Frank Lampard – Voice of Nigeria

Mikel Obi Talks On Lampard’s Return To Chelsea

Samuel CHIMEZIE Isaiah — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 11:26:46 +0000

Former Chelsea player, Obi Mikel, has remained upbeat about the club playing well following the return of Frank Lampard to head the club.

Mikel also slammed Chelsea’s owners in what had been a miserable season for his former club.

“Yeah, I’m very happy, I mean I think the last time he (Lampard) was at the club, he did really well. I think he started really well. He brought the likes of Mason Mount to the club.

“I think if you look at Frank, and if you look at the way he’s been speaking since he came back, I think you can feel maybe there’s a little bit of hope and enthusiasm,” says Mikel .

Mikel expressed worry about how the club owners were making decisions regarding the signing of new players.

“I don’t know if they’re making decisions right, but for me, it just seems like they’re bringing just so many different players, and it’s just not working really,” he said.

Mikel Obi retires from Football

Reacting to former club coach Graham Potter’s sacking and his performance at the club, he wondered if the job was too big for him to manage.

“Was the club too big for him to manage? Maybe because when I look at him sometimes on the touchline, it’s like he doesn’t really know what to do … you know, he’s not communicating to the players. He doesn’t tell them what to do on the pitch.

“Was he given enough time? I think so. I think when you look at where the club is now, I mean what is it, 11th? 11th yeah, seven months. So when you look at it, I mean he’s been given a lot of time,” Mikel said.

Noting Potter was given enough time, he said the club made the right decision.

“He wasn’t a manager who’s always motivated who wants to be very passionate on the touchline.

“Like a manager telling you what to do sometimes. Players need that. We need a bit of a kick up the backside you know – to be able to wake up.

“I wasn’t seeing that (with Potter),” Mikel added.

Ahmed Musa Equals Zidane’s Record And Surpasses Viera, Lampard

Samuel CHIMEZIE Isaiah — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:33:46 +0000

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has become the most capped Nigerian player after his appearance in the second leg of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigerian national team defeated the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at the Estadio 24 de Setembro.

However, Musa, who made his Eagles debut in 2010, and was also part of the 2013 Nations Cup-winning side, earned 108 caps – setting a new record for Nigeria.

With his feat, he has equaled France’s midfielder Zinedine Zidane, German’s Jurgen Klinsmann, and England’s Tim Cahill’s 108 national caps.

Also, the 30-year-old Super Eagles captain surpassed Patrick Vieira’s 107 international caps for France, and Frank Lampard’s 106 caps for the Three Lions of England.

Since his debut, the Nigerian forward has scored 16 goals for the national team. He is Nigeria’s highest scorer in the World Cup with four goals.

He also has 92 club goals and 65 assists.

Also read: Captain Ahmed Musa to wait longer for his 100 caps

Punch/Samuel Isaiah

Premier League: Bergkamp, Lampard Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Chidi Nwoke — Wed, 19 May 2021 15:12:57 +0000

Arsenal ‘Invincible’ Dennis Bergkamp and Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer Frank Lampard have been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Bergkamp scored 87 goals in 315 Premier League appearances for the gunners, before his retirement in 2006.

The Dutchman joined Arsenal in 1995 from Inter Milan and was part of three title-winning squads, including the unbeaten 2003-2004 campaign, which saw the Gunners team named ‘The Invincibles’.

‘One of the best technical players that’s ever played in the Premier League’

Rice a huge asset- Frank Lampard

Tobi Sangotola — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 12:49:58 +0000

Chelsea legend and former blues head manager, Frank Lampard has revealed he wanted to sign Declan Rice when he was Chelsea manager and has spoken in glowing terms about the midfielder.

The 22-year-old has captained West Ham regularly over the last year and is now a pivotal part of England’s National team squad ahead of this summer’s Euros.

Chelsea were often linked with Rice throughout Lampard’s tenure and the former Blues boss has spoken about his admiration for the midfielder during a Q&A session for the Willow Foundation and said that the transfer didn’t come off for ‘various reasons.

‘We are fortunate to have him in England, West Ham is fortunate to have him. He’s a leader and it is clear that he’s destined for great things,’ said Lampard.

‘I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of him.

‘It didn’t happen for various reasons, but we brought in a lot of players in the summer. But I was a big fan of him.

‘They gave him the chance there and the choice will be Declan’s as the years go ahead, but his performances are great to watch

Rice is currently out injured after picking up a knee problem during the most recent international break as West Ham sits fourth, one point above Chelsea in fifth.

Meanwhile, Rice West Ham would be facing Kelechi Iheanacho’s Leicester on Sunday in the fight for a top-four finish.

Tobi Sangotola/Dailymail

Thomas Tuchel replaces Frank Lampard As Chelsea Manager

Chidi Nwoke — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:23:40 +0000

Chelsea has replaced Frank Lampard with former Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel as it’s new manager, the club announced.

Tuchel, who agreed to an 18-month contract, replaces Lampard who was fired after a 19-month tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Welcome to Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel!