HOME > NEWS > EMMANUEL VOTED MVP

Emmanuel voted MVP

Emmanuel voted MVP

Posted: 2009-11-16 12:41

Nigeria's Sani Emmanuel was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup, claiming the Golden Ball ahead of Switzerland Nassim ben Khalifah and team mate Ramon Azeez.

Emmanuel also won the Silver Shoe for the second highest goal scorer, behind Spain's Borja.

Both men, along with Uruguay's Sebastian Gallegos, scored five goals but the Spaniard had one assist where the other two had none and that proved to be the tie-breaker.

Nigeria also claimed the Fifa Fair Play award after collecting the lowest number of bookings in the tournament.

Emmanuel dedicated his award to a long list of people, starting with his teammates.

"I would like to dedicate this award to my coaches, players, widows, widowers, homeless people and those in the motherless babies homes."

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mbanzai: 2009-11-16 12:55

Can anyone honestly say that the man in this photo is under 17!!??

mbanzai: 2009-11-16 13:01

What a disgrace. Our U-30 side could not even defeat a Swiss team full of teenagers. By the time the 26 year old in the picture above finally graduates to the super eagles, we will then begin to wonder why he’s lost all the pace and strength he once had.

DON: 2009-11-16 13:11

Sani Emmanuel, you were the reason we lost as you was seeking for highest goal scorer, now you lost it and Nigeria lost the opportunity to host and win as well as retaining the cup back to back. No thanks for your last contribution to the team

DON: 2009-11-16 13:15

@mbanza why only Nigeria? this question was asked my FIFA president. Please stop insulting your self

Frank: 2009-11-16 13:30

As much as am an advocate against age-cheating, I don't see how this boy can not be 17 years or less. Some people just don't see anything good from Nigeria. If there's any proof that he's above 17 then Nigeria should be punished just like I believe Chukwudi is above 20 years.

Frank (original)

ibrahim k.a: 2009-11-16 13:30

Well done guy, just keep working hard and stay focus, then never forget to take your time in trying to travel abroad and be careful with those agents who force young players into entering a slavery agreement in some unknown European countries due to their own personal interest.

Billion: 2009-11-16 13:33

@mbanzai, so you judge age by pictures? Well, the guy in the pics look younger than 17 to me. Let's not destroy the happiness in the country by throwing in spanners to people's joy. Appreciate and thank God for them pls. The tournament has come and gone but undue and unwarranted critism from incurable critics will only undermine our victory and joy as a nation.

mbanzai: 2009-11-16 13:43

Thank you @ Atama. You just hit the nail on the head. Sepp Blatter has to protect the integrity of FIFA. That's why he won't join in any condemnation at that late stage. The NFF asked Adokie or proof, and he obliged by publishing the facts. If the NFF were themselves honest, they would present us the proof of the so-called MRI test that they (the NFF) conducted, and not merely resorting to name calling via the media. That would be the civilised way to act. @Billion, I have not grown up with you to know how you looked in your youth, but at 16, no body I knew looked like that.

Billion: 2009-11-16 13:48

By the way, aged Obafemi Martins(>33yrs) scored 2 goals for Nigeria in Kenya. Obafemi, we appreciate you for doing the job and helping our qualification despite your age. Kanu's hairstyle is still a thing of concern to morally upright Nigerians. He should be banned from being UNICEF ambassador or any role model for upcoming stars!! Amodu has proven his critics wrong. He's just one of the only 3 coaches in the History of Nigerian football to have qualified us (even twice) to the WC! Bravo, he cannot be kicked out. Never!!
AMODU REMAINS!!
AMODU REMAINS!!

emmanuel: 2009-11-16 14:26

the actual u17 won!!!

Siemo: 2009-11-16 14:52

this billion of a guy is really a ****ing ass hole , i think he is cursed for life. if you dont have any meaningful contribution to the forum then shut your dirty mouth up and look for something doing .if you feel you are man enough identify yourself with a pic or contacts then you will doomed.we are keeping trail and you wont escape it.
common guys lets give the GE and SE a standing ovation. they have indeed made Niger proud. King Kanu you are genius and a gift to Nigerian football. Billion come lick his **** billy catcher like you.

Segun: 2009-11-16 14:52

There is no better time for any serious African country to battle for the world cup than now. Come to think of it, France, Argentina, Portunal and some big name teams in football are not at their best. Even a team like England that has improved in recent time can still fail to impress on a big day. Will we really do the best we can do between now and the beginning of the world cup or sleep? As a human being, sacking Amodu could be painful to him after qualifying us two times to the world cup but in all sincerity, can he do the job? The last Olympics was just last year (I am not talking about Siasia now) where our team played so well with great understanding between Ogbuke, Nsofor and Osaze. I would have hoped that we would have moved on from there with the addition of other good players like Obafemi Martins, Ike Uche but the understanding shown by the players in the Olympics has never been reproduced. Instead, what we heard from Amodu was that the press forced him to invite Ogbuke and that he is not as good as everybody claim. If he stays, I hope he changes his approach, the main thing is for Nigeria to do well. The crucial thing now is knowing the best thing to do right now and doing it. Even with our bench warmers, with right selection, attitude and tactics, we can go places. If not win the world cup, we have the capability of being the best African representative.

Billion: 2009-11-16 15:21

Frank (Origina), Oscar, Ken gaddafi and all dear forumites who see justice and speak the truth; who have always stood their ground in the face of staggering oppositions...Let's stand our ground pls. I am not averse to the NFF employing a seemingly superior TA but whatever happens, it will be a travesty of justice for Amodu to be kicked out! He must not and will never!!
AMODU REMAINS
AMODU REMAINS

Chinasa: 2009-11-16 15:24

why must some Nigeria be stpid most atimes.The Likes of Jack Wilshere is 17 years,so why must the likes of Sani Emmanuel be over age players?Is it because he is a Nigerian?We are in modern age now and that leads to rapid growth to some of our younger ones.Rooney is 23 or 24 years of age now and i agree with that because i know him when he was at Everton in 2002 at the age of 16.Dan Amokachi children are now with Everton at the age of 13(both of them).when they reprents Nigeria tomorrow we will all now say they are 25 and 30years.So let us all think like matured people because tomorrow some of us will give birth to boys that will play for the U17 for Nigeria when they are in that age and some other people will also accuse our children of age cheat when we the parents knows the age is true.

I believe the eaglest played with their normal ages.Let us not look at the face because that can deceive us.South Africans has small bodies that mkaes them looks young but sometimes it does not go like that.

Chinasa

Emeka: 2009-11-16 15:27

This is a disgrace for Nigeria when 26 year-olds can't beat the Under-17 Swiss team.......

raymon: 2009-11-16 16:00

hello mr emmanuel how old are u, i know u maybe 32 or 30 becuse of what see last night

raymon: 2009-11-16 16:02

emmanuel is not a valuable player is an invalu

raymon: 2009-11-16 16:06

as for okoro she na byfors all the payer won to scur including the kiper na wa ooooooooooooo

raymon: 2009-11-16 16:08

azeez ramon why are u crying colect ur money make u con give me my eguje

coache: 2009-11-16 16:32

No to any foreign technical Disaster. Amodu should give up his Agents role, sent to a one-month UEFA coaching course in Europe. Or rather support him with Either Siasia, Keshi, Oliseh. NO BODY FROM OUTSIDE. LET OUR PEOPLE DEVELOP THEMSELVES. BERTI VOGTS WAS WORSE.

THanks Billion for the acknowledgement.

Frank: 2009-11-16 16:55

@AbdulRazaq, Kudos to u! I read ur comment on another article and was pleased to have done so! Great mind, great comments.

Frank (original)

Chris: 2009-11-16 17:18

@Billion, ken gadaffi,Frank (original),Stilo Stilo etc. why are you guys clebrating mediocrity? Amodu has been in charge of the SEs for the past 2yrs and yet he cannot fashion out a good team. A team that plays without fliudity or corhesion, were every player in that team plays OMO (on my Own)brand of football.

If this team should go to the Nation/World cup with this incompetent, shalow minded, clueless and tactically defficient coaching crew, then disaster awaits the nation.

Amodu Must Go!!

Chris: 2009-11-16 17:20

@Billion, ken gadaffi,Frank (original),Stilo Stilo etc. why are you guys clebrating mediocrity? Amodu has been in charge of the SEs for the past 2yrs and yet he cannot fashion out a good team. A team that plays without fliudity or corhesion, were every player in that team plays OMO (on my Own)brand of football.

If this team should go to the Nation/World cup with this incompetent, shalow minded, clueless and tactically defficient coaching crew, then disaster awaits the nation.

Amodu Must Go!!

Enyi-awka

nelson: 2009-11-16 17:29

@chris,amodu played 12 games,won 9, drew 3 games, lost non,qualify us for world cup.how would you rate his mediocrity or achievement?playing good soccer is not enough to win football,an example g/e 54% ball possesions swiss 44%,at the end of 90 mins swiss 1 g/e o.what is that to you mr chris?

Noel: 2009-11-16 17:31

u guys are begining to sound like and old record. Over age, under age, who gives a s**t.Did you see some of the Korean boys?

Osayo: 2009-11-16 18:06

My write up is a little belated because I could not respond immediately to the U-17 final match.
I was going to write exactly what the coach said. Almost everyone was sure the Golden Eaglets would win yesterday. They played very well to deserve to win this competition. However, if you had watched the Swiss previous games then, you will agree they were not undeservedly of this victory. A team is usually more powerful than individuals and that made the difference, yesterday.
I could understand the agony of the coach. His gesticulations during the games (like the one yesterday towards Emmanuel – which I presumed meant: one more of that, you will come to the bench.) He was trying vividly to encourage team play. But the players up front were very selfish. Emmanuel, like I observed, was only selfish during the Final match. The biggest culprit of all was Okoro who found it difficult to understand the importance of team-play in better part of the tournament. He paid the price because he could have been one of the tournament´s best players. I do not exactly agree with Emmanuel been crowned the MVP. I strongly believe it has something to do with his obvious youth. I think Okoro irrespective of his selfishness, should have been in that circle.
I observed that Omoh Ojabu did all the wearing out of the opponents defence before Emmanuel always came in to do the damage. I had always felt a pity for Ojabu because he was really not rewarded for his efforts. Emmanuel had hitherto taken his chances well, to his credit..
In the Final, Obuh would have had a real problem not starting Emmanuel but for the injury to Ojabu. Because if he had chosen Ojabu, as usual, ahead of Emmanuel and lost as we did yesterday, many would have questioned his wisdom. It was a dilemma that was spared him. Now, it is obvious why Emmanuel, like some players, is better coming off the bench to make an impact. And that is the strategy the Coach had practiced previously.
Like he also noted, with only one goal remaining to be the tournament hot shot the inclusion of Emmanuel was always going to be problematic for anyone – the player as well as any coaches’ dilemma.
The biggest winners to me are the Coach and the player Azeez. There could have been more winners. Let’s hope someone has learnt from this event because there were a lot of lessons to be learned.
Lastly, losing is always painful but displays like the ones the Golden Eaglets put up, makes it easier to bare.

chudi: 2009-11-16 18:30

i believe we can afford to experiment with AFCON2010 but not the WC2010. AFCON2010 is just 2 months away. let amodu take the eagles to angola. minimum requirement should be a semi final berth which in the present circumstances seems a tall order. IF AMODU DOES NOT GET TO THE SEMIS, HE CAN THEN BE SACKED. He will have to contend with Ghana, Cameroon, CIV and Egypt for one of 4 semi final slots. not an easy feat.

coache: 2009-11-16 18:33

@Kunle, your thoughts are really insightful. I concur vehemently.

chukyy: 2009-11-16 18:34

My people I read with sadness, that nigerians want a new coach. Some are even saying we should bring in coaches who couldn´t qualify their teams, to take us to WC. Must we make the same mistake over and over again. twice out of three previous qualifications we changed coaches prior to WC and on those occasion they failed woefully and we want to do the same again, Haba!



I don´t think it is proper we take a coach to WC, rather a coach should take us to WC and that is exactly what Amodu has done. Give credit to whom it is due. Though I am not a fan of Amodu, but for him to have used a set of junks who are largely bench warmers to achieve results, he must be applauded. A good coach with bad players = 0, bad coach with good player have 80% chance of performing (e.g. Real Madrid, Manchester City)



I would that eagles play badly and get to the semi finals than fort hem to play well and loss. Joe Mourihno never plays entertain games but he is a great coach.

Siasia with due respect has shown us how difficult it is (even with training camps and pre tournament competition) to prepare a team within 3 months and we want a coach to use two days to make his team play as a unit.

Let stop comparing U23,U20 and U17 with senior level, they are all different level. A coach that performed well at jnr level does not mean same will perform at snr level. We should as the likes of Tunde Disu, Fani Amu, James Peter etc

ken gadaffi: 2009-11-16 18:41

Mbanzai, there u go again, are u Adokiye in disguise? Picture dont really tell age men, some people have baby face while some na AKAKPO face yet they are young.

Weldone guys, you have done your best.

Now time to face the super eagles preparations for the AFCON AND wc 2010
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

habib: 2009-11-16 19:08

THE DAY AFTER THE BIG WEEKEND

The eaglets tried, some other match they cud have had 4 goals in the first 10mins, but they did not take ther chances, the swizz jus defend for there life. the eaglets wud learn from this

Some idiots in here still going about the overaged players, they passed the MRI test so whats the noise about, can u lot not read english

On the eagles some fools in here still going on about the team not playing well, we don qualify get ova it

kunle: 2009-11-16 21:19

I am a regular reader of contents of this forum for some years now. I finally decided to register so as to contribute to the discussions that goes on here.
I pasted on my facebook blog after the Eagles qualification to the SA World cup that Amodu is the most undefined and inconsistent coach in Nigeria. It is very difficult to class him.
One of the most importnat match he ever won was that friendly with France.
Keeping Amodu in charge of the Eagles will depend on our goals for this world cup.
We are no more mediodcre in world football, hence the need to revisit the technical bench of the Eagles. Prayers, fasting and some touch by some supposedly "men of God" cannot prosecute matches at this level but hardwork, cohession and technical soundness.
As far as I am concerned the best team in our last qualifying group is Mosambique, hence the need to check out their coach. Mozambique defeated both Tunisia and Nigeria if I am not mistaking.
On the other hand if we are so cumbersome with their idea of not using foreign coach, then it is best to know now that Amodu is not the most technically fit coach in Nigeria, if he is to be ranked he might not be in the top ten.

Flex: 2009-11-16 23:25

@ Mbanzai...... R u really sure that u r a Nigerian 'cos that ur name sounds very funny. On ur response to Billion, u must be living in another Planet. Go and check the Picture of Rooney, does he look like a 23 yrs old Lad? All of us knows the Answer yet u believed him 'cos Europeans don't lie about their age. Why is it that some of u finds it difficult to c anything good in 9ija? As 4 ur Friend that is singing praises to Adonkia, i pity him and that his Mentor.

CHUCK: 2009-11-17 00:04

Nigerians need to change their mentality,NFF Should try and be sending coaches on abroad training courses.We never believe in ourselves that is why a foreigner that is labourer in his country will become Engineer in Nigeria.Sacking Amodu is never the solution,but that does not mean i support him to lead us to South Africa.

mbanzai: 2009-11-17 02:33

@Flex, people register with pseudo names that do not necessarily reflect their cultural background e.g. yours, ‘cause Flex does not sound Nigerian either. Secondly, I rather think it’s you who may be from another planet, because (quite frankly) only the first line of your post makes a little bit of sense.

Stan: 2009-11-17 05:58

I wish somebody would shut this KO site down. It’s an embarrassing site to Nigeria. People come here to display too much ignorance.
It appears some of the most ignorant people come here to disgrace the nation with their foolish posts.

You criminalize yourselves and your own country to the world. You always condemn and belittle your fellow countrymen, and saying all sorts of bad things about them; and other people come here to read such posts and form opinions from all these baseless allegations.

Mbanzai, raymon, and people like you (Emeka is a Ghanian, so he is a known enemy). Do you not care to hurt somebody? Would you like somebody to be saying these things about your son or your brother?
I swear, you people are too foolish. I just don’t know how else to say it. It’s pure stupidity.
I do not see any difference between Adokiye’s shameful rants about Chudwudi and yours about Sani. I say you are a disgrace to human civilization.

Someone mentioned Chrisantus. Are you saying he’s already too old to play? Do you realize how stupid that sounds? There is something called Cultural Shock that some people never recover from.

Gosh Nigerians. Can some of you people read more and get wiser please?

If I wasn’t a Nigerian, I’d die laughing (every time) at how stupid some of you here are.

Stan: 2009-11-17 06:05

Congratulations Sani. You deserve it. You were a star. I hope this success leads to greater achievements in the future for you and your team mates. Be Humble. Good luck.

Sunny: 2009-11-17 06:53

honestly, asking if this young man is your brother, will any of you go against him being with the under 17?????????????????? Non of us are born again. Well done my boy. Sunny jackson

Akpos: 2009-11-17 07:19

I don't care what u guys are saying for me Emmanuel really deserves it he showed us class, quality and good pace he would have been the match winner for us in the unfaithful final assuming the coach knows what he was doing, why did Okoro Stanley had to Finish the game ? when he was busy looking for penalty....Also we lost that game as a result of inadequate technique from the coaching crew headed by OBUH if u watch clearly the swiss came with a plan and they executed it what plan did the Nigeria had that day Nothing ? I think Coach Obuh what ever needs to be flog 99 strokes of the cane for wasting my time thinking that he can do something shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, Infact Obuh u dey craze u be mad man u dey mad for head

Akpos: 2009-11-17 07:22

I don't care what u guys are saying for me Emmanuel really deserves it he showed us class, quality and good pace he would have been the match winner for us in the unfaithful final assuming the coach knows what he was doing, why did Okoro Stanley had to Finish the game ? when he was busy looking for penalty....Also we lost that game as a result of inadequate technique from the coaching crew headed by OBUH if u watch clearly the swiss came with a plan and they executed it what plan did the Nigeria had that day Nothing ? I think Coach Obuh what ever needs to be flog 99 strokes of the cane for wasting my time thinking that he can do something shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, Infact Obuh u dey craze u be mad man u dey mad for head

Akpos: 2009-11-17 07:23

I don't care what u guys are saying for me Emmanuel really deserves it he showed us class, quality and good pace he would have been the match winner for us in the unfaithful final assuming the coach knows what he was doing, why did Okoro Stanley had to Finish the game ? when he was busy looking for penalty....Also we lost that game as a result of inadequate technique from the coaching crew headed by OBUH if u watch clearly the swiss came with a plan and they executed it what plan did the Nigeria had that day Nothing ? I think Coach Obuh what ever needs to be flog 99 strokes of the cane for wasting my time thinking that he can do something shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, Infact Obuh u dey craze u be mad man u dey mad for head

Akpos: 2009-11-17 07:24

I don't care what u guys are saying for me Emmanuel really deserves it he showed us class, quality and good pace he would have been the match winner for us in the unfaithful final assuming the coach knows what he was doing, why did Okoro Stanley had to Finish the game ? when he was busy looking for penalty....Also we lost that game as a result of inadequate technique from the coaching crew headed by OBUH if u watch clearly the swiss came with a plan and they executed it what plan did the Nigeria had that day Nothing ? I think Coach Obuh what ever needs to be flog 99 strokes of the cane for wasting my time thinking that he can do something shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, shame on him, Infact Obuh u dey craze u be mad man u dey mad for head

Frank: 2009-11-17 09:10

Those of us advocating for Amodu to continue are not doing so out of pity or anything of that sort but because there's nothing a foreign coach will bring in. Rather we'll be faced with poor results a la Vogts, Milutinovic, etc. In 12 competitive matches under Amodu the Eagles won an impressive 9, drawing 3 and losing none! That's the best result of all the countries that participated in the qualifiers! Tell me why Amodu should not continue to stay. We are talking facts and results here.

@Chris (okuko Awka), what more do u want?

AMODU REMAINS! AMODU STAYS!

Frank (original)

Flex: 2009-11-17 09:13

@ Chimpanzee ooooopppss, i mean mbanzai.... Mr Lecturer, according to ur response to my comment, u said that only the 1st line in my comment made sense to u. How come u replied to 2 lines (About living in another planet)? Abi u managed to make out some senses out of the Nonsense that i typed? My friend stop making unnecessary noise here.

Anchorman: 2009-11-17 09:35

I hope that the immigration authorities in Switzerland would grant amnesty to Nigerians and other Africans residing in their Country as a way of celebrating the success of their U-17 National team over the Golden Eaglet at the just concluded FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP. Moreso as a way of showing appreciation for the overwhelming support they received from their Nigerian fans especially in Lagos. However, it is my wish that they should spare the good ones amongst the immigrants without status at the moment. I actually like to congratulate the Ghanaian (KOFI) that featured in the team and hoping this would give opportunities to others kids of African descent. Anchorman.

African: 2009-11-17 09:52

Grow up ppl, Fifa with MRI tests have comfirmed those boy r under 17yr, accept it bcos u r illeterate anyway, our U17 will bt Bafana bafana any day, u cant play ball, what r u gud @?

African: 2009-11-17 10:26

I can take de insults I get frm on street in jozi everyday, but I tell them I draw the line when it comes to our football, no more excuses abt how old our boys r, get off ur lazy butt & read what Fifa has to say on the ages of these players, maybe bafana bafana needs to get some madalas to play 4 thm mayb u'll win something (NGN 1994 5th in the world fifa ranking) go check it out Fube!!

darlington: 2009-11-17 10:55

Let us show respect to these boys and stop abusing the....everyone wants to be successful....lets wish these boys luck...if anyone has proof that any of the boys is over age then let him put such proof forward...I am not talking about Pix and for those people that think that players of 17 years are too young to play for our league;I want them to know that between 2001 and 2003,I observed that about three boys from my secondary school who were between 15 17 years were playing for a top team in the nigeria league and they only featured during home games and they were good.They added the extra style to the more mature players within the team and were dangerous.
If you visit football fields in cities like lagos ,warri benin,kaduna and many more states,you will find young secondary school boys playing good football with mature men in games of monkey post on small parcel of land which nija has all over the place or even school football pitch

mbanzai: 2009-11-17 11:45

@Stan, pretending problems do not exist in Nigeria does not mean you like Nigeria any more than I do. If you truly loved your country as hypocrites like yourselves often claim, then you would speak up when you see things that are not right. The first step in repairing damage is acknowledging there is a problem in the first place.
So if I scolded my son for misbehaving, does that mean that I do not like him? You all keep moaning about Nigeria’s problems, now somebody like Adokie takes the bold step of speaking out, you begin to complain.
If you were as enlightened and knowledgeable as you would like to think, then you would see that fans of every football loving country are very vocal and critical about their national teams.
Four years ago, when I visited Brazil, I was shocked to see that the national team actually trains under live television broadcast, for the country to see. That is how much scrutiny their team is put under. Yet in Nigeria any small objection is seen as unpatriotic.
With the exception of USA ’94, I have attended every Mundial to support the eagles. France ’98 cost me a total of $2500.00 in budget, I spent $4,000.00 for Japan/Korea 2002. And there is a strong possibility that I would be in SA 2010 even if it is just for the first round matches. If you watched our friendly with Ireland earlier on, do you remember that there were two fans that held a banner with “Amodu Must Go”? Yes, I was actually one of those fans. I know how much that trip to London cost me. So please do not preach to me about patriotism, I know how much I spend supporting the SEs, and yes a percentage of that goes into the national treasury.
Amodu must go!!
Amodu must go!!
Amodu must go!!

mbanzai: 2009-11-17 11:50

@Flex, the only reason you accidentally mentioned Chimpanzee, is that you come from the planet of the apes.

mbanzai: 2009-11-17 12:31

@Mzakes, thank you very much for that. That's the point I've been trying to get across to the so called "patriotic" Nigerians on this forum.

ojen: 2009-11-18 02:02

Billion you are a *******.u wake up and write rubish about people from your one room apartment.how dare you say obafemi martins is 33yrs.
He finished school the year 2001 go to coker school and find out.

Akinwale: 2009-11-18 16:09

mbanzai and co, kindly allow these our u17 boys to live now. i know if you were given the opportunity to play for Nigeria, you will have claimed to be under 13 or even less than that.