The Nigeria Under-23s are 45 minutes away from qualifying for the knock out round of the Rio 2016 Olympics as they presently lead Sweden in their second group game, thanks to a headed goal from Sadiq Umar.

Emmanuel Daniel: Had nothing to do in the first 20 minutes of the game, largely untroubled thanks to some wayward finishing and the laid back style of the Swede….7/10

Shehu Abdullahi: Sat back without giving his team an outlet in attack even though the Swede were not attacking via his flank, should join the attack more in the second half….6/10

Stanley Amuzie: Very good going forward and provided the assist for Umar, but very poor in performing his primary role which is to defend for the team, allowed too many crosses from his flank….6/10

Sincere Seth: Remained suspect all through the first half with poor decision making and timing of balls across the backline, although can be forgiven as he is naturally a right full back not a centre back….4/10

William Troost Ekong: All over the place with his movement but solid in duels and tackles, yet to really make his mark in the game, was lucky to end the half without a booking….4/10

Azubuike Okechukwu: Another tireless performance from the hardworking midfielder, covered more grounds than any other midfielder in green in the first 45 minutes….6/10

Mikel Obi: The captain and leader of the Nigerian team was quick in turning defense into attack, tried as much as he can to play the runners ahead of him, came close to scoring, not a bad 45 minutes….6.5/10

Usman Mohammed: Largely anonymous, but helped the team keep possession with nice and easy touches, linked up well with Mikel and Okechukwu….6/10

Imoh Ezekiel: Full of energy and running, his direct running unsettled the backline of the Swede, always available for a pass….6.5/10

Ogenekaro Etebo: Was his usual self, full of invention and adept at getting into goal scoring positions, had two attempts on target but should have converted at least one especially when Ezekiel teed him up going by his standard….6.5/10

Sadiq Umar: Big, strong, and full of running, the lanky forward got the goal his performance deserved with a well placed header from an inch perfect cross from Amuzie….8/10

According to various reports in Turkey and the Netherlands, Nigerian defender Kenneth Otigba is close to finalising a switch to Turkish side Kasimpasa, as a replacement for Kenneth Omeruo who returned back to Chelsea following the expiration of his loan deal.

Kasimpasa are searching for defensive cover following Omeruo’s return to Chelsea and 23 year old Otigba who has represented Hungary at youth level, but now wants to play for Nigeria at senior level appears to be their choice.

Already reports has it that he is in Turkey for medicals with a team most likely Kasimpasa, where he will be looking to add to his professional tally of 88 top flight games, all achieved while playing for Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie.

As exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com months ago, the hard tackling defender as opposed to seasons past was told he can leave by Dutch side Heerenveen, if any offer that meets the club valuation is tabled.

It appears Kasimpasa will be his most likely destination despite been heavily linked with a move to another Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Chelsea players were eager to know about Ogenekaro Etebo, after his four goals for Nigeria in their opening game at the Rio 2016 Olympics against Japan, according to captain of the Nigerian side Mikel John Obi.

CD Feirense of Portugal forward Etebo, stole the headline in Nigeria’s 5-4 win over Japan scoring four times in the nine goal thriller from just five shots on target,and it has brought the abilities of the former Warri Wolves ace to the world.

” I spoke with some of my teammates and about three of them wanted to know about Etebo, He has done himself a whole lot of good but that is just one game, I strongly believe he can do more” Mikel said in the pre match conference ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Sweden.

Nigeria will later today take on Sweden looking for a second victory which will seal their qualification for the round of 16 with a game to spare.

According to a mail received by the editor of Owngoalnigeria.com, Arsenal Nigerian international Alex Iwobi is angry over reports that he told Viking’s Usman Sale, that his food was tampered with in Nigeria which caused the food poisoning he suffered while on international duty with Nigeria.

The mail signed by Super Eagles team co-ordinator Dayo Enebi, quoted Chuka Iwobi, the father of the teen star as saying the report is baseless and lacking in substance.

“I am totally shocked and disappointed by this story and called Alex immediately in Sweden where he is doing pre season, He made it clear to me that he did not say anything about his food being poisoned to the Nigerian Vikings player” Chuka angrily said.

“Alex in his words said, we only swapped jersey took pictures and he said he is Nigerian, we didn’t talk anything about food.

“This is total mischief making and I do not know the source, I am totally angry with this, I was in Nigeria at the time when Alex had the stomach upset and Alex told me in Nigeria that he reacted to something he ate and he made no allegation of foul play”.

The Nigeria Under-17 team are presently facing the prospect of missing out on next year Africa Under-17 Championship, after a slim 1-0 win over Niger Republic in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers.

Nigeria started on the front foot mounting pressure on the visitors, with top striker Nazifi Yahaya wasting a two good chances to put the Nigerians ahead in the opening ten minutes.

Yahaya later turned provider for Oluwatobi Ola in the 15th minute to score what ended up as the only goal of the game, no thanks to the wasteful nature of the Manu Garba lead Eaglets.

The reverse tie will be played in a fortnight in Niger with Nigeria having the difficult task of protecting their slim win in the first leg.

Highly rated Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria, has expressed his unhappiness at the unfortunate injury that has put a halt to his participation in the team tour of America.

Ejaria has been hailed by manager Jurgen Klopp for his performances in the games he has played for the team in pre season, but he will no longer feature in their tour after suffering an injury setback.

He reportedly picked up a knock in their game against Chelsea, which ruled him out of their 3-1 win over AC Milan, but on his return to training he suffered an injury that will require a lengthy spell on the touchline.

18 year old Ejaria, due to a groin injury will spend a couple of weeks on the sideline, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of Liverpool on-pitch tour activities.

The 2013 Nigeria Under-17s trainee, posted his eagerness to get back to the pitch of play with a tweet on his official twitter handle that reads “Can’t Wait to be back fit soon”

Arsenal Nigerian teen star Alex Iwobi has a new nickname after scoring twice in their 8-0 demolition of Viking of Norway in a pre season game.

Iwobi,scored in the 71st and 81st minute to add to goals from fellow Nigerian Chuba Akpom,Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell who also scored a brace in a game in which the host also scored an own goal.

His brace revealed his new nickname which was made public by the official twitter handle of the Gunners, with reference to his new jersey number 17.

He switched to jersey number 17 from the number 45 he wore last season, and it appears the number change has earned him a new nickname “BIG17”.

#Big17 was severally used by the official twitter account of Arsenal in describing his goals and impact in the game, and the forward also joined in the frenzy by posting #Big17 Off Safety shortly after the game.

Former Tottenham Hotspur trainee Musa Yahaya, scored his first goal for his new team FC Porto to help the B team beat Moreirense 2-1 in a pre season tie.

Yahaya, signed from Portimonense who bought him from Spurs after a very productive loan spell with the Portuguese second division side scored the opener for the B team.

He will spend time with the B team who are the Champions of the Portuguese second division and base on his form he could play for the first team before the end of the season.

19 year old Yahaya is not the only Nigerian with the B team, with fellow Mutunchi Academy graduate Moses John, also expected to feature heavily with the B team following his summer transfer.

They could also be joined by Chidera Ezeh who was last season promoted from the Under-18s to the B team due to his fine performances, and could have joined the first team in training this summer were it not for a shoulder surgery.

In total, FC Porto have six Nigerians on their books namely, Chidozie Awaziem,Mikel Agu,Fidelis Irhene,Musa Yahaya,Chidera Eze and Moses John.

The number will definitely swell up before the end of the year when Samuel Chukwueze completes his transfer to the Estadio Dragao.

Following confirmation from Arsenal that their latest signing Kelechi Nwakali will go out on loan, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively report that the 18 year old has been offered to Dutch giants Ajax.

Nwakali was officially announced as an Arsenal player yesterday, and the Gunners in their welcome note, made it clear that he will most likely head out on loan to gain first team experience.

Arsenal have strong connections with the Dutch side and latest information suggest ex Arsenal and Ajax star Kanu Nwankwo, who was influential in Nwakali’s transfer to Arsenal has alerted Ajax of his availability.

However , the Dutch giants who will be campaigning in the UEFA Champions league are yet to respond to Arsenal on the proposed loan deal, they are still strong signal, that the MVP of last Under-17 World Cup will end up in Holland.

Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that, if the move to Ajax fails to materialise, he could still head to another Dutch team who are reportedly keen on his services.

Although he could still remain at Arsenal with their Reserve side, where he will train with the first team intermittently, and most probably play in some cup games until January, or even beyond if his work permit application is approved by the Home Office