Sport

Why I chose Wolfsburg – Osimhen

Published

9 years ago

January 10, 2016

Nigerian soccer wizkid, Victor Osime would be kickstarting his professional soccer career with German bundesliga club, Wolfsburg. According to him, the Wolfsburg’s coach assurances are morale booster for him and that he prefers playing for the German club to any other club in Europe.

“I just want to clear the air on this; I visited Wolfsburg and I think with the promises the Head Coach of the team made to me when I visited the arena, I think Wolfsburg is my destination.

“As long as I am enjoying myself there, I will be there for some years then, I will move on.’’

Osimhen, who won the 2015 Glo-CAF Youth Player of the Year Award, expressed confidence that he was cut out for great things in his football career, saying he would not relent in reaching for greater heights.

“Actually I was born for greatness and God has been guiding me.

“I think I am ripe enough to compete with big names in football and I think I still have enough to learn.

“Going to Europe to compete with the best requires a lot of hard work; the under-17 and under-21 are different from the football played in Europe but I think I am ready for the task ahead.

“Education is my first priority, though, I got the fame in football but I will like to continue my education in Europe; it will be best for me.’’

He urged Nigerian youths to always believe in themselves in all their endeavours.

“From my own experience, irrespective of the situation, we should just keep our heads high, be focused and put God first in all we do.

“I want to thank Coaches Emmanuel Amuneke and Samson Siasia for what they have done in my life.”

Sport

NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

Published

4 days 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

1 week 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.