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Nigeria line up Paraguay, Japan

Nigeria line up Paraguay, Japan

Posted: 2010-02-08 15:12

Nigeria are in the final stages of talks with Paraguay for an international friendly on March 3, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation has told KickOffNigeria.com.

Discussions are also said to be going on with Japan for a game in May.

The Super Eagles were due to play Portugal in a friendly in Durban on the same date, but that arrangement fell through and now the Nigeria federation have turned to the South Americans.

"Discussions have been taking place and we can say that we are 70 percent there," the official said.

"And we are also talking to Japan for a friendly in May."

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eze: 2010-02-08 16:10

@Tony while not buy a club and hire Amodu as your club's coach.

Super Eagles players want him out here u are talking rubish....even a blind man knows that Amodu is a very bad coach.

Adams: 2010-02-08 16:27

Playing Paraguay and Japan in preparations for the w.cup is a nice idea, especially as we have their brothers (Argentina and S.korea) in our group. NFA should please go for a Dutch coach.

Makaykay: 2010-02-08 16:36

This will be a good test for Nigeria,lots of people think that the eagles cant fly anymore because they're too old.I think if Nigeria do well in this two games,they might get their respect back,and it will be a good motivation for the players leading to the World Cup.Good luck Nigeria.South Africa will support you,because you're our brothers and we're all Africans.

oriyimafokasibe: 2010-02-08 16:47

thank u eze and kolewole may God allmight blee u guys for want nigeria football progress.

val: 2010-02-08 16:48

Worthy oppositions, no doubt.
Now that we have seen enough of the super eagles, am hoping these new friendlies would feature and give chance to all young, hungry and even homebased players.
@Tony, you could as well weep for Amodu and throw a pity party for him, your post smelt, tasted, looked, painted, wore, bore and was plastered with sentiments, the more i forced myself to agree with you the more tears i fight with . Let me ask you, where were those players that won the game in France during the nations cup?

Leonard: 2010-02-08 16:48

Paraguay,Japan!! Is it a sin if we play Brazil,Spain...
Why are these people fooling themselves?Yes,foreign coach was needed maybe some 6 to 7months ago but not when the WC is 4 months away.THERE IS NO FOREIGN COACH THAT WILL PERFORM THIS MAGIC THEY ARE EXPECTING(even F.CAPELLO).We all know new faces are needed in the SE for a change,so Hiddink will discover these players within 4 months? I'm not trying to justify NFF for wanting to keep Amodu,infact sacking him is the best thing that happened to our football lately even if it means our going to WC without a Coach,but the fact remains that all soccer loving Nigerians and even non Nigerians know the person that can redeem this team within these short time b/c he is well acqainted with both the players in Amodu's camp and outside the camp. It seems LULU swore not to ever give this job to SIASIA! the situation is becoming personal!!! FOR CHRIST'S SAKE,SHEHATA IS NOT IN ANY SENSE BETTER THAN SIA1.

Birikiti: 2010-02-08 17:36

Alhaji,

Honestly, your board has out performed many others before it. During your era, there's been greater marketing drive, more sponsorship money, no bonuses fight with players & there's been relative success. Your board has also appointed some good coaches a la Tella, Siasia, Obuh etc.

However, I will still pick coaches' appointment as your bane! From Jossy Lad to Ladan Bosso to the mother of all mistakes Amodu.
If only ur coaches' appointment had been inspired! Rather you chose to politicise it, some you got away with (eg Amokachi - Siasia U-23, Dike - Nwosu - Obuh U-17) but the most important one has come to be your waterloo.

If only you had listened to us back in 2008 to give Siasia the job, moreso, as he came tops in the interview. If only you had stood up for what was & is right back then, if only...... I guess you know with the benefit of hindsight now that that was the huge decision that your whole board is now be judged by.

I sincerely feel sorry for you & on the other hand, I can't but help think that you have brought this on yourself. You put many inconsequential things ahead of professionalism, mediocrity ahead of excellence.
So there goes your 2nd term in office & a golden place in our football history!

jeff: 2010-02-08 17:57

@Tony, you still harp on the continious stay of AMODU?...WOW, thats one hell of a man crush you have there LOL.
Dude, give it a freaking rest with all your whining.

Austin: 2010-02-08 17:58

@Tony, you are very correct in your summation. It is not too late to do the right thing: Leave Amodu to work with a consortium of Keshi and Siasia to take the SE to SA 2010. Amodu showed what he could do when he played against and beat France in Paris. That was a game that confirmed to me that Amodu is a good coach. NFF, do the right thing today. Do not be swayed by too many people to make the wrong decision.

Ola: 2010-02-08 17:59

That is a very nice friendly settings, one european country then it will be completed. add either England, Germany, Spain or Holland, so that we can use that to test how far we can go against a strong opposition. Lets only hope that this materialize, cos NFF always play their own friendlies on the pages of newspaper. and u Mr LULU, why dont u employ a new coach now since we are having a friendly in less than a month now, or what is the essence of this friendlies, is not not to sharpen up for the world cup? am tired oooo...pls leave sentiment out of this and do something, u have ur name and image to protect remember that.

Ola: 2010-02-08 18:03

That is a very nice friendly settings, one european country then it will be completed. add either England, Germany, Spain or Holland, so that we can use that to test how far we can go against a strong opposition. Lets only hope that this materialize, cos NFF always play their own friendlies on the pages of newspaper. and u Mr LULU, why dont u employ a new coach now since we are having a friendly in less than a month now, or what is the essence of this friendlies, is it not to sharpen up for the world cup? am tired oooo...pls leave sentiment out of this and do something, u have ur name and image to protect remember that. sorry for the above typographical errors.

David: 2010-02-08 18:27

Who told you amodu is a coach, personally i cant hire as a P.E teacher not to talk of an amateur club coach. this man has loose touch with modern football. PERIOD................

Sarah: 2010-02-08 19:06

Honestly i dont know why nigeria are stupid ,Why you people hate amodu..Look amodu is one of the best coach in the world ,If you people van think back.Cameroon and ivory coast where are they in nation cup,They all called forighn coach.Please stop making stupid comment here .Please charman take not .We love amodu and he will correct his mistake .
Thanks.

Sarah: 2010-02-08 19:08

All those people that make this comment they did not go to school.They are flowers .Live amodu elone let he go and carry the world cup.O my God.

IceQueen: 2010-02-08 19:35

@Kolawole

LOL!!!

Joseph: 2010-02-08 19:40

Please Sara, if you did not have any thing to contribute in this forum, pls go to the kitchen and cook food.I think, that is a perfect office for woman

val: 2010-02-08 19:49

@Sarah.
you seem to have forgotten, i think your pot of soup is getting burnt in the kitchen!!!

jeff: 2010-02-08 19:57

Sarah: 2010-02-08 19:08
All those people that make this comment they did not go to school.They are flowers .Live amodu elone let he go and carry the world cup.O my God

--------------------------------------
WAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA
Dear Mr or Mrs Sarah
I think I would like some of what you are smoking.

ade_sheun: 2010-02-08 20:18

I'm actualy a new comer here. I think demoting Amodu & co is not a bad idea. Now dat he is incharge of local eagles,lets see what he can do. We need those local boys in d eagles cos dey wil gve d squad doggedness. I think he needs to prove his worth.

sly1: 2010-02-08 20:39

For those hoping that a good performance in this friendly will help Amodu keep this job, you need to know this uncertainty has further eroded the respesct Amodu may have left among the Eagles. The players will barely tolerate him because they know he is not in charge anymore. Amodu will in turn respond with bad belle decisions by benching the players who have spoken out against him like Osaze, Kanu,Martins Taiwo etc. If a good coach is hired to help him what is the guaranty that Amodu will listen to him. For 2 years Amodu can't read matches to decide the best fomation to play depending on the opponent. He ca't beat any well organized teams. When he gets his formation wrong as he so often does in big games,who will tell him when to switch. Who will Amodu remove from a game, and who does he bring in and when. Amodus incompetence are too many to mention. I honestly think it is best to let KANU take this team to the World Cup as player/coach since the geniuses in NFF can't find a better man than Amodu.

The NFF has now further cemented the fact that they are the THE MAIN PROBLEM in our football. So goig forward, the removal of everybody in that body is SACROSANCT.

BIG SLY WITH EAGLES 4 LIFE

habib: 2010-02-08 20:55

GUSS ON WAY TO NIGERIA

http://worldcup.mtnfootball.com/live/content.php?Item_ID=27317

According to the above link, Guss hidink is going to nigeria very soon to be shortlisted for the eagles job.

Hope this is tru, it be good news, but should the NFF make the visit press conference ? well hope its tru sha

sly1: 2010-02-08 20:57

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, how many times did I call you? Your soup dey burn OOOOO

Are you really insinuating that we are not educated her. Please check your grammer, punctuations and spelling on that REALLY FUNNY POST

Donchino: 2010-02-08 20:59

@ Jeff...lmao!! She should be smoking one hell of a crack there!! haha..
@ Tony.. If you're this in love with Amodu,then Your family should hire him to work as a football pundit/ Half time ****yst when you watch the worldcup at home in June..
@ kolawole.. hahaha i feel you die! We all feel the same way when some imbecile post rubbish comments..
@ Leonard: It's damn expensive playing Brazil or Spain in a friendly.. If we're the one requesting for a friendly match, then we have to pay them.. That's why the above article said I quote ""Discussions have been taking place and we can say that we are 70 percent there," the official said" Unquote! So i think it's better playing smaller teams.. Or do yu think Friendlies are for free??
@ NFF, Good job guys.. Japan and Paraguay are worthy Opponents they should pose similar threat to that of Argentina and South Korea..

Donchino: 2010-02-08 21:00

@ Jeff...lmao!! She should be smoking one hell of a crack there!! haha..
@ Tony.. If you're this in love with Amodu,then Your family should hire him to work as a football pundit/ Half time ****yst when you watch the worldcup at home in June..
@ kolawole.. hahaha i feel you die! We all feel the same way when some imbecile post rubbish comments..
@ Leonard: It's damn expensive playing Brazil or Spain in a friendly.. If we're the one requesting for a friendly match, then we have to pay them.. That's why the above article said I quote ""Discussions have been taking place and we can say that we are 70 percent there," the official said" Unquote! So i think it's better playing smaller teams.. Or do yu think Friendlies are for free??
@ NFF, Good job guys.. Japan and Paraguay are worthy Opponents they should pose similar threat to that of Argentina and South Korea..

Tunde : 2010-02-08 22:02

Tunde
Paraguay and Japan, is a good step if materialised, the U23 should also be allowed to prove themselves, thare should be no authomatic shirt for any player no matter who you are.

Jebsy: 2010-02-09 00:10

@sarah, don't mind us jare, u r the most educated person in this forum. Matter of fact I remember when u r going to university of agriculture, that is why u r speaking a real farmer english (oyinbo awon agbe)with grammatical error and without any punctuation. Mumu, So when people are expressing their views, that makes them uneducated? Infact, if they r sharing the highest degree of stupidity, u will be the first person to receive it.

Afeez: 2010-02-09 00:10

MTNFootball.com can reveal today that sacked Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu, begged to work under a new foreign coach when top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) informed he and his assistants of their decision to sack them in Benguela.

“We were very professional with how we went about sacking Amodu and his men,” one of the officials disclosed to MTNFootball.com.

“We called all of them in Benguela and told them they will not be taking the team to the World Cup. So, none of them ought to be shocked by the decision taken by the NFF board on Friday in Abuja.

“Amodu accepted our decision and even begged that he was ready to work with the new man we would hire.”

As exclusively revealed by MTNFootball.com, the NFF board sat in Benguela immediately after the Eagles opening Group C match against Egypt and endorsed that Amodu be shown the door and so Friday’s meeting in Abuja was only a mere formality to seal Amodu’s fate.

If Amodu was all along playing to the gallery about his future with the team, he clearly saw the hand writing on the wall, when top officials flew into Benguela accompanied by the Lagos-based lawyer who put together his contract, which ends on July 31, 2010.

The coach snubbed the lawyer in Benguela as he failed to acknowledge his salutations.

MTNFootball.com can also reveal that Amodu was given the home-based Eagles on compassionate grounds because there is a clause in his contract which allows for his employers to fire him outright without any compensation

TT: 2010-02-09 07:55

Thanks Tony for not following the people calling for Amodu head for nothing sake

Frank: 2010-02-09 08:43

MTNFootball.com caught up with Nigeria star forward N****wo Kanu immediately after the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola to speak on the tournament, the forthcoming World Cup as well as his future at English Premier League outfit, Portsmouth, who are broke and rock bottom of the table.

MTNFootball.com: Kanu, what would be your overall assessment of Angola 2010?

Kanu: The tournament has really improved in many ways - the stadiums, the hotels and the training pitches, which were often close to the team hotels, were really excellent. Some of these facilities could compare to what you have in Europe. So also the organisation of the tournament.

The level of the fooball is also improving, compared to what we had two years ago. The first game was very fantastic, there were lots of goals between Mali and Angola. That is what you need in football and that is what African countries are now producing.

MTNFootball.com: Probably the new World Cup ball also contributed to this high-scoring match (4-4 draw).

Kanu: I believe they did it for more goals to be scored. It's not a ball you could really say this is where it is going. Goalkeepers will really struggle with such a ball. But for me, and other strikers, we are happy with the ball controlling the ball could be a little more difficult because the grip is not really there.

MTNFootball.com: Which of the teams impressed you the most in Angola?

Kanu: The champions (Egypt) came with a lot of experience, they have been together for years and they kept their game very tight. But for a team that really improved as the tournament progressed, I would pick Algeria. They really surprised a lot of people, first game they were down and their excuse of the hot sun could be true because after that they picked up to reach the semi-finals.

MTNFootball.com: What would be your own thoughts as regards the Ivorians, who many tipped to win the championship in Angola?

Kanu: Football is not the names and the clubs you play. It's how well the team fare. An individual cannot win a game. Everybody too has been counting on them to win the World Cup, but this Nations Cup already came up with its own surprises. I believe many will now start having a different thinking about this team. They have good players and they have a fine mix of young and experienced players, but if they don't play as a team, it would be difficult for them.

MTNFootball.com: Would you say that this Nations Cup gave an indication of what we should expect of the African teams at the World Cup in June?

Kanu: In a way yes, but for the players we had to struggle with our clubs (to release them for the competition), and when we go back, we're going to have more problems with our clubs because other players are playing in our absence.

The matches here were like some warm-up matches for the African teams heading to South Africa. So, these teams would have learnt from their mistakes, what they need to do together, if they have to get more players in, if they have to learn from the mistakes they made. The competition also kept the players fit.

MTNFootball.com: For Nigeria, this was their seventh bronze medal. Are you satisfied?

Kanu: No. I do not think any Nigerian would be satisfied with a bronze. we were here to win the Nations Cup, and so anything less than that is a failure. I have kept apologising to the country about this because we are a big football country and we have to prove that by winning the Nations Cup. All the same, we played well against Ghana, that was the first time we played well, and yet we lost. The other matches, we did not play well but we were scraping and getting the result.

It is a very big disappointment to the players and the nation because we really dreamt we would be in the final to play against Egypt.

MTNFootball.com: You have won so many things with Ajax, ****nal and Pompey, but with Nigeria you have yet to win a Nations Cup winners' medal, and this was your last tournament.

Kanu: It's not a problem for me. The most important thing is that I have been there, I have worked very hard. I was in the final in 2000 and then the bronze medals...For me, I have enjoyed a very good career. I also remember where I'm coming from.

I remember when they told me 'you are not going to play football again' and all hope was lost, but I thank God, I prayed and I came back to start winning trophies again. So whatever comes to me, is just a bonus. Who knows, if I never played football again I would not have won anything from that day. For me, there is no pressure on me, I'm just enjoying my football.

The most important gold I'm winning now is to save the lives of those who have heart problems. If I'm able to do that, I have won the Nations Cup and the World Cup.

MTNFootball.com: On your way to Angola, was it also on your mind that you have not scored a goal at the Nations Cup? Did you aim to break your duck in Angola?

Kanu: Whoever knows me, knows I'm not bothered. Football is a game of opportunties. I could play for a lesser team and end up with eight goals. If it comes, it comes.

Like I said to you, from the day I came out of the hospital, I don't have any other pressure because I believe the pressure that came to me then is all over and I can now thank God and enjoy. Whenever I wake up, I have to thank God because there are lots of people who did not make it in this game.

It would be great to have on my CV that I scored a goal at the Nations Cup, but it did not happen. But I would also be happy not to score for Nigeria to win the Nations Cup.

MTNFootball.com: Were you disappointed that your appearances were limited in Angola?

Kanu: It's so strange. I always told the coach that I'm not here to look and carry babies or feed me. When you talk of Nigeria, you hear Kanu and I still play for my club. I did not know why I was in Angola and I did not play. If you are not starting me, it means I have to come in.

But I do not understand why I was not even coming in. There is no reason why I cannot come in and play.In South Africa, I trained very, very well. Against Zambia in a friendly before the tournament, I was the man of the match. Even in training you could see that I'm there and I can play. There was no excuse.

But what I cannot do is to cause disharmony in the team because I'm the captain and even the younger players would look at me and say the captain is fighting the coach, but the truth is that it was very strange for me.

MTNFootball.com: You were not happy about the situation but you tried to manage it as a captain.

Kanu: I was happy because we were winning, but were we not winning, I would not have been happy because I know I could have contributed to the team.

MTNFootball.com: That would be the case of the semi-final against Ghana, where a fellow player, Osaze Odemwingie, told me that your experience and creativity would have made the difference.

Kanu: That's the truth because even against Zambia, I was on the bench and I saw that we did not have a player like me to make the job a little easier for us. I kept urging, supporting and coaching the players, but on the other side of it, you know you can do better. You cannot be on the bench and do anything.

People have to go back and ask Amodu and Amokachi what was the reason because they call the shots and I'm still a player. I had to show good example to the rest of the team. I had to keep my head especially when we lost the first game and everybody wanted to kill us. What was the reason? Was it that he was not fit? Or that he can no longer play?

For the third-place match, a lot of the players did not want to play but I encouraged them. Some thought I would not play this match but I cannot abandon my ship, I have to stay and battle.

MTNFootball.com: Did you also try to use this match against Algeria to prove a point?

Kanu: No. The whole of Angola wanted to see me play. Whereever I went, they would scream; 'Kanu! Kanu!!' But they did not know whether I was still there or not. I had to show them that I'm not injured, I'm fit and ready to go. That was a big opportunity for me to really show that I can lead my country.

MTNFootball.com: There has even been a suggestion that you would go to the World Cup as a player-coach. Have you heard about this?

Kanu: (He laughs) I have not heard anything like that. For me, I just want to play the World Cup and that would be my last. I'm still a leader in this team and whenever I'm on the pitch, I will show my quality and show what makes me a leader. Against Algeria, I was man of the match. This was a bonus. All the same, I'm looking forward to the World Cup.

In the team, I do a lot, not just playing, I try to carry every player and make sure that they are happy. Also in a game, I have to put my own imputs no matter what the coaches are saying. I see a lot because I have been there for long and I know what football is all about. What I bring to the national team is massive, it's a lot. Since I have been captain there has been no time you hear that we are fighting about this or that. I try to make sure the ship is steady.

MTNFootball.com: The NFF have promised sweeping changes in the team. What kind of changes are you expecting?

Kanu: We want to be like Egypt, win three in a row. Continuity is very important, but this does not mean you cannot bring in new players. People are talking about disbanding and bringing a new set of players.

Only Ghana did this at the Nations Cup. But do you want Nigeria to play like Ghana? I know Nigerians would kill the players who play like this. For me, bringing in new players would be of great advantage to the team. If you see anybody who is good, he is welcome. But it is always good to keep your team.

MTNFootball.com: Do you know of any such player?

Kanu: There are a lot of Nigerian players around the world. When you want to bring in players, bring them in gradually. When the likes of Keshi, Ikechukwu Uche were playing, we did not jump into the team. We were brought in gradually, Jay Jay came in, Kanu came in.

When you are with a team for four years, there is no way you cannot know the strengths and weaknesses of your teammates. If we are building a team, we have to let Nigerians know we are building a team and so everybody has to be patient and until that team blends, you cannot expect results. But if you want results, you have to keep your present group of players and inject new players gradually. The coaches know what is best.

I believe there are good Nigerian players who are not in the team yet, but we cannot start from scratch. If we do, it would be difficult for everybody. We do not have time as the World Cup is not far away. It is only four months away and we would have only 30 days to prepare.

MTNFootball.com: What are your expectations in South Africa 2010?

Kanu: We have to do well.

MTNFootball.com: Doing well would mean what?

Kanu: Reaching the semi-final. For me, we do not have to keep giving excuses. If we want to go, let's go all out. Nigerians want us to play good football and win games. It will not be easy because no team can be pushed over any more but we are a big football country and we have to show we are really that.

What we can do now to win back the hearts of Nigerians is to go to the World Cup and prove to them that we are good.

Getting to the semi-final or even final would be okay. Some would say that is not possible, but when you have the players and they believe they can do it, and everybody comes together, invest and make sure every little thing has been dealt with and that way there is nothing disturbing the team.This is World Cup, not Nations Cup.

I remember when we went to the Olympics, nobody believed we would win the Olympics, but we the players believed we can and from the group stages, we began to be stronger and we did it.

The world Cup is different, but all the same we can do it. We have to start preparations immediately and not wait till 30 days to the tournament to start work.

MTNFootball.com: Talking about Portsmouth, your salaries are being delayed and you are bottom of the table. What is your future there?

Kanu: I'm still a Portsmouth player. I will be there till the end of the season. I still have another year on my contract but I do not know what will happen. I want to see the way I can help so that we do not drop.

Our situation is not good because where you are working, you are having this issue of whether money is in or not in. We have to be paid. A lot of our good players are being sold which makes the task a lot more difficult. We only have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

MTNFootball.com: We do not pray for it, but should Pompey still drop to the Championship, what becomes of Kanu?

Kanu: Kanu will have to move on.

MTNFootball.com: To Europe or where?

Kanu: I don't know. I won't want to promise anything yet

Femi: 2010-02-10 02:18

We have to be careful in who we line our boys up against so early before (WC) competition starts. We don't want them (Eagles) feeling as if they are of a lesser tier and inferior to the big boys. That is what would happen if we face one of the favorite countries so early before June. These teams have been playing and practicing, while gelling together all this time. We should play the likes of Japan, Paraguay, England and Russia but stay away from likes of Brazil and Germany for now. Let try and sneak up on the competition and use surprise (being underdogs) as our secret weapon. I also think you should try and keep one of the local coaches if we decide to hire a foreign coach. We need someone in camp who actually knows the players well enough to advice the new coach on who is who on the team. I have great hope for the Eagle now. We are on the right track but we need to act fast!

jude: 2010-02-10 11:44

why are people still calling for siasia? is our SE now a try and luck thing or what? what happened in egypt? were people blind? that was the same team that won a world cup. he dropped players and went with HIS players and lost woeffully.

Shyroc: 2010-02-11 10:40

We can still use Bonfre Jo, he knows how to deal with our sorry ass

Shyroc: 2010-02-11 10:47

I really dont understand why u guys still think nigeria is rated in soccer around the world. Nigeria was RATED in the past, but we are just like Senegal, we are dead. unless we decides on bring in our u 17 boys ( the 30year old that played the last u 17, i believe he is called okoro) and most of our u21. To be honest in the current super eagles squad, i can only rate the goalkeepers (first 2), apam, odemingwi, ****tu and one or two others. We need a play maker, mikel is waste of space, try seeing if OKAKA will agree to play for us, saw him play for Roma and in italy, there are a number of naija in the 2nd team of most of these top teams ( definately better than the fat and lazy players current in the squad)