Championship scores

FULL-TIME scores in The Championship:
Barnsley 1 - 2 Derby
Blackburn 2 - 3 Birmingham
Blackpool 0 - 1 Brighton
Bournemouth 1 - 1 Ipswich
Charlton 1 - 1 Sheff Wed
Doncaster 0 - 0 Millwall
Huddersfield 5 - 1 Yeovil
Leicester 5 - 3 Bolton
Middlesbrough 3 - 0 Reading
Nottm Forest 2 - 1 Leeds
Watford 0 - 0 QPR
Wigan 0 - 0 Burnley

Valencia receives takeover bid

Valencia, which has received a takeover bid from a
Singapore billionaire, said on Thursday they have
appointed their former Argentine striker Juan Antonio
Pizzi as their new coach.

Victor Valdes recovers from calf strain

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says he has
recovered from a right calf strain and is fit to return to
the team after the Christmas break.
The 31-year-old sustained the injury during Spain's
humbling 1-0 defeat to South Africa in a friendly on
November 19 in Johannesburg, the site of their 2010
World Cup victory.
"Training session today December 25. I am ready," he
wrote in a message on his official Twitter account.

MOHAMED ABOUTRIKA RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL

Mohamed Aboutrika has officially retired after
confirming his decision to his club Al Ahly.
The 35-year-old Egyptian midfielder announced his
intention to retire after the quarter-final of the Club
World Cup in Morocco and Ahly failed to persuade him
to play one more season. (BBC Sport)

Sunday MBA to miss chan

Sunday Mba has been allowed to leave # Nigeria #
SuperEagles training camp for the African Nations
Championship (CHAN) to finalise a move to French side
CA Bastia.
The Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi was philosophical about
losing Mba for January's CHAN finals in South Africa.
"The CHAN team will have to move on," Keshi told BBC
Sport.
"There have been other players who have left [the CHAN
squad] before Mba."

EPL RESULTS

EPL Results:
Hull City 2 - 3 Manchester United
Aston Villa 0 - 1 Crystal Palace
Cardiff City 0 - 3 Southampton
Chelsea 1 - 0 Swansea City
Everton 0 - 1 Sunderland
Newcastle United 5 - 1 Stoke City
Norwich City 1 - 2 Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United 1 - 3 Arsenal
Manchester City 2 - 1 Liverpool

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153610874235117&id=130834395116&refid=28&_ft_=qid.5961354182417973149%3Amf_story_key.-2987066945052936404

Nigeria Miss out on another English Star

Everton star Ross Barkley could have been a Nigerian
Super Eagle!
The Scouser is nailed on to make England's World Cup
squad next summer.
However, before being capped by Roy Hodgson earlier
this year, Barkley actually still qualified for Nigeria -
thanks to his Nigerian grandfather.hmm so many foreign born player for Nigeria with much home grown ...

Merry Xmas

Merry Christmas and season's greetings to all.from the ic-goal family to our esteemed readers.

CARDIFF BOSS TO RETAIN HIS JOB

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has lifted his threat to sack
manager Malky Mackay and the pair will hold talks in an
attempt to salvage their relationship.
Tan sent Mackay an email last Monday telling him to
resign or be sacked.
But with the 41-year-old Scot refusing to walk away
voluntarily, Tan is now prepared for a possible
reconciliation.
“
I have spoken to Vincent Tan and he has agreed I
can go into bat to try to bring a solution to this
situation
”
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman
When asked if the ultimatum had been withdrawn,
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said: "For the time
being, yes. The crisis for the time being is over."
He added that Mackay was is "in charge for the
foreseeable future and will be until something else
happens".
He also issued a message to Cardiff supporters, urging
them not to protest against Tan at Thursday's home
game with Southampton.

SPURS CLAIM VICTORY AFTER AVB SACK

Tim Sherwood claimed his first victory as interim
Tottenham Hotspur coach on Sunday as his side came
from behind to win 3-2 at Southampton in the Premier
League.
Tottenham lost at home to West Ham United in the
League Cup in mid-week, following the sacking of
manager Andre Villas-Boas, and Sherwood saw his side
fall behind against Southampton to an early goal from
Adam Lallana.
Emmanuel Adebayor equalised for Spurs and a Jos
Hooiveld own goal put the visitors in front, only for
Rickie Lambert to draw Southampton level, but Adebayor
struck again to seal the first win of the post-Villas-Boas
era.
Emmanuel Adebayo: His brace made Spurs triumph
Beaten 5-0 at home by Liverpool in their last league
outing, Spurs move above Manchester United to seventh
place in the table, three points below the top four, while
Southampton remain ninth after a sixth successive game
without victory.
As he had done against West Ham, Sherwood made a
bold team selection, with Adebayor partnering Roberto
Soldado up front and Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen,
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Erik Lamela playing in midfield.
Initially, Spurs struggled to get a foothold in the game,
and the gaps in the visitors’ midfield were much in
evidence as Lallana broke the deadlock in the 13th
minute.
Danny Fox’s pass found the England international in a
pocket of space between Spurs’ defence and midfield,
and he cleverly shifted the ball away from Vlad Chiriches
before drilling home a low shot from outside the box.
Sherwood watched the opening exchanges from a
directors’ box high in the stands at St Mary’s, but
having raced down to the pitch after Southampton went
ahead, he saw Spurs level in the 25th minute.
Sherwood: Spur’s interim coach
Adebayor’s pass to the left sent strike partner Soldado
wider than he would have preferred, but he curled in a
superb cross that the Togolese striker converted with an
agile airborne volley from close range.
Spurs went ahead nine minutes into the second half
when Hooiveld inadvertently prodded Danny Rose’s low
cross past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, but
Southampton equalised just six minutes later.
Jack Cork’s incisive through ball found the excellent
Lallana and he showed magnificent awareness to square
the ball for Lambert, who had the simple task of rolling
it into an empty net.
Spurs needed only four minutes to restore their lead,
however, with Adebayor sweeping home his second goal
with his left foot after the hosts failed to clear Kyle
Walker’s long throw-in.
In Sunday’s other game, Everton manager Roberto
Martinez visits former club Swansea City looking for a
victory that will take his side into the top four.
Liverpool deposed Arsenal as league leaders on Saturday
with a 3-1 win at home to Cardiff City, while Manchester
City moved up to second place by winning 4-2 at
Fulham.
Arsenal can return to the top of the table by beating
Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, but Jose
Mourinho’s visitors will draw lev

MALAWI COACH RESIGNS

Malawi coach Saintfiet resigns
Following their 2-0 loss to Nigeria on Saturday and
the end of the World Cup dream, Malawi's coach
Tom Saintfiet has quit.
The Belgian-born tactician told the media he had
no long term plan stay at the helm of the Flames
as he was only appointed on an interim basis with
the sole purpose of beating Nigeria.
"I never was here to win many games, I was here
to win just one game against Nigeria and that was
the only goal," he said.

DEADLINE DAY DETAILS

Deadline Day Details
#cfc --> #afc --> #mufc --> #lfc --> #ynwa --> #coys
--> #mcfc --> #whufc --> #efc --> #ggmu --> #wba --
> #nufc --> #SCFC -->
Biggest transfer deadline day signing: Mesut Ozil's
£42.4m move from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
Busiest transfer deadline day club: Liverpool and
Everton with three signings.
Biggest summer transfer: Gareth Bale's world
record £85.3m switch to Real Madrid.
Busiest club over the summer: League Two Bury
have signed 21 players so far.
Busiest Premier League club over the summer:
Sunderland have signed 13 players.

ITS OFFICIAL ARSENAL SIGNS MESUT OZIL

The Germany international finalises his move to
the Emirates Stadium after completing a medical
at his national team's base on Monday, hours
before the transfer deadline Arsenal have announced the club-record £40
million signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
The Germany international sealed his move on Monday afternoon after passing the second part of his medical in Munich.
The playmaker will earn £130,000-a-week at the
Emirates Stadium on a five-year contract after
Madrid gave the green light to his departure,
becoming the north Londoners' highest earner as
well as their record signing by some distance.
Ozil underwent final medical tests in Germany as
he was due to meet up with Joachim Low's
national team for the international break.
"I look back with pride on three wonderful years
at Real Madrid in which I've developed as an
athlete and a person," Ozil told Sky Deutschland.
"We won three titles and I was a regular.
"But now I look forward to my future in the
Premier League with Arsenal.
"In talks with Arsene Wenger, I immediately
sensed what has been missing for me. I will pay
back this trust to the club and the fans in each
game. Now I want to help the club to finally win
a title."
Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official
website: "We are extremely pleased to have
signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player, with
proven quality at both club and international
level. We have watched and admired him for
some time as he has all the attributes I look for
in an Arsenal player.

The Germany international finalises his move to
the Emirates Stadium after completing a medical
at his national team's base on Monday, hours
before the transfer deadline Arsenal have announced the club-record £40
million signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
The Germany international sealed his move on Monday afternoon after passing the second part of his medical in Munich.
The playmaker will earn £130,000-a-week at the
Emirates Stadium on a five-year contract after
Madrid gave the green light to his departure,
becoming the north Londoners' highest earner as
well as their record signing by some distance.
Ozil underwent final medical tests in Germany as
he was due to meet up with Joachim Low's
national team for the international break.
"I look back with pride on three wonderful years
at Real Madrid in which I've developed as an
athlete and a person," Ozil told Sky Deutschland.
"We won three titles and I was a regular.
"But now I look forward to my future in the
Premier League with Arsenal.
"In talks with Arsene Wenger, I immediately
sensed what has been missing for me. I will pay
back this trust to the club and the fans in each
game. Now I want to help the club to finally win
a title."
Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official
website: "We are extremely pleased to have
signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player, with
proven quality at both club and international
level. We have watched and admired him for
some time as he has all the attributes I look for
in an Arsenal player.

DEADLINE DAY TRANSFER

The goalkeeper officially joins the Gunners for
the remainder of the season from Palermo after
passing a medical at their London Colney training
ground on Monday morning
Arsenal have secured the season-long loan
signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano from
Palermo , the Italian club have confirmed.
The Italian passed a medical at the Gunners'
London Colney training ground on Monday
morning
and agreed terms to spend a year at the
Emirates Stadium.
Viviano, whom Arsenal have an option to buy at
the end of the campaign, will provide
competition for current No.1 Wojciech Szczesny.
It is understood that the north Londoners had to
pay a substantial loan fee for the keeper, who
spent 2012-13 with Fiorentina in a similar
temporary deal.
Palermo announced the deal on their official
website, confirming that Arsenal have taken the
Italian on loan for the season with the right to
buy him outright.
The Gunners are also soon to announce the €47
million arrival of Real Madrid playmaker Mesut
Ozil, with a five-year contract agreed on Monday
Arsene Wenger also wants to take Chelsea striker
Demba Ba on loan for the season but the Blues
are demanding a €2.3m fee if they are to let
their man go to the Emirates Stadium.

REAL MADRID COMPLETES BALE CAPTURE

Bale completes Real Madrid switch for £85
Real Madrid have broken the world transfer record
to sign Tottenham forward Gareth Bale.
The Wales star has agreed a £300,000 per week,
six-year deal after sealing an £85.3m move.
"I have had six very happy years at Tottenham but
it's the right time to say goodbye," said the 24-
year-old.
"We've had some special times together and I've
loved every minute of it."
Bale will have a medical and then be presented to
the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu at 12:00 BST
on Monday before speaking at a media conference.
(BBC Sport)

BALE ON THE VERGE OF JOINING REAL MADRID CF

The Welshman is set to be confirmed as a
Blancos player imminently after Spurs finally
accepted the deal, with Roma star Erik Lamela
lined up as a replacement
Real Madrid and Tottenham have agreed a world
record €100 million deal for Gareth Bale to join
Real Madrid.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy finally accepted the
Spanish giants’ offer on Sunday and official
confirmation of the transfer is expected to be
made imminently.details soon.

Oboabona completes Rizespor's move

READ: Oboabona completes Rizespor move
Oboabona, 23, completed his move from
Sunshine Stars on Thursday, and said he turned
down approaches from England, Spain and
Germany to move to Turkey.
"I had offers from clubs like Southampton,
Watford, Cardiff, Sochaux, and some from
Germany but I decided to take this one because I
felt it was right for me.
"It will help to serve as a stepping stone for me
to do bigger things. It is going to help me a lot
and let people know the quality I have."
He added that guaranteed playing time was not a
consideration. "If you are a good player, your
quality will speak for you. You don't have to ask
for playing time in your contract. If you are good
enough, you will play."
Oboabona was a key component of the Nigerian
team that qualified for the African Nations
Championship for the first time, and his absence
leaves a big hole in the team, but the defender is
confident finding a replacement should be no
problem.
"I thank God for making me part of the team.
Nigeria have a lot of players, and I think I have
done my part and it is time for me to go, and I
pray by the special grace of God, they will win,"
he added.

OFFICIAL:Cavani moves to PSG

Edinson Cavani has completed his move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 26-year-old has long been linked with moves
to Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, but
the Ligue 1 champions moved quickly to activate
the Uruguay international’s release clause.
The Parisiens paid €64million for the striker and
he underwent his medical on Monday for three
hours.
Napoli have moved to secure his replacement in
Leandro Damaio.

Thiago Alancatra Finally joins aBayern Munich

The offensive midfielder has signed a four-year
deal with the German club. Due to tax reasons,
Bayern has paid for the player basic value of 20
million euro and 5 million euro of variables,
which together is a 7 million euro more than his
release clause.
Thiago has been Barcelona player since he was a
13-year-old, but in recent seasons he has not get
as many chances to play as he has wanted. As a
result, he decided to leave the Catalan club.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also
wanted the player. He decided to choose Bayern
because of the admiration for Pep Guardiola. The
Spanish coach himself looks for Thiago as a great
addition to the German champions squad.

OGBONNA JOINS JUVENTUS

Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna has joined Juventus
from neighbours Torino for 13 million euros ($
16.95 million), the Serie A champions said on
Thursday.
Ogbonna, who combines an impressive physical
presence with a cultured left foot, was raised at
Torino, helping them to secure promotion from
Serie B in 2011/12 and establish themselves in the
top flight last season.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, the 25-year-old
has won six caps for Italy and was included in the
squad for Euro 2012.

NACHO EXTENDS HIS CONTRACT..

Real Madrid C.F. announce that Nacho Fernández
Iglesias has signed an extension to his contract that
keeps him at the club for the next four seasons.

BARCELONA LOSSES €170 MI

Barcelona's bargain basement sale of David Villa
to Atletico Madrid has highlighted the recent
abysmal business the Spanish champs have done
in the transfer market.
Villa moved to Atletico for €5.1 million, having
arrived from Valencia for €40 million three
seasons ago.
In all, Barca have lost over €170 million from
eight recent transfers, though Villa's is not the
worst. according to.ic-goal
Barca worst transfers (difference between
buying and selling price):
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (-63 million)
2. David Villa (-34.9 million)
3. Henrique (-16.5 million)
4. Hleb (-15 million)
5. Keirrison (-14 million)
6. Caceres (-13 million)
7. Chigrinsky (-10 million)
8. Maxi Lopez (-4 million)
Total: €170.4 million lost

BARCELONA LOSSES €170 MI

Barcelona's bargain basement sale of David Villa
to Atletico Madrid has highlighted the recent
abysmal business the Spanish champs have done
in the transfer market.
Villa moved to Atletico for €5.1 million, having
arrived from Valencia for €40 million three
seasons ago.
In all, Barca have lost over €170 million from
eight recent transfers, though Villa's is not the
worst. according to.ic-goal
Barca worst transfers (difference between
buying and selling price):
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (-63 million)
2. David Villa (-34.9 million)
3. Henrique (-16.5 million)
4. Hleb (-15 million)
5. Keirrison (-14 million)
6. Caceres (-13 million)
7. Chigrinsky (-10 million)
8. Maxi Lopez (-4 million)
Total: €170.4 million lost

Higuain to Arsenal almost done..

Spanish media outlet, AS, last night reported that
Arsenal have tabled a £25.3million (€30million)
bid for Real Madrid striker, Gonzalo Higuain and
hope to complete the deal by Friday.
Just yesterday afternoon, Florentino Perez
denied that there has been any official bid from
the Gunners, despite stories claiming that both
clubs had agreed a £25.3million deal for the
Argentine.
The Real Madrid president told Univision that
they wanted to keep the frontman, saying: “We
don’t want him to leave. And besides, nobody
from Arsenal has come here to present an offer
for him. Not 27 million or anything. There is no
offer.”
However, it is believed that Perez was trying to
squeeze out more money from Arsene Wenger
and if the reports of a new bid are true, then the
protracted transfer saga might be closed this
week.

Is This True?

Boateng had confirmed to the coach
and my good self that he was coming back
to play": GFA president Kwesi Nyantekyie,Kelvin Boateng coming back to play for The Black Stars according to Ghana Football association President...

Super Eagles And NFF settles Bonus Row

The bonus row between the Super
Eagles players and the Nigeria
Football Federation has been
amicably resolved after both parties agreed to
bury the hatchet and let sleeping dogs lie till
after the Confederations Cup hostilities.
An elated Team Secretary, Dayo Eenbi Achor said
late Thursday that what happened was a 'mild
misunderstanding' that has since been resolved
and the team will now fly out to Brazil on
Saturday morning.
The team was originally meant to have left
Namibia for South Africa from where they were to
board a flight on Thursday, but the trip was called
off after the players protested the $2,500 given
them for the 1-1 draw with the Brave Warriors.
NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari has already
said the players have a right to demand for
higher bonuses but the federation is compelled
to work within the budget at its disposal.
He noted that at the moment the reason for the
bonus row was as a result of funds paucity.
"And the Chairman of the National Sports
Commission and Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji
Abdulahi has given us his words that all will be
well financially in the coming days and that is why
we have appealed to the players to understand
the situation."
Also speaking on the situation, Sports Marketer,
Mike Itemuagbor, called on the Federal
government to intervene in the financial situation
facing the football federation.
"When some backroom staff were laid off it was
like a joke, now players are revolting, we must
save the NFF and Nigeria from this
embarrassment because football is capital
intensive but it's a major image booster for all big
nations and the government must take it
serious."
The Super Eagles will now have an official training
on Sunday ahead of its game against Tahiti on
Monday in the Confederations Cup.

Super Eagles Player Reject Match bonus

NIGERIA PLAYERS REFUSE BONUS AFTER NAMIBIA
DRAW
Nigeria drew 1-1 with Namibia in their World Cup
qualifier to set up a group decider against Malawi
for a place in the play-offs for the 2014
tournament.
However, the players have refused to take a $2500-
a-man bonus for the draw and have instead
demanded double the amount, according to
officials.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu
Maigari met the team on Wednesday night in
Windhoek to explain to them that the organisation
is broke and so the drastic cuts in their
expenditure.
Last week, local media reported the players were
unhappy over the bonus when the Super Eagles
beat Kenya 1-0 in another 2014 World Cup
qualifier.

Computer Configuration assignment

This is the full configuration of a computer
system as requested by you.Mrs Martha Alade
..Thanks
-2 gigahertz p4 CPU with 512 megabyte of
ram,40 gb harddrive
- CDRW 100MB
- USB port
- 10 ethernet adaptor for broadband and 56k
data modem for dialup network configuration
- wifi 802 11b
- soundcard
- 1024 by 768 resolution monitor
- printer

Namibians draw Nigeria

World Cup Qualifier: Namibia1-1 Nigeria African champions, the Super Eagles
of Nigeria were tonight held to a 1-1 draw by
Namibia’s Brave Warriors in a 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualifying match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in
Windhoek.Nigeria still..maintains a two point lead at the top of the table..

Spurs defeats Heat on Game3

Spurs take Game 3 of the NBA Finals,
beating the Heat 113-77; San Antonio leads
the series 2-1.

Ahmed Mido Retires from Football

Mido: Egyptian retires from football at the age
of 30
Former Egypt international Ahmed 'Mido'
Hossam has announced his retirement from
football.
The striker joined English Championship side
Barnsley last June but left the club in January
after problems with injury and fitness.
"Today, I announce that I'm quitting football,"
the 30-year-old wrote on his Twitter page.
"I want to thank all those who supported me
during my football career, especially Egypt fans."
Mido's spell at Barnsley was an inglorious end to
his 14-year playing career, with the former
Tottenham Hotspur striker making just one
appearance during his time with the club.

Italy's confed. cup squad list

Italy
Prandelli had to exclude 7 players from his
provisional 30-man squad and Michael Agazzi,
Luca Antonelli, Angelo Ogbonna, Andrea
Ranocchia, Giacomo Bonaventura, Andrea Poli
and Marco Sau won't play in the tournament.
Italy will play their first game on 16 June against
Mexico.
GOALKEEPERS:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus),
Federico Marchetti (Lazio),
Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain)
DEFENDERS:
Ignazio Abate (AC Milan),
Davide Astori (Cagliari),
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus),
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus),
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus),
Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan),
Christian Maggio (Napoli)
MIDFIELDERS:
Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina),
Antonio Candreva (Lazio),
Daniele De Rossi (Roma),
Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna),
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus),
Claudio Marchisio (Juventus),
Riccardo Montolivo (AC Milan),
Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
STRIKERS:
Mario Balotelli (Milan),
Alessio Cerci (Torino),
Stephan El Shaarawy (Milan),
Alberto Gilardino (Bologna),
Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus).

Spain confed.cup full team list..

spain
Xabi Alonso is out from the team because of a
groin injury. The final squad also excludes Javi
Garcia (Manchester City) and Benat Etxebarria
(Real Betis), who were included in earlier
announced 26-man squad.
GOALKEEPERS:
Casillas (Real Madrid),
Reina (Liverpool),
Valdes (Barcelona);
DEFENDERS:
Alba (Barcelona),
Albiol (Real Madrid),
Arbeloa (Real Madrid),
Azpilicueta (Chelsea),
Monreal (Arsenal),
Pique (Barcelona),
Ramos (Real Madrid);
MIDFIELDERS:
Busquets (Barcelona),
Cazorla (Arsenal),
Fabregas (Barcelona),
Iniesta (Barcelona),
Martinez (Bayern Munich),
Mata (Chelsea),
Navas (Manchester City),
Pedro (Barcelona),
Silva (Manchester City),
Xavi (Barcelona),
STRIKERS:
Torres (Chelsea),
Soldado (Valencia),
Villa (Barcelona).

Villareal back in la liga top flight

Villarreal have sealed an instant return to La Liga
by securing a second-placed finish in the
Segunda Division on Saturday.
The Madrigal outfit, who suffered the ignominy
of relegation from the Spanish top-flight last
term, confirmed automatic promotion from the
second-tier by beating Almeria 1-0 at home.
Jonathan Pereira Rodriguez grabbed the all-
important goal for the hosts, who could have
been leapfrogged into the final promotion spot
by their opponents had they suffered defeat on
the final day of the season.
However, Almeria will now enter the play-offs
along with Girona, Alcorcon and Las Palmas.
Elche’s status as Segunda Division champions was
unthreatened going into the last day, meaning
they will play top-flight football for the first time
since 1989 next season.
Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has
now led three teams to promotion from the
Segunda Division, having previously achieved the
feat with Real Zaragoza and Recreativo de
Huelva.

AN ARSENAL FAN DREAMS

Fellaini picks up the ball in the middle of the
park,he passes to fabregas,fabregas sends it wide
to jovetic,superb control by jovetic who finds
Rooney,its rooney now,he passes to higuain who
takes a powerful shot with his right foot and that's
a.,............THEN YOUR ALARM RINGS!!! and you woke up to see it was just a dream...

HIGUAIN TO ARSENAL DEAL VERY CLOSE..

Madrid based paper Marca have reported that a
deal between Arsenal and Higuain is very close. The
report states that Wenger met Jorge Higuain, the
father of Higuain, on Friday and apparently the
talks went very well and an agreement could finally
be in place.

Usain Bolt beaten by Justin gatlin

Usain Bolt Beaten By Justin Gatlin In 100m In
Rome
Akinlabi Abiodun Jun 7th, 2013 0 Comment
US sprinter Justin Gatlin beat six-time Olympic
champion Usain Bolt in the men’s 100 metres
race at the Rome Golden Gala, Diamond League,
which took place today. Justin beat Usain by one-
hundredth of a second, that’s like 1% of a
second. Justin actually had to dip his head over
the line to win in 9.94 seconds. Usain came in
9.95.
Usain was making his first appearance in the
Diamond League this season since his recent
recovery from a hamstring injury. Usain
explained what happened to him:
“I got the perfect start that I wanted, then about
five steps in I stumbled a bit and that kind of
threw my game off. My legs didn’t feel like my
legs coming into the straight. I guess I need to do
more strength work. I think I just need time to
get it back together but the fact I got a good start
threw me off. At least I got under 10 seconds.
“It is always a good thing to lose. You can figure
how to step it up. I knew I wasn’t in great shape
but I’m not worried. It takes time to get back into
shape and I didn’t expect much from this race.”
Usain’s next race will be in the men’s 200m in
next Thursday’s Diamond League meeting in
Oslo.

ARSENAL INTEREST IN HIGUAIN

Arsenal’s interest in Gonzalo Higuain was
gathering pace on Friday, with the Argentina
striker reiterating his desire to leave Real Madrid
in a deal that would cost around £20 million.
Although Arsenal have also considered
Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Manchester
United’s Wayne Rooney, the primary focus is
currently Higuain whose six-year spell at the
Bernabeu appears to be coming to an end.
Higuain’s father, Jorge, was on Friday quoted in
Spain as confirming that Arsenal and Juventus
had already been in contact. “He wants to go to a
team in Europe where he is a main player and is
shown affection," said Jorge Higuain.

KESHI RELEASES CONFED. CUP TEAM LIST..

Stephen Keshi release 23-man list for
Confederations Cup in Brazil-your thoughts...
Goalkeeper: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Austin
Ejide (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Vincent Enyeama
(Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves),Efe
Ambrose (Celtic Glasgow), Elderson Uwa Echiéjilé
(Sporting de Braga), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den
Haag), Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe,
Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ogenyi Onazi
(SS Lazio), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra),
Sunday Mba, Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers),
Babatunde Michael (Kryvbas), Fegor Ogude
(Valerenga)
Forwards: Joseph Akpala (SV Werder Bremen),
Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev), Anthony Ujah (FC
Cologne), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Gambo
Mohammed (Kano Pillars), Ahmed Musa (CSKA
Moscow)

KESHI RELEASES CONFED CUP LIST..

Stephen Keshi release 23-man list for
Confederations Cup in Brazil-your thoughts...
Goalkeeper: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Austin
Ejide (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Vincent Enyeama
(Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves),Efe
Ambrose (Celtic Glasgow), Elderson Uwa Echiéjilé
(Sporting de Braga), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den
Haag), Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe,
Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ogenyi Onazi
(SS Lazio), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra),
Sunday Mba, Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers),
Babatunde Michael (Kryvbas), Fegor Ogude
(Valerenga)
Forwards: Joseph Akpala (SV Werder Bremen),
Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev), Anthony Ujah (FC
Cologne), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Gambo
Mohammed (Kano Pillars), Ahmed Musa (CSKA
Moscow)

Nadal defeats Djokovic

BREAKING: Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in 5
sets (6:4; 3:6; 6:1; 6:7; 9:7) to reach French Open
final

TW REMAINS WORLDS HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE..

Tiger Woods returns to the summit of the forbes Worlds highest paid athlete

ARSENAL MOVE FOR FELLIANI

The Times report that Arsenal have moved ahead
of Man United and Chelsea to sign Marouane
Fellaini by activating his £24m release cllause.

SUPER EAGLES BOOST WORLD CUP CHANCES

NIGERIA STILL IN THE RUNNING FOR WORLD CUP
BERTH
Nigeria boosted their chances of reaching the 2014
World Cup by beating Kenya 1-0, while Malawi
were held by Namibia in Wednesday's qualifiers,
reports ic-goal.
Ahmed Musa scored the only goal in the two
Group F games, sending Nigeria two points clear at
the top of the table with two rounds of matches
remaining.
Malawi and Namibia drew 0-0 in their match.
Nigeria will progress to the next stage of
qualification next Wednesday if they beat Namibia
and Malawi fail to beat Kenya, who are out of the
running.

ARSENAL AWARDED TOP FAIR PLAY LEAGUE.

To promote positive behaviour, the Football
Association established a Fair Play competition,
with all Premier League matches being assessed
by delegates.
Teams are assessed in five categories, with a
further category relating to the behaviour of the
public. The five categories are:
red and yellow cards
positive play (e.g. attacking intent, speeding up
the game, no timewasting)
respect towards opponents
respect towards the referee
behaviour of the team officials.
The funding for the awards is provided by the FA
Charity Committee and Arsenal will be awarded
£30,000 that can be used towards its community
or youth projects.
“As a club, Arsenal prides itself on values of fair
competition and positive behaviour both on and
off the pitch,” Arsène Wenger said. “We are
pleased to be recognised with this award and
look forward to using the funding to further
support our important work with young people
in the local community.”
Copyright 2013 The Arsenal Football Club plc.

JULIO CESAR AND ASHLEY WILLIAMS PROPOSED MOVE TO ARSENAL ALMOST DONE........

ic-goal.blogspot.com understand that Arsenal will pay no
more than 1 million for goalkeeper Julio Cear, while
they also state that Ashley Williams has agreed
personal terms ahead of a proposed move to
Arsenal.

KOSCIENLY TO LEAVE ARSENAL IF..........

The defender is ready to exit the Emirates
Stadium this summer unless the Gunners are
ready to show the ambition to fight for their first
piece of silverware in over eight years.
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he may
be forced to leave the Premier League outfit if
the Gunners do not start winning silverware
soon.
Arsene Wenger's side last won a trophy over
eight years ago - the FA Cup in 2005 - a spell that
has seen the club sell a string of top players like
Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie,
often to league rivals.
Now the 27-year-old, who has been linked with a
move to Bayern Munich, hopes the north London
outfit is ready to prove its ambition in the league
next season, otherwise he will look for a new
challenge elsewhere.
"I feel good at Arsenal, if we have ambition to
fight against the other teams of course I want to
stay here," Koscielny told Eurosport. "It's hard
psychologically. We are constantly pressured
because if Arsenal is not in the Champions
League it would be a catastrophe.
"I have to see if I have clubs interested in me. I
will not go to any club. I want to maybe discover
another league. Paris [Saint-Germain]? There has
been no contact yet. It is hard to not win titles
year after year. We are competitors,
professionals, we want to win. I want to add to
my list of achievements. If Arsenal cannot allow
me that, I'll seek a move elsewhere."

MAN CITY AXE MANCINI

MAN CITY AXE MANCINI
Roberto Mancini has been sacked as Manchester City manager
after three-and-a-half years at the helm.
Manuel Pellegrini, Malaga's Chilean coach, is favourite to succeed
Mancini.
The Italian has failed to build on last season's title success and
paid the price.

league one promoters and demoters

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PLACINGS
The Runners and riders have finished their season in the
championship with the following outcomes:
PROMOTED TO PREMIER LEAGUE:
Champions: Cardiff
Runners-up: Hull
PLAY-OFF TEAMS FOR ONE REMAINING PROMOTION SLOT:
Watford
Brighton
Crystal Palace
Leicester
RELEGATED TO LEAGUE ONE
Peterborough
Wolves
Bristol City

Super Eagles players Round Up Abroad.

ed: Apr 29, 2013
Eneramo scores hat-trick, Haruna
bags brace, Ebagua also on fire,
Echiejile sees red in Portugal
ENGLAND
Victor Anichebe (Everton): Super
Eagles striker, Victor Anichebe,
played all 90 minutes on Saturday in Everton's 1-0 win over
Fulham at the Goodison Park. The forward who is angling for a
recall to the Nigerian national team has thus played 21 EPL
games for the Toffees whose European chase have been kept
alive by the victory- thanks to a Steven Pienaar goal. Anichebe
still has five goals to his credit this season.
Osaze Odemwingie (West Brom): Super Eagles 'bad boy' Osaze
Odemwingie was an unused substitute on Saturday in West
Brom's emphatic 3-0 away win over Southampton in an ill-
tempered game at St Mary's Stadium. Odemwingie has played
23 times in the EPL this season for the Baggies and still has
five goals to his credit.
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United): One-cap Super Eagles
striker Shola Ameobi was an unused sub in Newcastle United's
humiliating 6-0 bashing in the hands of Liverpool at King
James' Park. Ameobi has played 22 games for the Toons this
term and has scored once in 650 minutes of football in the
Premier League.
Seyi Olofinjana (Sheffield Wednesday): Former Super Eagles
midfielder Seyi Olofinjana played for 90 minutes on Saturday in
Sheffield Wednesday's 1-0 away defeat against Petersborough
United. The midfielder has thus played five times in the
npower Championship for his on-loan club from Hull City this
season.
Danny Shittu (Millwall): Nigerian defender Danny Shittu was
not listed on Saturday by manager Kenny Jacket in Millwall's
1-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest at the Den
Stadium. The big defender has played 35 times for his club this
season.
Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn Rovers): Forgotten Super Eagles
midfielder, Dickson Etuhu, was not passed fit on Saturday as
Blackburn were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Ewood
Park. Etuhu has played 20 games for the one-time Premier
League champions this term.
Masgnus Okunonghae (Colchester United): Nigeria's Magnus
Okunonghae played for 90 minutes on Saturday as Colchester
United defeated Carlisle United 2-0 in a game which was the
Nigeria's 42nd game of the season in the lower division.
John Mikel Obi (Chelsea): Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel
Obi was an unused substitute in Chelsea's 2-0 home win over
Swansea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Mikel has so far played
22 EPL games for the Blues who moved closer to a return to
the Champions League with the win while Moses has chalked
up 19 games with a total of eight goals in all competitions.
Chelsea's next Premier League clash comes up at Manchester
United before the London derby with Spurs on May 8 which
could prove decisive in the Champions League qualifying race.
SCOTLAND
Rabiu Ibrahim, Gabriel Rueben, Papa Idris (Kilmarnock): Former
youth international Rabiu Ibrahim was an unused sub in
Kilmarnock's 1-0 away loss to Aberdeen at the Pitrodrie
Stadium. The former Gateway FC and Celtic player made his
first SPL appearance for the Scottish side penultimate
weekend against Heart of Midlothian.
Efe Ambrose (Celtic): Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose was
not listed for action as SPL champions Celtic lost 3-1 away to
Motherwell who clinched a Europa League spot in impressive
style at Fir Park. The former Ashdod FC defender has so far
played 25 games and scored thrice since joining the Scottish
giants last summer.
SPAIN
Chrisantus Macaulay (Las Palmas): Former Golden Eaglets
striker Macaulay Chrisantus scored Las Palmas' consolation goal
on Saturday in the 56th minute as his team lost 5-1 to
Cordoba. The 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer who
scored a brace penultimate weekend was yellow-carded in the
89th minute. The goal was his 10th of the season while his
booking was his fourth yellow card this term.
Ike Uche (Villarreal): Super Eagles prolific striker Ike Uche
played for all 90 minutes on Saturday but fired blanks in
Villarreal's 0-0 draw against Logo. The Eagles striker who was
surprisingly left out of Stephen Keshi plans for the 2013 FIFA
Confederations Cup and crucial 2014 World Cup qualifiers billed
for June has thus played his 17th Segunda Liga game for the
Yellow Submarine over the weekend. The skilful forward has
scored nine goals so far in 818 minutes.
Odion Ighalo (Granada): Former Olympic international Odion
Ighalo played his 25th La Liga game of the season when he
replaced Yacine Brahimi in the 67th minute of Granada's lone
goal win over Espanyol on Sunday. The Udinese loanee has so
far scored four goals this term.
Ramon Azeez, Stanley Okoro (Almeria): The Nigerian duo of
Ramon Azeez was both not listed for Almeria lost by a lone
goal to Real Murcia on Sunday. Azeez has played twice this
season while Okoro is yet to feature for the club.
Sunday Stephen (Numancia): One-cap Super Eagles midfielder
Sunday Stephen was an unused substitute for Numancia in
their clash at home to Real Madrid II on Sunday. He has played
28 times in the Segunda Liga and scored one goal thus far.
GERMANY
Chinedu Obasi (Schalke O4): Injured Super Eagles winger
Chinedu Obasi was expectedly not listed for Schalke's 4-1
home win over Hamburger SV on Sunday. He has played only
four games for Schalke this term.
Joseph Akpala (Weder Bremen): Super Eagles fringe striker
Joseph Akpala played for only 15 minutes on Saturday in
Weder Bremen's 1-0 away defeat against Bayer Leverkusen at
the Bay Arena. Akpala came off the bench in the 75th minute
in place of Ozkan Yildirim. The game was the 19th Bundesliga
appearance for Akpala who has so far scored once in 352
minutes of club football in the team.
Seyi Olajengbesi (Sandhausen): Former Super Eagles defender
Seyi Olajengbesi came off the bench to replace Fabio Morena
in the 59th minute on Saturday in Sandhausen's 0-1 home
defeat suffered in the hands of Bochum. The game was
Olajengbesi's 12th of the season in the second tier of German
Bundesliga this season. The former Julius Berger centre-back
has started in 11 of those games, totaling 1,021 minutes and
bagging two yellow cards. Olajengbesi has scored once this
season.
ITALY
Osaretien Ebagua, Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese): Osaretien
Ebagua grabbed Varese's second goal and his 16th of the
season on Saturday in Varese's 2-0 win over Cittadella. The
Nigerian who has now played 32 times in the Serie B for his
club played for 90 minutes. Ebagua's team-mate and Super
Eagles fringe star Nnamdi Oduamadi played for 90 minutes but
got into the referee's books as he was yellow-carded in the
28th minute of the game which was his fourth of the season.
The winger has played 14 times for Varese this season, starting
in 10 of them.
FRANCE
John Utaka (Montpellier): Super Eagles striker cum winger John
Utaka was not listed by Montpellier on Saturday in the club's
2-1 away loss to Ajaccio. The injured forward has played 26
times this season for the French Ligue 1 champions and has
scored five goals for La Paillade this season.
Onyekachi Apam, Ejike Uzoenyi (Rennes): Forgotten Super
Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam was not listed by Rennes in
their 2-0 away win over Brest on Saturday. Apam who is
currently injured has played nine times for his Ligue 1 club this
season while Uzoenyi who joined the side after the 2013 Africa
Cup of Nations was on the bench throughout the duration of
the game. The former Enugu Rangers forward has not played in
the Ligue 1 since his move but has played twice in the French
Cup.
TURKEY
Kalu Uche (Kasimpasa): Super Eagles striker Kalu Uche played
all 90 minutes for Kasimpasa in their 2-1 loss to Eskisehirspor
on Sunday. Kalu who was making his 30th appearance in the
league for Kasimpasa has scored 19 league goals in his debut
season for the club.
Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahçe): Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo
was missing in action for Fenerbahce in the home clash against
Kayserispor on Sunday. Yobo who has so far made 17th league
start this season is expected to return to the starting line-up
for Fenerbahce in Thursday's second leg Europa League clash
against Benfica. He has been shunned by the national team
handlers for the Eagles' crowded fixtures in June.
Michael Eneramo (Sivasspor), Simon Zenke (Istanbul BB):
Nigerian international Michael Eneramo made a good case for
his Super Eagles re-invitation when he grabbed a hat-trick on
Saturday in Sivasspor's 4-1 bashing of Istanbul BB. The former
Esperance striker scored in the 26th, 42nd and 56th minutes of
the game which now takes his goal tally to 11 this season in 28
league matches. Eneramo has played a total of 2, 453 minutes
of football in the Turkish top flight and has been yellow-carded
seven times . Istanbul BB had Simon Zenke in action for 90
minutes of the game. The former Flying Eagles striker has
played 12 times for the Turkish side this season and scored
once. He has played 814 minutes since he moved to the club.
Nduka Ozokwo, Raheem Lawal (Mersin Idyanmurdu), Isaac
Promise (Antalyaspor): The duo of Nduka Ozokwo and Raheem
Lawal were both in action on Friday in Mersin Idyanmurdu's
1-1 home draw against Isaac Promise's Antalyaspor. Ozokwo
came off the bench in the 46th minute to replace Serkan Yanik
while Lawal was introduced 12 minutes to the end of the game
in place of Jean-Jacques Gosso. Antalyaspor paraded former
Flying Eagles captain Isaac Promise for 70 minutes before he
was substituted by Omer Sismanoglu. Promise has played 27
league games for his Turkish side this season and scored once;
while Ozokwo has also scored just once. Lawal has now played
eight matches this term for Mersin.
HOLLAND
Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag), Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo):
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo played at right back
on Saturday in ADO Den Haag's 1-1 draw against VVV Venlo at
Haag's Kyocerica Stadion. Omeruo has now played 26
Eredevisie games for his on-loan side while Uche Nwofor
scored Venlo's goal in the 14th minute and was in action for 88
minutes before he was substituted by Robert Cullen. The goal
was Nwofor's 8th of the season in 23 games.
Femi Ajilore (Groningen): Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder
Femi Ajilore was yellow-carded in the 44th minute during FC
Groningen's game against PSV which ended 5-2 in favour of
PSV on Saturday at the Phillips Stadion. The game was the 17th
of the season for ‘MAYOR’.
RUSSIA
Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow): Nigerian forward Victor
Obinna Nsofor played for 68 minutes on Saturday before he
was replaced by Felipe Caicedo in Lokomotiv Moscow's 3-1
home win over Rostov. The game was Nsofor's 23rd of the
season in the Russian Premier League with two goals to his
credit thus far.
UKRAINE
Lukman Haruna, Brown Ideye, Taye Taiwo(Dynamo Kiev):
Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder, Lukman Haruna, grabbed a
brace for Dynamo Kiev on Saturday in a 2-0 home win over
Dnipro. The Korea 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning captain
scored in the 9th and 45th(+1)minutes of the game. The
double strikes take his tally this season to 14 in 965 minutes of
club football. He was however yellow-carded in the 55th
minute by referee Anatoliy Zhabchenko. Super Eagles star at
the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Brown Aide Ideye who has
scored 16 goals this season in 24 league games was not on
target and was also yellow-carded in the game, a minute after
Haruna's booking. Ideye was replaced on the dot of 90
minutes while Taye Taiwo played for all 90 minutes of the
game. It was the 17th game of the season for the left back
who is on loan from AC Milan.
Michael Odibe (Arsenal Kiev): Former U-23 star Michael Odibe
was in action for 90 minutes on Saturday in Arsenal Kiev's 3-1
away win over Hoverla at the Stadion Avanhard. Odibe has
played seven matches for his club thus far this season.
Abayomi Seun (Volyn): Nigeria's Abayomi Seun played for 46
minutes on Saturday for Volyn in a 0-0 draw against Metalurh
Zapoprizhya. Seun was replaced by Dusan Savic a minute after
the second half began.
Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas): Nigeria's Michael Babatunde was
an unused substitute for Kryvbas who lost 2-0 to Metalurh
Donetsk on Sunday. He has played ten games so far this
season.
PORTUGAL
Elderson Echiejile (Braga): Super Eagles left back Elderson Uwa
Echiejile was red-carded on Saturday in the 84th minute of
Sporting Braga's 2-1 away defeat against Estoril. The red card
was the first of the season for Echiejile. It was the 17th
Portuguese Premier League game of the season for the 2013
AFCON hero who penultimate weekend won the Portuguese
FA Cup with the modest side.
Okechukwu Christian Irobiso (Pacos De Ferreira): Nigerian
youngster Christian Irobiso played his second game of the
season for Champions league chasers Pacos De Ferreira when
he replaced Paraguayan Antonio Mereles in the 81st minute of
his side's 2-2 draw away to Vitória Guimarães on Sunday. The
former União Madeira star has been called up to the Flying
Eagles camp in preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in
Turkey.
NORWAY
Fegor Ogude (Valerenga), Leke James (Aalesund): Super Eagles
defensive midfielder Fegor Ogude was yellow-carded in the
68th minute of the game between Valerenga and Aalesund at
his club's home ground which Valerenga won 2-0. Ogude
played for 90 minutes of the game while the booking was his
second of the season. On the opposing side was another
Nigerian, Leke James, who came off the bench to replace
Andreas Nordvik in the 56th minute. It was the sixth the
game for James this season. The 21 year-old Nigerian has
scored twice this term.
Solomon Owello (IK Start): Former Flying Eagles playmaker
Solomon Owello received a 70th minute yellow card on
Saturday in IK Start's 3-2 away defeat in the hands of
Lillestrom. The booking was the second of the season for the
Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup star for Nigeria.
George Agwuocha (Odd Grenland): Former Golden Eaglets
striker George Agwuocha played for 10 minutes on Saturday
when he replaced Niklas Gunnanson in the 80th minute of
Grenland's 3-0- away loss to Brann. The former youth
international has played five times for his Norwegian side this
season.
DENMARK
Adeola Runsewe (SILKEBORG): Nigeria's Adeola Runsewe was
not listed in Silkeborg's 0-1 home defeat against Esbjerg on
Saturday. Runsewe has played 18 matches for his Danish club
this term.

FA charge Luis suarez

FA charge Luis suarez

The Football Association has charged Liverpool forward Luis
Suarez with violent conduct for his bite on Chelsea's Branislav
Ivanovic .
The Uruguayan sank his teeth into the defender's
arm in the second half of the two sides' 2-2 draw at
Anfield, later going on to seal the injury-time
equaliser.
The FA confirmed in a statement on its official
website that "the incident was not seen by the
match officials and has therefore been
retrospectively reviewed.
"It is alleged that the conduct of Suarez constitutes
violent conduct and it is the FA's contention that the
standard punishment of three matches that would
otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these
circumstances."
The Liverpool star has until 18.00BST on Tuesday to
appeal, with an independent panel to be brought
together on Wednesday to hear the charge.
Suarez has been fined by his club, who have
indicated that they would accept any judgement forthcoming
from the FA.

SUAREZ JIBE

Be careful footballers bwhen playing against liverpool because you might be bitten by someone............

ARSENAL TO SIGN BUNDESLIGA TALENT..

according to the Sunday Express. The 19-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Bundesliga at the moment, and has attracted admiring glances from a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been credited with an interest in bringing the Germany international to the Emirates Stadium, as he prepares to splash more than £70million on strengthening his Arsenal squad ahead of the 2013/14 campaign. Draxler has impressed for Schalke this season, with a number of scintillating performances coming in the Champions League. His fine form has also caught the eye of Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson, who is preparing a Manchester United bid to rival that of Arsenal and Real Madrid, according to talkSPORT. The talented teenager has made no secret of his desire to one day move to Spain, having recently told Marca that it would be a dream to play at the Santiago Bernabeu. That could put Real Madrid in the driving seat to secure Draxler's signature, however that won't stop both Premier League suitors from stepping up their interest when the transfer window reopens on July 1.

THE GOLDEN EAGLETS OF NIGERIA ARE THROUGH TO CAF U17 SEMIFINAL AND FIFA U17 WORLD CUP HOLDING IN UAE.

USA out of U17 world cup.

USA U-17s fail to reach 2013 World Cup
Richie Williams' side lost to Honduras in
the make-or-break CONCACAF U-17
quarterfinal, meaning it will not be at the
FIFA showpiece.

EPL RESULT....

FT Fulham 0 - 1 Arsenal
FT Norwich C. 2 - 1 Reading
FT Queens Park R. 0 - 2 Stoke C.
FT Sunderland 1 - 0 Everton
FT Swansea C. 0 - 0 Southampton
FT West Bromwich A. 1 - 1 Newcastle U.
FT West Ham U. 2 - 0 Wigan Athletic

PFA announces six shortlist for the POTY award.

Eden Hazard and Michael Carrick have been named on the six-
man shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year award along with
Juan Mata, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie. Our
money is on Hazard after six impressive displays at the start of
the season. Jack Wilshere is joined on the junior shortlist by
Danny Welbeck, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke. We are
surprised there is no place for the excellent Matija
Nastasic ...

portsmouth FC officially out of administration.

Portsmouth have come out of administration and are now
officially owned by the Pompey Supporters' Trust.

Obaobona on Arsenals trial

Arsene Wenger has handed a trial to Nigeria
international defender Godfrey Oboabona.
Oboabona said: “Arsenal are my favourite
club from childhood. It is the club I want to
play for.”congratulatins brother we in Nigeria is happy and praying for you.

Odumadi hands Eagles vital points..

Nigeria, African champions had planned a
big mauling of Kenya’s national team, the
Harambee stars in the World Cup qualifying
match in Calabar today. But at the end, it
was the Nigerians that struggled to clinch a
point.
Kenya, under coach Adel Amrouche were
almost returning to Nairobi with the three
points in the bag, when Nigeria’s Italy based
winger, Nnamdi Oduamadi netted in the
equaliser.
Amrouche, who was handling Kenya’s
international match for the first time had
admitted he only boasts of two stars against
Nigeria’s array of big names for Saturday’s
World Cup qualifier in Calabar, Cross River
State.
Amrouche said he is therefore not building
the Harambee Stars for the Nigeria game but
the future.
“We are not here to shock Nigeria, but to
play football. Nigeria have big names while
my team have just two playing in top teams,
Victor Wanyama (Celtic) and Dennis Oliech
(Ajaccio), the rest play in second division
clubs,” said the Algerian handler.
But the Kenyans shocked Nigeria with a
36th minute goal by midfielder, 21 year old
Francis Kahata. The first half goal almost
decided the match until the AS Varese Star
Oduamadi, who was returning to national
duty after almost two years of absence,
netted the equaliser for a very vital point, in
the extra minutes of the game.
With the victory Nigeria still top the group
with five points.
Unfancied Malawi now shares the group
lead also with five points, after beating
Namibia 1-0 in Windhoek.
Kenya is still rooted to the bottom with two
points along with Namibia.

Europa League fixtures

EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER FINALS
The English club's kept apart...now what
where the odds...!
Chelsea v Rubin Kazan
Tottenham v Basel
Fenerbahce v Lazio
First legs to be played 4 April and second legs
to be played 11 April.
Benfica v Newcastle

sao Paulo moves for Victor Valdes

Sao Paulo are moving for Barcelona
goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Valdes is leaving Barca in the summer after
rejecting a new contract offer.
AS says Brazilian giants Sao Paulo have made
an approach to Valdes' management about
a move to South America.
For the moment, however, Valdes has
intimated he wants to remain in Europe.

Barca yet breaks a new World Record..

Barcelona become the first team to overturn a
two-goal deficit from the first leg without an
away goal in the short Champions League
history. Aggregate score: Milan 2-4 Barcelona

Recipe for Arsenal

Franck Ribery has been ruled out of Bayern
Munich's Champions League clash with
Arsenal through injury.
while Schweinsteiger and Boateng are
suspended.

Giggs admits management outside Man Utd

Ryan Giggs admits his first manager's job is
likely to be away from Manchester United.
Giggs has ambitions to enter management
once he retires.
He told the Mail on Sunday: "We’ve talked
about it on the pro licence course, that
ideally you want to get that bit of
experience, two or three years on the pitch
coaching, organising. That’s your
apprenticeship. Now that might not happen.
I might finish and get offered a decent
manager’s job."

barcelona no longer exciting-Sacchi

Former Real Madrid GM Arrigo Sacchi has
questioned the attitude of Barcelona's
players.
Barca have suffered consecutive defeats to
Real Madrid.
"Barcelona are not so exciting because
Guardiola has gone," Sacchi.
"Easily winning the league has probably
relaxed the team. Lately I've seen a bad
image of Barcelona which is unknown for
this team."
Is Sacchi right? Is it all too easy for Barca?
Give us your shout below...

Rooney going Nowhere!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson has given his word that
Wayne Rooney will still be a Manchester
United player next season, meaning that the
striker should be offered a new deal in the
summer.

Tonight is why i can't retire-sir alex Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
says games like tonight against Real Madrid
is why he carries on.
Ferguson argues he can't walk away when
there's experiences like what lies ahead on
offer.
"People ask me why I don't retire after so
many years in the game but how could
anyone with an ounce of passion for
football in their soul voluntarily walk away
from the opportunity to be involved in this
type of occasion?" Ferguson told United
Review.
"This is what it is all about - a packed Old
Trafford, the floodlights on, the pitch
glistening and two of the greatest and
romantic clubs in the game about to do
battle.
"Manchester United and Real Madrid are
indelibly written into football history, with
so many great players gracing the stage
here over the years, and from time to time
enjoying the glory that comes with winning
this most elusive of prizes.
"The tales of 'derring-do' as we strive to
prove we are the best in Europe illuminate
the seasons and I like to think that the
pioneers like Sir Matt Busby and Santiago
Bernabeu, the president of Real Madrid who
gave his name to the stadium, will be up
there smiling and as excited as the rest of us
at the prospect of another dramatic night
featuring the best that the game can
provide."

sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona tops list of local players called up by Keshi

Africa Cup of Nations stars Sunday Mba
and Godfrey Oboabona top a list of 24
local players called-up by Stephen Keshi
for Nigeria's March 23 World Cup qualifier
against Kenya in Calabar.
Both players are among the six domestic
league players from the Nations Cup squad
making a return.
They are joined by goalkeeper Chigozie
Agbim, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris and
Azubuike Egwuekwe.
The players are expected to report to camp
on March 10.
Keshi will name his European contingent on
Thursday.
The Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: 1. AGBIM Chigozie (Rangers),
2. AKPEYI Daniel (Heartland), 3. AJIBOYE Dele
(3SC)
Defenders: 4. Egwueke Azubuike (Warri
Wolves), 5. Papa Idris (Kano Pillars), 6. Zango
Umar (Kano Pillars), 7. Oboabona Godfrey
(Sunshine Stars), 8. Kwambe Solomon
(Sunshine Stars), 9. Chibuzo Okonkwo
(Rangers), 10. Ezekiel bassey (Lobi Stars),
11. Benjamin Francis (Heartland), 12. Zubaru
Muhammed
Midfielders and Forwards: 13. Mba Sunday
(Rangers), 14. Gabriel Ruben (Kano Pillars),
15. Gambo Muhammed (Kano Pillars), 16.
Ubale Mannir (Kano Pillars), 17. Pius Samson
(Ranchers Bees), 18. Onduku Gomo
(Sharks), 19. Obinna Nwanchukwu
(Heartland), 20. Saka Ayo (Enyimba), 21. Jiya
Muhammed (Bayelsa Fc), 22. Emeka Ezeh
(Rangers), 23. Anthony Okputu (Lobi Stars),
24. Adepoju Taofeek (3SC)

Champions League Update

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
MAN UTD (1) v (1) REAL MADRID
ko 19.45
Real Madrid are one of two Spanish teams to
have beaten Manchester United at Old
Trafford in the Champions League, Deportivo
La Coruña are the other.
The Red Devils have only lost once in their last
14 Champions League home games.
The two Champions League encounters
between Manchester Utd and Real Madrid at
Old Trafford have produced 12 goals.
Manchester United have conceded three goals
in each of their two home games against Real
Madrid in the Champions League.
Real Madrid have only won once in their last
five away games in England in the Champions
League.
Real Madrid have only failed to score once in
their last 32 Champions League games.
Real Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet
in the Champions League this season.
Real Madrid have had the most shots in this
season’s Champions League (154, that’s 56
more than Manchester Utd).
United boss Alex Ferguson has only won
twice in his 15 competitive encounters
against Madrid counterpart José Mourinho

United have edge over Real madrid-Arsene Wenger

Real Madrid have
certainly got enough quality to score against
Manchester United. But when United play at
home, they are an efficient machine. So it is
a game full of promise. I still think
Manchester United have a little bit more of a
chance because they would go through
with a 0-0. That means Madrid will be forced
to attack, no matter what happens, whereas
United are very good on the counter-attack
and have more options from the beginning
because of the away goal.

Guus Hiddink may return to Chelsea

The 66-year-old manager admits he
cannot predict where he will be next
season, and remains coy over a second
stint at Stamford Bridge with Rafa Benitez
set to depart this summer
Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has
refused to rule out a return to the West-
London club with interim boss Rafa Benitez
announcing he will leave the club in the
summer after blasting the club's hierarchy
and fans.

I was alive..........

I was alive when Man UTD beat
Arsenal 8-2
I was alive when Man City beat
Man UTD 6-1
I was alive when Arsenal beat
Chelsea 5-3
I was also Alive When Barca
(messi) Beat Arsenal 4-1
I was Alive but didn't Watch
When Sunderland Beat Chelsea
3-0
I was alive when Arsenal beat
Tottenham 5-2
I was Alive when Swansea Beat
Both Chelsea and Arsenal 2-0
each.
I was alive when Arsenal beat
Newcastle 7-3
I was alive when Barca beat real
Madrid 5-0.
I was also alive when real Madrid
beat Valencia 5-0.
I was Alive when Chelsea
Beat Barca 1-0
I was Alive When Chelsea
Won the UCL
.....Add Yours.....

World Unbeaten record.

Sudan club Al-Hilal have gone 122
consecutive games unbeaten at home
in the league, beating Real Madrid's
world record set between 1957-65.

Real Madrid to train at Etihad stadium

Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of
confirming they will hold their training
session ahead of Tuesday's Champions
League clash Manchester United at
Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, reports
The Independent.
It is part of tournament regulations that
competing teams must make part of their
pre-match session open to the media.
Yesterday it was confirmed that Real would
remain in Spain for their final preparations.
However, those plans have now been
altered.
But instead of using Old Trafford as their
training venue, manager Jose Mourinho has
chosen the Etihad Stadium instead.
No explanation has been offered for why
Real are choosing to train at City.

NEVER GIVE UP

Funny Player facts
- Joe Hart, told he wasn't good enough by
local under 12 manager.
- Raheem Sterling, rejected by the Oldham
Youth.
- Robin Van Persie, played as a defender at a
young age.
- Neymar, joined Santos under 16s at the age
of 9.
- Falcao, got rejected by Aston Villa...for Emile
Heskey.
- Scott Sinclair, his father claimed Sinclair will
be playing for Barcelona at the age of 20..
- Ashley Cole, claimed he two-footed tackle his
trainer...
- Lionel Messi, used to run under people legs
to beat them...
- Wayne Rooney, was told he'll never be a
success by Brentford
Never give up no matter what.

Obafemi martins interest MLS club sides

Levante’s Obafemi Martins is the focus of
attention for Major League Soccer club
Seattle Sounders ahead of the new football
season in the United States of America.
Martins is being courted by the three-time US
Open Cup champions to fortify their attack as
the new season commences in March.
Obagoal moved to Spain in the summer and
has been a hit at the club, where he took a
massive pay cut in order to find regular
playing time, after a tough time in Russia
playing for Rubin Kazan. He has scored seven
goals in the league and two in Europe for the
Valencia-based club.

Chelsea playets stunned by Terry.Benitez clash.

Chelsea skipper John Terry and Rafa Benitez
have clashed in training, it has been
revealed.
The Sun says the bust-up sparked just
before training at the club’s Cobham
complex.
Benitez called the players into a circle to
discuss Sunday’s damaging loss to
Manchester City.
He expressed his dismay at the 2-0 reverse
and he performance of the team and he
asked the players for their reaction to the
loss.
Terry, who was dropped for the game,
spoke out and the discussion quickly
escalated into a row between the pair.
A witness said: “It all kicked off between JT
and Benitez as their frustrations over
Sunday boiled over into a big bust-up.”

I am not your player-MBA to Warri wolves

Super Eagles AFCON 2013 hero,Sunday Mba
has distanced himself from the claims of
Warri Wolves over who owns his signature
by stating that he has long fulfilled his
contractual obligation to the club,according
to kickoffnigeria.com.
"We were four players that left Warri Wolves
before the Nations Cup. Why is it that I am
the only one they are bothering? The truth
of the matter is that I have no contract with
Wolves," Mba declared.
The 24-year-old did not however clarify the
position of things between him and
Rangers.
In the past week there have been conflicting
claims in the media, with both Enugu
Rangers and Warri Wolves claiming
ownership of the player.Mba had camped,
trained and played in a few friendly matches
with Rangers for some months before he
was named in Stephen Keshi's provisional
squad for the Nations Cup in December, and
Rangers claim that Mba, who has had two
previous stincts with them, is still their
player, as he was only loaned out to
Dolphins in 2010, and that his subsequent
sale by Dolphins to Warri Wolves is invalid as
they did not sanction the sale.
"We don’t have to start joining issues with
Warri Wolves on who owns Sunday Mba. Any
contractual agreement of a player is with
the state FA, and that is Delta state FA. Like
when Mba joined Rangers from Enyimba, he
was duly registered in Enugu FA and his
papers are still on my table,"
Enugu State FA boss Chidi Okenwa says.
"Even his loan deal to Dolphin was duly
documented.”

Man utd Rafael explains why he has being wearing Fabio's boot

Manchester United fullback Rafael da Silva
has explained why he's been wearing the
boots of twin brother Fabio, currently on-
loan at QPR.
TV cameras closed in on Rafael’s footwear
during Manchester United’s win at Fulham
earlier this month and focused on the name
“Fabio” stitched into the leather.
“I have been doing that for a while,” said
Rafael. “It’s because they [Nike] send the
boots to the training ground at Carrington.
Our kit man said, ‘Ah, your brother’s boots
are here’. So I said, ‘I will play with them’. I
started using them and had some good
games so I said, ‘let’s stick with them’.”

Daytona race causes casualty to lives .

At least 30 fans were injured when a car
sailed into the fence at Daytona
International Speedway, and large chunks of
debris - including a tyre - flew into the
grandstands.
The accident occurred as the field closed in
on the finish line, and rookie Kyle Larson's
car came upon the crash and went airborne
into the fence that separates the track from
the seats.
Large chunks of Larson's car landed in the
stands, and one of his tyres appeared to
land midway up the lower section of the
seating. The car itself had its entire front
end sheared off, with the burning engine
wedged through a gaping hole in the fence.
Speedway president Joie Chitwood said 14
fans were treated on site, and 14 others
were taken to hospitals.

ARSENE READY TO SPEND £40 MILLION ON FALCAO

Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal can commit
£80million to sign Radamel Falcao as they
prepare for a radical change in their
spending policy.
The Arsenal manager, under pressure from
fans after his side were taken apart by
Bayern Munich in the Champions League,
will be given an unprecedented budget in
the summer.
He claims Arsenal could meet an expected
£40m asking price, if Atletico Madrid agree
to sell Colombia striker Falcao, and could also
match the 27-year-old’s £40m wage
demands. Le professur wants to spend now due to the pressur well lets wait and see if its not one of his always paper talk.

JOHN UTAKA SET FOR A BIGGER PAY

Montpellier striker John Utaka is
set for his biggest pay day yet by
season’s end when his contract
will be up and he will be a free
agent.
During the January transfer window, French
champions Montpellier turned down big-
money offers for the 31-year-old Nigeria
striker and now in June he will leave them
for nothing.
A close associate of Utaka informed
www.ic-goal.blogspot.com that a Qatari club tabled a
bid of about nine million Euros for the
player, while there was also another offer
from China worth about six million Euros,
but all these were rejected by Montpellier.

Di Maria to miss El classico second leg

Angel Di Maria will miss Real Madrid's second
leg clash against Barcelona at the Copa del
Rey due to suspension.

Omeruo in an early chelsea return.

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth
Omueruo is set to rejoin Chelsea in the
summer after his superlative outing at
the 2013 African Nations Cup where he
help the Eagles to win the trophy.He was sent on loan to ADO Den Haag to develop his skills, but Chelsea on the look out for
replacement for aging John Terry will open talks with the Dutch club next month to pave way for Omeruo’s return to Stamford Bridge.With Omeruo in line to be named in
Chelsea’s first-team squad next season,
another Nigerian at the London club,
Victor Moses, believes the teenager can
fit into the Blues.“I couldn’t believe it when he said he
hadn’t played in the African Nations
before. He was really strong and is a
good defender. He is a great lad and a
player for the future (for Chelsea),”
Moses told chelseafc.com.
Omeruo joined Chelsea at the start of
this season from Belgian club, Standard
Liege before he was immediately sent on
loan to ADO Den Haag.

FABIO CAPELLO EAGER FOR EPL RETURN

Russia coach Fabio Capello admits he's
missing England and has opened the door
to a move to the Premier League.
Speaking through a translator at a question
and answer session at the Cambridge Union,
the former England boss revealed his strong
passion for English football.
He said: "The Premier League is absolutely
fascinating. I would be available and would
be flattered to be linked with jobs in this
league.
"Both my wife and I enjoyed our time in the
UK and what I miss about football in the UK
is that the stadiums are packed, whereas
the Russian league is often half-empty.
"I am used to the media attention from Italy
and Spain, and I can handle the newspapers
and press here. It is just part of the job. In
Russia, it is great because nobody can read
the newspapers!"

Santi cazorla ease the burden of Arsene......

Santi Cazorla eased the strain on Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger with a timely
double in a 2-1 Premier League win over
lowly Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spanish attacking midfielder handed the
home side a richly deserved success when
he tucked away Nacho Monreal’s cross on
84 minutes after some dogged defensive
work by Villa looking like helping them get
out of London with a draw.

Adebayor keen to surpass Arsenal.

l
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor is
determined to help his team-mates maintain
their four-point advantage over rivals
Arsenal.
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor is
determined to help his team-mates maintain
their four-point advantage over rivals
Arsenal.
The striker left Arsenal in 2009 for
Manchester City, but after failing to make a
lasting impression at Etihad Stadium, joined
Tottenham last season on loan before
completing a permanent deal in the off-
season.
Adebayor told The Telegraph: “Everyone
knows there’s a big rivalry between Arsenal
and Spurs.
“When I was at Arsenal, my job was to score
goals for them. Now I’m at Tottenham and I
have to help the team finish in the top four.
“We have a big chance this season to finish
on top of them and we have to take it.
“Last season at the last game of a tough
race, you know what happened. We don’t
want to commit the same mistake.
“For me it’s a big chance to show people I
was right to leave Arsenal, which means
finishing on top of them. If that’s with
Tottenham, even better.”
The two clubs clash at White Hart Lane on
March 3, when Adebayor can expect the
visiting Arsenal supporters to give him a
typically hostile reception.
He insists boos and taunts from opposition
fans are no distraction.

Adebayor keen to surpass Arsenal.

l
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor is
determined to help his team-mates maintain
their four-point advantage over rivals
Arsenal.
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor is
determined to help his team-mates maintain
their four-point advantage over rivals
Arsenal.
The striker left Arsenal in 2009 for
Manchester City, but after failing to make a
lasting impression at Etihad Stadium, joined
Tottenham last season on loan before
completing a permanent deal in the off-
season.
Adebayor told The Telegraph: “Everyone
knows there’s a big rivalry between Arsenal
and Spurs.
“When I was at Arsenal, my job was to score
goals for them. Now I’m at Tottenham and I
have to help the team finish in the top four.
“We have a big chance this season to finish
on top of them and we have to take it.
“Last season at the last game of a tough
race, you know what happened. We don’t
want to commit the same mistake.
“For me it’s a big chance to show people I
was right to leave Arsenal, which means
finishing on top of them. If that’s with
Tottenham, even better.”
The two clubs clash at White Hart Lane on
March 3, when Adebayor can expect the
visiting Arsenal supporters to give him a
typically hostile reception.
He insists boos and taunts from opposition
fans are no distraction.

MANCINI SET TO OVERHAUL SQUAD

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has
hinted that the Premier League champions
will launch an overhaul of their squad in the
summer by revealing his admiration for
Radamel Falcao, Edinson Cavani and Luis
Suarez.
What happened to the players at his disposal.

Friday Football Gossips.

Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus has been
linked with a summer move to Manchester
City.
Michael Laudrup could be targeted by
Arsenal, says former Gunners striker Ian
Wright
1 Shar
Friday's gossip column
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Real Madrid want to sign Manchester
United goalkeeper David de Gea, 22, as
their long-term replacement for Spanish
international Iker Casillas, 31.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City are targeting Borussia
Dortmund forward Marco Reus, 23, and
Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, 27, for a
combined £65m in the summer.
Full story: Daily Star
Chelsea have already lined up a £1.7m
deal to sign Chilean teenager Cristian
Cuevas. The winger, 17, currently plays
for O'Higgins in the Chilean Primera
Division.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool will send scouts to watch Celtic
defender Efe Ambrose, 24, after he
impressed Reds manager Brendan Rodgers
with his performances in the Africa Cup of
Nations for winners Nigeria.
Full story: Metro
Arsenal want to sign Chelsea midfielder
Nathaniel Chalobah, 18, who has been
instrumental in Watford's promotion push
to the Premier League.
Full story: Daily Star
OTHER GOSSIP
Arsenal could turn to Swansea manager
Michael Laudrup if Arsene Wenger leaves
Emirates Stadium, says Gunners legend
Ian Wright. But the former England striker
insists the Frenchman deserves more time
to bring honours back to the north London
club.
Full story: the Sun
Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has met with
Manchester City directors who want the
Chilean, 59, to replace current manager
Roberto Mancini in the summer.
Full story: 24 Horas (in Spanish)
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has
announced plans to stage a match to
promote peace in the Middle East against
a team of Israeli and Palestinian players.
Full story: Times of Israel
Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, 20, may
be targeted by local rivals Atletico Madrid as
a possible replacement for Radamel Falcao
or Adrian Lopez. Both Colombian forward
Falcao and Spain striker Lopez could leave in
the summer.
Full story: Marca
AND FINALLY
The French media are expecting a battle
of biblical proportions when "angel" David
Beckham faces "demon" Joey Barton in his
Paris Saint-Germain debut on Sunday.
France Football magazine have mocked-
up a picture of "angel" Beckham being
confronted by "demon" Barton.

ARSENE JOB AT ARSENAL SAFE-STAN KROENKE

Arsene Wenger will be assured his job is
safe by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke - and
told he will be backed in the summer
transfer window at a board meeting
today.
Wenger is under-fire following Arsenal's FA
Cup exit against Blackburn and Champions
League mauling at the hands of Bayern
Munich in the space of four days.
That means the Gunners are staring down
the barrel of an 8th consecutive season
without a trophy - and the Frenchman has
faced calls to be sacked by some Arsenal
fans.
American owner Stan Kroenke jetted into
London for the 3-1 defeat against Bayern
on Tuesday and will hold talks with Wenger
today after training.
According to the Daily Mail, he will assure
Wenger that his job is safe and that there is
money to spend in the summer on
reinforcements.
Arsenal are said to have significant cash
reserves at their disposal - around £150
million according to the Mail - while a new
kit sponsorship deal with Emirates which
begins this summer will add a further £150
million to the north London club's balance
sheet.
The Gunners have been linked with
numerous players in recent months,
including Barcelona's David Villa, Stoke
goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, and Fiorentina
forward Stevan Jovetic .
However according to the Mail, the amount
made available to Wenger will depend on
whether he can secure Champions League
football for a 17th consecutive season.
Arsene Wenger get mouth joor.

Basketball:Kenyon Martin offered a contract at NYK

The New York Knicks have
agreed in principle with free-agent big man
Kenyon Martin on a 10-day contract, general
manager Glen Grunwald announced
Thursday.
Martin, 35, averaged 5.2 points, 4.3
rebounds and one block in 22.4 minutes
over 42 games with the Los Angeles Clippers
last season. If he's in shape, Martin could
help the Knicks' interior defense and boost
their rebounding.
New York, which is second in the Eastern
Conference at 32-19, cleared a roster spot it
will use for Martin earlier Thursday when it
traded Ronnie Brewer to Oklahoma City for a
second-round pick.
Prior to the trade deadline, New York had
expressed interest in signing a veteran big
man due to uncertainty surrounding the
health of Rasheed Wallace and Marcus
Camby.
Wallace has been out since mid-December
with a stress reaction in his left foot. Camby
has been sidelined since mid-January with a
plantar fascia injury in his left foot.
Both players returned to practice Tuesday,
but there is no specific timetable for either
player's return.
In 12 seasons in the NBA, Martin's averaged
13.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game

HAMBURG CHIEF COULD SELL SON

Hamburg chief Frank Arnesen admits they're
prepared to listen to offers for star striker
Heung-Min Son.
The South Korea international's contract
expires in 2014 and he is being watched by
Manchester United and Chelsea.
"If a club approaches us, we will listen to
them," said Arnesen.
"But it is altogether not our aim to give
away Sonny - we wish to extend his
contract."

HAMBURG CHIEF LISTENS TO SON OFFERS.

EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS

Full time in the second set of games
Benfica Q 2 - 1 Bayer Leverkusen
Bordeaux Q 1 - 0 Dynamo Kyiv
Chelsea Q 1 - 1 Sparta Prague
Fenerbahce Q 1 - 0 BATE Borisov
Hannover 1 - 1 Anzhi Makhachkala Q
Liverpool 3 - 1 Zenit St. Petersburg Q
Olympiakos Piraeus 0 - 1 Levante Q
Viktoria Plzen Q 2 - 0 Napoli
Q means Qualified teams

MAN CITY TABLE OFFER FOR NEYMAR.

Manchester City want to make Brazilian
superstar Neymar a €57 million marquee
summer signing as they prepare to battle
with Barcelona for the forward's signature.
City directors Ferran Soriano and Txiki
Begiristain held talks with the Neymar's
representatives at Wembley on the night of
England's friendly against Brazil on February
6.

CHELSEA AND MAN UTD TARGETS HARMBURG STRIKER SON.

Chelsea and Man Utd want Son
Chelsea and Manchester United have
reportedly submitted concrete offers for in-
demand Hamburg striker Heung-min Son,
according to the player’s agent.
The likes of Arsenal, Inter Milan, Liverpool
and Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping
tabs on the 20-year-old South Korea
international in recent weeks, but Chelsea
and United are the only clubs to have made
formal offers, confirmed the player’s
agent Thies Bliemeister.
“Inter Milan’s emissaries saw a couple of his
matches, but so far I have not had any
contact with the Italian club’s
officials,” Bliemeister told Interlive.
“A transfer in the next summer? He has
signed a new contract with Hamburg SV
extending it for one year, but there have
been many offers for him as
from Manchester United and Chelsea. ”
Son, who joined Hamburg’s youth academy
from FC Seoul in 2008, has netted nine goals
in 21 league matches for the Bundesliga
outfit this season.
The South Korean is one of the hottest
prospects in football at the moment, with
interest from Chelsea and Manchester United
confirming precisely that.

Mikael silvestre moves to TIMBERS in the MLS.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal
defender Mikael Silvestre has joined Major
League Soccer outfit Portland Timbers.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal
defender Mikael Silvestre has joined Major
League Soccer outfit Portland Timbers.
The Frenchman was acquired from rivals the
Seattle Sounders in exchange for a first-
round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental
Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick.
The 35-year-old is best known for the 10
seasons he spent with Manchester United
between 1999 and 2008, where he won
five Premier League titles and one
Champions League before joining Arsenal
for a two-year stint.
“Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of
experience and a presence on the field and
in the locker room,” said Timbers head
coach Caleb Porter.
“He is a quality player on both sides of the
ball and his impact will certainly go a long
way in helping to solidify our back line.”
Silvestre, who was signed following a two-
week trial, has 40 caps with the France
national team and played in the 2006 World
Cup.
He had been training with United to
maintain his fitness during the MLS off-
season

English and European clubs chase Efe Ambrose.

Celtic coach Neil Lennon
has stated that English
and other European
clubs have shown
interest in Nigeria
defender Efe Ambrose.
Ambrose, who signed for
the Bhoys in the summer from Ashdod in
Israel, has recently won the Africa Cup of
Nations with the Super Eagles, their first major
title in 19 years.
The defender is under contract until July 2015
and Lennon is optimistic Celtic will not have to
sell him as soon as the next transfer window
this summer.
“Efe has been brilliant for us and there’s been
a lot of interest in him,” said Lennon
according to The Scotsman. “There is definite
interest from top teams, not just in England
but on the continent as well.
“There’s been nothing concrete so far, but I’ve
been made aware of it, put it that way. I don’t
think we will lose him in the summer, as he’s
just in the door and there’s more he can add
to his game. But he’s got a few admirers out
there with his performances last season.”
Used as a central defender in his club, Nigeria
coach Stephen Keshi preferred to play
Ambrose as a right back at the Afcon and he
excelled in that position helping the Eagles to
break down attacks as well as being a fulcrum
for launching forward.

Arsenal taget beigian defender.

Arsenal are battling to land Beerschot AC
teenager Senna Miangue.
Miangue has been likened to Manchester City
captain Vincent Kompany and the Gunners
are eager to wrap up a deal for him ahead
of the summer market.
However, it's understood the young centre-
half favours a move to Italy where
Inter Milan are in contact. And barcelona to raid Arsenal for enterprising defense ace Thomas vermallen.

Arsenal set to dump flops

Arsene Wenger is ready to dump his FA Cup
flops after being given the cash to spend big
this summer.
Wenger launched a furious blast at his
players after questioning whether some of
his current squad have enough “maturity
and mental strength” to cope with big
games.
The Arsenal boss came under increased
pressure after being stung by the Cup exit to
Championship Blackburn.
And the cascade of boos and jeers from the
Emirates faithful which showered him and
his players as they left the pitch was yet
further proof of how much Gunners fans
are desperate for a return to their trophy-
laden past.

Congratulations to australia

Congratulations to the Australian Women's
Cricket Team!
World Champions!
World Cup Winners defeating West Indies.

NIGERIA GETS FIRST INVITATION TO BASEBALL WORLDCUP

Nigeria will be participating at the event for
the first time.
Nigeria will be making a debut appearance
at the U-12 Baseball Championship
scheduled to take place in Taipei, China from
July 20 to 28, 2013, having received an
invitation from the world governing body,
the International Baseball Federation, IBAF

NIGERIA GETS FIRST INVITATION TO BASEBALL WORLDCUP

Nigeria will be participating at the event for
the first time.
Nigeria will be making a debut appearance
at the U-12 Baseball Championship
scheduled to take place in Taipei, China from
July 20 to 28, 2013, having received an
invitation from the world governing body,
the International Baseball Federation, IBAF

BASKETBALL-LEBRON JAMES EARNINGS

Lebron James makes about $7,700 per
shot during each basketball game.
Source uberfacts

NIGERIA MAY BID TO HOST 2019 AFCON.

Africa’s most populous nation,
Nigeria is among the six
countries bidding to host the
2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals,
Completesports can report.
Nigeria had wanted to be a substitute for
Libya for the 2013 edition but South Africa
did the deal ahead of them.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation,
Alhaji Aminu Maigari said the country
wanted to host another AFCON Finals having
co-hosted with Ghana in 2000 and been
solo hosts in 1980.
“We want Nigeria to host because we are
capable, we did it before and we want to do
it better next time around,’’ Maigari said.
Other countries which have expressed
interests in hosting the competition are
Congo Democratic Republic,Algeria, Kenya,
Liberia and Zambia.
The Congolese appear to be the early front
runner with their bid documents already
passed on to the Confederation of African
Football [CAF] by the Congolese Football
Federation.
However, Confederation of African Football
[CAF] have refused to confirm the names of
the countries which have shown interests in
hosting the 2019 edition, as the bidding
process is yet to commence.
“We have had expressions of interests but
we have not yet started the process for the
bidding candidates, so we cannot release
any names,” CAF General Secretary, Hicham El
Amrani recently said.
Morocco and Libya will host the next two
editions of the competition slated for 2015
and 2017.

HENRY MAY RETURN TO ARSENAL-WENGER.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he could
find a role for Thierry Henry.
The New York Red Bulls striker has declared
he wants to return to the Gunners in an off-
field capacity.
Wenger has welcomed the prospect - but
says it is unlikely to be as a player.
He said: "As a player it will be difficult. Any
other function why not. He has to decide
what he wants to do."

EJIKE UZOENYI SEALS RENNES DEAL.

Nigeria
international,
Ejike
Uzoenyi
has
sealed a
deal to
join
French
side,
Rennes.
The 24-
year-old
winger completed the move following an
impressive outing with Nigeria at the 2013
Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Uzoenyi who confirmed the news on
Thursday, explained that he would be jetting
off to France very shortly.
“Yes, I have sealed the deal to join Rennes. I
am very pleased with this because it is the
dream of every Nigerian player to move to
Europe. I hope to take my career to the next
level,”

NANI INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT.

A police car responding to an emergency call
collided with Nani's Bentley
A Manchester United footballer's vehicle
has been involved in a collision with a
police car.
Greater Manchester Police said a police
driver had been suspended after a car crash
involving the winger Nani.
Police said an unmarked police car
responding to an emergency call was
travelling along Gatley Road in Gatley,
Stockport at about 18:40 GMT on Friday.
It collided with the 26-year-old player's
Bentley Continental as the police car entered
Kingsway junction.
Officers said a passenger in the police car
received minor injuries and minor damage
was caused to both vehicles.
A police spokesman said: "The police driver
has been suspended from driving duties in
line with normal procedure."
Portuguese footballer Luis Carlos Almeida da
Cunha is commonly known as Nani.

ARSENAL MONITORING MOYES SITUATION AT EVERTON.

Everton boss David Moyes is being
considered at Arsenal.
The Mail on Sunday says Wenger's contract
runs out in 2014 and he has so far refused
to discuss a new one. If he leaves at the end
of the season, he may look to return to
France.
Aware of Wenger's perilous position, Moyes
has told Everton he is unlikely to discuss his
own future until the summer when his
current deal runs out.
Despite his close relationship with owner Bill
Kenwright, there is irritation inside Everton
at Moyes's tactics, which they regard as a
form of blackmail to push for new signings.

RAFAEL NADAL IN FINALS

Rafael Nadal went through the pain barrier
to reach his second successive final since
returning from a serious knee injury by
beating Martin Alund at the Brasil Open.
Nadal's 6-3 6-7(2) 6-1 victory sets up an
intriguing final match-up against doubles
partner David Nalbandian on Sunday.
Nadal made his return after nearly eight
months at the VTR Open in Chile at the start
of February but lost in the final to Horacio
Zeballos.

NPL gets new name.

The Nigerian
professional football league is to now be
referred to as the Nigeria Professional
Football League (NPLF), the Nduka Irabor
led-Interim Management Committee (IMC) of
the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has
announced

KANO PILLARS ON TO A GOOD START IN CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

One of Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF
Champions League, Kano Pillars, on Saturday
got their campaign in the continent’s
biggest club football competition on a bright
note as they secured a 5-1 win in their first
round, first leg game against Olympique de
Bangui of Central African Republic.
The game, which took place inside the Sani
Abacha Stadium in Kano, saw the Nigerian
League champions hit the ground running
from the blast of the whistle; and they were
soon rewarded when Bello Kofomata got
the first goal in the 15th minute.
The Kano team soon doubled their lead
when Ali Nasiru registered his name on the
scorer’s sheet after finding the back of the
net in the 38th minute and that brought
some smiles and relief in the face of Coach
Baba Ganaru .
The smiles were however short-lived as the
visitors who were not willing to lie low and
be ran over pulled a goal back just before
the half time break.
Pillars, who before the game had boasted
that they would be gunning for a big win so
as to make the return leg in a fortnight a
mere formality, stepped up their game in the
second half and added three more goals to
their tally.
Substitute Nofiru Ali netted a brace while
Rabiu Aminu scored once thus ensuring that
the Nigerian representatives head to the
second leg with a comfortable 5-1 win.
Enugu Rangers, the other team representing
Nigeria in the Champions League, will be in
action on Sunday as they entertain Sporting
Príncipe at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in
Enugu.