To Kaita’s defence Eagles rally round

Super Eagles players have thrown their weight behind their colleague Sani Kaita, after the midfielder’s expulsion in the team’s last game with Greece put the country’s opportunitys of advancing beyond the group stages of the World Cup in doubt.
Nigerian captain, Joseph Yobo described Kaita as a hard working player who made a big mistake on the day. According to him, the player should not be crucified as the young footballer will definitely learn from mistakes like this.“He’s been a solid performer for this team in current years. It was a mistake, an expensive one but we only have to fight now for what is left to salvage here, Yobo said.”
Speaking in the same vein, the Eagle’s first choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who once again emerged as the man of the match, said: “Kaita is still a reliable player and should not be left to suffer from this.
“Stuff like that happen sometimes. If you saw him in training and watched him in the World Cup you would see why I still think he should be forgiven, ” the keeper said.
Nigeria’s Kalu Uche, who got the Eagles solitary goal also added his voice to the calls for leniency for the now highly disliked Kaita “We all felt let down on the pitch but once we walked off it, he was in our thoughts.
“No one is blaming him for anything,” The midfielder said, He( Kaita) has been a magnificent player for his country and his die hard performances have earned us success in the past. He will return a better man. ”
Kaita remorseful
Kaita, the man at the center of the storm broke down in tears as he apologised to the nation after his red card against Greece saw Nigeria losing 2-1 on Thursday at the World Cup.
Nigeria, who like Greece had lost their opening match in South Africa,
had taken an early lead after Kalu Uche’s free-kick from a wide area eluded everybody. The Super Eagles had a firm grip on the game until Kaita foolishly kicked out at Vasileios Torosidis after both players briefly tangled as they tried to win the ball.The sending off of Kaita changed the game as Greece came back from a goal down to win 2-1.
A clearly devastated Kaita was overcome with emotion when he briefly met the media after the game. He said, “I just want to say sorry to all the fans. I feel as if I have let millions of people down.“I should not have done that, act silly at that point or get carried away easily. The other players were left to bear the cost of my stupid mistake on the pitch. They have supported me so far, but all I can offer now is a heartfelt and sincere apology to the country,” the player said before being led away sympathetically by teammate Obinna Nsofor.

Eagles rest ahead of make-or mar tie, World Cup 2010

South Africa, Richard’s Bay - The Nigerian Super Eagles rested for the greater part of Monday as they prepare for the make or mar encounter with Greece on Thursday. According to camp information, on sunday the team had two training sessions, the day after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Argentina."The coach ordered players to observe today (Monday) as a rest day to resume training tomorrow (Tuesday)," said one of the senior members of the team. He denied allegations of division in camp over appearance fees for the players and alleged sharp disagreement between Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins over the former's failure to lay a pass to the latter who was in a better position to shoot at goal in the game against Argentina. The situation was similar to the allegations against Samson Siasia who failed to leave the ball for a better positioned Rashidi Yekini in a 2 May, 1993, World Cup qualifier against Cote d'Ivoire in Abidjan. Like Saturday’s game, Nigeria lost the 1993 game which was a qualifier for USA ’94 World Cup."No, there was nothing of such. We are bonding well in camp," said one of the oldest Super Eagles' players.Meanwhile, FIFA.com reported that Odemwingie voiced his disappointment at being left out in the starting line up against Argentina.But he is determined to remain professional and wait for his opportunity. He was a surprise omission from the team that started at Ellis Park, with Chinedu Obasi chosen instead on the left of a three man attack. Odemwingie, who added bite to the Super Eagles’ attack after taking over from Chinedu Obasi, admitted it was frustrating to miss out on a start against Diego Maradona's men."Yes of course, it was a big game, one of the biggest games in someone's career," he said, adding "I was very disappointed but we are a team, some of us are not going to start. There are 23 (players) here, you just have to accept it, not show your emotions but be professional about it. That's just the way it is."

Eagles: Titans beat Sea Eagles 28-14

Gold Coast Titans are up to fourth on the NRL ladder after overcoming the Manly Sea Eagles 28-14 at Skilled Park
The Gold Coast Titans have halted their three match losing run in the NRL with a 28-14 win over Manly at Skilled Park.
The Titans led 14-6 at halftime and 22-6 with 20 minutes remaining before Manly scored a controversial eight point try after Mark Minichello was penalised for his attempt to stop Manly scoring.
The Titans outscored Manly five tries and two.
Titans coach John Cartwright is relieved to have avoided a fourth straight loss, and describes the competition as unbelievably close, saying that all the players have to be at the top of their game to avoid a loss.
Cartwright says their defence was the difference. He says they switched on defensively and they had to because they made a number of errors.
Titans captain Scott Prince says it was crucial they stopped their slide. He says it has been a tough couple of weeks but hopefully now they have got their season back on track.