MOSES SIMON WANTS GENT TO SIGN SAVIOUR GODWIN

Moses Simon have personally spoken to members of Gent technical crew to make a bid for Saviour Godwin.

Simon who was reportedly shunned by Nigeria Under-20 team team coaches at the World Youth Championship in favour of Godwin told Mowizsoccer he has spoken with some people to help push a transfer as he believes Godwin will be a positive addition to the team.

"I have personally put in a word for him to be signed as i believe he will be a good addition to the squad, not mincing words he is about the best dribbler have seen off late" He told Mowizsoccer.

"I have no bad blood towards him as i knew why i didn't play at the Under-20 world cup and he truly made use of my absence to make an impact,am happy for him and will be elated if he joins Gent".

Despite Simon's wishes it is reported that fellow Belgium teams Standard Liege and Serbia side Partizan Belgrade are in the running for the 20 years old with Samsunspor of Turkey reportedly the front runners for his signature.

STANDARD LIEGE CHANCES OF SIGNING EZEKIEL REDUCES

A breakdown in relationship between Mogi Bayat commissioned by Anderlecht to help broker the transfer of Imoh Ezekiel from Al-Arabi have lead to a collapse in his proposed move to Anderlecht.

Bayat was mandated by Anderlecht to help mediate in the transfer of the 22 year old Nigerian who spent last season on loan at Standard Liege from Al-Arabi of Qatar but the Arabians are furious reports about their interest in Standard Liege forward Paul Jose'Mpoku broke to the media.

Al-Arabi feels Bayat was responsible for the leak that has jeopardised their chances of signing Mpoku hence they have ended all relationship with him.

That means Anderlecht who were hoping Bayat will help them land Ezekiel on a cheap might not be able to sign him as their current financial situations does not permits them to make expensive purchase.

It is reported teams in Italy and Germany are set to take advantage of the situation but Standard Liege are still hopeful of securing him on loan for another season.

FACTS AND VIDEOS OF LIVERPOOL NEW SIGNING BOBBY ADEKANYE

Dutch Nigerian Bobby Adekanye who is set to have his medical at Liverpool tomorrow is a left footed ace known in the Netherlands as the next Arjen Robben.

Quick info on Bobby: Born 14/2/1999 (16y) Versatile winger Deadly left foot Right foot isn't the best Very skillful and explosive

Left footed,fast and a good dribbler he is also known for delivering pin point crosses when he plays from the wings.

Although he is predominantly a left footed the 17 year old is comfortable playing from the right or through the middle just behind the main striker.

Last season while on loan at PSV Eindhoven he picked up over 10 assists with four goals to his name and although Ajax and PSV offered him a 3 year deal the Dutch youth international choose to join Liverpool as they promised him game time with their reserve side.

A clink on the link below will take you to the video of the Boy wonder who is still eligible for Nigeria at senior level.......

https://youtu.be/nBC8_SFV2CA

MIKEL ON INTER-MILAN TRANSFER WISHLIST

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is once again linked with a move to Italian giants Inter-Milan this summer with the 28 year old reportedly set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Nigerian was last summer heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan but opted to remain at Chelsea and this summer news of the Milan giants in for his services have resurfaced although they have been reports of strong interest in his services from the Middle East.

Obi it is reported wants out of Chelsea in order to get regular first team football but manager Jose Mourinho is keen to keep the Nigerian for at least another season as he views him as a good squad player ahead of the defence of their Premiership title.

Presently in the Chelsea team only captain John Terry have stayed longer than the Nigerian at the club as he joined them in 2006 after a protracted transfer tussle with fellow premiership rival Manchester United over his signature.

PALERMO INTENSIFY PUSH FOR MBAKOGU

Serie A side Palermo are stepping up their efforts to sign 23 year old Nigeria forward Jerry Uche Mbakogu from newly promoted side Carpi.

Palermo are looking to strengthen their forward line following the sale of Paulo Dybala to Juventus and Mbakogu who have suddenly become the toast of Italian side following his 22 goals haul for Carpi in the Serie B is viewed as a like for like replacement by Palermo.

However they face competition for his services from the likes of Torino,Sampdoria and AS Roma who have all been linked with a move for the Lagos born forward.

It is believed that Carpi wants to hang on to the Nigerian until at least next summer but they might be force to sell if a bid that meets their valuation is lodge by any of the interested parties rumoured to be in for Mbakogu.

Already Russian side  Kuban Krasnordar have failed with a bid of 5.5 million Euros for the services of Mbakogu who is tied to the newly promoted serie A side for the next 5 years.

RAHEEM LAWAL DROPS HINTS ON ROMA MOVE

Super Eagles midfielder Raheem Lawal posted a picture of his and the badge of AS Roma as the Nigerian reportedly close in on a move to the Italian giants.

Lawal shared an Instagram picture with the Roma emblem next to that of EsEs alongside the caption: “God let ur will b done Allah bless me.”

The 25 year old Eskisehirspor midfielder is reportedly being discussed by AS Roma with reports in Turkey citing that the team's director Walter Sabbattini is already in Turkey negotiating the transfer.

Lawal joined Eskişehirspor from Mersin Idmanyurdu last February for €1 million.

The central midfielder has two assists and two goals in all competitions for EsEs last season. The Nigerian international made a total of 30 appearances and averaged a 6.88 rating according to Whoscored.

EsEs finished last season in 11th place on 39 points and are managed my Michael Skibbe.

ADEKANYE TO LIVERPOOL?

According to Catalan Radio 17 year old Dutch Nigerian Bobby Adekanye formely of Barcelona has agreed a deal to join Liverpool this summer.

The Dutch youth international was one among the several youngsters caught in the web of the transfer ban handed out to Barcelona over the signing of minors.

He reportedly left on loan to PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands following the ban and was tip to return to Barcelona in 2016.

Adekanye is highly rated by the Spanish giants and although he has represented the Netherlands at youth level he is eligible for Nigeria at senior level.

MUSA MOHAMMED SET TO COMPLETE BASAKEHIR TRANSFER

Captain of the Nigeria Under-20 team Musa Mohammed is reportedly close to agreeing a move to Basakehir of Turkey.

Reports sourced by Mowizsoccer has it that the 18 year old whose move to Besiktas broke down last summer of his agent's excessive wage demands is due to arrive in Turkey on Tuesday to complete the transfer formalities.

Basakehir won the race for his signature ahead of Hamburg of Germany based on a better personal terms struck with the full back who captained Nigeria to glory at the Under-17 World cup and also did same for the Under-20 team although they crashed out at the round of 16 stage.

Presently a member of the Nigeria Under-23 team getting set for Olympic 2016 qualifier game against Congo Rosenborg of Norway last week failed in their bid to sign him as well.

KV Oostende In Battle With Sint Truiden Over Akpalla

Belgum top division team KV Oostende and Sint Truiden are presently locked in battle for the services of Karabukspor striker Joseph Akpalla who wants out of the relegated team.

Akpalla scored four times for Karabukspor from 25 games he played last season but failed to help them stay in the top division and he is angling towards a return to Belgium where he made a name playing for Club Brugge.

KV Oostende were reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the 28 year old but Sint Truiden have also join the scramble for the  forward.

The Nigeiran have being unfortunate with injuries the last five seasons limiting his games and goals tally in Belgium and Turkey.

He spent three seasons at Werder Bremen getting to play just 25 times and scoring just once before moving to Turkey where injuries also contributed to his unhappy time there.

MOSES SIMON: WHY I WAS BENCHED AT WYC

Following different opinions as to why Gent of Belgium wonderkid Moses Simon was sparingly used by the Nigeria U-20 team at the last World Youth Championship (WYC) the 19 year old has revealed he arrived the tournament injured.

Speaking to the press in Belgium where he is presently back in training with Gent ahead of their Champions league commitments,Moses who had barely rested since the end of last season in response to questions as to why he was not used by Nigeria the just concluded Under-20 World cup revealed he was injured.

"I had an ankle injury and was later sick i truly wanted to play and help my country but at the same time i didn't want to risk my career, hence the coaches decided to rest me but unfortunately we didn't progress before i recovered' He said.

Asked if he feels he would have made the difference for Nigeria if he played at the championship he answered rather jokingly by seeing he doesn't think so as he is not a magician.

"I cannot predict because am not a magician but i would have loved to contribute more than what i did at the tournament for my nation".

MANUEL AKANJI SET FOR BIG ROLE AT FC BASLE

Swiss Nigerian Manuel Akanji who joined Switzerland champions FC Basle from FC Winterthur in April is set to be given a chance in the main team this season.

He stayed behind at Winterthur after his signing but he has resumed pre season training with his new team ahead of their campaign in the UEFA champions League and he is eligible to feature in the prestigious European competition this season .

He reportedly convinced the scout of the Swiss champions who recommended the lad to now departed coach Paulo Sosa however the coach recently took over the reins at Sampdoria in Italy ahead of the start of this season.

The 19 year old centre back signed a three year deal with the option of a further year with Basel after playing 24 games for Winterthur in the fourth division last season.

Highly rated in Switzerland he has already played for the country's Under-21 side but still qualifies to play for Nigeria at senior level.

ADERONKE OGUNLEYE-BELLO: The NFF, Keshi and Enyeama Brouhaha

Since the inception of the present board of the Nigeria Football Federation there have been different chronicles of crisis at different levels which is causing a great distraction for the players, Federation and football loving Nigerians.

In Nigerian history, and from my childhood to adulthood, I have never at a time come about or read anywhere that the Football Federation fined a Super Eagles player for the acquisition of a red card. Ogenyi Onazi who went all the way to buy the Team a Chad football matches tape at his own expense to help Nigerian football was sanctioned.

Call it criticism and I will say no, it is a simple analysis of the recent process and procedures of the activities of the NFF in terms of discipline and why not? It is good to be disciplined. In my Yoruba local dialect – South West Nigeria, there is a saying that goes thus ‘Ilu tio s’ofin, eshe o si nibe’ meaning ‘you can never go wrong in a town without a rule of law’.

Having said that, I am not against the discipline of any coach or player, but they didn’t go through the right processes before the fine of Ogenyi Onazi, he has not committed any offence to warrant such sanctioning; Do the right thing, come up with a ‘disciplinary clause’ for players.

The NFF took side like an aggrieved stepmother who will get delight in the downfall of his rival’s children. What confidence will that give to the NFF? After all, the said player has being issued a 2-match ban by CAF, it is expected of them as a body to appeal for the reduction of the ban. Instead, they ‘pour sand sand for Onazi garri’ (Add more to his troubles).

Neymar got a red card and a 4-match ban, and immediately the Brazilian FA was thinking of how to appeal the ban, so he can play. Apparently, they value and respect their players. In the game of football, anything can happen, tension rises, and, when it does it is a sign they are totally committed to the cause of the country.
 
Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama made ‘uncomplimentary remarks’ about the teams’ safety in Kaduna and, we no go hear word again, na wetin, why you make am captain? According to some feelers, a lot of players went to complain to Enyeama about their safety concerns. 

Let me digress a little, early this year Kano Pillars players were robbed and shot by armed bandits on their way to an away league game, what if they lose their lives? God forbid! Will Kano Pillars stop playing football?  As far as I am concerned, Enyeama was spot on and in his capacity as a captain of the team, he has the absolute right to express his concern about the safety of his team.  Maybe, he ought to have addressed the issue internally.
 
If the NFF thinks he has also erred, why not call and speak to him. There is no code of conduct for them, so why crucify them, these are the players you still use for God’s sake. The Western world respect their players, they get pampered on a regular basis with five-star treatments, and if you can’t provide all these, then you shouldn’t knock them to the ground.
 
 
 
This week, the NFF President went on air to say there are mafias in the Super Eagles, that the Eagles are not friends with each other and so on, ‘haba presido’ he is not in the place to say such to the public and if that is true, why not address these with the players over dinner and in a more friendly environment, propagate peace. Mr. Pinnick is as guilty as Enyeama who was alleged to have made a discretionary private matter public, so who will sanction the NFF President? Lol. You be the judge.

After a private interaction with some NFF board members, I discovered that they have made up their minds to sack Stephen Keshi in revenge to what happened in 2013 where they thought he was going to hold them to ransom, then he threatened to resign his post immediately after the Cup Of Nations, when in reality, they attempted to replace him with another coach in the midst of a competition, believing that, the team will be knocked out at the earlier stage of the competition which we later won. Since then they have refused to forgive him.

For how long are we going to allow petty sentiments override common sense at the expense of the Nation?

The way they are persecuting Keshi was how they persecuted Sylvanus Okpala at the 2013 AFCON where they sent him home from the competition unceremoniously, and knowing his right, he sued the NFF to CAS and he got judgement in his favour at the end of the day. 


NFF is indebted to pay Okpala to the tune of about 100m naira. With the same scenario, feelers also said NFF is owing Keshi an outstanding two months’ salary which contravenes his contractual agreement. If this is true and Keshi is sacked and decides to go to CAS, it is certain they will lose the case to Keshi and may likely pay a heavy sums of money.

Egypt is preparing to play Nigeria home and away in the qualifiers and we are preparing to sack our coach and persecute our players. If they actually love Nigeria the board of the NFF should channel all energy and resources to ensure we win all our games.

I think the raging issues may result to long term problems if the NFF did not act fast, players have their own minds, don’t push them into sabotaging the team.

A lot of people follow the Super eagles religiously. Take Enyeama, Onazi and Keshi to a private session and make it a family matter, it is not worth the noise. And if you must sack Keshi, let it be constructive rather than making it appear personal.

I believe we shall qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon. God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Twitter @Aderonkew


Journalist, Speaker, Change Agent, Sports for development Enthusiast , Advocacy.

RAHEEM LAWAL CLOSE TO ROMA SWITCH

Super  Eagles midfielder Raheem Lawal is reportedly close to leaving Turkish side Eskisehirspor for Serie A giant Roma.

The 25 year old have been at the Turkish side for the last two seasons but last season was his breakaway season when he posted impressive performances against top teams like Fenerbache,Galatassary and Besiktas in the league.

His performances lead to speculations in the Turkish media that talks with Galatassary is reportedly ongoing a claim which was refuted by vice president of Eskisehirspor Bahadir Unal.

However Unal confirmed they are in talks with Roma over the Lawal and a conclusion will be reach soon on his transfer.

"We are not in talks with Galatassary but i can confirm talks with Roma is progressing well an very soon we are hopeful of reaching an agreement on his transfer.

LILLE REJECTS OMERUO FOR CIVELLI

Lille of France who were heavily linked with a loan move for Chelsea Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo appear to have jettison the idea as they yesterday confirmed the signing of Argentine centre back Renato Civelli.

The club of Nigeria's captain Vincent Enyeama were in need of defensive cover following the departure of Simon Kjaer to Fenerbache of Turkey and the 31 year old Civelli was thought to be in consideration alongside Omeruo by new manager Herve Renard.

However yesterday the club announced the free signing of Argentina's Civelli who last turned out for Bursaspor in Turkey.

Civelli, formerly of Nice and Marseille appears to be the team's preferred option ahead of the Nigeria centre back who might still leave Chelsea on loan this season after an unsuccessful loan spell with Middlesborough last season in the English Championship.

In a chat with Mowizsoccer shortly before Nigeria defeated Chad 2-0 in an AFCON 2017 qualifier against Chad, Omeruo said his future with Chelsea will be clear before the start of the team's pre season.

AS TRENCIN HOPING TO ADD TWO NIGERIANS TO ROOSTER

Nigerian duo of John Chi and Bala Aliko are presently training with Slovakia league and cup champions AS Trencin with hopes of joining the team in this summer transfer window.

The duo if they get to sign will swell up the Nigerian contingent at the club to five as the team already has the trio of Rabiu Ibrahim,Emmanuel Edmond and Kingsley Madu on their books.

All five Nigerians were yesterday on show for the team in their 3-0 win over Czech Republic side Bohemians 1905 Praha with Aliko scoring twice in the friendly game meant to keep the team in top shape ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions league qualifiers against Steau Bucuresti of Romania.

Through the efforts of British born football agent Tony Harris AS Trencin are slowly building a relationship with Nigerian players with Moses Simon of Gent of Belgium their most successful acquisition so far.

*Photo Credit: AS Trencin Facebook page

HANNOVER CLOSE IN ON FRIDAY EZE

Latest reports emanating from Germany has it that last season top scorer and most valuable player in Serbia Friday Eze is close to agreeing a move to Hannover 96 from Mladost Lucani.

Eze has been linked to clubs in Belgium,Israel,France,Russia and Spain but latest reports indicates Hannover are already in talks with Mladost Lucani and a deal might be struck anytime soon despite reported interested from fellow Bundesliga rivals Hamburg.

He reportedly agreed  three year deal with modest French side Nantes but his team Mladost Luani demand of 2 million Euros in addition to a further sale agreement made the move to break down.

Mladost later claimed there was interest for the 22 year old from Spanish side Sevilla going as far as saying talks were already underway but the news have died down since that pronouncement.

KINGSLEY MADU COY ON POLISH MOVE

AS Trencin left full back Kingsley Madu presently training with ambitious Polish side Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala,remains coy over a potential switch to the side.


The 20 year old was rumoured to be on the radar of Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven but he is presently in Poland where he featured in a friendly game against LZS Piotrowka Podbeskidzia.


Madu speaking after the game where he starred alongside another Nigerian Yero Bello who was formerly at MS Ashdod in Israel,the newly capped Super Eagles player says time will tell if he will move to the team set to be bought over by Polish Construction Company.


"I don't know for now if I will be playing in Poland but, in the coming days it will be clear" He said.


His impending transfer to Poland if it comes to pass will be a let down to numerous Nigeria football followers who were impress by the way he acquitted himself in his first game for the Super Eagles posting a man of the match performance in the 2-0 AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Chad.


The other Nigerian Yero Bello have played out all of his career in Israel and  Romania and last season the 27 year old played 27 times with four goals to his name for relegated side MS Ashdod.

AWONIYI TO JOIN KALMAR IN AUGUST

Taiwo Awoniyi will formally be a player of Sweden's top division side Kalmar in August when he turns 18 on the 12th of August 2015.

Awoniyi rated as Nigeria brightest prospect in terms of goalscoring is expected to sign a three year deal although they are suggestions he might not see out the whole duration of his contract.

The news of his expected transfer to Kalmar where he has a pre contract finally puts to rest all speculations regarding his future as a host of clubs including Monaco and Fc Porto were reportedly keen on his services.

The scorer of two goals for Nigeria at the just concluded World Youth Championship in New Zealand was also a subject of inquiry from English premiership giants Manchester City and Manchester United.

Presently in the camp of the Nigeria Under-23 he is expected to play a big part role for Nigeria in their Rio 2016 qualifying game against Congo.

PARTIZAN BELGRADE AND SAMSUNSPOR BATTLE FOR SAVIOUR GODWIN

Saviour Godwin who plays for Nigeria Under-20 and 23 team is presently on the wishlist of Serbia's Partizan Belgrade and Samsunspor of Turkey.

Reports gathered by Mowizsoccer has it that the 19 year old who is presently in the Nigeria Olympic team camp ahead of next month Rio 2016 qualifier game against Congo is also wanted by teams in Belgium.

Saviour scored twice for Nigeria at the recently concluded World Youth Championship in New Zealand and the highly rated forward is tip to secure a move before the end of the current transfer window.

Known for his quick feet and dribbling abilities the forward who can also play on the right or left side of attacker is more confident as a central striker.

SUPER EAGLES TO PLAY EGYPT IN KADUNA

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play their second  home game but third AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Egypt in Kaduna despite some reservations observed by football enthusiast after the Chad game.

A statement on the Website of the Nigeria Football Federation confirm the Ahmadu Bello Stadium which played host to Nigeria's first AFCON 2017 game against Chad will also be the Eagles home when joint group leaders Egypt come to town in 40 weeks time.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, explained on Wednesday that the Federation will henceforth decide international match venues well in advance in order to afford host cities enough time to work on the facilities to be used for such matches.

In line with the new policy, the NFF has also announced that the first leg of the 2016 Olympics qualifying match between the Super Falcons and the Senior Women National Team of Equatorial Guinea coming up on Saturday, July 18 will be played in Port Harcourt.

Also, the African U-23 Championship final round, first leg match between the Nigeria U-23 team and the Congo U-23 side will be played in Port Harcourt, a day after the Falcons/Equatorial Guinea clash.

The winner of the fixture qualifies for the African U-23 Championship coming up in Senegal in December, where the best three of the eight participating teams will be eligible to represent Africa at the Men’s Football Tournament of next year’s Olympics. The fourth –placed team in Senegal will play-off against a team from Asia. 

MOSES REFUSES TO BE USED AS MAKEWEIGHT BY CHELSEA IN BID FOR BEGOVIC

Victor Moses is reluctant to join Stoke City permanently after it emerge Chelsea wants to use him as makeweight in their effort to sign goalkepper Asmir Begovic following the impending departure of Chelsea second choice goalkepper Petr Cech.

Stoke manager, Mark Hughes, had identified the former Crystal Palace trainee, whom Chelsea secured for £9m from Wigan in 2012, as a priority signing ahead of the new campaign and are considering stipulating the winger must be part of any proposed deal for Begovic.

However, Moses, who has 24 caps for Nigeria and spent last season in the Potteries, scoring four times in 23 games and impressing in flashes, before suffering a hamstring injury in April which ended his season prematurely is understood to be unsure over a return to City and is instead considering a number of other options, both in the Premier League and abroad.

MOSES SIMON: I WILL STAY ANOTHER YEAR AT GENT

Nigeria forward Moses Simon who is reportedly a target for top teams in Belgium after a fascinating campaign in the Belgium league has shot down all suggestion he is set to depart the team this summer.

Simon said he is focus on helping the team do well in the UEFA champions league next season and hopes to spend a year with the Belgium champions before he thinks about moving.

"Am looking forward to playing in the Champions league as a little boy growing up i remember watching it on television back in Nigeria so it's a dream come true that i will be playing in it next season" He told Mowizsoccer.

 "I will like to stay another year at Ghent and then see what's possible I'm still under contract here for three years.." He added in response to questions about his future with the team he joined in January.

He is reportedly on the transfer wishlist of German giant Borrussia Dortmund,Fenerbache of Turkey and English premiership side Liverpool.

STANDARD LIEGE AGREES LOAN DEAL FOR IMOH EZEKIEL

According to La Derniere Heure Standard Liege are close to agreeing another loan deal for Nigeria 21 year old forward Imoh Ezekiel after reaching a loan agreement with his parent owners Al-Arabi of Qatar.

The loan deal we gathered has no option of an outright purchase after it's expiration but the player according to reports doesn't want to stay at the team anymore.

Ezekiel has his mind set on a move to Anderlecht where he might have the chance of playing in the UEFA champions league as against Standard Liege where he will only get to play in the Europa League.

Also his agent presently have a strained relationship with Standard Liege president Roland Duchastel over the manner the forward was transfer last summer to Al-Arabi of Qatar.

At the main time Anderlecht appears to be in the driving seat for his signature despite reports of a loan agreement between Standard Liege and Al-Arabi.

ENYEAMA FACES BAN FROM SUPER EAGLES OVER DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE SNUB

Captain of the Super Eagles Vincent Enyeama shunned the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by not turning up for their sitting which was held together in Abuja.

Enyeama was summoned by the committee over his statement about the venue of the Super Eagles last game against Chad which was played in the Northern region of Nigeria ,Kaduna state precisely.

He complained about the security of the state in relation to the region which has been severely attacked by the deadly Boko Haram sect in the past year,However Kaduna have been an exception as the last security incident happened in 2011.

His comments didn't go down well with the hierarchy of the NFF in same breath as his failure to show up to defend his comments before the committee today in Abuja.

"We didn't see him and there was no word at all from him or any intermediary representing him at the main time he risk being banned from the National team, No player is bigger than the nation" A committee member told Mowizsoccer.

The comments of the member might not really moved the Lille shot stopper who stated shortly before the Kaduna game  against Chad that he might quit the national team before the 2017 cup of Nations.





 

RABIU IBRAHIM FOCUS ON UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN

AS Trencin playmaker Rabiu Ibrahim who recently made his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria says he is focus on helping Trencin qualify for the group stages of the UEFA champions league and not on leaving the team.

Rabiu played a big role in helping Trencin do the double in Slovenia and after his debut with the Nigeria senior national team the former Sporting Lisbon,PSV, Celtics and Kilmanorck player has been heavily linked with a move away from the team.

 However close sources to the player insist he might leave the team before the close of this transfer window if they crash out early from the champions league qualifiers or in the winter of 2016 if they fail to reach the group stages.

The 24 year old Rabiu denies such reports and while maintaining his gratitude to the team for helping him rediscover himself,he insist his focus is on helping the team do well in the UEFA champions league qualifiers.

"As for now am not going anyway,am focus on AS Trencin but football is funny,one minute you are here,the next minute you are gone" He told Mowizsoccer.

"I am looking up to our campaign in the UEFA champions league and hopefully we will make it to the group stage, for now that is my only concern".

PSV REIGNITES INTEREST IN KINGSLEY MADU

According to leaks gathered by Mowizsoccer AS Trencin winger Kingsley Madu is back on the radar of top Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The 20 year old was heavily courted by the Dutch giants in the winter but their interest cooled off admist reports that Scottish giants Celtic and PSV Dutch rivals Ajax were in for the left full back as well.

A source close to the player revealed he might sign the dotted lines before the end of this summer transfer window or in the winter of 2016.

"Nothing is done yet but PSV are back in for him hopefully a deal will be reached this summer or in the winter of 2016 but as for now he is set to resume pre season training with Trencin ahead of their 2015/2016 UEFA champions league campaign" He told Mowizsoccer.

Madu who made his senior national team debut for Nigeria in an AFCON 2017 qualifier which Nigeria won 2-0 against Chad last weekend is rated among one of the top left full back prospect in Europe as he was vital in helping Trencin win the League and Cup title in Slovakia.

On his debut for Nigeria senior National team he was hailed by many as one of best on the pitch constantly overlapping and whipping in crosses as well as defending much to the admiration of the fans.

 

MLADOST: EZE WANTS TO JOIN SEVILLA

Following the breakdown of talks between Nantes of France and Mladost Lucani of Serbia forward Friday Eze a whole lot of clubs are now queuing up to sign the 22 year old Nigerian the latest being Spanish La-Liga side Sevilla.

Mladost sporting director Goran Milovanovic revealed talks are already underway with Sevilla Sport director Monchi over a transfer base on the desire of the player.

"We are negotiating and we hope we can reach an agreement because it is the player's desire to play in Spain. There are teams from France and Germany interested, but he wants to go there. I have spoken with Mr. Monchi. I think we may be close to finding an opportunity for him," He said

The scramble for the services of the top scorer and most valuable player in Serbia in the just concluded season has seen team in France League 1 like Lille,Bordeaux,Rennes and Saint Etienne alongside Lokomotive Moscow in Russia battling to sign him.

Also Standard Liege of Belgium held talks with his representative but so far Lille are the only team to have tabled a bid of 1.2 million euros for his services which was rejected by the Serbia side who reportedly wants at least 3 million euros for him as well as a further sale agreement.

COLLINS JAMILU HEADS TO SLOVENIA ON LOAN

Former Nigeria Under-20 invitee Collins Jamilu has joined Slovenia first division side ZNKA Krka on loan from Croatia Side HNK Rijeka for the rest of the season.

The Kaduna born who plays as a left full back spent last season playing for the B team of Rijeka where he was one of the outstanding player that helped them secure promotion from their group.

He will join the Slovenia side next week along with his teammate at Rijeka B last season Philip Dangubic a striker who scored 16 times last season for the team.

Collins will be hoping his loan spell gives him a chance to prove himself in the first team of  Europa League contenders Rijeka next season after losing his spot in the team three years ago when he joined and played few games for the team in the Croatia league.

He is one among the 10 Nigerian players currently on the books of the Croatian side.

LIVERPOOL FANS WANTS IlORI IN MAIN TEAM

After watching Thiago Illori shine brightly for Portugal in their 1-0 win over England at the European Under-21 championship fans of Liverpool want the 22 year old to be given a chance with the main team.

Since joining Liverpool two years ago from Sporting Lisbon Ilori who is also eligible for Nigeria and England have been out on loan first with Granada and last season he was at Bordeaux.

They made their feeling known via social media as most of them posted on twitter imploring manager Brendan Rodgers to fix up their leaky defence of last season with Ilori.

Last season he was on the verge of being given a look in before he picked up an injury in pre season and got loaned out to Bordeaux to help him get match time as Liverpool invested heavily to sign Dejan Lovren from Southampton for 20 million pounds.

Fans of Liverpool who watched him put out in a commanding display against English Premiership strikers in Harry Kane and his likely Liverpool teammate next season Danny Ings wants him to be given a chance next season.

ST. ETIENNE IN FOR EZE AS NANTES FAILS TO MEET STRIKERS VALUATION

French side Nantes have ended their pursuit of Nigeria forward Friday Eze after they failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee with his present  teamMladost Lucani.

Eze has already agreed personal terms for a three year plus the option of another year with the Ligue 1 side and was suppose to have his medical this weekend but the team failed to reach an agreement with Mladost hereby ending any hope of  a transfer.

At the moment Mowizsoccer can reveal that Saint Etienne are now leading the race for his signature and to that effect a meeting was held between the management of the team and that of Mladost Lucani today.

However they face stiff competition from other ligue 1 sides in Bordeaux,Lille and Angers who are reportedly chasing the 22 year old with Russia Locomotive Moscow also in the race.

The Nigerian who turned out for Zamfara United in Nigeria before spending time with Africa Sports in Cote'divoire was last season voted the best player in the Serbia league and also picked up the top scorer award.

LEON BALOGUN JOINS MAINZ 05

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun have completed his transfer from newly promoted Bundesliga side Darmstadt to Mainz 05.

The 26 year old signed a three year deal with the team finally putting an end to speculations about his next move following the expiration of his deal with Darmstadt.

He was linked with a move to Hamburg but Mainz 05 the team that finished 11th in last season Bundesliga won the race for his signature on a free transfer with a deal set to expire in the summer of 2018.

In the past he has played for Hannover 96,Werder Bremen and Fortuna Dusseldorf who released him before the start of last season.

His one year deal with Darmstadt was his most productive spell as he scored 4 times  from his right full back position in the 21 games he played as they secure promotion to the top flight of German football.

*Photo Credit: Mainz 05 twitter feed.

SIASIA SNUBS MOSES, IHEANACHO FOR UNDER-23

Head coach of the Nigeria Under-23 team Samson Siasia has named five players from the Nigeria Under-20 team that campaigned at the last Under-20 world cup in New Zealand in his Under-23 camp ahead of the 2016 Olympic qualifiers against Congo next month.

Top on the list is talented goal scorer, Taiwo Awniyi who scored the two goals that gave Nigeria the 2-1 win over Zamia in Lusaka, captain of the Flying Eagles, Musa Mohammed, Saviour Godwin, defender Onyinye Ndidi who plays professional football in Belgium as well as midfielder, Musa Yahaya who just joined English side, Tottenham Hotspur.

Two notable omission from the coach list of players called up is the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon.

Simon who won the league title with Gent in Belgium was heavily tipped to be called up by Siasia as as Iheanacho who is rated as one of Manchester City top youth prospect.

The omission of the duo might be connected with the bit part role they played for Nigeria at the last World Youth Championship in New Zealand with Moses making just one substitute appearance while Iheanacho started one game and made another appearance as a substitute.

TAHIR JOINS RIJEKA

Nigeria Under-23 defender Tahir Maigini have completed his move from Football College Abuja to Croatia top division side HNK Rijeka.

The 19 year old have already commenced pre-season training with the Europa league campaigners ahead of next season.

Tahir was at Rijeka 3 years ago with the likes of Theophilus Solomon and four others but after a short spell with the B team he was shipped out to AC Spezia in Italy where he failed to make an impression and was subsequently allowed to return back to Nigeria.

He gate crashed the Under-23 screening after being dropped from the Under-20 and made an impression on manager Samson Siasia who has kept faith in him since then.

ANDERLECHT CLOSE IN ON IMOH EZEKIEL

Anderlecht are close to clinching the signing of Al-Arabi forward Imoh Ezekiel who spent the last half of last season on loan to his former side Standard Liege.

General manager of Anderlecht Herman Van Holsbeeck  reportedly held positive talks with officials of Al-Arabi yesterday over signing the 21 year old.

Last week Anderlecht made their first bid for the forward but latest reports indicate that an agreement is closed to being reached and might be announced before the end of next week.

If Ezekiel ends up joining Anderlecht it will be a big blow to Standard Liege who were rumoured to he having hopes that they will have the forward on loan again next season.

Real Sociedad of Spain were the other team linked with the one cap Super Eagles forward but Anderlecht appears to have won the race for his signature.

DANGOTE REPORTEDLY RICHER THAN CHELSEA OWNER

According to the online edition of Dailymail Africa most richest man Aliko Dangote who has reaffirmed his desire to own Arsenal is richer than Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

57-year-old Nigerian who has amassed a fortune by becoming majority shareholder in giant cement, flour and sugar companies. Dangote Sugar supplies 90 per cent of Nigeria's 170million population - that is a lot of sales. He is also building a private oil refinery in one of the country's jungle swamps which is due for completion in 2018

Forbes have him down as the 67th richest person in the world with a fortune of more than £12billion. If he ends up buying Arsenal he will become the wealthiest owner in the Premier League, almost twice as rich as Roman Abramovich, who is listed at No 137. He hails from a family of entrepreneurs in Nigeria's second city Kano, and his uncle gave him a loan at 21 to start his own business empire.

A recent survey called him the second most powerful black man in the world behind US President Barack Obama. He is one of the continent's prime movers-and-shakers and Obama made sure he met him when giving a speech in Soweto in 2013. When America comes up with a business and anti-terrorism strategy for Africa, Dangote is one of the first figures they would consult with.

CHELSEA PUTS MIKEL UP FOR SALE

Chelsea have reportedly put John Obi Mikel up for sale as they line up a move to sign Zenith St Petersburg midfielder Alex Witsel.

The 28 year old Obi have been a bit part player at Chelsea in the last 18 months following the signing of Nemanja Matic and manager Mourinho is keen to ensure that Chelsea build on their Premier League title triumph this season and wants a side that can also challenge for the Champions League.

Witsel who shares same agent as manager Mourinho  is eager to leave Zenit this summer and is a target for Serie A champions Juventus, but Chelsea believe he would prefer a transfer to west London and the blues view him as a direct replacement for Mikel as a holding midfielder to challenge Nemanja Matic for a starting place.

28 year old Mikel has been told he can leave Chelsea this summer and the Blues are hoping to offload him to a club in Turkey admist report of an interest in his services from a team in the middle east.

GOLDEN EAGLETS CALL UP MK DON YOUNGSTERS

Two schoolboys from English Championship side MK Dons have being called up to the camp of the Nigeria Under-17 team currently training in Abuja.

The duo of David Kasumu and Seyi Olukayode along with other Nigerian-eligible players based in the UK, will travel to Abuja on Sunday 26th July to form a UK Soaring Eaglets team. 

During their camp, the squad will play two friendly matches with the Nigerian Under-17s side – the Golden Eaglets – at the 60,491 capacity Abuja National Stadium. They will also meet President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as take a tour of the city. 

Kasumu and Olukayode will then return to the Dons for pre-season training on the Sunday. 

The pair become the first two Academy players recognised internationally since the end of last season.

Kasumu is a midfielder while Olukayode is a striker and both will be hoping to get the attention of Golden Eaglet coach Emmanuel Amuneke ahead of the Under-17 World cup in Chile. 

UCHE TO PAIR GIGNAC AT MONTERREY

Out of favour Super Eagles striker Ikechukwu Uche impending transfer to Mexico side Tigres De Monterrey from Villareal will see him partner former Marseille striker Pierre Andre Gignac.

The 31 year old Nigerian played just 38 times for Villareal last season scoring 8 times in all competition as injury and poor form limited his appearances.

Uche is already in Mexico to have his medical ahead of his transfer from Villareal where he has being the last 5 years while Gignac reportedly snubbed a move to West Brom and Galatassary to join the ambitious Mexican side.


The duo will join the Tigres ranks ahead of the 2015 Apertura tournament that starts on 24th July with the aim of helping them claim the Mexico championship they won in 2012.

LOCOMOTIVE MOSCOW THREATENS NANTES DEAL FOR EZE

Russia league outfit Locomotive Moscow have joined the race to sign Maldost Lucani of Serbia top striker Friday Eze threatening his impending transfer to Nantes of France.

Eze who finished as top scorer in Serbia also got voted as the most valuable player in the League was all but set to join Nantes until late interest from teams in Ukraine,Russia and Germany came into the mix.

Mowizsoccer can report that the 22 year old has already resume pre season training with Mladost Lucani and his currently weighing up his options following the late bids for his services.

Locomotive Moscow are however the only named team reportedly on his trail after they ended their interest in another Nigerian Emmanuel Emenike.

The former Zamfara United and Africa Sports of Cote'd'Ivoire forward destination will be known in the coming days.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST CLOSE IN ON REAL MADRID'S OSEDE

Despite reported interest from Newcastle United,Real Madrid youngster of Nigeria parentage Derek Osede will join Championship side Nottingham Forest in the coming days according to reports monitored by Mowizsoccer.

However they are reports claiming Wolverhampton Wanderers boos Kenny Jackett is hopeful he will snatch the 22 year old from his fellow rivals but reports indicate Wolves are behind Forest in his chase.

Osede is free to leave Real Madrid on a free transfer following the dissolution of Real Madrid C team where he starred last season missing only two games for them in the Spanish third division.

Yet to make his full debut for the team,the former Spain under-20 international has revealed his intention to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at senior level.

He is comfortable as a full back or as a central defender.

OMERUO UNSURE OVER CHELSEA FUTURE

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo says his future at Premiership Champions Chelsea will be known after the club pre season following reports in France linking him with a move to Lille in the French league.

Omeruo told Mowizsoccer in Kaduna that he will resume pre season training with Chelsea from where issues surrounding his future will be discussed with the club hierachy.

'For now am staying at Chelsea but the picture will become clear after our preseason games at the main time there's nothing concrete but in football you never can tell what might happen next" He told Mowizsoccer.

The Nigerian has being on loan at Championship side Middlesborough in the last 18 months as his path to the first team is blocked by the presence of very experience defenders and his loan spell at Middlesborough didn't quite go according to plan as he had limited game as they fail to gain promotion to the premiership via the playoffs.

He played the entire duration of Nigeria 2-0 win over Chad in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Saturday.

EZE PENS THREE YEAR DEAL WITH NANTES

Friday Patrick Eze has put pen to paper on a three year deal with Nantes of France from Serbia top flight side Mladost Lucani.

Eze finished as top scorer in the Serbian top flight league and also was voted best player in the division owing to his 15 goals for newly promoted side Mladost Lucani and his overall performance this season.

The 22 year old has been in Serbia since 2013 but spells at at Rad Beograd and Napredak were not successful as he made a combined appearance of five with no goals to show before joining Mladost where he scored 15 times from 26 games last season.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva of Israel and Augsburg of Germany were reportedly also keen on his signature but Nantes who finished 14th in the French league last season clinched his signature on a three year deal with the option of another year base on success.

He will arrive France this week to have his medical and complete the move after an undisclosed fee was reached with his team.

HOW NEGLECT LEAD TO DEATH OF NIGERIAN PLAYER IN MALAYSIA

Late arrival of  medical aid to of 30 year old Nigeria player David Oniya who collapsed and die on the pitch during his team T-Team friendly tie against Kelantan has been blamed as partly the reason why Oniya died on Saturday.

Oniya, 30, went down about three minutes into the game for T-Team and was pronounced dead at hospital around half-an-hour later, the club’s chief executive told The Star newspaper.

CEO Syahrizan Mohd Zain said Oniya, who was in his first season with second-tier T-Team, had barely touched the ball in the friendly with Super League side Kelantan in Kota Bharu.

Syahrizan particularly complained that the ambulance driver had been slow in arriving to the aid of the central defender who has also played in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan before joining the second tier Malaysian side T-Teams.

“He suffered a heart attack but it could have been a different story had the ambulance driver (been) alert. The driver was at the stands watching the game when Oniya suddenly collapsed and our defender was deprived of oxygen for several minutes,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

The death  of Onyia who has 10 year experience as a professional footballer brings to three the number of footballers who have died from heart attack from April till date following the death of two Belgium players.

KESHI DISAGREES WITH ENYEAMA ON KADUNA

Captain of the Super Eagles Vincent Enyeama views on Kaduna as venue for the game against Chad is of different sides with head coach Stephen Keshi ahead of Saturday's clash at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

While Enyeama appears uncomfortable with Kaduna as venue and complained of the pitch not of same level as it was last time they played a game in Kaduna,Keshi hailed the condition of the pitch describing it as one of the best in the country.

Meanwhile Keshi also stress that the choice of Kaduna as venue for the game is one that will favour his team due to the fans in Kaduna who according to the "Big Boss" never stop cheering the team no matter how long the game goes on.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are yet to lose a game at the Ahamdu Bello Stadium in Kaduna in their last four games at the Stadium and Keshi is hopeful the trend will continue on Saturday when they host Chad.

OGU; WE ARE UNDER PRESSURE TO BEAT THE CHADIANS

Super Eagles defensive midfielder John Ogu has admitted they are under pressure to win Saturday's game against Chad as a defeat won't be the best way to start of their AFCON 2017 qualifiers.

"I must admit we are under pressure to win but that doesn't mean we are putting pressure on ourselve to win the game because with our quality we hope to win the game even though we don't know the Chadians" He told Mowizsoccer.

On the choice of Kaduna as venue for the game the Hapoel Be'er Sheva man said the turnout for the friendly game against Kaduna United means the NFF got it right choosing Kaduna as venue.

"Yesterday we played a friendly game  against Kaduna United even though it was a local teamn from the turnout it clear to see the fans here love football and we hope they will come out in their numbers on Saturday to help us beat the Chadians, it's nice we are here and we will play in front of soccer crazy fans".

KESHI: I DON'T KNOW THE CHADIAN TEAM

Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Stephen Keshi says he has little knowledge about Saturday's opponent Chad in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers game schedule to take place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

"I was able to get some clips of the Chadians but it was that of their home base team which to me is not enough as they will be coming with a different team entirely but i know a bit of their players but not the team" He told Mowizsoccer.

"I have also played them once that was when i was handling Mali and i also know their players individually but as a team i will be happy if i can get a video of them as i don't know how they play."

However despite his admittance that he know less about Chad Keshi remains optimistic his team will triumph against them.

"We are here to win and nothing less will do, am hopeful that will the players i have here with me,we will be able to get the job done.

Aaron Samuel: SO MANY TEAMS WANT ME

Guangzhou R&F forward Aaron Samuel has revealed that a host of European teams are after his services and very soon he hopes to leave China for mainstream Europe.

Samuel who was heavily linked with a move to CSKA Moscow in January told Mowizsoccer that a host of European teams are after him.

"Am hoping to leave China very soon as a whole lot of clubs want me,at the main time am focus on Nigeria game against Chad but i can assure Nigerians that very soon i will leave for a team in Europe". He told Mowizsoccer during Super Eagles media parley.

On the game against Chad the former Dolphins forward says he is confident they will pick up the maximum point as the determination of the players is not to start on a bad note like they did last time out and failed to qualify for the Africa Cup Of Nations.

MANU GARBA TO NAME UNCHANGED LINE UP FOR GERMANY GAME

Barring any last minute change of mind,Head coach of the Flying Eagles Manu Garba is set to name an unchanged side for tommorow's round of 16 game against Germany.

Manu Garba is set to stick to same players he used in Nigeria last two games ruling out any late entry for the likes of Musa Yahaya,Isacc Success and Moses Simon barring any last minute change of mind.

Meanwhile the dicey nature of the game means the Flying Eagles will rely to break the Germans early while hoping not to concede against the team that scored a record 16 goal to get to the round of 16.

The match will be played around 8;30am Nigeria time.

MIKEL MISSING FROM MOURINHO'S FAVOURITE PLAYERS LIST

Chelsea midfield John Obi Mikel was not mentioned by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho when the manager listed his favourite players from the teams he has so far managed in his 15 year managerial career.

Mourinho was pivotal in helping Chelsea beat Manchester United to the signing of the Nigerian in 2006 but the Chelsea manager who also omitted one of his trusted allies in the past Mikel Essien who he coached at Chelsea and Real Madrid reckoned seven players are his favourites at the three top teams in top leagues he has managed.

Mikel is rumoured to be close to the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager but he was however not given a mention by the manager when he spoke about players who he considered as team men.

Speaking of players who give 'everything they can' with their efforts on the pitch, Mourinho said: 'People like Materazzi, Zanetti, Lampard, Drogba, Terry, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa" He said

'Guys who were born to be at that level, born to be team men. Not the ego. Not super-quality as a player in some cases - but team men. The manager's right arm.'

SUPER EAGLES ARRIVE KADUNA FOR CHAD

The Super Eagles of Nigeria this evening arrived Kaduna from Abuja where they have been in camp for the past one week in readiness for their 2017 Africa cup of nations qualifiers against Chad.

They are lodged at their regular hotel the Africa Continental hotel off Rabah road and they will have their first feel of the Ahamdu Bello Stadium venue for the game tomorrow evening by 4pm.

Already tickets for the game will go on sale on Thursday with the Chadians set to arrive Kaduna same day ahead of the 13th of June game.

Nigeria suffered a slight disruption in their preparations for the game following the injury to midfielder Steve Ukoh and already local lad Stanley Dimgba who plays for Warri Wolves have being called up as his replacement.

Super Eagles of Nigeria are in group G alongside Egypt,Tanzania and Chad with only one team expected to qualify for the Africa football showpiece which will be hosted by Gabon.