England in last-minute push to snatch Iwobi from Nigeria

Published

9 years ago

March 21, 2016

The English FA are making a last-ditch effort, to prevent Alex Iwobi from fully committing his international future to Nigeria

According to a report in the UK Mirror, the Arsenal starlet is now at the centre of a tug of war between England and Nigeria, after his recent impressive performances for the Gunners.

The 19-year-old has started three of Arsenal’s last four matches and scored on his full Premier League debut against Everton on Saturday.

Although Iwobi has played for England’s U-16, U-17 and U-18 teams, he eventually chose to represent his country of birth, Nigeria.

The nephew of former Super Eagles captain, Jay Jay Okocha, has played in two friendly matches for Nigeria, but will not be officially tied to them until he plays in a competitive game.

With Nigeria take on Egypt twice in four days, the FA faces a race against time to try and persuade Iwobi to switch back.

Update: Alex Iwobi a fews ours ago has landed arrived Super Eagles camp ahead of the all important Nations Cup qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt

NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2025

lagoslately

Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!

Sport

Ghana Coach Relieved to Avoid Nigeria in Group Stages

Published

5 days ago

February 15, 2025

lagoslately

Ghana’s Black Satellites head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed his team’s relief at not being in the same group as Nigeria for the upcoming U-20 AFCON.

This follows their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last year.

“We’re happy not to be in Group B because it’s a very competitive group,” Ofei shared with Joy Prime Sports. “I believe we’re in a position where we can control the flow of this tournament from our side.”

Ghana has been placed in Group A for the competition.