I’m Now ‘Relaxed and Relieved’, Eagles Manager Reveals

Super Eagles Manager, Gernor Rohr on Sunday afternoon said he just had the chance to watch the replay of the tension soaked Nigeria versus Zambia match and that Eagles got a victory from the tough match was a breathe of life.

A number of Super Eagles players and coaching staff including Rohr were sighted at the Akwa Ibom Airport on Sunday afternoon to jet out to Lagos and Abuja.

Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem were among some of the players sighted  as they make their way back to Europe.

Before the Dana Air plane left the airport, manager Gernot Rohr reiterated that the Zambians pushed his team all the way, but the Super Eagles defence soaked their attacks and the contribution of Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses and Anorthosis Famagusta midfielder Abdullahi Shehu in the far front  gave Alex Iwobi the assist to score.

” Zambians gave us a tough match. Not that it was not expected, but I just watched the replay now, we defended well, Eagles did well. Alex Iwobi came on and changed the game, Victor Moses did well to dribble and Shehu’s cross went straight to Iwobi who scored.”

”I am now relaxed and relieved,” the 64 year old Eagles coach said with a smile. he added that “greater task still lies ahead.”

This can however be well understood going by the tension and pressure that soaked not just the player both also the technical crew from the start to finish of that Saturday game in Uyo.

The Zambians played the match as if there was no tomorrow says one of the Nigerians fans at the capacity filled stadium, he however breathe relieve that a decisive goal eventually came through Iwobi.

Meanwhile, about 13 countries have already booked their place for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with final qualifying matches still to be played.

See the Countries below:

Europe: Belgium, England, Germany, Russia (as hosts), Spain

Africa: Nigeria

Asia: Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea

 North, Latin America: Costa Rica, Mexico

South America: Brazil

Who Will Help A Troubled Wilson Oruma? … from the Pitch to the Street

These are not the best of times for former Nigeria international, Wilson Oruma.

Oruma held sway in the midfield for the Super Eagles in the mid-90s. Do you remember him?
But, between then and now a lot has happened.
It’s disheartening that in the last six years, the maverick footballer has been bogged down by some sort of mental disorder. His heroics story changed since he suffered the ailment.

The present day football enthusiasts in Nigerian and beyond have forgotten the goal spree of the professional footballer.

He has changed from being a handsome and boisterous young man to unprintable words as he takes his shelter on the street.

There are fears the mental relapse has revisited the one-time cool and calm Ex-Super Eagle star without help in sight either from residents in Lekki axis of Lagos State where he is seen or from good Samaritans.

“In fact, people in the neighbourhood and those in government hardly recognize him as Nigeria international and ex-footballer. People see him as somebody who needs medical care and help,” a resident of the area told out this reporter

The resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, feared that the mental relapse has revisited the one-time cool and calm Ex-Super Eagle star.

 “He has deserted his house. He walks from day to night on the highway ; not going to any particular place. I am not sure he has gone home to sleep for days,” he said.

On Thursday, our reporter sought to know the daily routine of Oruma as he no longer returns to his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence

“Nigerians have forgotten Oruma. Even people on the street don’t recognize him again. It is a shame no group or persons have come to his aid in his trying times. This mental disorder came after he was duped by one pastor like six years ago,” a neighbourhood watch officer, Abubakar Usman, who joined our reporter in search for Oruma in the Lekki axis, said.

Our reporter was led to a local canteen at Igboefon- along Lekki- Ajah Express Road where he eats regularly.

“This is where he eats. Most people around this Lekki area don’t really know who he is but I do. But, when you see him, you will know that this person needs help and he is no longer the football hero that Nigerians know,” the elderly security man said.

He continued, “He had even paid some people’s bills here before. He eats here often and greets people, saying, “Do you have Jesus, bro?’ and I will answer, “Yes, I have Jesus bro.”

“But, sometimes he walks on the street in poor clothing, in slippers, often talking to himself alone and all that… it is also common to see him carrying bags of pure water, taking it to nowhere. Sometimes, he laid his head on bags of pure water after waking all day under the scorching sun.

 “But, I think with right people around him and regular medical care from professionals, he would get better.”

During his career days, Oruma featured for RC Lens, Nancy, Samsunspor, Nimes, Servette, Sochaux, Marseille and Guingamp, and Kavala FC of Greece before he retired at the age of 33 on November 26, 2010.

The midfield maestro also featured for Nigeria’s U-17, U-23 and the senior national team winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the Olympic gold in 1996 and two bronze medals at the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2006.

It was reported that the Delta State-born professional was duped by an unknown pastor in 2012. Since then, the Ex-Nigeria international, who played alongside Austin JJ Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo, is now BROKE!

It was learnt that Oruma lost a whopping sum of N1.2 billion in an investment deal with the clergyman and some fake oil businessmen.

UPDATE

Meanwhile, the General Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballer, Austin Popo,  who hinted on efforts made toward helping Oruma said meetings and consultations with some of Oruma’s colleagues had been held.

He said, “We have had series of closed-door meetings to see how we can address the issue. I have discussed with Sam Sodje who confirmed to me that he had put a call to the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission.

“Two days ago, I also had discussion with Clement Temile and Joshua Khator and Ann. These are ex-internationals from Delta State, the same state Oruma hails from. We only hope we can coordinate all relevant stakeholders to help him,” he shared the comment on Facebook with Desmond Ekwueme; a social and sport commentator on Thursday.

Eagles have quality players – Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone on Tuesday said Nigeria’s Super Eagles Team B possess the qualitie needed to play in the top leagues in Europe.

The Europa League winning coach spoke at the post-match conference after Tuesday’s 3-2 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

“There are talents in Nigeria and with the players that played today, they have the quality to join the top clubs in the world,” he said at the post-match conference.

While hailing the team’s excellent spirit, Simone however expressed delight at the victory which he admitted did not come easy. “It was not an easy game for us, but in the end, I’m glad we got the victory,” he said.

It was a highly entertaining encounter, that had the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel in attendance and other top dignitaries.

Kelechi Nwakali and Usman Mohammed scored for the Eagles with Angel Correa, Fernando Torres and Borja Garces finding the net for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles chief coach, Salisu Yusuf has showered praises on his boys despite the limited training sessions together. He noted that he was pleased that Eagles Head Gernot Rohr was in the stands to see the qualities from the players.

Czech friendly: Eagles eager for better performance

Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel has expressed satisfaction with the support the team received despite playing what has been dubbed below par at the Weekend in Wembley.  The match according to him is an excellent test for the team ahead of the next friendly against Czech Republic on Wednesday. The former Chelsea ace and Tiajin Teda midfielder remained positive ahead of the next shape up match.

“Thank you for your support this weekend! It was a good test against a strong side – onto the next game.  #SoarSuperEagle” he submitted Monday.

Meanwhile the team engaged in total training in Austria on Monday, with the players apparently determined to post a better outing when the face the Czechs.  Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr had shortly after the match against England hinted that further comprehensive training will be done with a view to performing better, insisting that the team  was poor against the Lions who were however checkmated better in the second half.

“We just have to train harder making the best use of the few days available before the world cup “said Rohr who announced his final 23-man list after the Wembley showdown leaving Ola Aina and Mikel Agu. 

Information from the team ‘s base  indicate that all the various depart of the team where specially given extra drills even as the three goalkeepers took their turn to face some well taken close range shots.  Just as Nigeria lost to England, Croatia equally lost to Brazil.  The two teams put all the experiences they have had in the works when the open campaign June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Russia.

Four Lessons from England, Nigeria Friendly

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The England, Nigeria friendly played at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday could have gone either way.

England dominated the opening 45 minutes, with Gary Cahill and Harry Kane netting the goals, before an early second half strike from Alex Iwobi made it a harder task for the hosts.

But overall it was a fairly good performance from the Eagles with one more warm-up match against Czech Republic left before flying to Russia for the FIFA World Cup.

However there are fall-outs from the game  as the team continues with its World Cup build-up.

1)      Eagles were Shaky in the First half

The Super Eagles must work on their confidence before their World Cup Opener against Croatia. Their lack of confidence led to the two goals recorded in the first half.

2)      Rohr Must Start his Best Players

Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr may have read the match very well after the first half and he responded by making the right substitutions that fortified the team. After Rohr made his first four changes at the interval with Ebuehi, Omeruo, Ogu and Etebo substituted for Shehu, Balogun, Onazi and Obi, the Eagles played better. Ahead of the World Cup, Rohr must field his best 11.

3)     Uzoho Decent but Still Shaky

Though, Francis Uzoho put up an impressive performance , the 19-year-old should be blamed for England’s second goal by Harry Kane.

4)     Eagles Midfield Lacks Co-ordination

Our three man starting midfield at the World Cup should be Mikel, Ndidi and Etebo. Our midfield was non-existent. The trio of Mikel Obi. Joel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi were not communicating.

If the England midfield comprising kerion Dier and Jesse Lingard were winning the balls over Mikel, Onazi and Joel Obi how are we going to cope against Modric, Rakitic and Kovacic?

A player like John Ogu should come in for Onazi subsequently.

THE ONE TAKEAWAY DIET SWAP THAT COULD PREVENT HYPERTENSION

High blood pressure symptoms include headaches, chest pain and difficult breathing. Making this takeaway diet swap could make your Indian or Chinese meal more healthy, and lower your risk of hypertension.

High blood pressure affects about one in every four UK adults, according to the NHS. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, increases your risk of some life-threatening complications, including heart attacks and strokes. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked, as there are often no signs that you’re affected.

But, if you have extremely high blood pressure, you could have a pounding in your chest, vision problems, and finding blood in your urine.

If you’re planning a takeaway dinner any time soon, you should consider swapping your egg-fried rice for boiled rice, according to a diet expert. Plain or boiled rice is a better nutritional option than egg-fried rice when ordering an Indian or Chinese takeaway, said @FitnessOnToast’s diet and fitness expert, Fava Nilsson.

The swap could lower the amount of salt in your meal; a risk factor for high blood pressure.

“From a nutritional point of view, the most positive change people can make to help improve their blood pressure is to reduce the salt content in their diets,” said Nilsson, who is part of the Braun Healthy Heart Panel.

“Beware when you’re cooking or eating out.

“For example, if you’re going for an Indian takeaway or Chinese, go for plain rice, not egg-fried rice.

“Equally, if you’re having a sandwich or an indulgent breakfast, go for ham instead of bacon or a poached egg with grilled vegetables.”

Following an exercise regime could also lower your risk of hypertension, said Nilsson.

If you aren’t used to going to the gym, try power walking around a park, as it’ll still provide you with lots of health benefits.

“I know everyone is limited for time, so you don’t even need to sign up to a gym. Use your own body weight to try out some simple exercises at home.

“For example: bread and butter training like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, you can do them anywhere and anytime.”

Those most likely to develop hypertension are people over 65 years old, or are overweight. People of African or Caribbean descent are also more likely to have high blood pressure. Every adult over 40 years old should get their blood pressure checked at least every five years, the NHS said. See a GP or pharmacist to check your blood pressure. You could also check your own blood pressure at home with a blood pressure monitor.