Portugal Coach, Santos Explains Why Ronaldo Led Team Fall 3-0 To Netherlands

​SPORTS NEWS

Portugal Coach, Santos Explains Why Ronaldo Led Team Fall 3-0 To Netherlands

 

Portugal manager, Fernando Santos has explained why his side fell 3-0 to Netherlands in a friendly match on Monday.

The coach said Monday’s 3-0 loss was his responsibility.

Portugal, currently the European champions, were beaten by Netherlands, who delivered Ronald Koeman’s first win since he took over in February.

Netherlands were too good for Portugal, who had Joao Cancelo sent off in the second half.

Memphis Depay, Ryan Babel and Virgil van Dijk were the scorers in the game.

Santos told reporters, “I could have done better, but the responsibility for defeat is mine.

“It was I who chose the players, had observed the opponent, set up the strategy so that we had possession of the ball and I think in the initial 10 minutes we had the ball and circulated well.

“We conceded a goal and from there things got more complicated.

“They explored the side aisles well and had many difficulties in the first half.

“The overall behaviour was not adequate and we could not go on a counter-attack. We talked to the players at half-time and in the second half we were a different team in every respect.

“We did not allow spaces to the opponent, except near the end.

“With 10 players on the pitch, we had a bit more difficulties, but we kept trying to reach the goal and we had three or four chances. We deserved a goal or two.”

Please Share This Post

Isco Nets Hat-Trick In Spain 6-1 Win Against Argentina

​SPORTS NEWS

Isco Nets Hat-Trick In Spain 6-1 Win Against Argentina 

 

Real Madrid’s Isco scored a hat-trick as Spain hammered Argentina 6-1 in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Spain extended their unbeaten run under coach Julen Lopetegui to 18 matches in sensational fashion in Madrid.

Atletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa bravely forced home Spain’s opening goal in the 12th minute and Isco doubled the lead before Nicolas Otamendi halved the deficit prior to half-time.

Lionel Messi did not participate in the game despite coach Jorge Sampaoli insisting on Monday that his star striker was fit.

Isco bagged his second on 52 minutes and Thiago Alcantara swiftly added another for the hosts before substitute Iago Aspas struck after latching onto a long down-field pass from David de Gea.

The mauling was complete when Isco sealed his treble on 74 minutes.

Spain coach, Lopetegui said after the game, “We’re very happy to beat the finalists from the last World Cup, a team with a fantastic history.

“But that doesn’t change anything for this World Cup, we will have to start with zero points (in the group stage).”

Please Share This Post

Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

​SPORTS NEWS

Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

 

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Serbia defeated Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly played in London on Tuesday night.

It was the Super Eagles’ second friendly in four days, following their 1-0 victory over Poland last Friday.

The first half ended goalless.

Serbia should have gone into the break 1-0 up, but Mitrovic’s finish, which clearly crossed the line, was not awarded by the linesman.

Francis Uzoho then produced a fine save as the half came to a close.

Nigeria’s best chance came from Victor Moses, whose shot was parried away by Vladimir Stojkovic.

Mitrovic was not to be denied again in the second half, as he swept home a cross in the 68th minute to give Serbia the lead.

The striker, who is currently on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, produced a similar finish with 10 minutes left, to make it 2-0.

Please Share This Post

Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

​SPORTS NEWS

Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

‎Serbia and Southampton midfielder, Dušan Tadić has revealed that the international friendly match against Nigeria will be a tough challenge.

Tadić, however, fears that the likes of Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Leicester City duo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi would wreak havoc when both nations clash on Tuesday in North London.

Serbia lost 2-1 to Morocco in Turin last Friday and Tadic has emphasized that they will face a more physical and better opponent tomorrow.

”Morocco and Nigeria are good teams, they qualified for the World Cup due to their quality,” Tadic told the official website of the Serbian Federation.

”Nigeria has a lot of good players, we expect a very big game, physically very demanding. So, we must prepare well and make everything look better than against Morocco.

”Several players of Nigeria also appear in the Premier League.

”They have players in Leicester, Chelsea. They are physically dominant, fast, strong and will be a good opponent. It is for us to achieve a positive result,” he added.

Please Share This Post

Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

​SPORTS NEWS

Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

‎Super Eagles stars, Odion Ighalo and Elderson Echieijile have sent strong message to Nigerian fans ahead of the international friendly match with Serbia on Tuesday night.

The duo called on Nigerian fans to keep supporting the team.

”We appreciate Nigerians; their support has been immense, but we need more prayers, and their unending support,” Ighalo told Brila FM.

”The fans’ support have been really great for the team,” he added.

Echiejile also appreciated the fans for their support so far, urging for more.

”Nigerians have been really fantastic with their support, and we are hoping to get more from them,” Echiejile stated.

He added, ”Currently, we are happy things are positive, and we are working hard for things to be better in each game.

”And whenever I get called upon, I am always ready to give my best, even though we are playing a friendly game, its a time to test the players, and whenever called upon, I always give my best.”

The Super Eagles will face Serbia in North London tomorrow after beating Poland on home soil on Friday.

Please Share This Post

Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

​SPORTS NEWS

Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

‎Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has said that the injuries ravaging his squad is an opportunity for other players to take their chance.

Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi will miss Tuesday night’s friendly between Nigeria and Serbia due to injuries.

Iheanacho fractured his right hand, while Abdullahi has a hamstring complaint.

The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.

“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday.

The German also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team, but rued Daniel Akpeyi’s absence.

He said: “One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho.

“At the moment, I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived, we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.

“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”

On the game, Rohr added: “The result is not the most important thing for us. It’s what we can see, learn and what the players can do. The players need competition and I think they are getting it.”

Please Share This Post

Super Eagles 1-0 Win Over Poland Will Boost Their Confidence In Match Against Serbia - Pinnick

​SPORTS NEWS

Super Eagles 1-0 Win Over Poland Will Boost Their Confidence In Match Against Serbia - Pinnick

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has said that the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Poland in a friendly on Friday, will boost confidence ahead of Tuesday’s game against Serbia.

Chelsea wingback, Victor Moses, scored the winner as Gernot Rohr’s men defeated their hosts at the Municipal Stadium in Wraclow.

The team arrived in London on Saturday evening via a chartered plane, ahead of the Serbia game.

Speaking via Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Pinnick said he believes that the senior national team will keep improving with the result against Poland.

“Every member of the team is happy with the result, even the NFF President, who told the players after the match that he believes the result will boost their confidence against Serbia in their next international friendly match.

“He is also happy that the preparations towards the World Cup have commenced fully and he has also advised the players to show enough commitment to Nigeria’s participation in the World Cup,” he said.

Please Share This Post

2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

​SPORTS NEWS

2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr will have captain John Obi Mikel back for Tuesday’s friendly game against Serbia in London.

The Tianjin TEDA midfielder did not play against Poland on Friday, as he was unable to sort out logistic issues.

Rohr has however ruled out Bursaspor fullback, Shehu Abdullahi, after he limped out of the Poland match.

Abdullahi was substituted with what looked like a hamstring injury, with Tyronne Ebuehi coming in his place. He is expected to undergo a scan while in the UK with the rest of the squad.

“We have some injured players ahead of the game against Serbia, but we are hopeful the injury isn’t a serious one.

“Abdullahi will have a scan in England to determine if he can play but like you saw today Ebuehi can play if he is not fit,” Rohr said.

The coach also said he is hopeful that Las Palmas midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, will be available for the game.

Please Share This Post

World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

​SPORTS NEWS

World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

Poland captain, Robert Lewandowski, has said that they will be playing Nigeria and South Korea, to get first-hand knowledge of teams they will be facing in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Poles have been grouped with Senegal, Japan and Colombia.

“The selection of opponents was influenced by the teams we have in our group,” the former Borussia Dortmund star told the Poland Football Federation official website on Tuesday.

“Each game, however, will be different because the teams in our group have different styles.

“For us, learning these different styles will be the first lesson of what we can expect at the World Cup.

“The friendly matches itself is the first stage of preparations for the World Cup. It is a moment to check new set-up options and show quality in a non-competitive game.

“In this respect, too, it is an important element, and we want to show that we can play football, and the new players will have to show that they can fit in and give us good balance.”

Lewandowski also emphasized on the importance on getting results during test games ahead of the finals.

“There may be weaker matches, but if we want to present ourselves as well as possible, we must prove quality even in training.

“We know that it may look different. If the result is not perfect, it does not mean that it will be bad, because maybe the game will look good, there will be optimistic conclusions. It may not be a test, but showing that we also have quality to do well,” the Bayern Munich striker added.

Please Share This Post

2018 World Cup: Rohr Reveals His New Tactics Ahead Poland, Serbia Friendlies

​SPORTS NEWS

2018 World Cup: Rohr Reveals His New Tactics Ahead Poland, Serbia Friendlies

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that he will use the two international friendlies against Poland and Serbia to try out new formations with his team.

Nigeria will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Gernot Rohr’s men will face Poland on March 23 and four days later, they tackle Serbia in London in international friendly match ahead of the World Cup in June.

“I hope to try different systems (in these matches), so we can change when necessary,” Rohr told reporters.

“We have played 4-3-3, 5-3-2 already. We also hope to improve team harmony after did well in last two games, while playing offensive football,” he said.

The Franco-German coach also said he will give fresh call-ups Joel Obi (Torino), Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly) and Gabriel Okechukwu (Akwa United) a chance to stake a claim for places on the World Cup-bound squad.

Please Share This Post

2018 World Cup Friendlies: Nigeria Faces Poland, Serbia, Eguaveon Slams Rohr For Not Including More NPFL Players

SPORTS NEWS

2018 World Cup Friendlies: Nigeria Faces Poland, Serbia, Eguaveon Slams Rohr For Not Including More NPFL Players

 

Former Super Eagles head coach, Austin Eguavoen, has criticized current handler, Gernot Rohr, for naming only two players from the Nigeria Professional Football League in his latest squad for friendly matches against Poland and Serbia.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Gabriel Okechukwu were included in the 28-man list , with Stephen Eze, who joined Bulgaria’s Lokomotiv Plovdiv from Kano Pillars earlier this year, also named.

“I saw the list and it’s a good one,” Eguavoen told Complete Sports.

“but I think there should be more players from the league in his squad.”

Rohr also largely ignored the African Nations Championship squad that reached the final in Morocco last month.

“Eze was a standout player from the African Nations Championship, so he deserved his place,” Eguavoen added.

“Gabriel Okechukwu is a good striker and he possesses a certain unpredictability when playing which could be an asset.

“[He’s] relatively unknown, and could spring surprises.”

Nigeria face Poland at the Stadion Miejski on March 23, before playing Serbia at Barnet’s Hive Stadium in London four days later.

Please Share This Post

World Cup 2018: Rohr To Invite 28 Players For Super Eagles' Friendlies

BREAKING NEWS

SHARE THIS POST

World Cup 2018: Rohr To Invite 28 Players For Super Eagles' Friendlies 

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that he will invite 28 players for their upcoming friendly games against Poland and Serbia.

Rohr also said he would select two players from Nigeria’s squad to this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).

‎”I am going to have a list of 28 players for the two games and there will be two players from the CHAN team of Morocco. I was there I saw all the games.

“I was living with them and my assistant Yusuf (Salisu) did a big job with Alloy (Agu), the goalkeeper trainer and also the medical staff, they did very well with Imama also. So it’s the same squad I have with me in my World Cup.

“We are sure the information are always first class informations. And then yes, so I will believe two players will be in the list, they can have a chance,” Rohr told OwnGoalNigeria.

Please Share This Post