AFCON exit:Stephen Keshi on Fire

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: bbc.co.uk

Call him the 'BIG BOSS', he is Stephen Keshi - the out-of-favour,
out-of-contract and most controversial Nigerian Super Eagles Coach.

He is best Known for two major exploits- winning the African Cup of
Nations and and taking Nigeria's Team B to a third place at CHAN for
the first time in Nigeria's history. A  feat achieved only  by Clemens
Westerhof, whom many believed to be Nigeria's most prolific football
manager.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Beek, Gelderland, Westerhof took
Nigeria to African Cup of Nations glory in 1994 and qualified Nigeria
for the second round of the FIFA world Cup that same year. He also
worked in various football positions on the African Continent since
1989.

Undoubtedly, his sprit has reincarnated into Stepnen Keshi, the
Westerhof of our time.

However, those are past glories. A refined and complete man should
never live on past glories. Many have lashed out at Stephen Keshi
particularly after failing to qualify the defending champions for the
most prestigious football showpiece in the continent.

After taking Nigeria to an enduring Brazil 2014, Nigerians trust in
the Eagles handler suffered a big blow.

If there is something to know about football fans in Nigeria, then it
is nothing more than getting results. Nigerian  football fans are
pragmatists who believes in the dictum - "the end justifies the means".

They believe not just in theories but workable theories. Perhaps, it
is because Nigerians are no failures. Should they lash out at Keshi's
incompetency to qualify Nigeria for AFCON, it means  Keshi has proved
'a failure' in that regard.

While Keshi seems unperturbed  by these criticisms, Nigerians  never
mind expressing their dissapointments in him.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Shaibu Amodu has advised Keshi following
his shortfallings to stop begging for the job like a 'beggar'.

According to him:
"Stephen Keshi alone will decide if he has a reputation or not. If he
has a reputation he will walk out of the job, if he does not have, he
should stay like a beggar."

Similarly, Ex-Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has  rubbished Keshi's
ideology of escaping blames and "building-the- team-mentality".

“For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?,” Ikpeba who won the
African Player of the Year award in 1997 asked in a Vanguard
interview.

“He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue
building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he? His success in South
Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort.

“He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations
Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he
has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi
needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

“He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals
who criticize him.

"He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the
best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has
lost it,” Ikpeba said.

Among his greatest critics was a former Nigerian international and
Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Garbal Lawal. The list continues to
infinity. Has Keshi really lost it? Should he call time on his career
as the Super Eagles handler? What is  next for Stephen Keshi?...?

These are questions in search of answers. As the case may be, the
out-of-contract and out-of-favour coach should not only  reignite his
lost tactics should he continues as the Super Eagles manager but also
restore Nigerians trust and confidence he was once awashed with.

2015: Two-Horse Race, Two Parties

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: vanguardngr.com

After many have described the 2011 general elections as the best in
Nigeria's history, the countdown to 2015 poll continues as the stage
gets set for the make or mar presidential election.

 On radio, television, newspapers, magazines, internet... Its all about 2015.

This time around, it is a two way process involving two parties - INEC
and Nigerians, two major contenders - Buhari and Jonathan.

In any democratic setting, it is believed that the electorate wields
the highest power. In other words, power resides in the electorate.
The electorate are to determine who gets to power and the collective
future of a nation. Nigeria is not an exception. And the time is
now when we are expected to determine who wields Nigeria's
political power for the next four years. To achieve this, Nigerians
must vote right. Not votes inluenced by ethnicity, religion,
propaganda, bribery, political sentiments, stereotype and impunity of
any sort, but a vote from the heart which is motivated by
efficiency, charisma and goodwill of their preferred candidates.

On the other hand, the Inedependent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has a daunting task to execute if truly Nigeria would conduct a
credible election. The efficiency of INEC would again be put to test.

To do this the security agencies have to be on their foot. How would
the electorate vote willingly when there is anxiety and tension in the
air? Impossible!

From the foregoing, INEC and Nigerian security agencies must work hand
in hand to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming poll.

Furthermore, politicians must do away with the existing do-or-die
syndrome of our politicians. True legitimacy in democracy is never
obtained by force. To this end, there must be a violence free
atmosphere if we are to to conduct a free and fair election.

Speaking on this, the Chief  Press Secetary to the INEC Chairman, Mr.
Kayode Idowu said: "...politicians should ensure that 2015 elections are devoid of
violence. If they do, we are coasting home with the desired results.”

Nigeria has practised almost fifteen years of interrupted democracy
since the military-democracy transition in 1999 which brought Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo to power. Since then it has been democracy all the
way, and Nigerians hope to extend that come 2015.

The forthcoming election appears to be a two-horse race with General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and  President Goodluck
Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Road to Olympiastadion

...As Europe's elite clubs eye victory.

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: sportskeeda.com

As the Champions League gets to the round of 16, hopes and aspirations
of clubs are going though the roof to win the prestigious  European
elite league- The UEFA Champions League Cup.

At this stage of the competiton, war, rivalry, celebration, victory,
depression, defeats... are its hallmark. Real Madrid emerged winners
of the competiton last season after a  pulsating encounter with their
city rivals, Atletico Madrid, and look favourites this season after
ending this year with another World Club Cup.

As usual one would have tipped teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid,
Bayern Munich, among others to emerge possible winners. However, in
football, you can't take anything away from any team, anytime, anyday.

Lets  take a look at the Round of 16 draw and the toughest so far.

PSG vs Chelsea

Basel vs Porto

Schalke vs Real Madrid

Manchester City vs Bercelona

Juventus vs Dortmund

Bayern Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

Arsenal vs Monaco

From the pairing above, Manhester City-Barcelona and
Juventus-Dortmund  appears the toughest. Who shall be crowned
winners this season? The battle continues...
The round of 16 kicks off from 17-25 February, 2011.

Education: our hope, our future...

By James Ojo, UNN

Credit: myschoolgist.com

If there is anything worth fighting for, it could be nothing more than

education. Education is life. Education is everything. It is the
driving force of any development. Talk of humanity and development! Talk
of technology! Talk of freedom from oppression! Talk of equity - talk
education. It is basic, encompassing and a prerequisite to man's
mental and physical growth.

Men, women and government invest in education for the power it gives
them. Today, research powers are vested in the educated ones to find
lasting solutions to the various challenges and disasters facing man.

How come Nigeria's educational sector is falling down the pecking
order? Why do we have endless strikes in our institutions? Why
classes without roofs? Why do we have shortage of facilities in our
laboratories? Why and why...?

Nigeria flaunts many scholars that are celebrated home and abroad; but
our future seemed unclear with our pace towards improving education in
Nigeria. No Nigerian university can pen down her name in the league of  top
three best universities in Africa despite Nigeria being Africa's biggest
economy. We must improve or else we would be left behind!

Perhaps our problems lies in the grassroots. That reminds me of that
powerful biblical injunction, "If the foundation be destroyed, what
can a righteous man do?"  We must borrow a leaf from Lucky Dube's
hit track - "Back to my root"

It is a fact that most Nigerian primary schools cannot boast of competent
teachers, infrastructures and a whole lot of other factors which aid the
growth of education. The situation is even worst with the so-called
 "private school" cropping up like mushrooms.  Little  wonder why our
labour market is flooded with half-baked graduates.

In the recently released WASSCE Nov/Dec result, statistics shows
that out of the 246, 853 who sat for the examination, only 72,522
candidates, representing 29.37 percent, got credits in five subjects,
including Mathematics and English Language. This shows that about
70.63 percent of the candidates failed the exam.

On his part, the Head, National office, the West African Examinations
Council, Mr.Charles Eguridu, said there was an improvement when
compared with last year's  26.97 percent - averaging 80,135 candidates
who obtained five credits in five subjects including Mathematics and
English Language.

Improvement indeed! Success can never be hidden, because it is
worth celebrating. If what we call improvement is  mere 2.4 percent,
then we are still far from it.

What do we need at this point in time? We need education! Not just a
quasi and a dwimdled educational system but a functional, effective
and efficient educational system.

With hike in tuition fees, lack of competent teachers and
infrastructures in our schools, the Goodluck Jonathan's administration
must turn more attention to taking education in Nigeria to the next
level - a move that would evoke a turning point in Nigeria's quest for
development.

Why Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the right running mate for Buhari

By James Ojo, UNN

Considering the current turbulence of insecurity across the country which
many Nigerians linked to be a religious-cum-political crises; the
emergence of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for APC's presidential
candidates would have flagged off  an earthquake of reactions from
many Nigerians, especially the Christian counterparts.

Nigeria being a secular state where religion constitutes one of the
greatest factor for determining political offices, employment
opportunities, business transactions among other things - a bane to
our "one Nigeria" mentality; the nomination of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo  as
Buhari's running mate is a laudable development.

Firstly, his nomination ensured equal representation of the two
dominant religions in Nigeria. This would help curtail the frequent
religious crises in some parts of the country.

Also, his nomination would help foster mutual relationship between the
North and South which would bring about, growth and overall
transformation of Nigeria.

Describing Osinbajo, Buhari said,

"I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional,
a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow
countrymen and women.

“He is a professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus
of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a
prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil
procedure in Nigerian superior courts.

“The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged,
compassionate and zealous in service.

“A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot.
He is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who by the grace of God and the vote of
Nigerians, will be the next vice-president of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.”

Indeed, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the right man considering his wealth of
experiences as an advocate, commissioner and  as a man of God.

While pledging his committment to the development of Nigeria, Osinbajo
said: “The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully
committed. There can be no other President, Leader and commander that
can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than Gen.
Buhari.

“I will proudly serve this country with him. Gen. Buhari’s uprightness
and fierce commitment to good governance are well known. It will be a
privilege to work with him.

“I come to this assignment with a lot of hope and a resolve to be a
part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With
the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make
Nigeria work again.

“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in
millions of our youths and provide comfort and security for millions
of our countrymen and women.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was nominated ahead of River state Governor,
Rotimi Amaechi; Edo state's Adam Oshiomole; ex-Governor of Ekiti
State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi among others as Buhari's running mate to
challenge President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential seat come
2015 election.

WAR, RIVALRY

...As Ronaldo, Messi, Neuer battle for battle for Ballon d'Or.

By James Ojo

Credits: bbc.co.uk

Again, the rivalry in football continues between the two most
influential players in the world: Ronaldo and Messi, having being
shortlisted alongside Bayern Munich and German international
Goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, as the final three nominees for the FIFA
Ballon d'Or award of which the winner will be announced in January.

Ronaldo and Messi have won the prestigious award a total of seven
times, with Messi winning it four times on a spin while Portugal and
Real Madrid ace strike , Cristiano Ronaldo having bagged the award two
times, appears the favourite for this year's award after a
scintillating display this year for Real Madrid and Portugal.

However, Manuel Neuer could take the world stage by becoming the first
goal keeper to win the award after a prolific season at both his club
and country - winning the domestic double and the World cup.

Having battled with an early injury towards the start of the 2014-2015
season, four-times Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, has also regained
form, scoring many hat-tricks and also reaching the World Cup finals
in Brazil.

Many football pundits had however predicted that as ever, the duo will
go head-to-head for the prize and it is a particularly close contest
this year.

According to Goal's Brendon Netto "The duo are neck and neck in the
race for the Ballon d'Or and it promises to be a close finish".

However, former Real Madrid ace defender, Roberto Carlos has tipped
Ronaldo to win the award noting that "Ronaldo is more decisive than
Messi".

According to him, "Cristiano Ronaldo remains the best in the world and
Messi is doing what others have failed to".

He added that, "He (Messi) is breaking records, but Cristiano Ronaldo
is more decisive than him".

Indeed, it promises to be another make or mar showdown come January as
Ronaldo, Messi and Neuer battle for the most prestigious award in
football.

Back and Better

...As United return to winning ways.

By: James Ojo,UNN

After a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool, one of their fiercest
rivals in the Barclay's Premier League, Manchester United extended
their unbeaten run to six games, winning six matches on a spin after a
lacklustre Star of the 2014-2015 season.

Louis Vangaal's men came under fire after failing to impress their
fans on several occasions; considering the huge amount splashed in the
summer window.

However, their scintillating display in their last six games had
silenced every doubt that they are indeed back to winning ways.

Newstrack takes a look at their chances of winning the EPL title and
what the season has to offer.

Last season, Manchester City emerged winner of the prestigious title;
capitalizing on Liverpool's failure to take their chances of winning
the title.

Earlier this season, Jose Mourinho's rampant Chelsea had proved to be
the only strong contenders for the title with Manchester City, Arsenal
, Liverpool and Manchester United falling down the pecking order.

However, their unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
With Manchester City closing the gap on Chelsea to three points and
Manchester United regaining form, the 2014-2015 BPL promises to put up
many surprises as the battle for the title continues.