A member of the Nigeria Under-23s, who are schedule to leave their camp in the United States of America for Brazil later today for the Rio 2016 Olympics has hailed the influence of Chelsea star John Obi Mikel in the team.

Picked as one of the over age player in Nigeria’s Olympic team, the 29 year old was recently named the captain of the Nigeria Under-23s in addition to his role as captain of the entire Nigerian contingent to the Olympics.

Sadiq Umar in a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, revealed the second longest serving Chelsea player who is also the captain of the Super Eagles has been more than a captain to the team as he has been impacting positively on their confidence level.

” I never thought I will be this close to someone like Mikel in such a short time. The closest have gotten to him before now was watching him play live” Sadiq Umar told Owngoalnigeria.com.

” Mikel is a role model, I can’t help but hail how he has taken us all like his younger brothers, he is always wanting to know how we faring, if one is hit, he checks on you, he is humble to a fault.

“He has in more ways than one lift our spirit as a team, he has impacted on our lives positively, the energy he puts into training, the commitment, the drive and the passion has really increased our confidence”

Germany youth International Emmanuel Iyoha says the political instability in the running of football in Nigeria made him snub the West Africa Nation for Germany, the land of his birth despite his father hailing from Nigeria.

18 year old Iyoha who plays for German second division side Fortuna Dusseldorf featured for Germany at the recently concluded European Under-19 tournament, making one appearance in the six goal thriller against Netherlands, which they later won 5-4 on penalties.

Speaking to Bild in an interview on why he opt to play for Germany instead of Nigeria, the striker who made five appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German second division last season revealed, instability in Nigeria football played a big part in his decision making.

“I’m a real native of Dusseldorf, as I was born here, although my father is from Nigeria, my mother is a German but I feel German in every way, I presently play for the U19 and am happy because Germany is just right for me, Nigeria is a political unstable country”.

True to the words of the talented teen, the instability in the leadership of Nigeria Football is well documented, especially in the last two years, with two different factions claiming to be in charge of the running of football in the country.

Although FIFA President, Gianni Infantino confirmed the Amaju Pinnick lead board as the recognised body in charge of football, Chris Giwa is still insisting he has the right to occupy the office of the president of Nigeria Football Federation.

The chances of Nigeria capping highly rated 1860 Munich teen prospect Felix Uduokhai, ahead of Germany has taken a hit with the defender now a main stay with the Under-19s of the World Champions.

The Nigeria Football Federation has been involved in talks with parents of players eligible for Nigeria, who are based abroad and has succeeded in luring Arsenal teen star Alex Iwobi from England.

However, any move for Uduokhai to switch allegiance to the West African Nation was laid to rest when his fine performances for the U-18 of 1860 Munich earned him a call up to the German Under-19s.

He made his debut in November and with reports of an extended role in the first team of the second division team next season, he could make the step up to the German Under-21s, before the end of the year.

In January, the 18 year old snubbed an offer from Bayern Munich to sign professional terms with 1860 Munich. The team he has been with since he was 8 year old, with 50 appearances to his name for the various youth ranks of the team.

Suleiman Abdullahi whirlwind start to his career in Germany with Eintracht Braunschweig has taken a big hit, with the forward set to be out for a while following an injury picked up in the pre season game against Bastia.

Signed from Viking of Norway, this summer he has taken to life in his new surrounding without breaking a sweat, scoring goals for fun in their pre season games, leading to suggestions he could be the star of the promotion seeking second division side.

19 year old Abdullahi, scored in their 4-1 thrashing of Bastia but suffered a tear in the lateral meniscus of his right knee, and will reportedly undergo surgery following tests on Saturday.

The length of how long he will be out is yet to be disclosed but a confirmation of the severity of the injury was made known by Sports Director Marc Arnold.

“Of course, it is more tragic that Abdullahi is unfortunately injured after a very successful pre season and rapid integration into the team”.

The family of Chelsea legend Celestine Babayaro were thrown into mourning last night, following the death of the mother of the former Super Eagles left full back.

The 1993 U-17 World Cup winner spent 8 years at Chelsea before leaving to Newcastle United, two years before ending his career ,no thanks to a niggling knee injury.

Mrs Esther Iroka died yesterday after a brief illness, much to the shock of most of the family members as she was thought to be recovering steadily.

Celestine Babayaro is presently not in Nigeria, and the fact that most of his siblings reside abroad could lead to delays in announcing burial plans for Mrs Esther.

Chairman of Kaduna United Emmanuel Babayaro, who is the elder brother to the former Anderlecht,Chelsea and Newcastle United defender confirmed the unfortunate incident to Owngoalnigeria.com.

“Yes, she died last night in our hometown in Owerri,Imo State. She has been ill for a while, we give God the glory for her life, that was well spent on earth, when we converge as a family, we will give out date and burial arrangement”

Flying Eagles of Nigeria defender Samuel Opeh has started trials with Serie B side Perugia, as exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com one month ago.

The Ace Academy central defender missed out on selection to the U-17 world cup in 2015, before earning a recall to the Under-20s at the start of camping for the Africa Youth Championship Qualifiers.

Opeh arrived Italy last week and the club has started running the rule over the 18 year old who was with the Nigeria Under-20s in camp, until they failed to qualify for the Africa Youth Championship after losing 3-4 to Sudan.

He is expected to spend two weeks with the Serie B side, before a decision will be reached regarding his possible signing by the team where Christian Obodo made his name.

*Daniel Martins