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The Yak with nine lives?

The Yak with nine lives?

Posted: 2011-12-26 14:09

Ifreke Inyang looks at the resurgence of Nigeria frontman Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Like a recurring nightmare, Yakubu Aiyegbeni is back in our consciousness. How can we possibly ignore the powerful frontman, when our number one football addiction is the English Premiership? In the now famous game against Swansea City, Aiyegbeni put up a sensational one-man show, banging in all four goals to earn Blackburn Rovers a 4-2 home victory over Swansea. I watched with interest as people reacted to his exploits on social media and on the streets, hailing his exploits.

Our grievances with the Yak evaporated in an instant. It had taken a horrendous miss from three yards for us to send him into exile. A four goal show had suddenly bought redemption.

It is perhaps instructive we note that scoring goals has never been a problem for the Yak. It was the second time Yakubu has struck four goals in a League game. Seven years ago, he achieved the feat for Portsmouth against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park. From his time in the Nigerian League to Israel, to the highly competitive EPL, he has always scored. Aiyegbeni is regarded as one of the best African forwards to have graced the Premiership, second to the legendary Thierry Henry in the goal to game stats.

I could picture Stephen Keshi watching on, as the Yak covered himself in glory. When asked if he considered recalling the striker, he said: "Only the best players will make my team, no matter what anyone thinks. I will pick Yak on form to play for Nigeria if he keeps scoring in the English League. I want to win matches and only the fittest in Europe and Nigeria can deliver results for me."

Irrespective of his scoring spree, opinion remains divided among fans. On one side is an army of supporters for the Yak. Their argument is simple: Yakubu’s experience and goal scoring prowess is needed in the Super Eagles.

"Keshi is the coach of the team. If he wants to call up Yakubu I don't think that should generate any kind of debate because he feels Yakubu deserves to be part of the team to beef up his attack," Christian Chukwu said.

"Apart from that, when you look at our players abroad Yakubu has done well this season and without sentiment any coach will give him the chance to play for the national team based on his current form. Right now he's one of our best performing players."

On the other side are those who feel the freshness and hunger of the likes of Ikechukwu Uche, Emmanuel Emenike, etc. is what we need. One of the prominent voices in this camp is that of Austin Okocha. Okocha insists Yakubu is past his sell-by date as a Super Eagles striker and should not return for the team he last played for at the 2010 World Cup.

"It is sad that at this time of our football, we are talking about bringing back Yakubu to the Super Eagles when we should be looking for fresh blood to take our game to the next level.

"I don't know if it is a risk but the final decision rests with the coach of the team. No doubt, Yakubu is having a good time in the EPL now, scoring regularly for Blackburn. But if you ask my opinion on the matter, I will say that it is better for a coach to fail with fresh players that will 'old' ones. With new ones, everyone will know that the coach is rebuilding a new team and the blame will not be much even if such an experiment does not work out."

Keshi has opened a training camp for his Team B, comprising of players from the local League. He confirmed in an interview that he was looking at picking at least ten players from the camp. The imminent recall of Aiyegbeni begs question of Keshi’s plan for Nigerian football – rebuilding or cycling? Is he seeking to build a new team that will play with passion and desire anytime they pull on the green jersey? Or are we still interested in rushing back to the same old players, whether in or out of form?

Right before Stephen Keshi is the choice of experience, form and hunger. And the jury is patiently waiting for him to pick his mix.

Hopefully, the results will be kind to him. And us.

Ifreke Inyang

Comment on this article:

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nigeria &ghana match do or die: 2011-12-26 15:57

kick of Nigeria,this news is updated after close to one month. editor Mr Collin udo why like this naa,you are falling our hands seriously. making the site becoming boring we visit this site 10times daily hoping for news so we can be current.please make it better . i have to say my mind thank you.

Birikiti: 2011-12-26 17:28

The issue with Yakubu has never been that of ability but desire/passion!

All Nigerians know that he is a good goal scorer albeit mostly for his clubs but what folks are asking for is that only players that will run for 90mins are fit for the SE. We don't want players that will make our play transition lethargic/slow. We don't want players that will slow down the likes of IK Uche, Ahmed Musa, Joel Obi, Fengor Ogude,.. by telling them to calm down on the field of play,.. No. What we want are players that are totally committed to the Nigerian cause. Players that will take the bull by the horn (like the Yak did against Hounduras at the Sydney Olympics 2000 games by scoring a beauty to equalize for Nigeria)

This is all we ask from any player that wants to dorn the national colours. If the Yak is up to it then he is welcome back but if not let him score all the goals he wants for Blckburn, we don't need him!

MARADONA: 2011-12-26 20:15

Look at that photograph of the YAK in Blackburn colors. You can read his body language and interprete his expression. My guess is that he is asking Nigerian doubting Thomases loudly: Nna mehn. Na Weteen unu doubting Thomases want make country man prove again?????? Hmmnnnn 4 bullet proof vest, bursting goals never convince unu

All hail the YAK. Baba YAK, you are Nigeria's undisputed goal king

uga: 2011-12-26 20:47

i'ld say give him a chance!

elpressi: 2011-12-26 23:13

The Yak, get your team out of relegation zone first then we'll see whether you deserve another chance. As it stands, you suck. lol Blackburn is currently last on the table. Micheal Uchebo, Emma Emenike, Ik. UChe, Obasi Chinedu, Kabiru Akinsola, Osaze Odemwingie even clubless Obafemi Martins are making us proud. Get your team out of the relegation zone first!!

chidi: 2011-12-27 02:36

@ elpressi stop saying that... Obafemi is not clubless, he play for Rubin Kazan of Russia..http://rubin-kazan.ru/en/general.html.. Yak is good player and plays well, the other players you mentioned can't even save thier teams.. IK Uche is my friend but his club is still suffering at the bottom of the La Liga... what we need are the right people in the right place experience mixed with young talent.

uzochi: 2011-12-27 05:34

YAK HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD CLUB PLAYER, NEVER BEEN A GREAT EAGLE PLAYER. EVEN IN HIS 20 GOAL SEASON IN MIDDLESBOROUGH HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING IN THE EAGLES UNIFORM.
OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE CONSISTENT 20+ GOAL SCORERS FOR CLUB WHO DONT GET NATIONAL TEAM CALL UPS ( SEE BENT, AND SOME OTHERS) BECAUSE THEY ARE GOOD CLUB PLAYERS BUT NOT NATIONAL TEAM.
YAK IS ONE OF SUCH.
LEAVE HIM IN BLACKBURN AND LETS BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
WHO REALLY BELIEVE HE WILL BE IN ANY KIND OF FORM COME 2014 WORLD CUP (THATS WHAT WE ARE BUILDING FOR RIGHT?) OR ARE WE A HERE AND NOW GENERATION WITH NO REGARDS FOR THE FUTURE.
lETS BUILD FOR THE FUTURE (2013 CAF AND 2014 BRASIL)

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-27 12:38

yakubu is my man come rain come sun. he is still a good striker one of the best in English premier league . if am the Nigerian coach i will not think 2wice in calling him. the yak is good. mix him with some young and feed the yak he will score for you.

red skin: 2011-12-27 12:46

He should be recalled, so also is Apam, Martins, Utaka, and Ogbodo. We want players who have something to offer right now. Stop all these rebuilding stuff with the young lads that is why we are now outsiders in African football.
KESHI SHOULD GO WITH WHATEVER HE KNOWS WILL WORK FOR HIM. WE WANT RESULTS.

elpressi: 2011-12-27 15:20

@ eye_on_eagles,

Are you serious at all? Are you sure you've been watching EPL at since it began? Yak 'one of the best' in what league? Dude his team is about to get relegated to Div2, Are you high on something? Victor Moses is light years ahead of him

elpressi: 2011-12-27 15:30

@ Chidi,

The only player that can't save his team among them is the one you're in support of and that is Yak. Go check where Blackburn is on the table and then come back we'll have something to talk about. He's no even top 20!! Name one single trophy we've ever won for the past 8 years with Yak as our main striker? None. He was there when Ghana destroyed us twice 4-1 at Brendtford and 1-0 at the 2008 Nation cup. He flopped at the WC and now you wants to recall him? Is that a way to progress? We might as well recall Aghali..No wonder our country is going backward....recall Abacha, Babangida, Obasanjo, next recall Buhari!!

uzochi: 2011-12-27 16:01

@ ELPRESSI
No mind them, look at this ones saying YAK is a TOP premier league player. what an insult to the good players. He had a four goal game and soo what? A broken cloack is rights twice a day and thats what that is.
I wont fault him on his club's religation statues cause he cant do it alone but the point is, he is not an EAGLE player, he is a club player. let him do Nigeria proud in the club. But to say he is the eagles answer is to go backwards.
We need to build for the world cup. by then he will be 40 yrs old ( in real age).

uzochi: 2011-12-27 16:06

The same people saying YAK is a TOP premier league players are the same ones that say MIKEL is a TOP mid fielder. This might have been true 6yrs ago in the U-20 world cup but since then, he is not even a TOP 100 mid field player and if you say he is, then you are a HOMER (You think your home boys are the best no matter what.)
this is patriotic and all but it wont get you anywhere fast.
I can pick 2 midfielders in each team in the EPL, Seria A, La Liga, Bundesliga and French league before I pick Mikel on as my Mid fielder and same goes with YAK.
Berbatov scored 3 against wigan, does that make him better than Rooney?

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-27 18:47

@ ELPRESSI
My brother i have every facts to back up my points about yakubu.let me tell you why i said he is one of the best. mind you i did not say the best.see there is lots of strikers in premier league how many of then have score 10 goals this season. since this guy moved to England his goal rate have been amazing. go back to the records this guy is always among the top 10 or 15 if he have no injuries . among over 100 strikers in the league he still manage to score ten now now. lets say the fact is he not among? his goals is what is still keeping Blackburn how many have tores and drogba adebayo score.the yak have proof it every where he goes. please feed the yak

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-27 18:54

@ uzochi or uzoagbara wetin bi ur name

I know your type. what do you mean self, your type na bad mouth dey kill you. You sabi play atall? If C Ronaldo also is a Nigerian I know you will still dey gossip am. Yakubu and mikel is not top players is that ok for you?
Berbatov is good that is why he core 3 goals. dimankarab

nigeria &ghana match do or die: 2011-12-27 19:30

@red skin YOU HAVE MAKE A GOOD POINT same as @eye_on_eagles, i like your view towards Nigerian players.

YAK IS A GOOD PLAYER EVERY BODY KNOWS IT, BUT ONE THING WITH NIGERIANS WE HAVE AN ON FORGIVING SPIRIT.HIS WORLD CUP MISS HAVE BRING ALL THIS TO HIM.WHICH DID NOT SUPPOSE TO BE. NIGERIA DID NOT QUALIFY TO THE NATIONS CUP.WHICH WE USE TO GO ALWAYS WHEN YAKUBU AND CO WHERE PLAYING. I CAN REMEMBER HIS GOALS THAT TAKE NIGERIA TO WORLD CUP. WHEN WE BEAT SUDAN 4/2 HE IS A VERY GOOD PLAYER AND DESERVE TO BE CALLED BACK

ikechukwu: 2011-12-27 21:45

because we are rebuilding,we should not be able to qualify for cup of nation,because we are rebuilding we should abandoned the experienced players and bring in all new players.Yakubu,u are a nigerian and nobody holds ur destiny.If keshi wants u back,then whoever wants to die because the coach wants u,should die along with his bad feelings for u.Currently,u are nigeria 2011 player of the year.cheers

uga: 2011-12-27 23:02

There is a certain mystery in soccer. When I'm playing in any country I score goals like crazy, except for Nigeria. Anytime I play in Nigeria, it's like I don't even know how to play soccer again. Perhaps it was like that with Yakubu in South AFRICA. I'm sure you can all attest to the fact that there are certain places you don't do so well for some mysterious reason!

Yakubu went to Nigeria right after the world cup in South Africa for an All Stars Match, and he scored again... Seee, South AFrica just wasn't for him.

uga: 2011-12-27 23:09

There is a certain mystery in soccer. When I'm playing in any country I score goals like crazy, except for Nigeria. Anytime I play in Nigeria, it's like I don't even know how to play soccer again. Perhaps it was like that with Yakubu in South AFRICA. I'm sure you can all attest to the fact that there are certain places you don't do so well for some mysterious reason!

Yakubu went to Nigeria right after the world cup in South Africa for an All Stars Match, and he scored again... Seee, South AFrica just wasn't for him.

Game147: 2011-12-28 00:01

Yakubu Aiyegbeni is better than Ronaldo Lima , Samuel Eto and Thiery Henry , case closed !.

Game147: 2011-12-28 00:04

And his next miss might defile the laws of physics.

Anyway, I comment my reserve.....sorry, I reserve my comment.

uzochi: 2011-12-28 05:37

@ EYE_ON_EAGLES
SO YOU CANT MAKE YOUR POINT WITHOUT CALLING ME NAMES OR MOCKING MY NAME?
IT SHOWS YOUR MATURITY LEVEL. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN MAKING YOUR POINT W/O THE NAME CALLING? THE ANSWER WILL BE MATURITY AND CIVILIZATION. GROW UP PLEASE.
THANKS FOR SHOWING EVERYONE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL. APPARENTLY WHEN KIDS PISS EACH OTHER OFF BY CALLING EACH OTHER NAMES, YOU JOIN THEM. IF YOU KID COMES HOME FROM SCHOOL CRYING THAT HIS SCHOOL MATES CALLED HIM NAME, YOU WILL RUN TO THE KIDS HOUSE AND CALL THE KID NAMES TOO.
MAKE YOUR POINT W/O CALLING PEOPLE NAMES. ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO

hindi: 2011-12-28 05:50

Chai Nigeria football has falling in a trap like that of ****nal. the trap is called rebuilding,belive it or but if we keep on saying this rebuilding,rebuilding,rebuilding,the highest competition we will play nest time is wafu cup. Can any one bet me?? sani keita yakubu mikel john utaka onyekachi martins this guys should be called back quickly to mix with the so called rebuilding that have no potential of going any where. This is where Nigeria is having omission. Come to man u. you will get 38 36 yrs men still playing active football for them some 18 0r 20 yrs. there rebuilding is mixed with both old and young. There also you can see 18 19 20 playin with the 38. and every year dey win trophy. ****nal throw away there men and keep on rebuilding, that have bring them trophy drought

uzochi: 2011-12-28 07:18

@HINDI
YOU ARE RIGHT BUT REMEMBER THAT THAT IS CLUB FOOTBALL AND THEY SPEND 80-90% OF THE YEAR TOGETHER.
HOWEVER, NATIONAL TEAM IS DIFFERENT, THEY GET A WKEND AND THAT'S IT AND A MONTH TOPS WHEN THEY QUALIFY FOR A TOURNAMENT. SO ITS DIFFERENT. YOU DONT REALLY HAVE THE TIME TO MESH THE YOUNG AND OLD.
EVERY TIME THERE IS INTERNATIONAL BREAK IS A CHANCE TO GET THE YOUNG GUYS SOME GAME TIME.
AFTERALL, HOW ARE THEY GOING TO GET THE EXPERIENCE IF THEY ARE NOT PLAYING? HOW ARE THEY GOING TO WORK TOGETHER IF THEY ARE NOT PLAYING. THEY DONT HAVE THE CLUB TIME TO WORK TOGETHER.

BUT I LIKE YOUR POINT. ITS A VALID ARGUMENT. AND YOU MADE IT WITHOUT CALLING ANYONE NAMES.

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-28 08:19

@UZOCHI

HAPPY NEW YEAR
You are my bro. I apologies if my comment have gone so far in offending you. I was only trying to say my mind. Please don’t be offended ,cheers

Akpaamu: 2011-12-28 08:38

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Amata Plus: 2011-12-28 08:53

Rebuilding or recalling or whatever the nomenclature, the bottom line is our football needs salvaging.

Keshi's focus must and should be on giving Nigeria the very best. His selections should be devoid of sentiments. Such sentiments as repaying loyalists who supported his appointment must be put aside.

We are waiting to hear from NFF and Keshi whether or not Victor Moses is still loyal to Nigeria. Moses' case if not well handled could lead to others taking Nigeria for granted.

As much as I support blending old and young players in the SE, I am strongly against the recall of John Utaka and Sam Sodje. They have past their prime and should be allowed to play retirement football.

Yakubu? He should be given just one chance to prove to us that he is worth it. JUST ONE CHANCE!

I WISH ALL NIGERIANS A PROSPEROUS 2012 DEVOID OF THE EVILS OF BOKO HARAM IN ITS ENTIRETY!

unstoppable: 2011-12-28 08:53

IF YAK IS AS GOOD AS THEY WANT US TO BELIEVE, LET HIM SAVE HIS MANAGER'S JOB WITH HIS GOALS. THE MAN IS GOING THROUGH HELL, WHILE YAK CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO SAVE THE MAN'S JOB. WHAT WE NEED IN SUPER EAGLES ARE NOT TIRED LEGS, IF WE ARE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE, LET US FORGET ABOUT YAK AND HIS CO TIRED LEGS. ALL THESE PAID ARTICLES BY KESHI AND CO WILL NOT HELP US. KESHI SHOULD DISCOVER NEW PLAYERS, THEN CONSOLIDATE WITH THE ONES ALREADY DISCOVERED BY SIASIA, AND WE WILL BE READY FOR 2013 NATIONS CUP AND 2014 WORLD CUP IF WE ARE SERIOUSE. YAK WON'T BE THERE BY THEN, HE IS OLD AND PLAYING HIS LAST GAME.

Amata Plus: 2011-12-28 08:54

Rebuilding or recalling or whatever the nomenclature, the bottom line is our football needs salvaging.

Keshi's focus must and should be on giving Nigeria the very best. His selections should be devoid of sentiments. Such sentiments as repaying loyalists who supported his appointment must be put aside.

We are waiting to hear from NFF and Keshi whether or not Victor Moses is still loyal to Nigeria. Moses' case if not well handled could lead to others taking Nigeria for granted.

As much as I support blending old and young players in the SE, I am strongly against the recall of John Utaka and Sam Sodje. They have past their prime and should be allowed to play retirement football.

Yakubu? He should be given just one chance to prove to us that he is worth it. JUST ONE CHANCE!

I WISH ALL NIGERIANS A PROSPEROUS 2012 DEVOID OF THE EVILS OF BOKO HARAM IN ITS ENTIRETY!

chuks: 2011-12-28 10:03

The editor of this site should do more to get more news for us to read. Two articles posted for one week. Such a shame. Log on to BBC sports site or other football sites to see how editors post articles hourly even every minute. Is there nothing hapening in our football?

Akpaamu: 2011-12-28 10:03

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uzochi: 2011-12-28 15:24

@ EYE_ON_EAGLES
NO PROBLEM, happy and prosperous new year to you.

@ALL NIGERIANS
LET US MAKE IT A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION HERE TO STOP CALLING EACH OTHER NAMES AND INSULTING EACH OTHER.
ATTACK THE POINT YOU DONT SIDE WITH BUT DONT ATTACK THE INDIVIDUAL. KINDLY CALL THE PERSON'S ATTENTION TO THE POINT, COUNTER THE POINT/ARGUEMENT AND MOVE ON WITHOUT BRINGING HIS RACE, MOTHER, FATHER OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT INTO THE CONVERSATION.
IF WE ARE ALL ADULTS AS WE CLAIM TO BE, THEN LETS ACT LIKE ON IN 2012.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL IN ADVANCE.

Dat Igbo boy: 2011-12-28 17:45

BREAKING SAD NEWS BREAKING BAD SAD NEWS:

PSV TERMINATE RABIU IBRAHIM CONTRACT

Top Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have terminated the contract of Nigeria Olympic midfield star Rabiu Ibrahim with immediate effect.

Ibrahim failed to break into the PSV first-team and was subsequently fired as the contract his England-based agent negotiated for him was strictly a performance-based one.

The Dutch club activated a clause in Ibrahim’s contract which stipulated they can cancel his contract at any time.

There are also three other central midfielders at PSV now which makes the competition even stiffer for the young Nigerian.

A top agent based in Europe told MTNFootball.com: “It’s a very sad development but it was mainly because of the contract, which did not protect the player at all.

“The contract was skewed in favour of the club

“I have watched the player for the second team of PSV. He has potentials but he is not a player for a top club like PSV.”

The former Gateway of Abeokuta star has played only handful of games for PSV mostly as a substitute.

In March, the former Nigeria U17 star signed a three-year contract just before his 20th birthday.

This was after he impressed while on trials there.

Last year, he was released by top Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon after he also failed to make a first-team appearance in three years.

It was only four years ago that Ibrahim was widely hailed as one of the hottest young prospects in world football after he anchored the Golden Eaglets midfield as they soared to win a third World Cup in South Korea.

MTNFootball.com has further learnt that Ibrahim would now most likely be shipped to a lower league club in Belgium or England after the latest setback to a once promising career.

Game147: 2011-12-28 18:09

In absence of everything and in the presence of award-wining-sleep-walking-journalism, abeg mek una watch this : Okocha vs Ronaldinho http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8zADd8aPn4.

I so much miss Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha , my all-time idol ,World,Africa and Super Eagles legend.

I can pay anything to watch any Nigerian talent who eventually becomes Okocha's replica.

red skin: 2011-12-29 18:33

GJ don't negotiate with them, we want to break away, our sovereignty has been treatened and our properties relentlessly distroyed !! We are tired of co-existing and being diabolically hated by our distant neighbours from the North.

Don't cry for us! We are rare gems fearfully and wonderfully made.
Our meteoric rise after a devastataing civil war is a testimony that we can survive even with nothing! 'We are wise men from the East.'

Stop killing my brothers !!
Huu huu!!Sob! Sob!! I hate you! I hate you!!
YOU PRIMITIVE WICKED CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL.

Eze celestine : 2011-12-29 21:47

I have seen that nigeria is going no where unless there retire all those people that in glass house please move those people there

Mega: 2011-12-30 07:03

Begining to hate this site.

Merry Christmas my good people


Peace

luise-hero: 2011-12-30 23:31

were is udo what is happening here why no news or complete kon could not pay there staff or is the site nomore in existence what a shame

luise-hero: 2011-12-30 23:49

Rabiu Ibrahim

Why Rabiu, PSV parted ways
Representatives of Nigerian midfielder, Rabiu Ibrahim and Dutch side, PSV Eindhoven have explained both parties mutually agreed to part ways.

Rabiu's agent, Tony Harris, explained to SuperSport.com that the decision to terminate the contract with the Eredivisie side is due to lack of appearances for the Nigerian.

Harris said his client did not sign a performance-based contract with PSV as being reported.

"Rabiu Ibrahim and PSV Eindhoven jointly took the decision to terminate the contract between them. The contract wasn't a one-sided deal as being reported that PSV sacked him. "Rabiu is one of the best talents I'm working with and that's why big clubs in Europe have always come for him. Seriously I can't stop him from joining a big side because he's so talented. "Aside that he's rated behind a number of players with experience in Dutch football and that has made difficult for him. He's highly regarded just that he's fallen a little short at some point," said Harris.

Rabiu is said to be unhappy that he has been left on the bench for 18 times with limited play time.

The lack of appearances has affected Rabiu's national team development.

"Rabiu isn't happy with the situation of not playing for PSV because it has affected his chances of playing for his country's national team. So he's been able to secure his exit with the club, which PSV understand," Harris told SuperSport.com over telephone on Tuesday.

SuperSport.com has learnt that the Dutch side will prefer to release the player rather than send him on loan in a bid to avoid paying him €500,000 when he returns to the club after the loan spell.

PSV's technical manager, Marcel Brands also confirmed on the club's official that Dutch side will part ways with the 20-year-old on January 1 to allow him find a new club.

“Ibrahim Rabiu needs to regularly make first-team appearances, also to boost his chances to play for the national team. But he found opportunities limited, as he had to compete for a place in the startling line-up with Toivonen, Wijnaldum, Labyad and promising youngster Marcel Ritzmaier,” said Brands.

“Since he joined PSV, Rabiu has always been a true professional and on top of that he is a nice guy. But as he does not figure in the club’s long-term plans, he has been released from his contract at the Philips Stadion.”

Brands also said PSV are ready to assist Rabiu in finding a new club.

“That’s what he deserves. He has not been able to make the final step, also as he faced fierce competition for a first-team place; yet we are positive about his future. He has been called up to the match squad a few times and certainly has the potential to make it,” he said.

Rabiu joined PSV from Sporting Lisbon and signed a three-year deal till 2014 before it was terminated.

The Nigerian, who has been mentioned as a possible playmaker for the Super Eagles, made just four appearances for PSV including one start and scored one goal against amateur side VVSB in a KNVB Cup tie.

The former Gateway FC midfielder is already attracting interest from clubs in England, Germany, Scotland and Belgium.

stan: 2011-12-31 14:37

CHIBUZOR OKONKWOR ON TRIAL WITH PREMIERSHIP SIDE ASTON VILLA. source: sun newspaper

stan: 2011-12-31 14:38

CHIBUZOR OKONKWOR ON TRIAL WITH PREMIERSHIP SIDE ASTON VILLA. source: UK sun newspaper

Game147: 2011-12-31 15:20

@Stan, thanks for that piece info. Chibuzor Okonkwo na beta defender sha. Good luck to him.

Game147: 2011-12-31 16:07

hmmmmmmmmmmmm....i meant piece of info. This type error sef. Anyway, typo error will expire with 2011.

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-31 16:35

CAN EVERY BODY PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR YAKUBU. YAK MY MAN

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-31 16:43

THE GOAL KING

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-31 16:53

YAKUBU HATERS WILL BE THERE LOOKING AND HE WILL WIN AFRICAN BEST NEST YEARS. EVEN IF HE PLAY FOR NIGERIA OR NOT. KANU AND YAKUBU ARE MY BEST

okoribe1: 2011-12-31 17:38

CRIKEY N HE JUST KNOCKED TWO PAST UNITED TODAY AT OLD TRAFFORD,MAN U 2-BLACKBURN 3,SUBLIME

Fireman: 2011-12-31 18:05

Yakubu is one of the best strikers in the premier league and he just proved it. Feed the Yak and he will score! Up Yakubu! The 2nd most consistent striker behind only Theirry Henry this past decade. Abeg we all criticized him after his spectacular world cup miss, but now that he has proved himself again make we join to celebrate him.

Amata Plus: 2011-12-31 18:53

Yakubu does not have to prove himself at club level. He is almost a legend at club level. It is at international level he has failed to prove his critics (not haters) wrong.

I am glad though that a Nigerian helped his club to down man u. Congrats to yakubu. Get ready to prove us (your critics) wrong against Rwanda in Kigali.

I WISH ALL WELL MEANING NIGERIANS (MINUS BOKO HARAM) A PROSPEROUS 2012!

eye_on_eagles: 2011-12-31 19:01

@Fireman: I hail oo
i told some guys in this forum earlier.they where saying bla bla bla. i said the yak is a good goal scorer this guy is good. which striker in the super eagles like yakubu currently. this is where siasia get it wrong.thank God keshi is realizing some thing.yakubu martins kaita there are hustlers

nigeria &ghana match do or die: 2011-12-31 19:37

THE YAK HAVE PROVE EVERY THING. BOTH FOR COUNTRY AND CLUB. HE PLAYED 57 MATCHES AND SCORE 21 GOALS FOR NIGERIA WHAT AGAIN DO YOU WANT FROM THIS YOUNG MAN.THE EARLY NIGERIANS BEGIN TO APPROPRIATE THERE THINGS THE BETTER. GO YAK GIVE US SOME MORE GOALS

topstarz: 2011-12-31 22:41

Yakubu if you are reading,i want to say thank you for making Nigerians proud, now Keshi you know what to do...

luise-hero: 2011-12-31 23:42

Tottenham to battle Real Madrid for Nigerian starlet

Tottenham are reportedly facing competition from Real Madrid for highly-rated Atletico Baleares midfielder Raheem Lawal.
ARTICLE | DECEMBER 22, 2011 - 9:37AM

The 21-year-old Nigerian recently revealed how Spurs are interested in his services along with a number of other clubs.

“I have had several offers coming my way following my performance in the game against Algeria,” Lawal said.

“French side Olympic Lyon have indicated interest, so also has English Premiership side Tottenham and Zamalek of Egypt, who have been persistent with calls with a mouth-watering offer.

“I am not in a hurry; I will take my time and by the grace of God make the right decision.”

However, according to Spanish publication Fichajes.com, Spurs face Spanish giants Real Madrid should they make their interest concrete with an offer.

The report claims Real tried to sign Lawal in the summer, but he rejected their advances aware that first-team football would initially be hard to come by.

The Spanish giants are expected to try again, particularly if Spurs decide to make a move.

Source

luise-hero: 2011-12-31 23:49

Local dudu voice-out they want to detrow pro-eagles

We are better than foreign pros – Home Eagles
One of the 30 home-based players invited to the Eagles camp, Julius Ubilo has said that if given the chance by Coach Stephen Keshi that they were capable of doing better than their over-hyped foreign-based professionals.

Ubilo, who stars for 2011 Federation Cup champions, Heartland of Owerri, said that lack of faith in them by past national team coaches was responsible for the inability of home-based players to break into the Super Eagles team.

He said this much after the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in a friendly played weekend at the practice pitch of the National Stadium in Abuja


Home based Eagles celebrating after scoring
Ubilo noted that home-based Eagles have resolved to give their foreign-based counterparts stiff competition for shirts ahead of next year’s opening 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda in Kigali.

“We have resolved to utilise this training camp to cement our places in the team. We are not going to allow our toils here go unnoticed. The days of being used as training materials by coaches are far gone.. We know that we have what it takes to make the Super Eagles team”, said Ubilo, who urged Eagles coaches to take away sentiments when choosing players.

“If the coaches would use merit to select the team, several of us have what it takes to break into the Super Eagles squad. All we want is for a level playing ground to be given to all of us. There are several talented players in the country who can break into the Eagles team”, added Ubilo

Sheik: 2012-01-01 11:16

I beg fellow forumites, has the editor been fired, lost his i-pad/computer, on vacation or may be filing for change of nationality to represent another country at the up-coming nations cup? when is he going to update us with fresh news? nawaa ooooo!!

topstarz: 2012-01-01 20:39

@Sheikh...all of the above, with Collin Udoh we can pick any of your options and assume is what happened to him

Allstars: 2012-01-02 04:36

@Collins Udoh, Your Lackadaisical attitude towards your job leaves one wondering about your capacity towards your professionalism. To be honest, you are just not up to the task.

hindi: 2012-01-02 07:02

Shame even if this editor is sick or whatever don't he have assistant? better close the site than all this nonchalant attitude

omo nija 1 : 2012-01-02 15:06

Yakubu voted world player of the week by goal.com great news for nija