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Qatar 2022: Imo State CAN Chairman berates Pinnick for Super Eagles downfall, says he prides himself above the job

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, Rev. Divine Eches has berated the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for Super Eagles failure to secure the ticket to the FIFA world cup in Qatar.

Rev. Eches, who is also a former Nations Cup winning chaplain with the Super Eagles in South Africa 2013, stated this following the poor outing against Ghana who held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw to qualify on the away goal rule.

He decried the self-centred leadership misdemeanor of Pinnick that led to the team’s downfall, noting that he prides himself above the job.

The chaplain added that previous NFF leadership had seek for his Spiritual opinion which led to tremendous success, but Pinnick failed to recognise all these which has led to damages of the Nigeria football fraternity.

He said: “The reason for our inability to qualify can be traced to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, especially the President, Amaju Pinnick.

“He is a young man that is doing well as a person and he prides himself with his personal sucess, gains, contacts, wealth, connections and ability to meander to work through CAF and FIFA.

“But these successes of his is now robbing off on the very foundation that gave rise to all these his success and this directly got into his head that he seemed as the overall and that is why he cannot listen to advise.

“He wants to do whatever that is in his head and mind at all times. I know few times, I’ve reached out to him to see what we can do to provide Spiritual assistance to the team.

“One, during the World Cup in Russia, I wanted to help in my little way before they used to invite me during the time of Lulu, Uchegbulam, Maigari where all humble enough to look for probably assistance from all angle to ensure that all hands are on deck at least qualification for world cup and others.

“He is fool of himself that when you are making suggestions to him, he sees them as trash. Like yesterday, I saw terrible things about the match and what it will cost us like I did in our matches in South Africa where the NFF and Late Stephen Keshi insisted I must be around to assist the nation which I did without looking for monetary gain and the result is their for all .

He informed Wakawaka Sports Extra,
That he reached out to the Lulu led board when things where bad towards our qualifications for the world cup in Brazil and I know what we did then with the board, I reached out to Pinnick if I can speak with you. He said he was very busy.

“He has caused damage in the nation, our reputation in football is gone by this singular non qualification. These calamity would have been avoided if only he had listened to me.

“Football is supplying unity and happiness and can’t be allowed in the hands of one man whose success has taken over his head.”

Nigerian fans invade MKO Abiola Stadium & destroy properties after missing out of World Cup to Ghana

The Super Eagles failed to defeat the Black Stars for a place in the upcoming Fifa World Cup to be staged in Qatar and the supporters acted angrily

Nigerian fans could not believe their eyes after missing out of 2022 Fifa World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

The Super Eagles shared the spoils 1-1 against Nigeria in MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja to book their place in the 2022 Fifa World Cup to be hosted by Qatar in November.

After the game, the supporters invaded the pitch to destroy a lot of properties, putting several lives in danger.

WATCH HOW THE SUPPORTERS STORMED THE PITCH

Thomas Partey shot Ghana into the lead by the tenth minute with a low drive to stun the over 60,000 spectators at the stadium.

However, Nigeria pulled even by the 23rd minute through a penalty after Ademola Lookman was adjudged to have been brought down by Denis Odoi.

William Throng Ekong stepped up to send goalkeeper Joojo Wollacott to the wrong side.

Felix Afena-Gyan came close to fire the Black Stars ahead but his shot was blocked.

Victor Osinhem tormented the Ghanaian defenders but despite coming close on numerous occasions, his last ditch efforts were always wide.

On 89th minute, substitute Osman Bukari was played through and with the winger having only the goalkeeper to beat, he shot wide.

With the first leg ending in a goalless, Ghana have booked their place in the World Cup.

Nigeria 1-1 Ghana: Partey’s goal sends Black Stars to 2022 Fifa World Cup

The Black Stars shocked their neighbours to book their place in the upcoming Fifa World Cup to be staged in Qatar

Ghana shared the spoils 1-1 against Nigeria in Abuja to book their place in the 2022 Fifa World Cup to be hosted by Qatar in November.

Thomas Partey shot Ghana into the lead by the tenth minute with a low drive to stun the over 60,000 spectators at the stadium.

However, Nigeria pulled even by the 23rd minute through a penalty after Ademola Lookman was adjudged to have been brought down by Denis Odoi.

William Throng Ekong stepped up to send goalkeeper Joojo Wollacott to the wrong side.

Felix Afena-Gyan came close to fire the Black Stars ahead but his shot was blocked.

Victor Osinhem tormented the Ghanaian defenders but despite coming close on numerous occasions, his last ditch efforts were always wide.

On 89th minute, substitute Osman Bukari was played through and with the winger having only the goalkeeper to beat, he shot wide.

With the first leg ending in a goalless, Ghana have booked their place in the World Cup.

Jose Mourinho excited by Afena-Gyan’s performance against Nigeria; tells him what to do in Abuja

The renowned manager was excited with how the teenager played in his debut game for Ghana and has shed light on weaknesses he needs to improve

A.S Roma coach Jose Mourinho has lauded the performance of young striker Felix Afena-Gyan following his debut performance for Ghana last Friday.

The 19-year-old was surprisingly given a starting role on his debut as Ghana battles Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Although, Afena-Gyan lasted 82 minutes and could not hit the back of the net on his debut, his general performance was quite impressive.

He had 25 touches in the game, completed nine passes of which 82 per cent were successful and also made one key pass.

Moreover, he won four ground duels out of eight but lost the only aerial duel he went in for and was fouled four times.

“Jose Mourinho watched the game and he was excited with Afena-Gyan’s performance,” a source close to the player told AshesGyamera.com in an interview.

Black Stars last training in Abuja

“This because his rise and growth have been quick and Gyan seems to be on the right track. He spoke with him and highlighted what he did right in the game in Kumasi. Everyone at Roma was excited because such games will help Gyan to mature into a player they want for the future.”

Black Stars players sing Birthday song in plane for Yaw Yeboah

However, Mourinho was not happy Afena-Gyan failed to make a single shot (off and on target) throughout the game and also lost possession ten times to the Nigerians.

“He also spoke to him about creating spaces and chances as a striker. Obviously, he wasn’t happy that Gyan played 82 minutes without having a single shot on target but advised him on what to do.

“Sometimes, your team’s tactics and formations determine your output but we believe he will listen and work on his coach’s observations as well as everyone around the Black Stars in Abuja on Tuesday,” the source added.

Ghana only need to avoid defeat against Nigeria to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

Black Stars players celebrate birthday of Yeboah in a plane to face Nigeria

The midfielder had a wonderful treat in the flight from Ghana to Nigeria as the Black Stars head into the second leg of Fifa World Cup playoffs

Ghana midfielder Yaw Yeboah who plies his trade with Columbus Crew in the MLS celebrated his birthday while in a flight with his national team mates for the World Cup playoffs second leg against Nigeria in Abuja.He turned 25 years and his teammates sang for him while the Ghana’s plane from Kumasi to Abuja landed.

Yaw Yeboah celebrates birthday in flight ✈️

Ghana head into the game to will face Nigeria at the MKO Stadium with a goalless draw advantage from the first leg played last week in Kumasi.

Nana Yaw Amponsah explains why Kotoko & Hearts want Black Stars to beat Nigeria to qualify to World Cup

The Porcupine Warriors boss believes it will be in the best interest of the clubs in Ghana should Black Stars make it to the global competition

Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah has reiterated that Ghanaians should rally behind Black Stars since qualification to Fifa World Cup will have a positive impact on Ghanaian clubs.

According to the one-time Ghana FA presidential candidate, whenever Ghana qualify to play at the Fifa World Cup, it even improves the prices of Ghanaian players and open doors of many opportunities to people involved in the football industry.

The Black Stars go into the second leg with a slim advantage after sharing the spoils goalless with Nigeria at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

As a result, the Black Stars must avoid defeat to stand a realistic chance to make it to Qatar.

“When Ghana qualify and do well at the world cup, it affects the price of Ghanaian players. It affects the value of Ghanaian players of which Kotoko [and Hearts] players are part,” Amponsah said in an interview with the club’s media.

“And so I know how you feel but I can say to you that I also know that you’re patriotic Ghanaians and so in our small ways we should pray for the team and support the team.

“This is because it is Ghana we are supporting and we can’t support any other country. Unfortunately, it is not our choice to be born here but we are lucky to be born here and to be part of this peaceful loving country.

Listen To Nana Yaw Amponsah

The Black Stars contingent left Kumasi on Monday with a chartered flight to Abuja, Nigeria for the game scheduled for Tuesday.

Kotoko brush aside Rainbow SC to send strong warning to Karela United

The Porcupine Warriors brushed aside the lower division side in a friendly on Sunday as prepare to host Karela on Thursday

Asante Kotoko thumped lower division side Rainbow SC 3-0 in a friendly at the Adako Jachie training ground on Sunday morning.

After sharing the spoils goalless with Eleven Wonders in Techiman last week, Kotoko are hoping to return to winning ways since their lead at the top of Ghana Premier League log has been cut short to eight points.

A brace from striker Samuel Boateng set Kotoko up and unsettled their visitors. Former Berekum Chelsea skipper Stephen Amankona added another goal to complete the riot.

Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh was full of praise of his players and believes they are ready for the game on Thursday.

Kotoko annihilated debutants Bibiani Gold Stars 5-0 in their last home match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Afena-Gyan competes Denis Odoi, Korsah & others for Best new dancer in Black Stars camp

There were good vibes surrounding the Black Stars despite the goalless draw against Nigeria in Kumasi as newcomers showed to oldies their dancing skills

Despite Ghana sharing the spoils goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, there were still time for the new players to go through their initiation which is a custom in the camp.

New players who were called to the national team for the first time were made to show the others what they have in stock in terms of dancing skills.

As a result, Club Brugge defender Denis Odoi who switched his nationality from Belgium to Ghana just last week was the first to start the show.

The 33-year-old began the initiation on a slow note but quickly grew into it and proved that although he may be a quiet type, there are other side of his life.

After him came A.S Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan who led the attack against Nigeria on Friday. The 19-year-old indeed showed that he isn’t only called Gyan but dances like the country’s all-time topscorer Asamoah Gyan.

His moves, timing and antics all depicted the one-time captain, Asamoah Gyan, who always set the camp in high mood.

Other players like Dennis Korsah of Hearts of Oak, Antwi-Adjei and Elisha Owusu were all able to entertain the players through dancing.

Watch Felix Afena-Gyan, Odoi, Elisha & others dancing skills

The Black Stars are expected to travel to Abuja on Sunday to continue their fine tuning ahead of the return fixture against Nigeria on Tuesday.

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: how journalists ran commentary while sweating in packed media centre [VIDEOS]

The Black Stars failed in their attempt to defeat Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers but journalists went through a hell of a time to do their job

Ghana drew goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs in fully packed Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

Few hours to kick off, the stadium’s gates were choked as fans who had their printed E-tickets were finding it difficult to enter the facility to support their countries.

With long queues and time running out, sone of the fans opted to jump the stadium walls and watch the game before kick off.

Also, the media centre which is supposed to take about 200 journalists had four time the number leaving many journalists standing and sweating throughout the game.

Majority of the journalists had to ran their commentaries, especially on radio, stretching out their necks to catch a glimpse of the action.

Journalists were sweating in the unfriendly environment

It was an interesting sight as many were sweating profusely while others shouted for water because of the heat.

Ghana will travel to Abuja on Sunday for the return leg with a chartered flight and they will have to avoid conceding a goal to stand a realistic chance of qualify to the World Cup

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: Mad rush as enthusiastic fans break gate, while others jump over walls [VIDEOS]

The Black Stars failed in their r attempt to defeat Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers

Ghana shared the spoils goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

Few hours to kick off, the stadium’s gate was jammed as fans who had printed their E-tickets were finding it difficult to enter the facility to support their countries.

With long queues and time running out, sone of the fans opted to jump the stadium walls and watch the game before kick off.

WATCH HOW THE FANS JUMPED OVER THE WALLS

Ghana will travel to Abuja on Sunday for the return leg with a chartered flight and they will have to avoid conceding a goal to stand a realistic chance of qualify to the World Cup