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INSIDE EAGLES CAMP! How Mikel Obi fought Emenike over Super Eagles match bonus at 2018 FIFA World Cup

INSIDE EAGLES CAMP! How Mikel Obi fought Emenike over Super Eagles match bonus at 2018 FIFA World Cup

It took the intervention of some other players when former Chelsea player Mikel Obi and ex-Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike exchanged words in Super Eagles hotel in Russia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup over the sharing formula of tournament appearance fee to be shared by the players.

ThePAPER exclusively gathered that Emenike opted out ‘cheating’ plan by the senior players who felt they could not be on the equal amount with the younger and newly invited players in the team.

One of the players at the FIFA World Cup who spoke to ThePAPERS on the condition of anonymity said Emenike is a better legend than a football analyst who criticized players in the studio.

His words:

“Mikel wanted the money to be shared according to seniority and qualifications appearances but Emenike kicked against such an arrangement by some senior players led by Mikel Obi. The guy destroyed their plans and walked out of their secret meeting. Emenike was reasonable because some players might not even get part of the money should Mikel and co succeed with their plans because some new players who were invited by Keshi to the World Cup might not get a dollar. But Emenike was furious and told Mikel to his face that he was a wicked and greedy person despite all the money he received from Chelsea every week. They almost exchange blows.

“The younger players in the team like Babatunde Michael, Ramon Azeez and five other guys could be affected if the plan succeeded but Emenike asked them how can hese boys go back to Nigeria without buying substantial things for the sake of the World Cup. Emenike was mad and he caused serious unrest in the hotel that night until Keshi came out and some NFF officials to talk to them. And that’s how those buys got paid like every other person, even though the likes of Yobo and Mikel took some larger part as senior players indeed “

“After the tournament, Babatunde Michael and some junior players visited Emenike in his house to stand for them.”

Meanwhile, the rivalry between the two players did start in 2018, two days to the World Cup in 2014, there was tension brewing between the two stars – former Fenerbahce attacker Emmanuel Emenike and John Obi Mikel of Chelsea.

A top source, who pleaded anonymity, told allnigeriasoccer.com: “The problem between Emenike and Mikel did not start at their USA camp. Emenike earns a lot of money but Mikel thinks he is a bigger player. Mikel is very arrogant and Emenike does not have time for him.

“After the World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Emenike, Nosa and Ogenyi Onazi were not happy with Mikel. Emenike was very provoked after the game. Both players almost fought at the African Cup of Nations too.

“Mikel was not making the game flow, he was losing possession easily and he was not passing.”

It took the intervention of the late Super Eagles coach, Stephen to play the role of a father in settling a dispute between the two senior players.

 

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Rivers State SWAN To Mentor 80 Varsity Students As Executive Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State chapter says it has lined up series of activities to celebrate one year anniversary of the current executives of the association.
According to Viura Lezigha, Assstant Secretary, Rivers State SWAN/Secretary, Anniversary Committee, “We have lined up three remarkable programs slated from April 4-6, 2025.
“On this regard, the Mentorship program is scheduled for Friday 4th April at the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies Auditorium, Rivers State University (RSU), at 11 am.
“SWAN Rivers State Chapter will mentor over 80 final year students of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies of the institution about Sports Writing.
“The resource persons for the Mentorship program are Amb. Mrs. Didi Phina Ojogwu, Mr. Carl Orakwe and Mr. Emeka Dennar.
Guests expected to be present at the event are
1. Prof. R. N. Amadi – Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies
2. Dr. Justice Njoku C. – Ag Head of Department, Public Relations and Advertising
3. Dr. N. N. Nwankpa – Ag Head of Department, Journalism and Media Studies
4. Dr. I. Harry – Ag Head of Department, Development Communications Studies
5. Dr O. P. Brisebe – Ag Head of Department, Cinematography and Broadcast Studies

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U-13 JOF Kids Cup: Strong Dove, Miracle FC, Solution Boys, Others Eye Semi Final Slots

 

 

The coast is cleared for teams to fight for the semi-final slots of the ongoing 6th U-13 JOF Kids Cup as the Round of 16 matches were concluded last weekend setting the stage for the quarter-final (Round of 8) encounters.

Playing at the Lekki playground, Strong Dove of Orile beat Yinka Babes from Badagry 2-1

After playing a 2-2 draw game during the regulation time, B. Unit Boys of Mainland defeated Apapa Boys 4-3 with penalties.

At Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute Metta, Miracle FC of Ijesha ran away with a lone goal victory over Abay Babes from Ajah

Idimu Bombers lost 1-2 to Solution Boys from Apapa.

I’m other results at Lekki playground on Sunday ThankGod Boys from Oko Baba beat Ultimate Villa of Ikorodu 4-2.

Versity Boys of Lagos Island defeated G. Tomorrow also from Lagos Island 1-0.

At Ojo Oniyun playground, First Class Boys from Lagos Island beat Ikosi Boys from Ketu 2-0, while Oloto Babes stopped HB Utility of Ilupeju in a grudge encounter that ended 1-0.

The quarter-final matches will be decided this weekend as the organisers, Lagos Grassroots Football Association and the sponsor, JOF Nigeria Limited are working round the clock to ensure that the final ceremony is held in April.

Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Director of Strategic Support Services, JOF Nigeria Limited, was enthusiastic about the level of sportsmanship exhibited by the kids in the matches played so far. He assured that the final ceremony this year will be more glamorous than the past five editions.

Quarter Final Qualified Teams:

Strong Dove
First Class Boys
Versity Boys
Oloto Babes
ThankGod Boys
Solution Boys
Miracle FC
B.Unit Boy

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

Seven spots out of the required 48 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already been filled after the March international break ended

Argentina is the biggest name on the list after the reigning world champions booked a spot to defend their title next year
In the other list, Nigeria leads a list of big teams who are at risk of failing to qualify after a string of disappointing results
The first international break of the year came with teams battling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held next year.

The tournament will be the first time we will have 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries meaning the United States of America, Mexico and Canada have already qualified.

How many countries will each continent produce at World Cup 2026?

The 48 teams will be distributed based on coefficients, with UEFA (Europe) having the most with 16 slots. Here is a breakdown of how many countries have been allocated to each body.

UEFA (Europe): 16 slots

CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots

CAF (Africa): 9 slots

AFC (Asia): 8 slots

CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean): 6 slots

OFC (Oceania): 1 slot

Inter-Confederation Playoff: 2 slots

Who has already qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Four more countries have joined the hosts in confirming their place in North America next year.

Japan
Japan from AFC was the first to seal its spot after they beat Bahrain 2-0 to attain an unassailable lead at the top of Group C of the qualifiers. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo did the work, rendering their remaining three games a mere formality.

“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support. We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team,” said head coach Hajime Moriyasu to Associated Press. This will be their eighth straight World Cup.

New Zealand
New Zealand booked the only spot reserved for the OFC region after they thumped New Caledonia 3-0.

It is the first time the Oceania region has had an automatic qualification spot and New Zealand left nothing to chance to reach only their third-ever World Cup.

Iran
Iran followed in Japan’s footsteps by nicking one of the AFC spots. Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan. The Uzbeki would have gone through with a win, while Iran only needed a point to confirm their place.

Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time while Uzbekistan can close in on a hisorc achievement with a win in any of their remaining two games.

Argentina
The defending champions will be in North America to defend their title. The Albiceleste confirmed their place without even kicking a ball after Bolivia held Uruguay to a goalless draw.

As if that wasn’t enough, Lionel Scaloni’s side went ahead and pumped four goals past a hapless Brazil to send out a strong statement of intent.

It would be interesting to see whether talisman Lionel Messi will be in the squad come next year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been bogged down by injuries in recent times.

Which big country can fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup?
The qualification process for Europe is still in its infant stages, or yet to begin completely in some groups, so there is nothing much to say there.

However, in Africa, where only four matches remain, some heavyweights are staring at failure to make it.

Nigeria tops this list after Zimbabwe stunned them in extra-time at home. The disappointing draw, coupled with South Africa’s win over Benin, leaves the Super Eagles’ dreams in tatters. Of course, there is still that matter of Teboho Mokoena that could change the group’s dynamics.

Senegal were handed a lifeline after Sudan failed to beat South Sudan. The Teranga Lions are now locked in a three-way battle with Sudan and DR Congo for the top honours in Group B.

How Harambee Stars can still qualify for FIFA World Cup
TUKO.co.ke has also worked out some permutations of how Harambee Stars can still qualify for the World Cup.

It is almost an improbable task at this moment after the draw against the Gambia and loss to Gabon but it is still mathematically possible.

Story by Martin Moses

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