Super Eagles Captain Musa Calls for an End to Cyberbullying Against Iwobi

Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa issued a heartfelt plea to his fans and supporters on Monday, condemning the cyberbullying directed at teammate Alex Iwobi. Musa emphasised the gravity of cyberbullying in a recent social media post, describing it as both a violation of decency and a serious crime.

Musa highlighted the irony of claiming unity in football while engaging in behaviour that undermines individual players. He emphasised that, while losing a game is undoubtedly difficult, blaming a single player for the team's shortcomings is both unfair and unjust. Musa reiterated the fundamental principle that victories and losses are the result of collective efforts, with each team member contributing to the overall performance.

Musa praised Alex Iwobi's dedication and efforts on the pitch in his message, and urged fans to channel their support constructively rather than spreading negativity. He emphasised the importance of expressing genuine affection and encouragement to players, especially during difficult times.

The captain urged fans to support one another and stand united, regardless of the outcome of the game. He thanked the team for its continued support and urged everyone to rally behind their players in a positive and united manner.

Musa's message, as captain of the Nigerian national team, serves as a reminder to the football community about the importance of respect, unity, and support. His call to end cyberbullying of Alex Iwobi reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and encouraging sports culture.

Seven Burkinabe players refused UK visas for Nigeria friendly in London

Seven Burkinabe players failed to secure British visas ahead of an international friendly with Nigeria. the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the development on Saturday.

As a result Nigeria's friendly against Burkina Faso in north London next week is cancelled because of the visa issues affecting travelling players.

The Super Eagles were using the match as part of preparations for their remaining qualifiers for the World Cup 2018 and Africa Cup of Nations 2019.
NFF official Chris Green said the cancellation was "no fault of either the organisers or the Nigeria Football Federation".

"We will announce further plans for the Super Eagles' preparation for these two important qualifying campaigns in due course," he added.

Burkina Faso officials were told of the visa issues late on Friday.

On Thursday, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Senegal in the first of its two scheduled friendly matches in the British capital.

Morocco beat Burkina 2-0 in a friendly in Marrakech on Friday.

Taye Taiwo & Turkish club Bursaspor mutually terminate contract

Nigerian out-of-favour international defender Taye Taiwo has mutually terminated his contract with his Turkish club Bursaspor. The club said in their official website to confirm the news.

The statement reads: "Our club have reached an agreement with Taye Taiwo to mutually terminate his contract."
Taiwo who has not made an appearance for the club this season joined the Turkish Super League outfit in July 2013.

The left back, born on April 16, 1985 has previously played for Olympique Marseille, AC Milan, Queens Park Rangers and Dynamo Kiev. His time with Marseille was the most memorable for the attacking defender, he made 253 appearances for Marseille and scored 23 goals.

Taiwo has played for the Super Eagles 54 times and scored 5 goals for the national team of Nigeria.

Where next for the versatile left-back?

Spanish club Rayo Vallecano mourn ex-Nigeria goalie Agbonavbare

Rayo Vallecano's former Nigerian goalkeeper Wilfred Agbonavbare passed away on Tuesday in an hospital in the town of Alcala de Henares, close to Madrid, after a long battle against cancer.

"We are mourning. Cancer has taken our away Wilfred," read a message in Rayo's official Twitter account.

The club said there will be a minute's silence in his honour at Rayo's home game on Friday against Deportivo La Coruna.

In Rayo Vallecano's last Liga match at Vicente Calderon Stadium against Atletico Madrid on 24 January was displayed a banner that read "Fuerza Wilfred" (You Can Do It Wilfred). But the former Super Eagles goalkeeper didn't survive it. He was part of the Nigerian U-20 side at the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico that included Yisa Sofoluwe, Dahiri Sadi, Femi Olukanni, Tarila Okoronwanta, Humphrey Edobor, Tajudeen Disu, Ali Jeje, Amaechi Otti, Benson Edema, Christopher Anigala etc

Agbonavbare played for the then famous New Nigeria Bank of Benin (NNB) and BCC Lions, then played for Rayo Vallecano between 1990-1996 before calling it quit in his career with Spanish third division side Ecija.

He was reserve goalkeeper for Nigeria at the USA 1994 World Cup and made 15 appearances for the Super Eagles. His most recent engagement was as a porter at Madrid's Barajas airport and goalkeeping coach in a community team in Madrid.

Some Eagles players were jealous of Yekini- Oliseh

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh confirmed the existence of the once dreaded 'Mafia' group in the USA 94 squad in a recent interview, when he said some Eagles were jealous of Rashidi Yekini.

Sunday Oliseh believes Nigeria could have gotten better results from Rashidi Yekini at USA 94 and the team could have done better but for the deep rooted division in the team.
Oliseh said, "The only reason why I am saying this is that for the future and for the country, for people to learn and because I feel that honours have not been given to Yekini like it should…some players had beefs with Yekini and all that."

One would never forget Yekini's famous goal celebration inside the Bulgarian net after a sweeping move initiated by Oliseh inside Nigeria's half. His quick change of pace and precision passing to Daniel Amokachi who brilliantly guided the ball down the right flank to Finidi George.

Finidi accelerated down the flank and picked out Yekini for the simple tap in, score and the stadium erupted into a sea of green and white and joyous chants of Nigeria.

The world would watch in amazement as Yekini moved into the net and alone, all alone.He would chant, scream all by himself, an image that personified the legendary goalscorer supreme and one of the defining moments of USA 94. No one came to meet him.
Of course he had some beef with some players because I was in the background, I was watching everybody and I know those who were…”

“Some of our our players were madly, sickly, mentally jealous and the moment Yekini was named the highest player. he was leaving for Panathinaikos. There was some jealousy there and Yekini himself, was not smart enough to calm things down…but with due respect…”

Oliseh believes Yekini was special, "which other striker do we have in the history of Nigeria, who strikes 30 metres shots. If Yekini can count the number of goals at the highest level, it will be over a hundred… of all the strikers we talk about in Nigeria, which other striker?" he queried.

"None! None! None! “He exclaimed “None!…the only striker that comes close was maybe Ikpeba…None! None! None!” Oliseh recalled.

Super Eagles to play Camerron on May 28

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in search of a quality opposotion to challenge on May 28th to mark next month’s inauguration of the country’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was recently re-elected.

Siasia's choice though favours the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon as the team the Super Eagles test its strength with in Abuja, as the Cameroon FA as already agreed terms the Nigerian Football Federation.

Cameroon have demanded for an appearance fee of 60,000 Euros for the friendly, while Egypt wants to be paid $300,000 and Cote d'Ivoire have slashed their asking price down to $170,000.