Marwijk appointment pays off for Hamburg

Hamburg SV cruised to a 3-0 victory at Freiburg on Sunday to continue their climb up the Bundesliga table under Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk.

The visitors, who have now drawn two and won two matches to move up to 12th spot under the former Netherlands coach, got a lot of help from Freiburg keeper Oliver Baumann, who fumbled for all three Hamburg goals.

Baumann twice misjudged his rush out of goal to allow Maximilian Beister and Pierre Michel Lasogga, who also hit the post, to score either side of the break.

Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart added another with his sixth goal of the campaign, after Baumann failed to clear a seemingly easy shot, to lift Hamburg further away from the relegation zone on 12 points.

Europa League competitors Freiburg, who are still looking for their first win of the season, are in 17th place.

Bayern Munich edged past Hertha Berlin 3-2 on Saturday to stretch their unbeaten league run to 35 games and stay a point clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, 3-1 winners in their Ruhr valley derby against Schalke 04.

Third-placed Bayer Leverkusen are level with Dortmund on 25 points following a narrow 2-1 victory against Augsburg.

Eaglets soar into final sixteen

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets qualified for the Round of 16 at the ongoing Fifa Under-17 World Cup after defeating Iraq 5-0 in Dubai on Friday.

Goals from Musa Muhammed, Chidiebere Nwakali, Musa Yahaya and Chigozie Obasi sealed a big win for the Nigerians inside the Rashid Stadium.

Skipper of the Nigerian under-17s, Muhammed began the goal spree inside four minutes when he converted from the spot after Yahaya was upended in Iraq's area.

And within second, Muhammed assisted Nwakali with a tailored cross which the Shuttle Spots Academy defender put away from close range.

The West Africans did not hold back as they raced into a four-goal lead just before the break.

Golden Eaglets playmaker, Kelechi Iheanacho was in the thick of things as his pass evaded Taiwo Awoniyi but Yahaya made no mistake in planting home the third goal in the 17th minute.

Iraq head coach, Muwafaq Adlool introduced Yasir Ammar before the break but the Nigerians were in no mood to take their foot off the pedals.

Yahaya got his second goal of the afternoon on 41 minutes to give Nigeria a 4-0 lead at half time.

In the restart little incidents took place as the Iraqis tried to force their way back into the game with short passes down the middle.

Obasi, who replaced Nwakali, put the icing on the cake for Nigeria after spending just six minutes on the pitch with a thunderbolt-like finish from 25 yards on the stroke of time to seal a 5-0 win for the Eaglets.

Nigeria finished top of Group F on seven points, one ahead of Mexico in second place, and could face either Canada or Iran in the round of 16 in Al Ain City on October 29.

Nigeria U17s face Iran in next round

Nigeria’s Under-17 football team, the Golden Eaglets will face Iran in the round of 16 at the ongoing Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The Golden Eaglets defeated Iraq’s under-17 side 5-0 in their final group game in Dubai on Friday to finish as winners of Group F.

They will now meet Iran in the round of 16 after the Asians finished as the runners-up in Group E following their 1-0 over Austria.

Having scored 14 goals and conceded just four in the group stages, Manu Garba’s charges will now be viewed as firm favourites to progress to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Nigeria’s game against Iran will be played in Al Ain on October 29.

If the young Nigerians overcome the Iranians, they will face the winner of the round of 16 contest between Uruguay and Slovakia in Ras Al-Khaima.

Round of 16 fixtures

Italy v Mexico

Japan v Sweden

Brazil v Russia

Honduras v Uzbekistan

Uruguay v Slovakia

Morocco v Ivory Coast

Argentina v Tunisia

Nigeria v Iran

Drama as U17 WCup enters last 16

Friday saw the remaining Round of 16 slots filled at UAE 2013, and no team sealed their place in more resounding fashion than Nigeria, who got back on track after their draw with Sweden by putting five goals past Iraq, officially eliminating the Lions of Mesopotamia in the process.

In the other match in Group F, reigning champions Mexico made life difficult for themselves, but finally set up a meeting with Italy by clinching a late victory over Sweden. The Scandinavians, meanwhile, can console themselves with having finished as one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides, and will now face Japan.

In the run-up to today’s fixtures, all four teams in Group E knew that qualification was still a possibility. Argentina needed just a point against Canada in Dubai to progress, but instead picked up all three in their first truly comfortable win of the competition. The South Americans are now likely to go into their duel with Tunisia full of confidence.

Across the country in Al Ain, Austria were aware that only a win would do versus Iran, but it was the Asian nation who emerged triumphant and booked a rendezvous with free-scoring Nigeria in the knockout phase.

Finally, today’s combination of results turned out to be good news for Russia, who squeezed through in third place in Group D, and will now lock horns with Brazil.

The results

Group E – Dubai/Al Ain

Argentina 3-0 Canada

Austria 0-1 Iran

Group F – Dubai/Al Ain

Nigeria 5-0 Iraq

Sweden 0-1 Mexico

Memorable moments

Strength through unity

The Nigerian supporters were present in large numbers in Dubai, and were rewarded with a display of attacking brilliance against Iraq. They clearly had no intention of waiting for the first goal to celebrate the Golden Eaglets’ achievements, as they could already be heard 45 minutes prior to kick-off. Initially spread throughout the stadium, they subsequently gathered together to form a united pack, singing their national anthem with great gusto, and seemingly inspiring their young heroes, who scored twice within the opening five minutes.

Iran inspired

According to Iran coach Ali Doustimehr, around 50 000 of his compatriots live in Dubai and its surrounding areas. While not all of them came to cheer on their team on Friday, the size of the turnout was impressive nonetheless. Sprinkled around the stadium in groups, they encouraged their team by chanting back and forth with each other, creating a memorable atmosphere. “Without the fans, there wouldn’t be football. They’re the ones that make playing a match worthwhile,” added Doustimehr, who looked on proudly as his charges secured their qualification in front of their loyal followers.

Birthday bonus

Despite Canada’s 3-0 defeat to Argentina and their ensuing elimination from the tournament, one Canuck representative was the recipient of a consolation prize of sorts. In the 71st minute, with his team trailing 2-0, midfielder Mikael Cantave came off the bench to make his tournament debut and to play a few minutes of the U-17 World Cup on his 17th birthday. Only his coach, Sean Fleming, knows if his introduction to the game was a sentimental gesture.

Russian roulette

The Russians are without doubt the most fortunate team of the day. After a terrible start to UAE 2013 which saw them lose their first two matches, the European champions gave themselves some semblance of hope by defeating Venezuela 4-0 in their final group fixture. As Dmitry Khomukha’s men were doubtless biting their nails in front of the television, their unlikely qualifying dream became a reality courtesy of Friday’s results, which enabled them to advance as one of the best third-placed sides.

The number

15 – The number of matches that Sweden had gone unbeaten prior to their 1-0 loss to Mexico, including friendlies, European qualifying matches and their first two games in Group F. The Scandinavians are making their debut at this level, but with such impressive recent form, they could still cause a surprise or two in the knockout stage, in spite of today’s reverse.

The words

“We’re not the kind of team that enjoys losing, so today’s result is not something we’re not happy about at all. But we’ve still made it through to the next round, and we hope to be able to show what we’re really capable of against Japan. I haven’t had much time to see any of their games, but we’ll be ready for them – I can guarantee you that,” Swedish striker Valmir Berisha, who had previously scored a brace against Nigeria.

Next up

Round of 16, Monday 28 October

Italy-Mexico (17:00, Abu Dhabi)

Brazil-Russia (20:00, Abu Dhabi)

Japan-Sweden (17:00, Sharjah)

Honduras-Uzbekistan (20:00, Sharjah)

Eaglets to get better

Head coach of the Nigerian squad, Manu Garba, is sure that his team would improve as the 2013 Fifa World Cup continues in the UAE.

The Golden Eaglets thumped Iraq 5-0 at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai on Friday to reach the round of 16 but Garba was in not totally in awe following the big win.

Though his boys have scored 14 goals in three matches and conceded four, Garba said there are still "some lapses" in his squad.

“Iraq gave their best and I want to commend them. But despite our victory, we have noticed some lapses too which would be corrected as we move on.

“We would get better as the tournament progresses and as I said earlier, we did not have any quality friendly matches before the start of the tournament and I believe we can always get better," said the Nigerian coach.

The Golden Eaglets will now face Iran in the round of 16 of the Under-17 World Cup in Al Ain City on Tuesday.

Rabiu Ibrahim returns to training

Nigerian midfielder, Rabiu Ibrahim has finally returned to training at Scottish Premiership club, Kilmarnock.

Ibrahim collapsed during a league game between Kilmarnock and Ross County at Rugby Park on October 19.

He was subsequently taken to the University Hospital Crosshouse but discharged after further tests were carried out.

Fears had been raised that the midfielder may not play competitive football again following an incident involving Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba who similarly went down unchallenged at White Hart Lane 19 months ago.

Such fears have now been effectively dispelled by the player who has confirmed exclusively to supersport.com through his elder brother, Danjuma that he will play some part in Kilmarnock’s next league game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on November 2.

“Rabiu wants to thank Nigerians for their show of love and support during this difficult period. He resumed training two days ago (October 25) and he is doing very well,” Danjuma told supersport.com.

The reasons surrounding Rabiu’s collapse are still shrouded in mystery but Danjuma eventually lifted the lid on the incidents at Rugby Park October 19.

“He (Rabiu) said the tests carried out at the hospital showed nothing unusual.

“He did not play yesterday (for Kilmarnock against Heart of Midlothian on October 26 at Rugby Park) because the club insisted that he undertakes a period of rest.

“I can however confirm that he will be back in action in Kilmarnock’s next game,” Danjuma added.

The midfielder has been capped by Nigeria at under-17, 20 and 23 levels.

He was called up by the Nigeria national team coach, Stephen Keshi to a warm-up camp in Portugal as the Super Eagles prepared for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigerians perform in prime time

Michael Uchebo scored his second league goal of the season to help Cercle Bruges claim a point at Gent following a 1-1 draw at the GHELAMCO-arena on Friday.

Ezekiel Imoh was also on target for Standard Liege as his effort helped his side earn a 1-1 draw at Anderlecht.

Sylvester Igboun scored for FC Midtjylland in Denmark as Nigerians continued to grab the headlines.

In Spain, Ikechukwu Uche scored one and provided another as Villarreal crushed Valencia at El Madrigal.

It was however a bad week for Godfrey Oboabona who played all 90 minutes in Turkey as Rizespor shipped four in the Super Lig.

Emmanuel Emenike however bagged a brace as supersport.com now runs the rule on performances of Nigerians abroad at the weekend.

Belgium (Jupiler Pro League)

Kehinde Fatai took the place of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe after 81 minutes but his late contributions amounted to little as Club Brugge suffered a 2-0 loss to Genk at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Kim Ojo was a 78th minute substitute for Genk.

Imoh scored his fifth goal of the season for Standard Liege in the 1-1 draw against Anderlecht at the Stande Constant Vanden Stock.

The 19-year-old was substituted after 75 minutes with Ronnie Stam taking his place.

Uchebo scored for Cercle Bruges on Friday night to help the Groen en Zwart record a 1-1 draw against Gent at GHELAMCO-arena.

The former junior international who struck after four minutes played the entire game.

Uchebo has now scored two league goals this season.

China (Super League)

Former Flying Eagles defender, Gabriel Melkam played all 90 minutes for Quingdao Jonoon in their 1-3 loss to the leaders, Guangzhou Evergrande at the Tianhe stadium.

Melkam has made 25 league appearances for Quingdao Jonoon this season scoring once.

Denmark (Superliga)

Igboun scored his sixth league goal of the season in FC Midtjylland’s game against FC Nordsjælland at Farum Park.

His compatriots, Izunna Uzochukwu and Hassan Rilwan also played their part in the game for FC Midtjylland.

Fanendo Adi came on for after 73 minutes for the Brazilian, Claudemir in FC København’s 1-1 draw against Randers at the AutoC Park.

England (Barclays English Premier League)

John Obi Mikel came on as a second half substitute to help Chelsea defeat Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Peter Odemwingie played all 90 minutes for Cardiff City helping the Bluebirds earn an important point in the 0-0 draw against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Omatsone Aluko missed his first Premier League game of the season as Hull City lost 0-1 to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Victor Moses was an unused substitute for Liverpool as the Reds crushed West Bromwich Albion 4-1 at Anfield.

Victor Anichebe was on from start to finish for West Brom.

Shola Ameobi and younger brother, Sammy both joined the fray in the second half but failed to prevent Newcastle United from capitulating to a 1-2 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

France (Ligue 1)

Vincent Enyeama continues to dominate the headlines in France as he kept his ninth clean sheet of the season in Ligue 1.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper was outstanding for Lille LOSC in the 1-0 win over Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau.

Enyeama has played in 11 league games this season and kept an impressive nine clean sheets in Lille’s games against Lorient, Saint-Etienne, Rennes, Sochaux, Evian, Lyon, Ajaccio, Montpellier and Nantes.

Germany (Bundesliga)

Chinedu Obasi’s horror season in Germany continues as he was again left out in Schalke’s 1-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the Veltins Arena.

Obasi has not played a single minute in any competition for Schalke this season.

Italy (Serie B)

Nnamdi Oduamadi came on as a second half substitute for Brescia Calcio but failed to help his side amass maximum points as the Rondinelle threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Siena at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti.

Serie A

Joel Obi was an unused substitute for AC Parma in the 3-2 win over AC Milan at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Ogenyi Onazi played all 90 minutes for SS Lazio in the club’s 2-0 win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Netherlands (Eredivisie)

Uche Nwofor replaced Rajiv Van la Parra after 75 minutes in SC Heerenveen’s 1-2 loss to NEC Nijmegen at the Goffertstadion.

Norway (Eliteserien)

Daniel Chima and Emmanuel Ekpo both played 90 minutes for Molde in their 1-0 win over Rosenborg at the Aker Stadion.

Both Nigerians were booked in the second half.

John Chibuike played all 90 minutes for the vanquished side.

Akeem Latifu played all 90 minutes for Aalesund in the club’s 0-1 defeat to the leaders, Strømsgodset at the Color Line Stadion.

His compatriot, Leke James was not listed.

Poland (Ekstraklasa)

Emmanuel Sarki played 78 minutes for Wisla Kraków in the club’s 1-0 win over Zaglebie Lubin at the Stadion Miejski im. Henryka Reymana.

David Abwo was drafted in as a second half substitute for Lubin.

Princewill Okachi replaced Veljko Batrovicin the 37th minute but failed to help Widzew Lódz who fell to a 1-3 defeat to Cracovia Kraków at Stadion im. Ludwika Sobolewskiego.

Portugal (Super Liga)

Elderson Echiejile was not listed for SC Braga in their 0-1 loss to Academica de Coimbra at the Estadio AXA.

John Ogu was an unused substitute for Academica.

Russia (Premier League)

Victor Obinna was substituted at the stroke of half time in Lokomotiv Moscow’s 2-1 win over Rubin Kazan at Central'nyj stadion Kazan'.

Ahmed Musa played all 90 minutes in CSKA Moscow’s 5-1 win over FK Krasnodar at the Stadion Torpedo im. Eduarda Strel'tsova.

Scotland (Premiership)

Efe Ambrose played all 90 minutes for Celtic in the Hoops’ 2-1 win over Partick Thistle at the Firhill Stadium.

Rabiu Ibrahim has resumed training after collapsing unchallenged at Rugby Park a week ago.

The midfielder was not in the Kilmarnock squad as the club shrugged off his absence to win 2-0 over Heart of Midlothian at Rugby Park.

Spain (La Liga)

Nosa Igiebor was on for 90 minutes as Real Betis found themselves at the end of a 5-0 drubbing by Athletico Madrid.

Ikechukwu Uche was impressive as he scored one and provided another in Villareal’s 4-1 win over Valencia at El Madrigal.

Odion Ighalo played for 74 minutes in Granada’s 1-0 win over Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.

Turkey (Super Lig)

Taye Taiwo played all 90 minutes for Bursaspor in the club’s 1-0 win over Konyaspor at the Konya Atatürk Spor Kompleksi.

Oboabona played all 90 minutes but it was a day to forget for the Super Eagles defender as Rizespor suffered a 1-4 reverse at Eskisehirspor.

Isaac Promise was on for all 90 minutes for Antalyaspor in the 1-1 draw against Karabukspor at the Dr. Necmettin Seyhoglu Stadi.

Joseph Akpala played all 90 minutes for Karabukspor.

Michael Eneramo made a return to the Besiktas first-team but was substituted after 63 minutes by Omer Sismanoglu as Besiktas won 1-0 against Eskisehirspor at the Eskisehir Atatürk Stadyumu.

Eneramo may now be looking nervously over his shoulder as Sismanoglu scored the game’s only goal just six minutes after replacing the Nigerian striker.

John Utaka replaced Burhan Esar in the 65th minute in Sivasspor’s 2-0 win over Kayseri Erciyesspor.

Emmanuel Emenike bagged a brace for Fenerbahce in the club’s 3-1 win over Gaziantepspor at the Sükrü Saracoglu Stadyumu.

Ukraine (Premier League)

Lukman Haruna was introduced after 67 minutes in Dynamo Kyiv’s 1-0 win over Illichivets' at the NSK Olimpijs'kyj (Kyiv).

His compatriot, Brown Ideye was not listed.