Keshi leaving Super Eagles’ job after the World Cup

Following speculations that Stephen Keshi may leave the Super Eagles’ job after the World Cup, he yesterday failed to comment on what his future will be with the team. There had been speculations that he may pick a new job with the South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, though  the report had been denied.
Keshi said yesterday that he would have loved to stay in Brazil through out the World Cup, but he had to go home now.
“I need to see my wife, children and other members of my family as I have been away from them for more than three months now”.
He denied speculations that the invasion of government officials to the team was a distraction. “It is a tradition for top government officials to visit us before important matches. So, this is not an exception.”

Maigari thanks President Jonathan, Nigerians
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Mohammed Maigari, has expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), the Federal Government and indeed Nigerians for their support, after Nigeria exited the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Monday. 
A two –goal defeat by France in Brasilia was very cruel end to a game dominated in large parts by the spirited African champions. Yet, this still represented Nigeria’s best outing at the FIFA World Cup in 20 years.
“We must applaud Mr. President and the Government of Nigeria for the massive support the NFF and the team received all through the qualifying series and the tournament proper. Mr. President’s personal interest in the team saw us qualify for the finals and put up a credible campaign here in Brazil.
“The players were brilliant. They showed heart and commitment and deserved the praise of Nigerians for their efforts.”
Nigeria football supremo also hailed the support of his colleagues on the NFF board, NFF Management and Staff, the National Sports Commission, members of the national assembly, chairmen and secretaries of football associations in the states, top shots of the various leagues, top government officials from the states, former Nigeria coaches, former Nigeria captains and officials of federal agencies and parastatals, who were in Brazil to cheer the team.
Paul Pogba power –headed in from a corner after Vincent Enyeama could only get a hand to the ball, with 10 minutes left, and captain Joseph Yobo, on his 100th cap, got the wrong leg across to score in his own net in added time.
The score –line was flattering to the French, who had to endure a scary first half, as the Super Eagles showed their wings all over the pitch and even got the ball into the net, only for the referee to rule it offside.
Nigeria continued to probe in the second period but the loss of energetic Ogenyi Onazi to midfield saw that section collapse and hand the advantage to the Europeans.
Elimination means the Super Eagles must fly out of Brazil within the next 24 hours.

France bundles Nigeria out of World Cup
.As gallant Eagles miss quarter finals again
 A costly second half errors cost the Super Eagles a qualification for Friday’s quarter finals at the magnificent Maracana Stadium. What a day for hardworking Eagles, whose skipper, Joseph Yobo, spoilt the day with a late own goal that gave France a 2-0 win.The Eagles never lacked anything. They matched the French skill for skill but failed when it mattered most. As in previous matches, support for the Super Eagles from the Brazilians was overwhelming. Most Brazilians said they had not forgot the French defeat of their country in 1986 by penalty and the 3-0 defeat at the 1998 final match.
After even exchanges, Emmanuel Emenike found the net in the 18th minute from a Musa’s long pass, but American referee, Mark Geiger ruled him offside.
Tension rose as the French fought back gamely. Thanks to Vincent Enyeama’s agility, as he parried into corner, a Paul Pogba’s deadly shot.
By half an hour, the Super Eagles had established dominance of the game, but were still in search of a break through. The performance so far had been an improvement over the last three matches.
The second half opened in the same fashion like the first and Nigeria again dominated play. But careless loss of the ball, especially in the midfield was a matter of concern.
Thanks to Moses, he brought out a goal bound shot out in the 70th minute. What a close shave! Again in the 77th minute, it was another close shave, as Yohan Cabaye shot hit the bar. Pressure on Nigeria, which the French eventually capitalized on in the 79th minute as hard working Paul Pogba finally found the net.
Nigeria’s midfield had crumbled, following the injury and subsequent replacement of Ogenyi Onazi. Ruben Gabriel who came in as substitute did not quite found his rhythm.
It is the third time the Super Eagles have failed to cross the second round hurdle after similar failure at USA ‘94 and France ‘98. As it turned out to be, the loss at the Round of 16 had been from European oppositions. It was Italy 20 years ago and Denmark in 1998.
“We missed Dike and Balogun” 
Coach Keshi yesterday lamented the absence  of the duo of Bright Dike and Leon Balogun from his World Cup squad. He said their presence might have improved the team a lot.
He described the US based Dike as a fine striker, who could have delivered the goals while Leon Balogun who is in Germany would also have helped in solidifying the Super  Eagles’ defence.
He did not want to comment on the inclusion of Ruben Gabriel who came in for the injured Ogenyi Onazi who could not find his rhythm.

Luis Suarez sorry for Chiellini bite at World Cup 2014
 Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez has apologised to Giorgio Chiellini for the bite that earned him a nine-match and four-month ban from football.The Uruguay forward, 27, was suspended from all football for biting Italy’s Chiellini in a World Cup match. “The truth is that my colleague, Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me,” said Suarez in a statement.
Suarez had previously said he lost his balance and did not bite Chiellini.
It was his third career ban for biting after incidents with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic while at Liverpool in April 2013, and PSV’s Otman Bakkal while at Ajax in 2010.
“I deeply regret what occurred,” added Suarez. “I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this.”
Chiellini had himself called the ban “excessive”, while, in his written submission to Fifa, Suarez said: “I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent.”
Responding to the statement, Chiellini sent Suarez a public message on Twitter, saying: “It’s all forgotten. I hope Fifa will reduce your suspension.”
Suarez will miss the first nine games of the Premier League season and return to football on 26 October.
He will have missed a total of 39 matches because of biting offences by the time he serves his latest suspension.
And his apology to the Chelsea defender in 2013, mirrored that of his latest statement.
“I am truly very sorry about the incident with Branislav Ivanovic,” he said at the time.
“I hope that all the people who I offended at Anfield will grant me forgiveness and I again repeat my apology to Branislav. I acknowledge that my actions were not acceptable on the football pitch.”
The latest ban was the biggest in World Cup history, beating the eight games given to Italy’s Mauro Tassotti for elbowing Spain’s Luis Enrique in 1994.
Despite the incident in Brazil, Barcelona remain keen to sign the forward.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,