries participating because the standard of play has been very high.
”Pepsi as a brand draws a lot of fulfilment from this and even the players themselves will forever be happy for having the opportunity to use this platform to unleash their talents.”
The PFA consultant described the tournament as a worthy investment in line with the corporate responsibility of the 7Up Bottling Company which is driven by the desire to give something back to the society.
FIFA U-17 World Cup: Nigeria qualify for q’finals
Nigeria early on Thursday qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women‘s World Cup courtesy of a winner four minutes from time by Loveth Ayila against Trinidad and Tobago in Marabella.
Buoyed by a rousing home atmosphere and some inspirational goalkeeping from Linfah Jones, the locals appeared set to hang on for a crucial against-the-odds point until Ayila‘s late goal.
The 2-1 victory, combined with a 3-2 opening win against 2008 champions Korea DPR, sees the Flamingoes assured of their passage, and needing just a point from their final match against Chile to guarantee top spot in the group.
The late goal means T&T must defeat the Koreans in the final group encounter to avoid elimination.
Nigeria started positively and Halimatu Ayinde went close to opening the scoring on five minutes, before then setting up Sarah Nnodim soon after only for the latter to miscue her effort.
Nigeria continued in the same vein and Oluchi Ofoegbu rocked the crossbar with an effort from 25 metres as the Flamingoes inched closer to breaking the deadlock.
They finally did so on 28 minutes with a long ball from deep played into the path of Francisca Ordega who coolly lobbed the advancing Jones with a header.
Ayinde nearly doubled the advantage soon after, but her shot from near the penalty spot was blocked.
Nine minutes before the interval T&T, lifted by the relentless support of the home crowd‘s tuneful rhythm section, restored parity via the boot of Liana Hinds.
The provider of the winner three days earlier against Chile profited from the good lead-up work of Jonelle Warrick, whose solo run on the right flank ended with a shot that could only be blocked by Amina Abu directly into the path of Hinds.
Buoyed by a rousing home atmosphere and some inspirational goalkeeping from Linfah Jones, the locals appeared set to hang on for a crucial against-the-odds point until Ayila‘s late goal.
The 2-1 victory, combined with a 3-2 opening win against 2008 champions Korea DPR, sees the Flamingoes assured of their passage, and needing just a point from their final match against Chile to guarantee top spot in the group.
The late goal means T&T must defeat the Koreans in the final group encounter to avoid elimination.
Nigeria started positively and Halimatu Ayinde went close to opening the scoring on five minutes, before then setting up Sarah Nnodim soon after only for the latter to miscue her effort.
Nigeria continued in the same vein and Oluchi Ofoegbu rocked the crossbar with an effort from 25 metres as the Flamingoes inched closer to breaking the deadlock.
They finally did so on 28 minutes with a long ball from deep played into the path of Francisca Ordega who coolly lobbed the advancing Jones with a header.
Ayinde nearly doubled the advantage soon after, but her shot from near the penalty spot was blocked.
Nine minutes before the interval T&T, lifted by the relentless support of the home crowd‘s tuneful rhythm section, restored parity via the boot of Liana Hinds.
The provider of the winner three days earlier against Chile profited from the good lead-up work of Jonelle Warrick, whose solo run on the right flank ended with a shot that could only be blocked by Amina Abu directly into the path of Hinds.
West Brom to counter Russian racism toward striker
Lokomotic Moscow fans display a banner showing a banana and the words "Thanks West Brom"
West Brom fans will counter this banner with one of their own
West Brom fans will show solidarity with Osaze Odemwingie at Saturday's Premier League match against Tottenham.
Fans will unfurl a banner to counter a racist one displayed at the Nigeria striker's former club Lokomotiv Moscow.
Last month, Russian fans displayed a banner emblazoned with 'Thanks West Brom' with a picture of a banana after the black player left the club.
Danny Lynch of anti-racism group, Kick It Out says that "the banner was overtly racist".
West Brom's banner, created with Kick It Out, reads "Thanks Lokomotiv" and is accompanied by a picture of Odemwingie celebrating his winner on his debut against Sunderland last month.
The banner will appear at Saturday's Premier League match against Tottenham.
"To see messages coming from Lokomotiv fans that were the sort of messages hurled towards black players over here in the seventies just shows how developed we are as a footballing nation," said West Brom fan Martin Greenwood, who orchestrated the response.
The Nigerian was signed from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow three weeks ago.
West Brom fans will counter this banner with one of their own
West Brom fans will show solidarity with Osaze Odemwingie at Saturday's Premier League match against Tottenham.
Fans will unfurl a banner to counter a racist one displayed at the Nigeria striker's former club Lokomotiv Moscow.
Last month, Russian fans displayed a banner emblazoned with 'Thanks West Brom' with a picture of a banana after the black player left the club.
Danny Lynch of anti-racism group, Kick It Out says that "the banner was overtly racist".
West Brom's banner, created with Kick It Out, reads "Thanks Lokomotiv" and is accompanied by a picture of Odemwingie celebrating his winner on his debut against Sunderland last month.
The banner will appear at Saturday's Premier League match against Tottenham.
"To see messages coming from Lokomotiv fans that were the sort of messages hurled towards black players over here in the seventies just shows how developed we are as a footballing nation," said West Brom fan Martin Greenwood, who orchestrated the response.
The Nigerian was signed from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow three weeks ago.
My pact with Abacha, Obasanjo, by Gen. BabangidaMy pact with Abacha, Obasanjo, by Gen. Babangida
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday in Minna disclosed the pacts he had with two former heads of state Generals, Olusegun Obansanjo and Sani Abacha that enabled them to assume power at various periods in the history of the country, insisting that he was concerned with the future, security and unity of the nation.
Speaking in an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state, Babangida explained that General Abacha was spared from the mass retirement that hit senior military officers at the time he was stepping aside in 1994 based on the calculation that General Abacha would help to stabilise the Ernest Shonekan Interim Government and douse the political tension that had mounted over the June 12 annulment.
He explained that at the time he “stepped aside”, the situation was very fragile adding that if the military profession was left in the hands of the young inexperienced officers, they would have torn the nation apart with coup d’états
“When we were leaving, the situation was very fragile and if people who were not as mature and as old as we were stepped into our shoes there will be problem. From my calculations Abacha was a gentleman and experienced soldier who commanded respect in the military that could give the Shonekan administration backing”, he said.
“The Junior officers, we reasoned, would be very cautious of General Abacha who was a tough officer and was in the system from Army Chief of Staff to Defence Minister”, he said.
General Babangida said that he was however surprised that as soon as he stepped aside, the citizens of the country and the media began to castigate the Shonekan administration in bad light saying it was worst than a military regime.
He said prominent citizens began to demand for military intervention prompting General Abacha to take over the administration he was earlier mandated to protect.
On his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Babangida said that he had worked to make Obasanjo, his former military boss, a civilian President because of the conviction that he cannot be intimidated by the media or any other organisation.
Babangida said he did not feel betrayed by Obansanjo who is now believed to be working against his presidential ambition.
“I would not want to use the word betrayal on General Obasanjo. My relationship with Obasanjo, has to do with our military training that as a soldier we are very loyal to our superiors. He remained a guiding light when we were growing and when we grew up in the military the bond of relationship continued to grow from strength to strength.
“When we meet we still talk about the unity and stability of the nation. I think we have a common objective. There is no disaffection between us”, he said.
Babangida who said he stepped aside in 1994 in the interest of peace and stability of the nation added that he chose to use the phrase step aside to depict a soldier marching in a Column. He said that he would continue to endure the shouts about his being the problem of the nation.
“People were shouting that I was the problem of the nation and that Nigeria will tear apart because I was the embodiment of all that was bad. Then in the interest of peace, I said ‘I will step aside’”, he said.
It will be recalled that former President Ibrahim Babangida has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the next general elections.
The retired General has also declared his support for the for the continuation of the zoning arrangement in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. If the arrangement is sustained, President Goodluck Jonathan will not be eligible to contest in 2011, hence paving the way for a Northern candidate to take the PDP ticket.
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday in Minna disclosed the pacts he had with two former heads of state Generals, Olusegun Obansanjo and Sani Abacha that enabled them to assume power at various periods in the history of the country, insisting that he was concerned with the future, security and unity of the nation.
Speaking in an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state, Babangida explained that General Abacha was spared from the mass retirement that hit senior military officers at the time he was stepping aside in 1994 based on the calculation that General Abacha would help to stabilise the Ernest Shonekan Interim Government and douse the political tension that had mounted over the June 12 annulment.
He explained that at the time he “stepped aside”, the situation was very fragile adding that if the military profession was left in the hands of the young inexperienced officers, they would have torn the nation apart with coup d’états
“When we were leaving, the situation was very fragile and if people who were not as mature and as old as we were stepped into our shoes there will be problem. From my calculations Abacha was a gentleman and experienced soldier who commanded respect in the military that could give the Shonekan administration backing”, he said.
“The Junior officers, we reasoned, would be very cautious of General Abacha who was a tough officer and was in the system from Army Chief of Staff to Defence Minister”, he said.
General Babangida said that he was however surprised that as soon as he stepped aside, the citizens of the country and the media began to castigate the Shonekan administration in bad light saying it was worst than a military regime.
He said prominent citizens began to demand for military intervention prompting General Abacha to take over the administration he was earlier mandated to protect.
On his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Babangida said that he had worked to make Obasanjo, his former military boss, a civilian President because of the conviction that he cannot be intimidated by the media or any other organisation.
Babangida said he did not feel betrayed by Obansanjo who is now believed to be working against his presidential ambition.
“I would not want to use the word betrayal on General Obasanjo. My relationship with Obasanjo, has to do with our military training that as a soldier we are very loyal to our superiors. He remained a guiding light when we were growing and when we grew up in the military the bond of relationship continued to grow from strength to strength.
“When we meet we still talk about the unity and stability of the nation. I think we have a common objective. There is no disaffection between us”, he said.
Babangida who said he stepped aside in 1994 in the interest of peace and stability of the nation added that he chose to use the phrase step aside to depict a soldier marching in a Column. He said that he would continue to endure the shouts about his being the problem of the nation.
“People were shouting that I was the problem of the nation and that Nigeria will tear apart because I was the embodiment of all that was bad. Then in the interest of peace, I said ‘I will step aside’”, he said.
It will be recalled that former President Ibrahim Babangida has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the next general elections.
The retired General has also declared his support for the for the continuation of the zoning arrangement in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. If the arrangement is sustained, President Goodluck Jonathan will not be eligible to contest in 2011, hence paving the way for a Northern candidate to take the PDP ticket.
Speaking in an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state, Babangida explained that General Abacha was spared from the mass retirement that hit senior military officers at the time he was stepping aside in 1994 based on the calculation that General Abacha would help to stabilise the Ernest Shonekan Interim Government and douse the political tension that had mounted over the June 12 annulment.
He explained that at the time he “stepped aside”, the situation was very fragile adding that if the military profession was left in the hands of the young inexperienced officers, they would have torn the nation apart with coup d’états
“When we were leaving, the situation was very fragile and if people who were not as mature and as old as we were stepped into our shoes there will be problem. From my calculations Abacha was a gentleman and experienced soldier who commanded respect in the military that could give the Shonekan administration backing”, he said.
“The Junior officers, we reasoned, would be very cautious of General Abacha who was a tough officer and was in the system from Army Chief of Staff to Defence Minister”, he said.
General Babangida said that he was however surprised that as soon as he stepped aside, the citizens of the country and the media began to castigate the Shonekan administration in bad light saying it was worst than a military regime.
He said prominent citizens began to demand for military intervention prompting General Abacha to take over the administration he was earlier mandated to protect.
On his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Babangida said that he had worked to make Obasanjo, his former military boss, a civilian President because of the conviction that he cannot be intimidated by the media or any other organisation.
Babangida said he did not feel betrayed by Obansanjo who is now believed to be working against his presidential ambition.
“I would not want to use the word betrayal on General Obasanjo. My relationship with Obasanjo, has to do with our military training that as a soldier we are very loyal to our superiors. He remained a guiding light when we were growing and when we grew up in the military the bond of relationship continued to grow from strength to strength.
“When we meet we still talk about the unity and stability of the nation. I think we have a common objective. There is no disaffection between us”, he said.
Babangida who said he stepped aside in 1994 in the interest of peace and stability of the nation added that he chose to use the phrase step aside to depict a soldier marching in a Column. He said that he would continue to endure the shouts about his being the problem of the nation.
“People were shouting that I was the problem of the nation and that Nigeria will tear apart because I was the embodiment of all that was bad. Then in the interest of peace, I said ‘I will step aside’”, he said.
It will be recalled that former President Ibrahim Babangida has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the next general elections.
The retired General has also declared his support for the for the continuation of the zoning arrangement in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. If the arrangement is sustained, President Goodluck Jonathan will not be eligible to contest in 2011, hence paving the way for a Northern candidate to take the PDP ticket.
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday in Minna disclosed the pacts he had with two former heads of state Generals, Olusegun Obansanjo and Sani Abacha that enabled them to assume power at various periods in the history of the country, insisting that he was concerned with the future, security and unity of the nation.
Speaking in an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state, Babangida explained that General Abacha was spared from the mass retirement that hit senior military officers at the time he was stepping aside in 1994 based on the calculation that General Abacha would help to stabilise the Ernest Shonekan Interim Government and douse the political tension that had mounted over the June 12 annulment.
He explained that at the time he “stepped aside”, the situation was very fragile adding that if the military profession was left in the hands of the young inexperienced officers, they would have torn the nation apart with coup d’états
“When we were leaving, the situation was very fragile and if people who were not as mature and as old as we were stepped into our shoes there will be problem. From my calculations Abacha was a gentleman and experienced soldier who commanded respect in the military that could give the Shonekan administration backing”, he said.
“The Junior officers, we reasoned, would be very cautious of General Abacha who was a tough officer and was in the system from Army Chief of Staff to Defence Minister”, he said.
General Babangida said that he was however surprised that as soon as he stepped aside, the citizens of the country and the media began to castigate the Shonekan administration in bad light saying it was worst than a military regime.
He said prominent citizens began to demand for military intervention prompting General Abacha to take over the administration he was earlier mandated to protect.
On his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Babangida said that he had worked to make Obasanjo, his former military boss, a civilian President because of the conviction that he cannot be intimidated by the media or any other organisation.
Babangida said he did not feel betrayed by Obansanjo who is now believed to be working against his presidential ambition.
“I would not want to use the word betrayal on General Obasanjo. My relationship with Obasanjo, has to do with our military training that as a soldier we are very loyal to our superiors. He remained a guiding light when we were growing and when we grew up in the military the bond of relationship continued to grow from strength to strength.
“When we meet we still talk about the unity and stability of the nation. I think we have a common objective. There is no disaffection between us”, he said.
Babangida who said he stepped aside in 1994 in the interest of peace and stability of the nation added that he chose to use the phrase step aside to depict a soldier marching in a Column. He said that he would continue to endure the shouts about his being the problem of the nation.
“People were shouting that I was the problem of the nation and that Nigeria will tear apart because I was the embodiment of all that was bad. Then in the interest of peace, I said ‘I will step aside’”, he said.
It will be recalled that former President Ibrahim Babangida has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the next general elections.
The retired General has also declared his support for the for the continuation of the zoning arrangement in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. If the arrangement is sustained, President Goodluck Jonathan will not be eligible to contest in 2011, hence paving the way for a Northern candidate to take the PDP ticket.
Why we love to play for Siasia, reveals Onyekachi Apam
Samson Siasia has been a successful coach at youth and Olympic levels because of the bond between he and the players, according to one of his biggest discoveries Onyekachi Apam, who features for French club Rennes.
“Siasia is every player’s dream coach. He is very close to his players, very disciplined, hard working and always puts in his best at all times. The close relationship that exists between coach Siasia and his players makes the players want to die for him on the field of play and I believe he could bring such attitude to the senior national team,” Apam told MTNFootball.com in an exclusive interview.
“I will be very happy for him if he is eventually given the job to handle the senior national team because from the much I know of him, he can lead us to the Promised Land. I don’t choose who to play for but the style the coach introduces makes or mar my play. Coach Siasia’s style has been appealing to me right from the U-20 and U-23 days and it would be great to play under him at the senior level.”
The highly-rated central defender also said that he cannot wait to be declared fully fit after a long-term knee injury so as to make his debut for new club Rennes.
“I just can’t wait to make my debut with Rennes which I believe won’t be long because the doctors have given some assurances that before long I will be up and doing what I know best,” he revealed.
Congratulations once more on your transfer. However, you’re yet to make your Rennes debut. What is really the nature of your knee injury? It seems it’s a lot more serious than earlier thought.
I am really happy about my new club and I thank God for His mercies. I just can’t wait to make my debut for Rennes which I believe won’t be long because the doctors have given some assurances that before long I will be up and doing what I know best. All I know is that I feel some niggling pains around my right knee. It was a lot more serious than I had earlier thought.
Did you need surgery for this injury? Onyekachi Apam
Yes. The injury needed surgery and it was done immediately after the World Cup in the United Kingdom and it was a success and I give God all the glory.
Obviously, you must have been disappointed you did not make the final squad because of your injury. As you are still on the treatment table, it means Largerback was right to drop you on account of this injury.
I don’t have any regrets missing out on the World Cup partly due to the injury and Largerback was right to drop me on account of my injury and I believe that all things work out for good.
So, how soon will you now start playing again?
I am already itching for action but I must wait for the doctor to give me a clean bill before I start playing again. I really can’t wait for that day.
You have finally reunited with your former coach at Rennes. Were the transfer negotiations difficult and complicated knowing that Nice were never willing to let you go?
Re-uniting with my former coach at Rennes is a dream comes true. I am happy about the re-union because he is a good coach who I spent a lot of time with at OGC Nice.
So, I am happy for my transfer despite the fact that it was a bit difficult but I told them I wanted to leave so they had no choice than to let me go. I have been there for four and half years, which is a lot of time.
I spent a good time with them even going on to captain them and the fans of the club, I can’t forget in my entire career. They are a lovely set of people who are so committed to the cause of the club. I will miss them.
“Siasia is every player’s dream coach. He is very close to his players, very disciplined, hard working and always puts in his best at all times. The close relationship that exists between coach Siasia and his players makes the players want to die for him on the field of play and I believe he could bring such attitude to the senior national team,” Apam told MTNFootball.com in an exclusive interview.
“I will be very happy for him if he is eventually given the job to handle the senior national team because from the much I know of him, he can lead us to the Promised Land. I don’t choose who to play for but the style the coach introduces makes or mar my play. Coach Siasia’s style has been appealing to me right from the U-20 and U-23 days and it would be great to play under him at the senior level.”
The highly-rated central defender also said that he cannot wait to be declared fully fit after a long-term knee injury so as to make his debut for new club Rennes.
“I just can’t wait to make my debut with Rennes which I believe won’t be long because the doctors have given some assurances that before long I will be up and doing what I know best,” he revealed.
Congratulations once more on your transfer. However, you’re yet to make your Rennes debut. What is really the nature of your knee injury? It seems it’s a lot more serious than earlier thought.
I am really happy about my new club and I thank God for His mercies. I just can’t wait to make my debut for Rennes which I believe won’t be long because the doctors have given some assurances that before long I will be up and doing what I know best. All I know is that I feel some niggling pains around my right knee. It was a lot more serious than I had earlier thought.
Did you need surgery for this injury? Onyekachi Apam
Yes. The injury needed surgery and it was done immediately after the World Cup in the United Kingdom and it was a success and I give God all the glory.
Obviously, you must have been disappointed you did not make the final squad because of your injury. As you are still on the treatment table, it means Largerback was right to drop you on account of this injury.
I don’t have any regrets missing out on the World Cup partly due to the injury and Largerback was right to drop me on account of my injury and I believe that all things work out for good.
So, how soon will you now start playing again?
I am already itching for action but I must wait for the doctor to give me a clean bill before I start playing again. I really can’t wait for that day.
You have finally reunited with your former coach at Rennes. Were the transfer negotiations difficult and complicated knowing that Nice were never willing to let you go?
Re-uniting with my former coach at Rennes is a dream comes true. I am happy about the re-union because he is a good coach who I spent a lot of time with at OGC Nice.
So, I am happy for my transfer despite the fact that it was a bit difficult but I told them I wanted to leave so they had no choice than to let me go. I have been there for four and half years, which is a lot of time.
I spent a good time with them even going on to captain them and the fans of the club, I can’t forget in my entire career. They are a lovely set of people who are so committed to the cause of the club. I will miss them.
Secrets my wife kept from me, by IBB Secrets my wife kept from me, by IBB
Former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has revealed what he described as secrets that his late wife, Maryam, kept from him up to the time she died but which he had only recently discovered.
Maryam died on December 27, last year at the age of 61 while undergoing treatment for terminal cancer at the Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Centre of the University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.
In a recorded interview which he granted on the Hausa services of international broadcast organisations, including BBC, VOA and Radio France International, in his Minna country home Thursday night, which was made available to Peoples Daily Weekend yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Babangida said one of the secrets was that his late wife converted 5,000 people in her village to Islam. Late Mrs. Maryam Babangida
Mrs. Maryam Babangida who hailed from Asaba in Delta state, was herself converted from Christianity to Islam after she had married Babangida. According to her husband, she built mosques, schools, boreholes and provided other social services in many communities across the country without making any noise about them.
“Recently, 120 school children aged 10 and above whom my late wife took care of, including their education were brought to me and I was surprised about it,” the former president said.
He continued: “What she did that impressed me the most was her attempt to convert an 87-year-old man. However, the man told her that he was too old to abandon his ancestral religion but offered to allow his children and grand-children, numbering 52, to convert to Islam.”
On whether he would remarry, the former president said that as a Muslim he would have to marry again but would not say when. He said the same question was asked recently put to him and soon after he received a text message from an unknown lady who said that she was prepared to be his wife any time he decided to remarry.
The lady, he said, told him that she knew how to take good care of an old man like him.
Maryam died on December 27, last year at the age of 61 while undergoing treatment for terminal cancer at the Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Centre of the University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.
In a recorded interview which he granted on the Hausa services of international broadcast organisations, including BBC, VOA and Radio France International, in his Minna country home Thursday night, which was made available to Peoples Daily Weekend yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Babangida said one of the secrets was that his late wife converted 5,000 people in her village to Islam. Late Mrs. Maryam Babangida
Mrs. Maryam Babangida who hailed from Asaba in Delta state, was herself converted from Christianity to Islam after she had married Babangida. According to her husband, she built mosques, schools, boreholes and provided other social services in many communities across the country without making any noise about them.
“Recently, 120 school children aged 10 and above whom my late wife took care of, including their education were brought to me and I was surprised about it,” the former president said.
He continued: “What she did that impressed me the most was her attempt to convert an 87-year-old man. However, the man told her that he was too old to abandon his ancestral religion but offered to allow his children and grand-children, numbering 52, to convert to Islam.”
On whether he would remarry, the former president said that as a Muslim he would have to marry again but would not say when. He said the same question was asked recently put to him and soon after he received a text message from an unknown lady who said that she was prepared to be his wife any time he decided to remarry.
The lady, he said, told him that she knew how to take good care of an old man like him.
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