Following the successful capture of Chuba Akpom, Ola Aina, Ebere Eze and Josh Maja, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has set it’s sight on snaring more players from the English youth set up eligible for Nigeria at senior level.

Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal that five Anglo Nigerian players have been approached by the NFF, with discussions set to be at an advanced stage.

Millwall’s highly rated midfielder Fred Onyedinma has given his words to officials of the NFF about his commitment to the Super Eagles and only missed training with the team due to Club engagement as he played in his team 0-1 loss to Swindon on Saturday.

On loan Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham was not involved in the training session as the Bristol City man is yet to reach full fitness after returning from an injury that kept him out for close to a month.

Everton’s Ademola Lookman is yet to decide on his international future, but a staff of the NFF revealed to Owngoalnigeria.com that Lookman will most likely switch to Nigeria after the European U-21 tournament later in the year.

Also on the NFF list is Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dominic Iorfa Jnr who met with coach Gernot Rohr during his visit to see Carl Ikeme, and gave his words to the German coach of the Nigerian team that he will team up with Nigeria in the summer.

20 year old Charlton Athletic midfielder Joe Aribo who moved to the League one side from Staines Town in 2015 has also had contact with the NFF, and Owngoalnigeria.com can report that he has made himself available if called up by the handlers of the Nigerian team.

*Michael James writes in from London

The Super Eagles of Nigeria proposed friendly game against Burkina Faso earlier planned for Monday in London won’t be taking place due to issues surrounding FIFA regulations on travelling distance for friendly games.

FIFA rules states that matches across two continents can only be played after a four days interval, and Burkina Faso were in action against Morocco in Marrakesh on Friday.

Burkina Faso were beaten 2-0 by the Moroccans, a day after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Senegal at The Hive, but the tie fell short of FIFA regulations on time interval for friendly games across two continents.

The earliest they would have taken on Nigeria should have been Wednesday, but organisers of the Friendly game fixed the game for Monday to allow European based players return to their respective teams on time for weekend games.

Already players of the Super Eagles who are yet to arrive London have been informed about the development, although the NFF are making alternate plans to see if a game can be organised with a local team in London.

*Michael James reporting from London

Watford of England forward Isacc Success debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria has got a lot of people talking especially the way his introduction changed the game in Nigeria’s favour.

Success was introduced for Alex Iwobi who struggled to make an impact in the game and the 21 year old made a very good impression in his first senior game for Nigeria.

The game against Senegal which ended 1-1 will best be remembered for the players who got the goals for their respective sides in Moussa Sow and Kelechi Iheanacho, but Nigeria struggled to get going until the introduction of Success.

Stationed on the right of Nigeria’s attack for majority of the game, he initially took a role behind main striker and former U-20 mate Kelechi Iheanacho in attack before moving to the right.

Up against Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Success was able to breeze past the left back with ease using a combination of of pace, skill and directness to settle the full back.

His physicality, style of play and decision making were all spot on yesterday as he blazed through in an unstoppable manner, without breaking stride he went pass his makers and picked his passes with ease.

Overall his introduction lifted Nigeria in the end even though Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho got the decisive goal in the 1-1 draw decided at The Hive.

*Daniel Martins

Newly invited Super Eagles forward Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee has shared his thoughts on being part of the senior Nigeria national team.

Bazee is presently with the Nigerian team, but failed to play in yesterday’s friendly game against Senegal which ended 1-1 due to fitness issues, as he has failed to take part in training since arriving the London camp of the team.

The Hannover 96 forward opt to play for Nigeria ahead of Germany after a chat with coach Gernot Rohr, and the 20 year old is loving every moment with the Super Eagles.

Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, he took to his official instagram account to post his delight about teaming up with the Super Eagles.

See Post:

*Prince Michael

Reports reaching Owngoalnigeria.com editorial desk has it that English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion were at the game between Nigeria and Senegal which ended 1-1 at The Hive.

The game which had lot of English Premier League stars on display also had in attendance West Brom Sporting and Technical Director Nicky Hammond, who was there to run the rule on Gent forward Moses.

Birmingham Mail reports that West Brom first watched the wideman during their Europa League Round of 32 clash against Tottenham Hotspur which they won 3-2 on aggregate.

Last night Hammond was at The Hive once again to keep tabs on the 21 year old, who played for an hour before making way for Oghenekaro Etebo with Nigeria one goal down.

Simon has been heavily tipped to depart Gent next summer with England his likely destination following interest from some teams in the top division of English football.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday maintained their unbeaten run under coach Gernot Rohr by forcing the Teranga Lions of Senegal to a 1-1 draw in a friendly game played in London yesterday.

Owngoalnigeria.com Michael James who watched the game live on behalf of this football portal gives his ratings on the performances of the Super Eagles players at The Hive Stadium.

Daniel Akpeyi – Could and should have done better in dealing with the corner kick which lead to the only goal scored by the Senegalese. Made some routine saves but looks unconvincing when it comes to reading corner kicks….. 6/10

Kenneth Omeruo – Preferred ahead of newly invited Tyroone Ebuehi to start at right back, and the on loan Chelsea man didn’t disappoint despite playing out of position. He was very solid in defending but added nothing in terms of joining the attack even when he had the chance…..6.5/10
Elderson Echiejile – Solid display, his best performance in a Super Eagles shirt for a while. Picked up a booking for a needful foul in the second half as Senegal threatened on the counter. One major flaw was his failure to join the attack owing to his abilities to whip in crosses…..7/10
Leon Balogun – Command in Chief of the Eagles backline. Continued his “Oyibo Wall” partnership with William Troost Ekong at the heart of Nigeria defence,can partly be blamed for Moussa Sow’s goal. However the Mainz 05 man brings about calm, assuredness and organisation to the Eagles defence…..7/10.

William Troost Ekong – Very solid in duels, especially aerial battles although he looks unconvincing with the ball at his feet. Grew into the game in the second half and his physical edge helped him in putting Senegal’s front men in check…..7.5/10

Ogenyi Onazi – The stand in captain lasted just 25 minutes, no thanks to a knee kick to his back which lead to his substitution. For the period he was on, he displayed a willingness to get stuck in and didn’t shy away from physical duels…..4/10

Wilfred Ndidi (Man of The Match)- His touches ooze class, very solid in defending and quick in turning defence into attack, provoked memories of former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh with the way he marshaled the midfield. Ndidi’s passing range has also improved beyond imagination in such a short time. Head and shoulders above every player on the pitch last night…..9/10

Alex Iwobi – Had a game to forget for Nigeria as he was guilty of giving away possession cheaply, and struggled to cope with the physical nature of the game. Was rightly substituted by coach Gernot Rohr in the second half…..5.5/10

Moses Simon – Came to live late into the first half when Nigeria dominated the game, did a whole lot of job defensively for his team, and troubled Senegal with his pace and dribbling abilities. Overall didn’t do too badly but can obviously do better…..7/10

Ahmed Musa – Kept aside all the drama that saw him relinquish his role as deputy captain of the team before the game, to deliver a very solid performance on the right for Nigeria. Used his pace to good effect at both ends of the pitch but finally ball often let him down. Substituted after picking a knock….. 7/10

Kelechi Iheanacho – Tucked the penalty that leveled scores for Nigeria with a shrug, guilty of denying Nigeria a clear chance to win the game when he opt to shoot where a pass would have seen Isacc Success tuck the ball into an empty net late into time added on. Showed quick feet to win the penalty which he converted and his deliveries from free kicks was another angle which caught the eyes…..7.5/10

Substitutes:

John Ogu – Big man, who thrives and loves aerial duels, helped Nigeria gained momentum following his introduction for the injured Onazi after 25 minutes. Combined nicely with Ndidi in the midfield, and shielded the defence from pressure. Ogu had his best game in a while for the Eagles, he looks very fit and mobile for his height and big frame…..8/10

Oghenekaro Etebo – Had Nigeria’s first attempt on target, loves to shoot and wants to always get on the ball. His introduction added pace and urgency to the attack of Nigeria which helped Iheanacho to drag Senegal defenders out of position with his runs behind the defence…..6.5/10

Olarenwaju Kayode – Brought in Pace, strength and determination to help out in defence and attack. Wasted a glorious header from ten yards to score, still did enough to earn a rating higher than average….. 6/10

Isaac Success – Beaten to the man of the match award by Wifred Ndidi by just a fraction. The Watford man showed he has what it takes to be a regular in this team. He went past Sengalese defenders with his mesmerising step overs, power and pace. Gave Kalidou Koulibaly a lot to worry about with his forays from the right. If only he can stay fit he will definitely be a regular in this team…..8.5/10

*Michael James reporting from London

Arsenal Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has defended under fire manager Arsene Wenger and has urged the club fans to show respect to the coach despite a string of poor results.

Wenger has been under lot of pressure with most fans calling for the manager to leave at the end of the season when his contract runs out, but Iwobi insist Wenger is a great man and labeled the fans calling for his departure “impatient”.

The Nigerian who played for the Super Eagles in yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Senegal made this known during a chat with Sportsmail after the friendly game at The Hive Stadium in London.

” They need to have a bit more respect in my opinion. I mean, he’s been at the club for 20 years, he’s achieved a lot, obviously they’re a bit impatient with the results and where they want to finish”, Iwobi said.

” We also want to finish there, we want to win the league like anyone else, I can guarantee we are trying our hardest”.

*Osas Mahawi

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has revealed the reason why the friendly game which ended 1-1 against Senegal was played.

Kelechi Iheanacho 81st minute penalty kick cancelled out Moussa’s Sow 53rd minute strike for the Senegalese as the West African brother shared the spoils in London.

Speaking at the post match conference , the German coach of the Super Eagles who is yet to taste defeat as coach of the team, cited the upcoming World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Cameroon as part of the reasons why the game was organised.

Nigeria will take on Cameroon in back to back World Cup 2018 qualifiers in September with the Eagles currently four points ahead of the Indomitable Lions in Group B.

” We chose Senegal to prepare us for a physical Cameroon. We don’t have the power of Senegal but we are learning and getting there”, Rohr said.

*Michael James reporting from London