Posted: Feb 18, 2011
Bristol City defender Steven Caulker is up for the job of keeping Leicester dangerman Yakubu quiet.
Charged with the task of shackling the Nigerian striker at the Walkers Stadium tomorrow night, the teenager is eager to impress the watching Tottenham scouts.
And what better way to catch the eye of Spurs manager Harry Redknapp than by shutting out arguably the best forward operating in the npower Championship?
Undaunted by the prospect of coming up against Sven-Goran Eriksson’s in-form Foxes, City’s loan signing declared: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve always said I’m happy to test myself against the best and Yakubu is a real class act. It’s not something I’m going to shy away from or be frightened of. In fact, I look upon it as a great chance to show people what I can do.”
On loan from Everton, Yakubu has demonstrated his Premier League quality since joining the Foxes in January. He scored on his debut in a 1-1 draw against Preston and added another goal in a 4-2 win over Millwall the following week.
And, if City’s defenders are in any doubt as the size of the task that awaits them in the East Midlands, the former World Cup star netted a spectacular left-footed volley in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat of Derby.
“I saw his goal on television and it was impressive to say the least,” added Caulker. “I’ve watched Yakubu play in the Premier League many times and his quality is there for all to see.
“If you let him roll you and turn you, then you are in trouble and his physical strength is probably his greatest attribute.
“I think the secret of doing well against him is to keep tight to him and not let him get the ball and settle in the first place. That’s what Liam Fontaine and I will be trying to do.”
OKOCHA HAPPY WITH NEW EAGLES
Posted: Feb 18, 2011
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has commended the performances of the league and new Europe based players in the last Wednesday international friendly between the Nigerian senior national team and their Sierra Leonean counterparts – the Leone Stars at the Teslim stadium, Lagos which Nigeria won 2-1.
The Europe based new comers in that encounter were Joel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Odibe, Peter Utaka while the impressive local lads include Chibuzor Okonkwo, Ehigho Ehiosun, Wasiu Sowemimo, Julius Ubido and Osas okoro.
Quite elated at the first class performance of the young Europe based inclusions in the coach Samson Siasia Eagles, Okocha told SuperSport.com that such challenges are what the local players needed to gain confidence, while he called on Nigerians not to be in a haste to judge them.
“For all of us it is a good beginning, at least, they have given us a base to build on. I was quite pleased with the new players that came on board.
“Hopefully, they will meet up our people expectations. For me personally, I think we have got a foundation to build up on.
“And for the league players, I think this is the kind of exposure they need, some of them have not played for the national team and we do not need to be too hard on them. It is a gradual process, I think they are getting the exposure they need to make themselves a better players. They all did very well”
The one time midfield maestro has a word of advice for the players, especially the local players.
“What I can say is that this kind of opportunity does not come all the time, they should grab it now, it is up to them because if they use it well the future will be bright for them.”
On the oncoming daunting 2011 Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee member insisted that Eagles are condemned to win the encounter to keep hope alive that Nigeria will feature in the biennial football events.
The Europe based new comers in that encounter were Joel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Odibe, Peter Utaka while the impressive local lads include Chibuzor Okonkwo, Ehigho Ehiosun, Wasiu Sowemimo, Julius Ubido and Osas okoro.
Quite elated at the first class performance of the young Europe based inclusions in the coach Samson Siasia Eagles, Okocha told SuperSport.com that such challenges are what the local players needed to gain confidence, while he called on Nigerians not to be in a haste to judge them.
“For all of us it is a good beginning, at least, they have given us a base to build on. I was quite pleased with the new players that came on board.
“Hopefully, they will meet up our people expectations. For me personally, I think we have got a foundation to build up on.
“And for the league players, I think this is the kind of exposure they need, some of them have not played for the national team and we do not need to be too hard on them. It is a gradual process, I think they are getting the exposure they need to make themselves a better players. They all did very well”
The one time midfield maestro has a word of advice for the players, especially the local players.
“What I can say is that this kind of opportunity does not come all the time, they should grab it now, it is up to them because if they use it well the future will be bright for them.”
On the oncoming daunting 2011 Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee member insisted that Eagles are condemned to win the encounter to keep hope alive that Nigeria will feature in the biennial football events.
NFF TO FOCUS ON AFRICAN FRIENDLIES FOR SUPER EAGLES
Posted: Feb 18, 2011
The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation is keen on having the Super Eagles engage more African countries in International friendlies as the race for the 2012 African Cup of Nations tickets hots up.
Chairman of the Committee, Barrister Chris Green told Complete Sports playing African opposition will bode well for Samson Siasia’s team now rather than playing European and South American teams and are firmly focused on reaching out to strong African power houses for friendlies with Nigeria.
“Last week, most African teams played each other and that is the way we (NFF Technical Department) want to go with the Super Eagles.
“Playing other African countries will help Siasia’s team because we are in the midst of the 2012 African Cup Nations qualifiers.
“The games will also be held in Nigeria just like the Sierra Leone tie in Lagos. We intend having 70% of friendlies we will line up for the team played in Nigeria.
“It will not do the Eagles any good if they start facing European and South American teams when the African Cup of Nations comes up next year. Even if we are going to play countries from those climes, then it would have to be those in the top echelon of world football at the moment,” Green stressed.
Green also debunked reports in the media (not Complete Sports) that the Super Eagles will take part in a Four-Nation Tournament in England in May.
“I find it absolutely ridiculous to say the least. I’m not aware of such invitations extended to us. Would the players be attending Four-Nations tournaments when they are supposed to go home at the end of the season and have deserved rests,” Green concluded.
Chairman of the Committee, Barrister Chris Green told Complete Sports playing African opposition will bode well for Samson Siasia’s team now rather than playing European and South American teams and are firmly focused on reaching out to strong African power houses for friendlies with Nigeria.
“Last week, most African teams played each other and that is the way we (NFF Technical Department) want to go with the Super Eagles.
“Playing other African countries will help Siasia’s team because we are in the midst of the 2012 African Cup Nations qualifiers.
“The games will also be held in Nigeria just like the Sierra Leone tie in Lagos. We intend having 70% of friendlies we will line up for the team played in Nigeria.
“It will not do the Eagles any good if they start facing European and South American teams when the African Cup of Nations comes up next year. Even if we are going to play countries from those climes, then it would have to be those in the top echelon of world football at the moment,” Green stressed.
Green also debunked reports in the media (not Complete Sports) that the Super Eagles will take part in a Four-Nation Tournament in England in May.
“I find it absolutely ridiculous to say the least. I’m not aware of such invitations extended to us. Would the players be attending Four-Nations tournaments when they are supposed to go home at the end of the season and have deserved rests,” Green concluded.
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