Inyama accuses Keshi, NFF for Kenya draw

Emeka Inyama

Board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and Chairman on publicity matter, Emeka Inyama said the Super Eagles failed to win the match against the Harambee Star of Kenya last Saturday because they failed to prepare.

Inyama , who made the claims at the NFF secretariat yesterday, said the match against Kenya is an eye-opener and a lesson for the players, officials and the board members. He noted that there are no more minnows in football.

According to him, “The result of the match was a lesson for the Super Eagles players, officials and even the NFF. It confirms the belief in football that if you don’t prepare to win, you prepare to fail. So it is a welcome up call to the team and to everybody. Today’s football, there are no more minnows, Cape Verde showed it, Burkina-Faso showed it, so what else are we talking about?”

On whether unpaid allowance was responsible for their lackluster display, he claimed that allowances don’t play football. “Allowances don’t play on the pitch, so I don’t know how that will affect the players.

Super Eagles

“With the kinds of money these boys have made within this period, I don’t expect them to be talking about money. There is no timeline that the money was paid, they have been paid. The money they made is not up to what they make in their clubsides, so money was not responsible for their flops.”

He further claimed that fatigue was not responsible for their inability to beat Kenya in Calabar, Cross River. “They have been playing for their clubs, they have been scoring goals, so fatigue is not responsible.”

I installed Amos Adamu as CAF executive – Orji

Former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu said he played a major part in the emergence of Amos Adamu as a CAF executive member.

He made this disclosure when the executive members of the FCT chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, paid him a courtesy call at his residence in Abuja yesterday.

Orji Uzor Kalu

Orji claimed that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, Aminu Maigari team did not do a good job in his campaigns to clinch the CAF seat.

He noted that election into such position should not be taken with levity, arguing that there are people with great influence in CAF in Nigeria who would have made the difference in the election.

Uzor lamented how Nigeria which is such a big Nation especially in football will not have a member in the CAF executive seat, stressing that CAF should have been muscled into electing one of our own.

Amos Adamu

“We are a big Nation in Africa that we should not fail in our bid to have a candidate in the CAF executive seat. But it was the way the issue was handled that made them informed why they lost the election. More so, they did not have enough time to prepare for the election. This is not something you just prepare in such a short time,” he lamented.

He however applauded the doggedness of the former CAF and FIFA executive member, Amos Adamu whom he described as a goal getter. “Adamu knows how to go about whatever he wants which helped him a lot during his stay as an executive member of the two international football bodies.”

The Pillar of Sports in Nigeria further advised the Stephen Keshi-led technical crew to stick to the Super Eagles player that won the Nations Cup in South Africa.

Aminu Maigari

“The mistake Keshi made in the Saturday World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya was to have brought in some new players into the team. The team that played in South Africa was already bonding and the continuity will have helped them a great deal,” he concluded.

Hotel charges Super Eagles

The general manager of Bolton White Hotels, Patrick Oyinoke has charged the Super Eagles of Nigeria tutored by Stephen Keshi to go all out and not only pick the 2014 World Cup tickets in Brazil but also do well in the Confederation Cup in Brazil.

Super Eagles at a dinner recently

Oyinoke gave the charge when the hotel hosted the victorious team to a dinner party at its Apartments in Wuse, Abuja over the weekend.

The team, which recently won the African Cup of Nations, AFCON in South Africa, was treated to varieties of delicious meal. Some stand-up comedians like Youngest Old Man, Original Ibo Boy, amongst others were also on hand to entertain the players and its officials.

This is the second time the Super Eagles will be hosted by the hotel. The team was first hosted with a send-forth party when it won the ticket to participate at the AFCON in South Africa.

However, it is interesting to also note that the team has not lost any competitive match – World and Nations Cup qualifiers, including the AFCON matches; since it was moved to Bolton White Apartments especially under the tutelage of Stephen Keshi.

Can Flying Eagles make it double

The battle for the 12^th edition of the African Youth Championship, AYC began in Algeria, two months after the African Cup of Nations, AFCON in South Africa. Who will be crowned the winner, can the Flying Eagles follow the footsteps of the Super Eagles?

Coach John Obuh

On March 16, 2013, 16 teams began the battle for the 12^th edition of the African Youth Championship, AYC in Algeria with eight first rounds of matches.

Out of the 16 teams, apart from the one that will emerge the eventual winner, the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Turkey.

However, expectations are high as the world will be looking up to the John Obuh-side to repeat the feat by their senior counterparts, the Super Eagles who recently conquered the continent, and won the African Cup of Nations, AFCON in South Africa, after 19 years.

The other fifteen teams will want to do everything possible to wrestle the crown currently in the hands of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, which the Obuh-side won two years ago in South Africa after beating Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the 12^th edition of the Orange CAF U-20 African Championship will pit regulars against some debutant sides at this competition.

Ghana, three-time winners (1993, 1999 and 2009), will be making her ninth appearance. The West African team remains the only side in the continent to have won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, shortly after conquering Africa.

Egypt, on the other hand won the maiden edition in 1991 and then again in 2003 and will also be making her ninth appearance at the 2013 finals.

Defending champions Nigeria have won the championship twice; 2005 and 2011 and will be making her eighth appearances. The first was won by Samson Siasia while the second trophy was won by John Obuh.

Mali, three-time semi-finalists (1995, 2003 and 2011) will be in Algeria after ousting Zambia. After a 2-2 draw away in Kitwe, the Malians triumphed 3-0 at home in Bamako, to scale through on a 5-2 aggregate.

On the other hand, Gabon is making her second appearance at the finals after 2005 finals during which they finished fifth. Gabon U-20 side will be keen to emulate their U-23 team that won the inaugural U-23 African Championship last December (2011) and went on to make a maiden participation at the Olympic Games.

Benin Republic made the semi-finals in 2005 and the side is back at the finals after dispatching Ivory Coast and Senegal on the way. The team could pose as a tough challenger in Algeria.

Meanwhile, DR Congo is the only country that will be making her debut at the finals after claiming the scalp of last edition’s finalists Cameroon in a thrilling two leg final round qualification contest. 

DR Congo had to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg played in Cameroon.  The Congolese netted twice in the first half, scored the third after the break before Cameroon scored in the 73 minute.  Congolese’s Pierre Botayi Bamato then scored in the 77^th minute again to give the team to watch out for in the tournament her first ever U-20 African Championship final.

The 2013 Orange CAF U20 Championship finalists are Benin, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, DR Congo and Algeria, the host country. The biannual tournament will take place between March 16 to 30 in Algeria.

Meanwhile, Flying Eagles coach, who incidentally led the team to a triumph in South Africa two years ago, John Obuh, has picked a final list of 21 players to fly the country’s flag at the 2013 African Youth Championship.

The Flying Eagles in a training session

The team comprises of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five strikers. Top of the list is skipper Abduljeleel Ajagun, who was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in South Africa on May 1, 2011. Also in the team is also FIFA U-17 World Cup silver medalists, Mohammed Goyi Aliyu, Aigbe Oliha, Edafe Egbedi and Olanrewaju Kayode.

The full list has Goalkeepers: Samuel Okani (Enyimba); Jonah Usman (ABS FC); Emmanuel Daniel (Rangers); Defenders: Aigbe Oliha (Esperance Sportive de Zarzis); Goyi Aliyu (Nigeria); Abdullahi Shehu (Kano Pillars); Chizoba Amaefule (Dolphins); Ikechukwu Okorie (Enyimba); Kingsley Madu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Abubakar Hassan (Wikki Tourists); Midfielders: Aminu Umar (Wikki Tourists); Abduljeleel Ajagun (Dolphins); Ovbokha Agboyi (Bayelsa United); Chidi Osuchukwu (Dolphins); Uche Agbo (Enyimba); Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars) Strikers: Bright Ejike (Heartland); Olanrewaju Kayode (Ansfed Utd, Turkey); Abdullahi Gero     (Rangers); Christian Pyagbara (Sharks) and Edafe Egbedi (AGF-Aarhus, Denmark).

Nigeria is in Group B with Mali, Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo. Host country, Algeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Egypt are in Group A.

Who will win the 2013 African Youth Championship, AYC? Only time will tell.

Another ‘Mba’ set to unseat Mikel?

The invitation of 24 home-based players to the camp of the Super Eagles by the 2013 AFCON-winning coach, Stephen Keshi is seen another opportunity for the players plying their trade in the country’s league.

African Cup of Nations, AFCON winning coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi last week invited 24 home-based players to camp of the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification in Calabar, Cross River state.

Chibuzor Okonkwo

The players picked mainly from the Nigeria Premier League, NPL are expected to form part of the squad that will take on the Harambee Stars of Kenya on March 23, 2013 at the U.J. Usuene stadium, Calabar.

AFCON winners: Sunday Mba, Godfrey Oboabona, Chigozie Agbim, Reuben Gabriel are some of the home-based players to contest for shirts in the Keshi's first game since the triumph in South Africa.

Keshi was quoted as saying: “I am expecting 24 home-based players in Abuja for camping to kick start our preparation for this month’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya which is a very crucial match.

“Most of the players that make up the 24-man list are those that have been in the team before. So I decided to recall them to see what they can do because as I said earlier, we are still rebuilding the team and we are going to give ‘new’ players the opportunity to show what they can do. We just want to see whether they will come out good.”

Keshi, who is bent on building a formidable team that can compete against any country in the world, said he can now boast of having a blend of young, competent and reliable players who can give everything for their country. “Yes, we have a team now. At least 80 per cent of what I want I have gotten.”

Action from the Nigerian league

Some of the invited players are: Goalkeepers - Chigozie Agbim, Rangers; Daniel Akpeyi, Heartland and Dele Ajiboye, 3SC. Defenders - Azubuike Egwueke, Warri Wolves; Papa Idrisse, Kano Pillars; Godfrey Oboabona, Sunshine Stars; Benjamin Francis, Heartland; Solomon Kwambe, Heartland; Chibuzor Okonkwo, Rangers; Ezekiel Bassey, Lobi Stars; Mohammed Zubaru, Niger Tornadoes and Umar Zango, Kano Pillars;

Midfielders & Forwards are: Reuben Gabriel, Kano Pillars; Gomo Ohanduku, Sharks; Mannir Ubale, Kano Pillars; Sunday Mba, Warri Wolves; Gambo Muhammed, Kano Pillars; Pius Samson, Ranchers Bees; Obinna Nwanchukwu, Heartland; Saka Ayo, Enyimba; Jiya Muhammed, Bayelsa FC; Emeka Ezeh, Rangers; Anthony Okputu, Lobi Stars and Adepoju Taofeek, 3SC

Soccer analysts see the invitation of the 24-man list as extending the olive branch to the players plying their trade in the country’s league.

They believe that this is an opportunity for players like Chibuzor Okonkwo, Papa Idrisse, Solomon Kwambe, Adepoju Taofeek including Dele Ajiboye to grab the national team shirts with both hands, having lace their boots for the different national teams on several occasions.

Dele Ajiboye, who shone like a million star in the Golden Eaglets and won the U-17 World Cup in South Korea, is expected to replicate that performance in the Super Eagles or furthermore, correct the feat he churned out in the U-23 team where he performed woefully.

Latest revelation, Sunday Mba

For Daniel Akpeyi, this is the time to prove to the world that his omission from the recent AFCON victory in South Africa was a mistake. He was denied the prospect of featuring for his first ever African Nations Cup despite the injury to first choice goalkeeper, Austin Ejide in a friendly match against Cape Verde. It is also left for him to see how he can grab the third position from his counterpart in the NPL, Chigozie Agbim.

Meanwhile, Stephen Keshi, was expected to release the list of foreign-based players on March 7, 2013 but the misunderstanding between the NFF and the coach stalled the release. Keshi was accused of releasing the list of home-based players without the approval of the NFF Technical Committee.

A member of the technical committee, Paul Bassey said in a radio interview that Keshi did not go through the process of submitting the list to them to go through the list.

It would be recalled that the list was released by Super Eagles media officer, Ben Alaiya instead of the NFF media officer, Ademola Olajire.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles currently top Group F of their World Cup qualifying group slated for Brazil with four points from two games. A 1-0 victory against Namibia in Calabar and another 1-1 draw against Malawi in Blantyre put the reigning African champions in pole position.

Super Eagles will also confront Mexico in a friendly match shortly after the Kenyan match. There are indications that most of the home-based players will be used to prosecute the friendly match to know who can fit in into the main team. It will be a platform for some of the home-based boys to further prove their abilities and grab shirts from their foreign counterparts.

The home-based players also have opportunity of featuring in the FIFA Confederations Cup in June where Nigeria will represent Africa as the continent’s reigning champion.

Nigeria will play Oceanian champions Tahiti, South American overlords Uruguay and World and European champions Spain at the Confederations Cup in Brazil in June.

The wrath of prostitutes

Prostitutes, in Orange Mararaba market in Karu local government area of Nasarawa, went on rampage and set the market ablaze because of the demolition of their chalets.

The market on fire

Mallam Musa Abdullahi, will never forget February 28, 2013; it was the day his shop was affected by the inferno in the popular Orange Mararaba market in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state.

Abdullahi who was wearing a long face when our correspondent visited refused to speak but his friend, who simply gave his name as Abubakar revealed that Abdullahi did not only lose his goods but the money he kept for the purchase of potatoes for that day.

For Mohammed Aliyu, it was the worst day of his entire life. He said he didn’t pick anything from his shop as the fire started right from his neighbour’s shop. He said efforts to put off the fire proved abortive because of the dry leaves and baskets usually used for packaging the tomatoes. He said he lost close to N2 million worth of goods including the money he made for that day.

Aliyu claimed that though he was able to savage some goods from his shop but hoodlums especially those pushing wheel-barrows, capitalize on the situation and went away with everything.

A resident in the area, Mrs Julie Efreme, said her husband’s shop, where he sells furniture and electronics was just one of the many shops burnt. She said that she and her husband were unaware that traders were supposed to remove their shanties in the market after the traders recently contributed money to get a two-month extension on the shanties.

“The shop was full to the brim and he was not able to bring out a single thing, everything got burnt,” she disclosed.

Problem started on that fateful day, when task force from the Nasarawa Urban Development Board, NUDB stormed the area and destroyed the shanties along the Abuja-Keffi road. Unfortunately for the traders in the market, the demolition affected the commercial sex workers’ improvised chalets in that area.

Mrs Glory, who also own a shop in the Orange market and witnessed the scenario, told our correspondent that the prostitutes who were not happy and suspected that the traders were behind their ordeal, ganged up and set the market ablaze.

The woman who sells food items and popularly called ‘Amaria’ said as soon as the prostitutes set the market ablaze, they took to their heels since their belongings have been destroyed by the task force.

Efforts by the Federal Fire Service to put off the fire proved abortive as the four tankers of water brought by the firemen were not enough. During a visit to the market, our correspondent discovered that smoke was still coming out of the fire.

Some prostitutes

Our source said it took the intervention of the Nigeria Mobile Police Force to stop looting in the market. According to her, the wheel barrow pushers capitalized on the situations to loot. They pretended to be helping the owners of the burnt shops to evacuate their goods and never return them to the owners.

Goods like yams, beans, rice, oranges, potatoes, banana, mangoes and others were burnt into ashes while some traders lost their money and other belongings in the inferno. Some people even had their lunch from the inferno, as they eat the yams burnt by the fire as roasted yam.

During a recent visit, carpenters were seen re-building the traders’ make-shift market hence there was no road into the market. Only few vehicles were seen offloading fruits in the market unlike what it used to be.

When our correspondent sought explanation from the Nasarawa Urban Development Board, NUDB on the inferno, they refused to speak but an officer who spoke on anonymity told our correspondent that they were aware of the inferno but they are not responsible for the outbreak at the Orange market.

He disclosed that they only carried out removal of shanties and slums along the Abuja-Keffi expressway to make the area more decent. It would be recalled that the Nasarawa Urban Development Board, NUDB removed shanties along the road from the boundary between the State and the Federal Capital Territory, Mararaba down to Keffi.

However, there are mixed feelings concerning the demolition, while some people see it as a good move, some condemned the actions. Those who believe the action of the NUDB was wrong claimed that many people lost their goods to the demolition. They claimed that the NUDB did not notify them before carrying out the demolition.

The remains of the fruits destroyed by fire

Those who believe that the demolition is in the best interest of the people argued that before the demolition, Mararaba especially around the pedestrian bridge was a notorious place. Some victims who narrated their ordeals to this magazine said their bags, handsets and other valuables were snatched by hoodlums in their numbers.

Somebody confided in this magazine recently that the hoodlums after snatching people’s valuables, direct the victims to go and bail it with the sum of N2,000 from their chairman. He disclosed that his sister is a victim and has collected her phone from the hoodlums. To compound the issue, the hoodlums are alleged to be enjoying the protection of the Police. In one of our publications, our correspondent traced the hoodlums to their hideouts, which incidentally is very close to the Mararaba Police station.

Meanwhile, before the inferno, traders and consumers have expressed concern over the poor sanitary condition of the markets. The Orange market is an eyesore considering the calibre of people that patronise the market. Apart from food and fruit dealers who bring their items from neighbouring states like Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger and other parts of the country, the market serves as the suppliers for most of the hotels in Abuja and federal government agencies, including the State House Catering section.

The road leading to the market is not motorable and there is no drainage system hence the dirty water from the market stinks and smells. To worsen the matter, some traders urinate and defecate around the market while some hoodlums smoke Indian hemps openly in the market. Epidemic can easily be spread because of the health condition in the market. Beggars with different degrees of diseases are also not left out of the party as they are seen at every corner begging for arms.

Some traders said they faced a lot of sanitary challenges, especially during the rainy season. Sule Mohammed, a carrot seller, underscored the need to evacuate refuse on a regular basis. Mrs Sarah Eze, a garri seller, urged the managers of the market to improve the sanitary condition of the market. She disclosed that access to the market and shops posed a serious challenge whenever it rained. 

Chairman of the Fruits and Vegetable Traders Association of the Orange market, Alhaji Baba Ibrahim, said they are collaborating with the Nasarawa Urban Development Board, NUDB to clean the market. “The association is working with the Nasarawa Urban Development Board to make sure the market is kept clean, because we find it difficult to attract high patronage during rainy season.”

We gathered from a reliable source that the Nasarawa state government has acquired a bigger land to relocate the Orange market against speculations that the market will be moved to the Karu International Market. Our source told our correspondent that it is one of the reasons why they are not considering any social amenities in the Orange market for now. He claimed that the area is a residential area and because of the filling station around there, they are considering moving the market elsewhere.

Ibrahim also attested to the claim that the market would soon be relocated to its permanent site covering about seven hectares. The temporary site of the Orange Market presently sits on about three to four hectares of land. Ibrahim however urged the state government to provide the market with facilities such water, access road, public toilet, motor parking lots, security, sanitation amongst others.

Meanwhile, during a visit to the Karu International Market recently, our correspondent discovered that the market is undergoing serious renovation work. At the point of entry, you will be welcomed by the bushy and unkempt grasses at the gate. The Administration Block which is supposed to serve as the management office as at the press time has no roof and door but reconstruction works are going on.

The motor parking lots are being graded. New buildings are being erected while others are already being painted. As at press time, the officials on site refused to comment as they directed our correspondent to the Nasarawa State Investment Promotion Office. The Karu International market is almost adjacent the Orange market.

Tussle over the new bride

The tussle by Warri Wolves FC and Enugu Rangers FC over the ownership of 2013 African Cup of Nations, AFCON hero Sunday Mba might not be unconnected with what they will benefit when the player put pen to paper for a foreign club.

Before now, Sunday Mba was just like any other player in the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, who was not reckon with. The player’s profile began to rise shortly after he was invited to the national team.

Mba, just like his other teammates in the NPL were fringe players. They only play when their foreign counterparts are not around. He was not even noticed in some of the friendly matches, as he was always used as a substitute rather, Gabriel Reuben was selected ahead of him.

Mba after scoring against Cote d'Ivoire

Luck shone on Mba when he was included in the 23-man list to prosecute the last African Cup of Nations, AFCON in South Africa. He was not featured in the first two matches because of the presence of Fengor Ogude, Nwankwo Obiora and Onazi Ogenyi. The injury to Ogude and below performance of Obiora paved the way for Mba.

Like a destined child, he shone like a million stars in his first outing. As if that was a fluke, he took the shine off Cote d’Ivoire’s highly rated Manchester City star, Yaya Toure and others in the midfield and also went ahead to grab one of the best goals in the tournament.

Mba finally cemented his place in the Super Eagles by featuring in the final of the AFCON against Burkina-Faso despite the return of Fengor Ogude. To crown all his efforts, he once again grabbed the only goal in the final match.

Sunday Mba immediately rose after his goal and performance against Cote d’Ivoire. Then two clubs in the NPL started a tussle over the ownership of the player. It took the intervention of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for the player not to be distracted in the AFCON because of the tussle.

Enugu Rangers Football Club claimed that Sunday Mba is their player. Warri Wolves Football Club is also insisting that Sunday Mba who is about to become a foreign player belongs to them. Enugu state Football Association chairman, Chidi Ofor Okenwa said Warri Wolves claim is false.

According to Okenwa, “We don’t have to start joining issues with Warri Wolves on who owns Sunday Mba. Any contractual agreement of a player is with the state FA, and that is Delta state F A. Like when Mba joined Rangers from Enyimba, he was duly registered in Enugu FA and his papers are still on my table.”

Rangers Media Officer, Foster Chime also chipped in on the argument. “Warri Wolves are crying wolf. We don’t have any business with them because Mba is a registered player of Rangers. He joined us from Enyimba, then we loaned him to Dolphin, who in turn loaned him to Warri Wolves without our consent.”

The National Assembly was not comfortable over the tussle hence the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, lamented on the ownership crisis that have trailed the Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba, and Chigozie Agbim.

Mba in the colour of Warri Wolves FC

During a summon of the League Management Committee, LMC, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and erstwhile chairman of Nigerian Premier League, NPL, Chief Victor Rumson Baribote by the Committee on Sports, Honourable Hakeem Abiodun Muniru, stressed that the management of the game deserves thorough examination.

A sport enthusiast, Olumide Akinyande argued that administration is a big problem in Nigerian football. He said that was why there was crisis over who owns Sunday Mba after the Africa Cup of Nations. “Warri Wolves are screaming, Rangers are screaming. Look at Chigozie Agbim, a goalkeeper who did not even feature in a match also became a subject of contention. We know the truth because we see ITC everywhere. These players want to showcase themselves but the leadership is not helping matters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mba was quoted as saying recently that, “We were four players that left Warri Wolves before the Nations Cup. Why is it that I am the only one they are bothering. The truth of the matter is that I have no contract with Wolves.”

The last club Mba played for before going to the Nations Cup, Warri Wolves are insisting that Sunday Mba, is still their player, after the midfielder argued that he was now contracted to Enugu Rangers.

Wolves said no transfer involving the player ever happened and ordered Mba to return to the club for training. “We don’t want to be exchanging words or be arguing about Sunday Mba. If he were a bonafide player of Rangers let them field him in a match and see if they would not be sanctioned,” the executive chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick said.

Chairman of Warri Wolves, Godwin Abigor was furious over the claim of Enugu Rangers on Sunday Mba, saying that he was scandalised by the club and the attitude of the midfielder. Abigor produced documents to authenticate his claim that Mba was still a Warri Wolves player.

Among the documents was a November 2, 2012 letter from Rangers requesting for the services of Sunday Mba, Chigozie Agbim and Lazarus Chukwu. Wolves were yet to release him as negotiation for any transfer, according to Abigor, had not taken place.

“In that letter, Rangers referred to Mba and the other two as Warri Wolves players and since transfer had not taken place why are Rangers now claiming that  Mba was theirs?” Abigor said.

He also produced the player’s license and contract showing that he was a Warri Wolves player.  Their petition to the League Management Board against the move of Rangers to sell Mba to European club even during the Nations Cup and the resolution of the league board on the matter were equally produced. Abigor then said the following:

“I pray for the career of Sunday Mba to blossom. He is a good player but he must watch his conduct and behaviour. It is difficult to succeed without discipline. Mba has exceptional talent but he must be honest and sincere in all he does. He must learn to respect contracts otherwise he may not be a successful professional. On the side of Rangers Football Club, I find their claim as irresponsible. The documents speak for us.”

Mba unveiled alongside with Chinedu in Enugu Rangers recently

Warri Wolves spokesman, Etu Moses, accused Mba of treachery, pointing out that the player presented himself as the club’s player, just to get money from Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Moses queried, “Why did he present himself as Warri Wolves player and collected additional N2.5m when the governor of Delta State rewarded Super Eagles players on February 14 with N2.5m each?

“He collected N5m because the governor doubled the reward for all the Warri Wolves players. He has one year remaining in his contract. The club expected Mba to resume in Warri on or before March 1, 2013.”

Chairman of Enugu Rangers, Festus Onu was reported to have rewarded Rangers players who were in the Nations Cup team. Each of the players received N300,000 each;  Mba and Chigozie Agbim were listed as recipients.

It would be recalled that the Interim Management Committee of the NPL ruled on February 13 that Mba was a Warri Wolves player as Rangers were yet to buy him.

As at press time, the two clubs – Rangers and Warri Wolves including Sunday Mba, were at the NFF secretariat in Abuja to sort out things.

Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick claimed that Bundelsiga outfit, Bayern Leverkusen and Dinamo Zagreb top the list of sixteen teams chasing the signature of the Super Eagles latest sensation Sunday Mba.

Pinnick told a Lagos-based radio station that the list of suitors for the two-goal AFCON hero was growing by the day and they will weigh all the offers coming their way before a decision is finally taken.

Pinnick further disclosed that in 2008, Mba was close to teaming up with Spanish lower league side Elche, but the deal collapsed after his local club then, Enugu Rangers, demanded too much money.

An observer, David Okon claimed that Pinnick’s revelation might be responsible for the tussle between Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers.

Former Ogun State Sports Commissioner, Bukola Olopade counseled that the matter be handled professionally, lest the outside world would laugh at our system.

Sunday Mba was born on November 28, 1988. He started his international career as a member of the Nigeria B team that won the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup. His father is the famous goalkeeper Sixten Mohlin.

He made his senior debut in the Eagles' 0-0 tie against Angola in January 2012 and scored a brace against Liberia in his next game. He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.