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.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
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.
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
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
PrÃncipe at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in
Enugu.
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
PrÃncipe at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in
Enugu.
Wenger gamble back fires.
Blackburn grabbed a 1-0 win thanks to a
second-half goal from Colin Kazim-
Richards, with key players rested as the
Gunners are knocked out of yet another
competition
Arsene Wenger decision to rest a host of key
players in the FA Cup ahead of Arsenal's
Champions League encounter with Bayern
Munich backfired, as the Gunners crashed
out with a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn.
The likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and
Santi Cazorla were named on the bench
ahead of the clash with Championship side
Rovers, with all three coming on as the
Gunners floundered.
But only a minute after the star names had
been introduced, Colin Kazim-Richards
found the back of the net from a rebound,
after Wojciech Szczesny had pushed out
Martin Olsson's shot into the area.
For all the dominance that Arsenal
possessed, they found a barrier to goal in
22-year-old keeper Jake Kean, while Tomas
Rosicky had a shot crash off the crossbar in
the second half.
But in truth, the Gunners did not do enough
to deserve anything from the match, with
their first half display in particular
bothersome for the home fans.
With the Gunners 21 points shy of
Manchester United in the Premier league,
the result means that if Arsenal fail to win
the Champions League this year, they will
have gone eight years since their last trophy
win, the 2005 FA Cup.
Blackburn boss Michael Appleton insisted
that their tactics were in place to simply
allow the Gunners possession and force
them out wide, but that his side take pride
in their organisation and defending
second-half goal from Colin Kazim-
Richards, with key players rested as the
Gunners are knocked out of yet another
competition
Arsene Wenger decision to rest a host of key
players in the FA Cup ahead of Arsenal's
Champions League encounter with Bayern
Munich backfired, as the Gunners crashed
out with a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn.
The likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and
Santi Cazorla were named on the bench
ahead of the clash with Championship side
Rovers, with all three coming on as the
Gunners floundered.
But only a minute after the star names had
been introduced, Colin Kazim-Richards
found the back of the net from a rebound,
after Wojciech Szczesny had pushed out
Martin Olsson's shot into the area.
For all the dominance that Arsenal
possessed, they found a barrier to goal in
22-year-old keeper Jake Kean, while Tomas
Rosicky had a shot crash off the crossbar in
the second half.
But in truth, the Gunners did not do enough
to deserve anything from the match, with
their first half display in particular
bothersome for the home fans.
With the Gunners 21 points shy of
Manchester United in the Premier league,
the result means that if Arsenal fail to win
the Champions League this year, they will
have gone eight years since their last trophy
win, the 2005 FA Cup.
Blackburn boss Michael Appleton insisted
that their tactics were in place to simply
allow the Gunners possession and force
them out wide, but that his side take pride
in their organisation and defending
EFE AMBROSE SHOWED CHARACTER SAYS CELTIC BOSS.
Celtic: Efe Ambrose showed
character, says Neil Lennon
Celtic manager Neil Lennon highlighted the
character shown by scorer Efe Ambrose
following the 6-2 rout of Dundee United.
The Nigerian defender headed Celtic's
leveller after Stuart Armstrong had given
United a temporary lead.
And Ambrose's display came days after he
was criticised for errors in the Champions
League loss to Juventus.
"I've got a lot of time for him, I've got a lot
of faith in him," Lennon told BBC Radio
Scotland.
"He just had a bad night [against Juventus].
He's a terrific player and he's a lot of suitors
out there already but he wants to play here
and you could see with his performance
today that he wanted to rectify Tuesday
night."
Victory against United moved Lennon's side
18 points clear at the top of the Scottish
Premier League.
character, says Neil Lennon
Celtic manager Neil Lennon highlighted the
character shown by scorer Efe Ambrose
following the 6-2 rout of Dundee United.
The Nigerian defender headed Celtic's
leveller after Stuart Armstrong had given
United a temporary lead.
And Ambrose's display came days after he
was criticised for errors in the Champions
League loss to Juventus.
"I've got a lot of time for him, I've got a lot
of faith in him," Lennon told BBC Radio
Scotland.
"He just had a bad night [against Juventus].
He's a terrific player and he's a lot of suitors
out there already but he wants to play here
and you could see with his performance
today that he wanted to rectify Tuesday
night."
Victory against United moved Lennon's side
18 points clear at the top of the Scottish
Premier League.
MOSES TIPS KENNETH OMERUO TO SHINE AT CHELSEA.
Victor Moses has told Chelsea fans to keep
an eye on Kenneth Omeruo.
The young defender is on-loan at
ADO Den Haag this season and played with
Moses in Nigeria's African Cup of Nations
victory.
Moses told chelseafc.com: "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
an eye on Kenneth Omeruo.
The young defender is on-loan at
ADO Den Haag this season and played with
Moses in Nigeria's African Cup of Nations
victory.
Moses told chelseafc.com: "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
LAGOS SPLASHES 59 MILLION NAIRA ON EAGLES.
Lagos States Splashes N59M
The Lagos State government on Friday
splashed N59 million on members of the
victorious Super Eagles during their visit to
Governor Babatunde Fashola, just as
Guinness Nigeria Plc pledged its continued
support for the national team.
Fashola, having commended the team for
winning the Africa Cup of Nations, urged the
team not to rest on its oars, adding that they
should work harder and take the country to
greater heights, while ensuring that the
team continues to improve in FIFA ranking.
While speaking at the ceremony held at the
Lagos House, Alausa, the governor also
thanked the governors of Delta, Edo, Imo
and Cross River states for their support to
the team enroute the championship in
South Africa.
“Inasmuch as I commend you (players) for
making the country proud, I still have to
express appreciation to the state governors
of Edo, Imo, Delta and Cross River for their
support during the AFCON qualifiers and
most importantly, their contribution
towards sport development in the country,”
Governor Fasola said.
By the breakdown of the monetary reward
for the team as announced by the governor,
the head coach will pocket N2.5 million; N2
million will be for assistant coach Daniel
Amokachi; other coaches (four in all) will
receive N1.5 million naira each, while each
of the players will receive N1 million.
However, the captain Joseph Yobo will
collect N1.5 million.
In addition to that, each of the goalscorers
at the tournament will pocket extra
N500,000.
The backroom staff of the team, 11 of them,
will share N15 million, while members of the
Nigeria Football Supporters Club will share
N4.5 million.
While speaking, the Managing Director,
Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu, said that
the company believed so much in the Super
Eagles, hence its promise to continue its
sponsorship of the team, adding that , “we
at Guinness will continue our sponsorship
of the Super Eagles, moreso that we strongly
believe in the ability of the team which
formed our desire to stand by the team all
through the championship even when many
did not give them a chance and we shall
continue to support the team,” he said.
The Lagos State government on Friday
splashed N59 million on members of the
victorious Super Eagles during their visit to
Governor Babatunde Fashola, just as
Guinness Nigeria Plc pledged its continued
support for the national team.
Fashola, having commended the team for
winning the Africa Cup of Nations, urged the
team not to rest on its oars, adding that they
should work harder and take the country to
greater heights, while ensuring that the
team continues to improve in FIFA ranking.
While speaking at the ceremony held at the
Lagos House, Alausa, the governor also
thanked the governors of Delta, Edo, Imo
and Cross River states for their support to
the team enroute the championship in
South Africa.
“Inasmuch as I commend you (players) for
making the country proud, I still have to
express appreciation to the state governors
of Edo, Imo, Delta and Cross River for their
support during the AFCON qualifiers and
most importantly, their contribution
towards sport development in the country,”
Governor Fasola said.
By the breakdown of the monetary reward
for the team as announced by the governor,
the head coach will pocket N2.5 million; N2
million will be for assistant coach Daniel
Amokachi; other coaches (four in all) will
receive N1.5 million naira each, while each
of the players will receive N1 million.
However, the captain Joseph Yobo will
collect N1.5 million.
In addition to that, each of the goalscorers
at the tournament will pocket extra
N500,000.
The backroom staff of the team, 11 of them,
will share N15 million, while members of the
Nigeria Football Supporters Club will share
N4.5 million.
While speaking, the Managing Director,
Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu, said that
the company believed so much in the Super
Eagles, hence its promise to continue its
sponsorship of the team, adding that , “we
at Guinness will continue our sponsorship
of the Super Eagles, moreso that we strongly
believe in the ability of the team which
formed our desire to stand by the team all
through the championship even when many
did not give them a chance and we shall
continue to support the team,” he said.
SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETE CHARGED WITH MURDER.
The South African star sprinter Oscar
Pistorius has been charged with the
murder of his girlfriend and will appear in
a Pretoria court on Friday, police have
confirmed.
Pistorius, 26, is alleged to have killed his
30-year-old girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp,
who was shot four times and died of
gunshot wounds at the athlete's home in
a gated community in the city on
Thursday morning.
Saturday Football Gossips.
Pellegrini counts River Plate, Villarreal and
Real Madrid among his former clubs
14 Shar
Saturday's gossip column
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Incoming Bayern Munich manager Pep
Guardiola plans to make a £50m bid for
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, 23.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 24,
says he has tried to leave Old Trafford "many
times" but still has three years left on his
contract.
Full story: The Sun
Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund
will compete with Tottenham to land
giant 22-year-old Aston Villa striker
Christian Benteke.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool could move for Spartak Moscow
striker Emmanuel Emenike, 25, in the
summer if they sell Luis Suarez. Emenike
recently scored four goals in Nigeria's
successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Full story: Izvestia (in Russian)
Portuguese right back Miguel Monteiro,
33, will train at Wigan so the club can
decide whether to sign him as a free
agent.
Full story: Daily Mirror
OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea have no plans to name former boss
Jose Mourinho, 50, as replacement for
interim manager Rafael Benitez, and have
instead targeted Juventus's Antonio Conte,
43.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Initial enquiries have been made by
Chelsea to Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini
about whether the 59-year-old Chilean
would be interested in taking over at
Stamford Bridge next season.
Full story: Emol Deportes (in Spanish)
Chelsea could also move for Everton
manager David Moyes, 49, if he does not
extend his current deal that expires in the
summer.
Full story: The Independent
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
says it could be game over for his number
one defensive pairing Nemanja Vidic and
Rio Ferdinand after some impressive
performances from defender Jonny Evans.
Full story: The Sun
Winger Junior Hoilett could return for
relegation-threatened QPR in next week's
game with Premier League leaders
Manchester United as the 22-year-old is
recovering well from a hamstring injury.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Stoke manager Tony Pulis will delay
contract talks with midfielder Dean
Whitehead until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old's current deal expires at
the end of June.
Full story: Stoke Sentinel
Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben
reckons Arsenal have not won a trophy in
eight years because they keep selling all
their best players.
Full story: The Daily Telegraph
AND FINALLY
Striker Didier Drogba showed Chelsea
what they are missing after he scored five
minutes into his debut for latest club
Galatasaray. The 34-year-old left Chelsea
to join Shanghai Shenhua in the summer
but has now swapped China for Turkey.
Full story: Fanatik (in German)
A batch of Real Madrid youngsters will learn
from a true master next season as legendary
former midfielder Zinedine Zidane looks set
to return to coach one of their youth teams.
Real Madrid among his former clubs
14 Shar
Saturday's gossip column
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Incoming Bayern Munich manager Pep
Guardiola plans to make a £50m bid for
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, 23.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 24,
says he has tried to leave Old Trafford "many
times" but still has three years left on his
contract.
Full story: The Sun
Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund
will compete with Tottenham to land
giant 22-year-old Aston Villa striker
Christian Benteke.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool could move for Spartak Moscow
striker Emmanuel Emenike, 25, in the
summer if they sell Luis Suarez. Emenike
recently scored four goals in Nigeria's
successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Full story: Izvestia (in Russian)
Portuguese right back Miguel Monteiro,
33, will train at Wigan so the club can
decide whether to sign him as a free
agent.
Full story: Daily Mirror
OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea have no plans to name former boss
Jose Mourinho, 50, as replacement for
interim manager Rafael Benitez, and have
instead targeted Juventus's Antonio Conte,
43.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Initial enquiries have been made by
Chelsea to Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini
about whether the 59-year-old Chilean
would be interested in taking over at
Stamford Bridge next season.
Full story: Emol Deportes (in Spanish)
Chelsea could also move for Everton
manager David Moyes, 49, if he does not
extend his current deal that expires in the
summer.
Full story: The Independent
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
says it could be game over for his number
one defensive pairing Nemanja Vidic and
Rio Ferdinand after some impressive
performances from defender Jonny Evans.
Full story: The Sun
Winger Junior Hoilett could return for
relegation-threatened QPR in next week's
game with Premier League leaders
Manchester United as the 22-year-old is
recovering well from a hamstring injury.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Stoke manager Tony Pulis will delay
contract talks with midfielder Dean
Whitehead until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old's current deal expires at
the end of June.
Full story: Stoke Sentinel
Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben
reckons Arsenal have not won a trophy in
eight years because they keep selling all
their best players.
Full story: The Daily Telegraph
AND FINALLY
Striker Didier Drogba showed Chelsea
what they are missing after he scored five
minutes into his debut for latest club
Galatasaray. The 34-year-old left Chelsea
to join Shanghai Shenhua in the summer
but has now swapped China for Turkey.
Full story: Fanatik (in German)
A batch of Real Madrid youngsters will learn
from a true master next season as legendary
former midfielder Zinedine Zidane looks set
to return to coach one of their youth teams.
OSAZE FIRES AGENT AFTER TRANSFER FALLOUT.
Osaze Odemwingie has fired his agents
following his prolonged and debatable
choice to force a move to Premier League
bottom club Queens Park Rangers in
January.
The West Brom striker is now working
with high-profile football agent Rob Segal
after leaving his former team.
Odemwingie who fell out with the Super
Eagles captain before the African Cup of
Nations, went on twitter to confirm the
news on Friday.
“I have sacked my agents. They at my
gate begging 4 permission to negotiate a
comeback,” Odemwingie tweeted.
I have sacked my agents. They at my gate
begging 4 permission to negotiate a
come back. Told them to seek permission
from authorities hahaha
— Peter Odemwingie (@OdemwingieP)
Bros thats too harsh nah.
following his prolonged and debatable
choice to force a move to Premier League
bottom club Queens Park Rangers in
January.
The West Brom striker is now working
with high-profile football agent Rob Segal
after leaving his former team.
Odemwingie who fell out with the Super
Eagles captain before the African Cup of
Nations, went on twitter to confirm the
news on Friday.
“I have sacked my agents. They at my
gate begging 4 permission to negotiate a
comeback,” Odemwingie tweeted.
I have sacked my agents. They at my gate
begging 4 permission to negotiate a
come back. Told them to seek permission
from authorities hahaha
— Peter Odemwingie (@OdemwingieP)
Bros thats too harsh nah.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Arsenaal to up its bid for Villa
Barcelona want £17 million for Arsenal
target David Villa.
Villa had been pursued by the Gunners
throughout January, but they were unable
to reach a deal with the Catalan giants.
El Mundo Deportivo says Arsenal would have
to stump up £17m to get Villa's signature.
The Gunners have had a lot of dealings with
Barcelona, having sold Alexander Hleb,
Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song in past
windows.
target David Villa.
Villa had been pursued by the Gunners
throughout January, but they were unable
to reach a deal with the Catalan giants.
El Mundo Deportivo says Arsenal would have
to stump up £17m to get Villa's signature.
The Gunners have had a lot of dealings with
Barcelona, having sold Alexander Hleb,
Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song in past
windows.
Jose Mourinho unbeaten record.
Between 23 February 2002 and 2 April 2011,
Mourinho went 150 home league matches
unbeaten: 38 (W36–D2) with Porto, 60 (W46–
D14) with Chelsea, 38 (W29–D9) with
Internazionale and 14 (W14–D0) with Real
Madrid. The run was broken by Sporting de
Gijón on 2 April 2011, when they defeated
Real Madrid 1–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu
Stadium in La Liga. After the match, Mourinho
entered Gijón's dressing room and
congratulated them.
Mourinho went 150 home league matches
unbeaten: 38 (W36–D2) with Porto, 60 (W46–
D14) with Chelsea, 38 (W29–D9) with
Internazionale and 14 (W14–D0) with Real
Madrid. The run was broken by Sporting de
Gijón on 2 April 2011, when they defeated
Real Madrid 1–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu
Stadium in La Liga. After the match, Mourinho
entered Gijón's dressing room and
congratulated them.
16 Clubs chase Sunday Mba
Bundelsiga outfit Bayern Leverkusen and
Dinamo Zagreb top the list of sixteen teams
chasing the signature of Super Eagles latest
sensation Sunday Mba according to the
Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports
Commission, Amaju Pinnick.
Pinnick told a Lagos based radio station on
Thursday the list of suitors for the two-goal
AFCON hero was growing by the day and
his parent club Warri Wolves will weigh all
the offers coming their way before a
decision is finally taken, reports futaa.com.
Unending chase
“Bayern Leverkusen and Dinamo Zagreb are
top on the list but we have received as
much as 16 concrete offers for Mba,” the
Delta State sports boss revealed.
On Sunday in Johannesburg, the 24-year-
old Warri Wolves forward scored the goal
that ended Nigeria’s 19-year wait for a
continental glory as they won their third
Nations Cup trophy at the expense of
Burkina Faso.
In 2008, Mba was close to teaming up with
Spanish lower league side Elche, but the
deal collapsed after his local club then,
Enugu Rangers, demanded too much
money.
The window in Western Europe is shut, but
there are still opportunities in places like
Ukraine and Russia.
Dinamo Zagreb top the list of sixteen teams
chasing the signature of Super Eagles latest
sensation Sunday Mba according to the
Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports
Commission, Amaju Pinnick.
Pinnick told a Lagos based radio station on
Thursday the list of suitors for the two-goal
AFCON hero was growing by the day and
his parent club Warri Wolves will weigh all
the offers coming their way before a
decision is finally taken, reports futaa.com.
Unending chase
“Bayern Leverkusen and Dinamo Zagreb are
top on the list but we have received as
much as 16 concrete offers for Mba,” the
Delta State sports boss revealed.
On Sunday in Johannesburg, the 24-year-
old Warri Wolves forward scored the goal
that ended Nigeria’s 19-year wait for a
continental glory as they won their third
Nations Cup trophy at the expense of
Burkina Faso.
In 2008, Mba was close to teaming up with
Spanish lower league side Elche, but the
deal collapsed after his local club then,
Enugu Rangers, demanded too much
money.
The window in Western Europe is shut, but
there are still opportunities in places like
Ukraine and Russia.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
EAGLES RISE IN FIFA RANKING
The new Fifa/Coca-Cola
World ranking for
February 2013 shows
that Nigeria has moved
up 20 places, to 30th in
the world which is the
country’s best position
since August 2010
This follows on from a
third triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations Cup
that ended in South Africa on Sunday. Before
the tournament began on January 19, the
Super Eagles were ranked 52nd in the world
and 10th in Africa.
In South Africa, the Eagles beat higher ranked
teams like Cote d’Ivoire and Mali and drew
with Zambia in the group stage.
“The biggest winners are teams who win
competitive matches, especially against high-
ranking opponents. Draws secure only limited
gains, particularly in friendly matches, while
defeats do not bring any points,” a Fifa fact
sheet revealed.
Other movers on the African continent are
beaten finalists Burkina Faso who moved
from 55th to 37th while hosts South Africa
moved up 25 places to 60th. The number
one team in Africa, Côte d’Ivoire moved two
places to 12th.
Spain still lead the ranking table with Germany
in second place, followed by Argentina and
England and the ten highest ranked teams in
Africa are: Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria,
Algeria, Tunisia, Zambia, Central African
Republic, Burkina Faso and South Africa
respectively
World ranking for
February 2013 shows
that Nigeria has moved
up 20 places, to 30th in
the world which is the
country’s best position
since August 2010
This follows on from a
third triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations Cup
that ended in South Africa on Sunday. Before
the tournament began on January 19, the
Super Eagles were ranked 52nd in the world
and 10th in Africa.
In South Africa, the Eagles beat higher ranked
teams like Cote d’Ivoire and Mali and drew
with Zambia in the group stage.
“The biggest winners are teams who win
competitive matches, especially against high-
ranking opponents. Draws secure only limited
gains, particularly in friendly matches, while
defeats do not bring any points,” a Fifa fact
sheet revealed.
Other movers on the African continent are
beaten finalists Burkina Faso who moved
from 55th to 37th while hosts South Africa
moved up 25 places to 60th. The number
one team in Africa, Côte d’Ivoire moved two
places to 12th.
Spain still lead the ranking table with Germany
in second place, followed by Argentina and
England and the ten highest ranked teams in
Africa are: Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria,
Algeria, Tunisia, Zambia, Central African
Republic, Burkina Faso and South Africa
respectively
EAGLES:THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR PLOY.
A Nigerian wrote and I
agree....Finidi George a Nigerian
ex-international is a Technical
Director of his former club in
Spain, Micheael Emenalo a
Nigerian ex-international is
Technical Director of Chelsea the
reigning European Champions,
Uche Okechukwu the Gentle
Giant a Nigerian ex-international
is Technical director of
Fernabache a top Turkish club,
Sunday Oliseh has been
Technical Director in a number
of Belgian clubs. So what is so
special about this NFFs technical
Director post that a Nigerian
cannot do? Except there is a
Hidden Agenda, what criteria
has been used to rule out 170
million eligible Nigerians from
this job? If a foreigner must be
employed then it must be one
with experience of managing a
successful foreign league to
manage our Nigerian Premier
leauge that our Adminisrators
cannot cope with. The league
that has not been able to start
for 6 months.
agree....Finidi George a Nigerian
ex-international is a Technical
Director of his former club in
Spain, Micheael Emenalo a
Nigerian ex-international is
Technical Director of Chelsea the
reigning European Champions,
Uche Okechukwu the Gentle
Giant a Nigerian ex-international
is Technical director of
Fernabache a top Turkish club,
Sunday Oliseh has been
Technical Director in a number
of Belgian clubs. So what is so
special about this NFFs technical
Director post that a Nigerian
cannot do? Except there is a
Hidden Agenda, what criteria
has been used to rule out 170
million eligible Nigerians from
this job? If a foreigner must be
employed then it must be one
with experience of managing a
successful foreign league to
manage our Nigerian Premier
leauge that our Adminisrators
cannot cope with. The league
that has not been able to start
for 6 months.
SUPER EAGLES BACKROOM STAFF BLAST KESHI.
Super Eagles backroom staff are
disappointed coach Stephen Keshi has not
fought for them after they missed out on
the government’s largesse.
Keshi, his assistant coaches and players
were rewarded by Nigerian President
Goodluck Jonathan with national honours
and plots of land in Abuja for winning the
2013 AFCON.
But the backroom staff like equipment
manager, security and medical staff
attached to the team were only given 2
million Naira each.
The Eagles will this week be in Delta and
Akwa Ibom States for special victory
receptions by the respective state
governments without most of these
shattered backroom staff.
One of the backroom staff told
MTNFootball.com: “We worked hard for this
team, but when it came to reaping the
reward of our hard work, we were virtually
left out.
“Keshi has still not deemed it fit to make it
known to the Presidency that he did not
win this trophy only with his coaches and
players, but some of us who had to work
round the clock to ensure everything was in
place for the team.
“Do you know that in
2005, when Samson
Siasia led Nigeria to win the AYC, his
backroom staff were left out by the
government, but he was prompt to point
out this omission to President Olusegun
Obasanjo and they were each given
500,000 Naira, just like other members of
the squad?”
Another backroom staff added: “This was a
person who was known to fight for others
when he was skipper of the national team.
That was why he got the nickname ‘Big
Boss’. But this is not the case now.
“If anybody could convince the President to
consider us, that person would be Keshi
because he now has direct access to
Jonathan.”
President general of the Nigerian
Supporters Club Rafiu Ladipo received a
standing ovation on Wednesday when he
pointed out that the Eagles backroom staff
were overlooked by President Jonathan.
It was further gathered that while Keshi has
failed to get his staff to be better
appreciated, skipper Joseph Yobo has done
everything to make sure that is not the case
where he is in a position to do so.
Yobo made sure each squad member
received $2,500 from the $100,000 Rivers
State Governor Rotimi Ameachi donated to
the team after they were forced to a 1-1
draw in their opening group game against
Burkina Faso.
He has also maintained he will do same
with other donations received from
telecommunications tycoon Michael
Adenuja, business mongul Aliko Dangote
among others.
disappointed coach Stephen Keshi has not
fought for them after they missed out on
the government’s largesse.
Keshi, his assistant coaches and players
were rewarded by Nigerian President
Goodluck Jonathan with national honours
and plots of land in Abuja for winning the
2013 AFCON.
But the backroom staff like equipment
manager, security and medical staff
attached to the team were only given 2
million Naira each.
The Eagles will this week be in Delta and
Akwa Ibom States for special victory
receptions by the respective state
governments without most of these
shattered backroom staff.
One of the backroom staff told
MTNFootball.com: “We worked hard for this
team, but when it came to reaping the
reward of our hard work, we were virtually
left out.
“Keshi has still not deemed it fit to make it
known to the Presidency that he did not
win this trophy only with his coaches and
players, but some of us who had to work
round the clock to ensure everything was in
place for the team.
“Do you know that in
2005, when Samson
Siasia led Nigeria to win the AYC, his
backroom staff were left out by the
government, but he was prompt to point
out this omission to President Olusegun
Obasanjo and they were each given
500,000 Naira, just like other members of
the squad?”
Another backroom staff added: “This was a
person who was known to fight for others
when he was skipper of the national team.
That was why he got the nickname ‘Big
Boss’. But this is not the case now.
“If anybody could convince the President to
consider us, that person would be Keshi
because he now has direct access to
Jonathan.”
President general of the Nigerian
Supporters Club Rafiu Ladipo received a
standing ovation on Wednesday when he
pointed out that the Eagles backroom staff
were overlooked by President Jonathan.
It was further gathered that while Keshi has
failed to get his staff to be better
appreciated, skipper Joseph Yobo has done
everything to make sure that is not the case
where he is in a position to do so.
Yobo made sure each squad member
received $2,500 from the $100,000 Rivers
State Governor Rotimi Ameachi donated to
the team after they were forced to a 1-1
draw in their opening group game against
Burkina Faso.
He has also maintained he will do same
with other donations received from
telecommunications tycoon Michael
Adenuja, business mongul Aliko Dangote
among others.
CAF confederation cup fixtures
The CAF Confederation Cup kicks off this
weekends
- Other teams got byes for this round, they
will face some of the winners in the second
round
MATCH-UPS
Power Dynamos - Zambia vs Recreativo Da
Caala - Angola
Al Nasr - Libya vs Khartoum Alwatani - Sudan
CS Don Bosco - Congo DR vs SuperSport United
- South Africa
Mogas - Benin vs AS Douanes - Senegal
Rail Club du Kadiogo - Burkina Faso vs Sahel SC
- Niger
Anges de Fatima - Central African Republic vs
Dedebit - Ethiopia
Stella club - Ivory Coast vs Onze Createurs -
Mali
CD 1º de Agosto - Angola vs AS Adema -
Madagascar
Panters - Equatorial Guinea vs FS Sequence -
Guinea
GAMTEL - Gambia vs H.L.M - Senegal
Terreble C.O - Madagascar vs Mbabane
Highlanders - Swaziland
Desportive De Guadalupe - Sao Tome &
Principe vsUnion Sportive Bitam - Gabon
Panthere Sportive du Nde - Cameroon vs Elect-
Sport - Chad
Azzam United - Tanzania vs AL Nasir Juba -
South Sudan
Gor Mahia - Kenya vs ANSE Reunion -
Seychelles
New Edubiase FC - Ghana vs Diables Noirs -
Congo
Gaborone United - Botswana vs Liga
Muculmana de Maputo - Mozambique
AFADD - Ivory Coast vsDiamond Stars - Sierra
Leone
US Haut Nka - Cameroon vs US Bougouni - Mali
Lydia LB Académi - Burundi vs Police -
Rwanda
Barrack Y.C.II - Liberia vs Johansens - Sierra
Leone
weekends
- Other teams got byes for this round, they
will face some of the winners in the second
round
MATCH-UPS
Power Dynamos - Zambia vs Recreativo Da
Caala - Angola
Al Nasr - Libya vs Khartoum Alwatani - Sudan
CS Don Bosco - Congo DR vs SuperSport United
- South Africa
Mogas - Benin vs AS Douanes - Senegal
Rail Club du Kadiogo - Burkina Faso vs Sahel SC
- Niger
Anges de Fatima - Central African Republic vs
Dedebit - Ethiopia
Stella club - Ivory Coast vs Onze Createurs -
Mali
CD 1º de Agosto - Angola vs AS Adema -
Madagascar
Panters - Equatorial Guinea vs FS Sequence -
Guinea
GAMTEL - Gambia vs H.L.M - Senegal
Terreble C.O - Madagascar vs Mbabane
Highlanders - Swaziland
Desportive De Guadalupe - Sao Tome &
Principe vsUnion Sportive Bitam - Gabon
Panthere Sportive du Nde - Cameroon vs Elect-
Sport - Chad
Azzam United - Tanzania vs AL Nasir Juba -
South Sudan
Gor Mahia - Kenya vs ANSE Reunion -
Seychelles
New Edubiase FC - Ghana vs Diables Noirs -
Congo
Gaborone United - Botswana vs Liga
Muculmana de Maputo - Mozambique
AFADD - Ivory Coast vsDiamond Stars - Sierra
Leone
US Haut Nka - Cameroon vs US Bougouni - Mali
Lydia LB Académi - Burundi vs Police -
Rwanda
Barrack Y.C.II - Liberia vs Johansens - Sierra
Leone
EUROPA LEAGUE 1ST 32
Europa League last 32 1st-leg results:
Tottenham 2-1 Lyon
Newcastle 0-0 Metalist Kharkiv
Atletico Madrid 0-2 Rubin Kazan
Basel 2-0 Dnipro
Inter Milan 2-0 CFR Cluj
Monchengladbach 3-3 Lazio
Stuttgart 1-1 Racing Genk
Earlier:
Sparta Prague 0-1 Chelsea
Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Steaua Bucuresti
BATE Borisov 0-0 Fenerbahce
Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Benfica
Dynamo Kyiv 1-1 Bordeaux
Levante 3-0 Olympiakos Piraeus
Napoli 0-3 Viktoria Plzen
Anzhi Makhachkala 3-1 Hannover
Zenit 2-0 Liverpool
Tottenham 2-1 Lyon
Newcastle 0-0 Metalist Kharkiv
Atletico Madrid 0-2 Rubin Kazan
Basel 2-0 Dnipro
Inter Milan 2-0 CFR Cluj
Monchengladbach 3-3 Lazio
Stuttgart 1-1 Racing Genk
Earlier:
Sparta Prague 0-1 Chelsea
Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Steaua Bucuresti
BATE Borisov 0-0 Fenerbahce
Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Benfica
Dynamo Kyiv 1-1 Bordeaux
Levante 3-0 Olympiakos Piraeus
Napoli 0-3 Viktoria Plzen
Anzhi Makhachkala 3-1 Hannover
Zenit 2-0 Liverpool
Europa leaque Update
Uefa Europa League :
Final - Anzhi Makhachkala 3-1 Hannover 96
Final - Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Liverpool
Final - Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Steaua Bucuresti
Final - BATE Borisov 0-0 Fenerbahce
Final - Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Benfica
Final - Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Bordeaux
Final - Levante 3-0 Olympiakos
Final - Napoli 0-3 Viktoria Plzen
Final - Sparta Prague 0-1 Chelsea
Final - Anzhi Makhachkala 3-1 Hannover 96
Final - Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Liverpool
Final - Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Steaua Bucuresti
Final - BATE Borisov 0-0 Fenerbahce
Final - Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Benfica
Final - Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Bordeaux
Final - Levante 3-0 Olympiakos
Final - Napoli 0-3 Viktoria Plzen
Final - Sparta Prague 0-1 Chelsea
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
UCL update
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Borussia Dortmund
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-1 Kilmarnock
COPA LIBERTADORES:
Municipal Iquique 1-2 Peñarol
Boca Juniors 1-2 Toluca
Atlético MG 2-1 São Paulo
Caracas F.C. 0-1 Fluminense FC
PRIMERA DIVISION DE ARGENTINA:
Quilmes 0-0 Tigre
Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Borussia Dortmund
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-1 Kilmarnock
COPA LIBERTADORES:
Municipal Iquique 1-2 Peñarol
Boca Juniors 1-2 Toluca
Atlético MG 2-1 São Paulo
Caracas F.C. 0-1 Fluminense FC
PRIMERA DIVISION DE ARGENTINA:
Quilmes 0-0 Tigre
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Danny Shittu speaks
Following last night's Sky Sports News
Special report, Millwall captain Danny Shittu
has put out the following statement:
I am deeply saddened by the documentary
on Sky Sports showing racism by the
minority at matches including at Millwall FC.
As the current Millwall captain, racism is
something I do not stand for or condone. I
am currently in talks with the club about any
further measures we can take in dealing
with and eradicating racism at matches.
I do not want the events shown yesterday
to tarnish the hard work done by the club
thus far and their efforts in tackling this
issue.
Every player at all levels has the right to
represent their club without being
subjected to homophobic or racial taunts. I
will do all I can to help eradicate racism at
my club and in football.
Special report, Millwall captain Danny Shittu
has put out the following statement:
I am deeply saddened by the documentary
on Sky Sports showing racism by the
minority at matches including at Millwall FC.
As the current Millwall captain, racism is
something I do not stand for or condone. I
am currently in talks with the club about any
further measures we can take in dealing
with and eradicating racism at matches.
I do not want the events shown yesterday
to tarnish the hard work done by the club
thus far and their efforts in tackling this
issue.
Every player at all levels has the right to
represent their club without being
subjected to homophobic or racial taunts. I
will do all I can to help eradicate racism at
my club and in football.
Mourinho hints at EPL return... Read
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho doesn't
expect to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at
Manchester United.
Mourinho has been heavily linked with
Manchester City and Chelsea recently.
It has also been felt he would be of interest
to Manchester United, even though club
ambassador Peter Schmeichel has said the
former Porto coach is not under
consideration.
Mourinho doesn't see himself being installed
at Old Trafford either, mainly because he
expects Ferguson to continue for a good
while yet.
"No," he said, when asked if he could
replace Ferguson.
"I don't believe so.
"I think we have to end our career at the
same time. Him at 90 and me at 70.
expect to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at
Manchester United.
Mourinho has been heavily linked with
Manchester City and Chelsea recently.
It has also been felt he would be of interest
to Manchester United, even though club
ambassador Peter Schmeichel has said the
former Porto coach is not under
consideration.
Mourinho doesn't see himself being installed
at Old Trafford either, mainly because he
expects Ferguson to continue for a good
while yet.
"No," he said, when asked if he could
replace Ferguson.
"I don't believe so.
"I think we have to end our career at the
same time. Him at 90 and me at 70.
Real not renewing Ronaldo's contract.
Real Madrid won't open new contract talks
with Cristiano Ronaldo until May.
Punto Pelota says there's been no
movement from either side over Ronaldo's
deal, with it agreed nothing will be
discussed until May.
Meanwhile, Real are prepared to listen to
offers for Gonzalo Higuain and will seek to
replace him with either Atletico Madrid star
Radamel Falcao or Manchester City's
Sergio Aguero if they cannot secure
agreement with Napoli for Edinson Cavani.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Dani Carvajal will
be re-signed, while Tottenham winger
Gareth Bale is also on Real's radar.
However, Bale will only arrive if Ronaldo
leaves.
with Cristiano Ronaldo until May.
Punto Pelota says there's been no
movement from either side over Ronaldo's
deal, with it agreed nothing will be
discussed until May.
Meanwhile, Real are prepared to listen to
offers for Gonzalo Higuain and will seek to
replace him with either Atletico Madrid star
Radamel Falcao or Manchester City's
Sergio Aguero if they cannot secure
agreement with Napoli for Edinson Cavani.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Dani Carvajal will
be re-signed, while Tottenham winger
Gareth Bale is also on Real's radar.
However, Bale will only arrive if Ronaldo
leaves.
10 highest paid EPL players
The highest paid footballers in the Premier
League, interms of wage are listed below:
1. Eden Hazard – £185.000*
2. Wayne Rooney – £180.000
3. Robin van Persie – £180.000
4. Yaya Touré – £180.000
5. Carlos Tevez – £180.000
6. Fernando Torres – £175.000
7. John Terry – £175.000
8. David Silva – £160.000
9. Samir Nasri – £140.000
10. Frank Lampard – £140.000
*Hazard is also the youngest player in this list
(21 Years old).
League, interms of wage are listed below:
1. Eden Hazard – £185.000*
2. Wayne Rooney – £180.000
3. Robin van Persie – £180.000
4. Yaya Touré – £180.000
5. Carlos Tevez – £180.000
6. Fernando Torres – £175.000
7. John Terry – £175.000
8. David Silva – £160.000
9. Samir Nasri – £140.000
10. Frank Lampard – £140.000
*Hazard is also the youngest player in this list
(21 Years old).
10 highest paid EPL players
The highest paid footballers in the Premier
League, interms of wage are listed below:
1. Eden Hazard – £185.000*
2. Wayne Rooney – £180.000
3. Robin van Persie – £180.000
4. Yaya Touré – £180.000
5. Carlos Tevez – £180.000
6. Fernando Torres – £175.000
7. John Terry – £175.000
8. David Silva – £160.000
9. Samir Nasri – £140.000
10. Frank Lampard – £140.000
*Hazard is also the youngest player in this list
(21 Years old).
League, interms of wage are listed below:
1. Eden Hazard – £185.000*
2. Wayne Rooney – £180.000
3. Robin van Persie – £180.000
4. Yaya Touré – £180.000
5. Carlos Tevez – £180.000
6. Fernando Torres – £175.000
7. John Terry – £175.000
8. David Silva – £160.000
9. Samir Nasri – £140.000
10. Frank Lampard – £140.000
*Hazard is also the youngest player in this list
(21 Years old).
FT sccores
Champions League FT
Celtic 0-3 Juventus (Matri 3', Marchisio 77',
Vucinic 83')
Valencia 1-2 PSG (Lavezzi 10', Pastore 43')
(Rami 90')
Celtic's hopes quashed after Juventus score
three away goals whilst Valencia have given
themselves a chance with a late goal against
PSG. The French giants will be without
Ibrahimovic for the next leg after he received
a straight red card in injury-time for a studs-
up tackle.
Celtic 0-3 Juventus (Matri 3', Marchisio 77',
Vucinic 83')
Valencia 1-2 PSG (Lavezzi 10', Pastore 43')
(Rami 90')
Celtic's hopes quashed after Juventus score
three away goals whilst Valencia have given
themselves a chance with a late goal against
PSG. The French giants will be without
Ibrahimovic for the next leg after he received
a straight red card in injury-time for a studs-
up tackle.
CL updates
UEFA League: Juve Brush Celtic Aside, PSG
Upstage Valencia
Celtic's Nigerian defender, Efe Ambros
BBC
Juventus pushed Celtic aside in this
Champions League last 16 first leg tie 3-0 in
Scotland while PSG got the better of
Valencia 2-1 in Spain.
Alessandro Matri was credited with a toe-
poke through Fraser Forster's legs which
looked to be cleared off the line before
Claudio Marchisio made sure.
Kris Commons and Efe Ambrose came close
to equalising for an energetic Celtic, reports ic-goal
But Juventus got their second with 15
minutes remaining when Marchisio finished
Matri's flick, before Mirko Vucinic added a
third from Marchisio's pass following
Ambrose's error.Ambrose whyy
Upstage Valencia
Celtic's Nigerian defender, Efe Ambros
BBC
Juventus pushed Celtic aside in this
Champions League last 16 first leg tie 3-0 in
Scotland while PSG got the better of
Valencia 2-1 in Spain.
Alessandro Matri was credited with a toe-
poke through Fraser Forster's legs which
looked to be cleared off the line before
Claudio Marchisio made sure.
Kris Commons and Efe Ambrose came close
to equalising for an energetic Celtic, reports ic-goal
But Juventus got their second with 15
minutes remaining when Marchisio finished
Matri's flick, before Mirko Vucinic added a
third from Marchisio's pass following
Ambrose's error.Ambrose whyy
Mike Adenuga spoils Stephen keshi
Mike Adenuga Spoils Stephen Keshi With
Range Rovers, House And Money
Glo Chairman, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr, has
just displayed the milk of human kindness in
him as he lavished gift and money on the
hardworking Super Eagles’ Chief Coach,
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.
The philanthropist of the highest order has
just expended millions of Naira on Stephen
as he gave out a Range Rover Sport, Posh
apartment in Lagos and $200,000 for
making Nigeria an envy of all nations at the
recently held ACON in South Africa.
Range Rovers, House And Money
Glo Chairman, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr, has
just displayed the milk of human kindness in
him as he lavished gift and money on the
hardworking Super Eagles’ Chief Coach,
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.
The philanthropist of the highest order has
just expended millions of Naira on Stephen
as he gave out a Range Rover Sport, Posh
apartment in Lagos and $200,000 for
making Nigeria an envy of all nations at the
recently held ACON in South Africa.
The Eagles has landed.
Nigerians welcome Nations
Cup winners home
Nigeria's football team have returned home
to a rapturous reception following their
Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Thousands were at Abuja's airport to greet
the team, who beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in
Sunday's final in Johannesburg.
There was a thunderous roar when the
squad emerged from the airport terminal to
enter their bus, said the BBC's Chris Ewokor
in the Nigerian capital.
The players will spend Tuesday evening
attending an official function with President
Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the fact that no public holiday had
been declared, crowds turned out in huge
numbers to line the streets as the team
travelled from the airport to Abuja's city
centre.
"The mood is electric. Many people are
wearing the national colours of green and
white, while some are wearing hats
sporting pictures of the Super Eagles," our
reporter said.
After plenty of expectation ahead of
previous Nations Cup tournaments, Nigeria's
triumph was unexpected by most fans - an
emotion which made the success all the
more enjoyable.
"I am very excited," said Godwin Orinyo,
who had travelled to the airport to greet the
team.
"The final was so sweet and I was so happy
afterwards that I couldn't sleep. My mum
almost collapsed she was so happy. Today is
too sweet - I am overjoyed."
Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo led the
squad off the plane after it touched down
on Nigerian soil with the trophy on board.
Many eyes were also on coach Stephen
Keshi, who initially quit after the triumph in
protest at his working relationship with
officials from the Nigeria Football
Federation.
After Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi
intervened to help resolve the row following
talks that lasted into early Tuesday morning
in South Africa, the NFF released a
statement from Keshi in which the coach
had 'reconsidered his position'.
Should the former Nigeria captain, who also
won the trophy as a player in 1994,
continue in his post, he will try to lead the
Super Eagles to the 2014 World Cup as well
as to Confederations Cup glory in Brazil in
June
Cup winners home
Nigeria's football team have returned home
to a rapturous reception following their
Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Thousands were at Abuja's airport to greet
the team, who beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in
Sunday's final in Johannesburg.
There was a thunderous roar when the
squad emerged from the airport terminal to
enter their bus, said the BBC's Chris Ewokor
in the Nigerian capital.
The players will spend Tuesday evening
attending an official function with President
Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the fact that no public holiday had
been declared, crowds turned out in huge
numbers to line the streets as the team
travelled from the airport to Abuja's city
centre.
"The mood is electric. Many people are
wearing the national colours of green and
white, while some are wearing hats
sporting pictures of the Super Eagles," our
reporter said.
After plenty of expectation ahead of
previous Nations Cup tournaments, Nigeria's
triumph was unexpected by most fans - an
emotion which made the success all the
more enjoyable.
"I am very excited," said Godwin Orinyo,
who had travelled to the airport to greet the
team.
"The final was so sweet and I was so happy
afterwards that I couldn't sleep. My mum
almost collapsed she was so happy. Today is
too sweet - I am overjoyed."
Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo led the
squad off the plane after it touched down
on Nigerian soil with the trophy on board.
Many eyes were also on coach Stephen
Keshi, who initially quit after the triumph in
protest at his working relationship with
officials from the Nigeria Football
Federation.
After Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi
intervened to help resolve the row following
talks that lasted into early Tuesday morning
in South Africa, the NFF released a
statement from Keshi in which the coach
had 'reconsidered his position'.
Should the former Nigeria captain, who also
won the trophy as a player in 1994,
continue in his post, he will try to lead the
Super Eagles to the 2014 World Cup as well
as to Confederations Cup glory in Brazil in
June
Keshi withdraws resignation letter.
Stephen Keshi has withdrawn his
resignation as coach of the Nigerian
national team, after a meeting with the
Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The immediate past Media Officer of the
Super Eagles, Colin Udoh, who has been
covering the Africa Cup of Nations in South
Africa, made this revelation late into the
night, as the confusion and drama rumbled
on.
Udoh confirmed that Keshi had indeed
resigned, but that it was verbal and not
written. As soon as the news went viral,
after the Big Boss told Robert Marawa on
South Africa radio station, Metro FM, that he
had sent in his resignation after the
celebrations, a series of emergency
meetings were held.
resignation as coach of the Nigerian
national team, after a meeting with the
Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The immediate past Media Officer of the
Super Eagles, Colin Udoh, who has been
covering the Africa Cup of Nations in South
Africa, made this revelation late into the
night, as the confusion and drama rumbled
on.
Udoh confirmed that Keshi had indeed
resigned, but that it was verbal and not
written. As soon as the news went viral,
after the Big Boss told Robert Marawa on
South Africa radio station, Metro FM, that he
had sent in his resignation after the
celebrations, a series of emergency
meetings were held.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Ronaldo is a bully says Gary Neville.
Gary Neville has described Real Madrid star
and ex-Manchester United team-mate
Cristiano Ronaldo as a "bully" who preys on
defenders' weaknesses.
Ex-captain Neville played alongside the
Portuguese forward from 2003 to 2009.
Before his old side's Champions League trip
to Madrid, Neville said: "Ronaldo is a bully.
He bullies the weakest defender. He does it
all the time."
Wednesday's last-16 tie at the Bernabeu will
be Ronaldo's first game against United
since his £80m move in 2009.
Neville, who played 602 times for United,
also praised his former team-mate for
changing his view on how the game should
be played, reports the BBC.
The former England right-back added: "He
changed my perception.
"We had a midfield four - Beckham, Keane,
Scholes, Giggs - I played with Beckham for
seven years. They never had the freedom to
decide their position on the pitch.
"Suddenly I didn't have someone in front of
me who would come back and double up
on the [opposition's] left-winger.
"In those early years he used to go
wandering off.
"He was told to play on the right by Sir Alex
Ferguson and would end up on the left.
That was unheard of.
"By the end of Ronaldo's Manchester United
career I was willing him not to chase back
so he was free.
"He just decided his own position, which
was based upon where the space was and
who was the weak link. He made me realise
you didn't always need to be in your shape.
"We had a player who was beyond a level of
talent I had ever seen. He would go and win
us game after game. I suppose that is more
important."
Ronaldo, 28, scored his 20th hat-trick since
arriving in Spain during Real Madrid's 4-1
defeat of Seville on Saturday.
He has now scored 182 for the Spanish
giants from only 179 games.
Neville is convinced Ronaldo is a better
player than when he left Old Trafford.
"Now, he is a monster," he added. "I saw
him on Saturday evening. He picks the ball
up in an innocuous position, 30 yards out,
does some type of shimmy I can't even
describe let alone do, beats a man and
whacks it in from 25 yards.
"You can't defend against that.
"Then he scores a counter-attack goal when
he chases 80 yards forward, then he preys
on the back of the centre-half and scores a
hat-trick inside 30 minutes."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may ask
Phil Jones to man-mark Ronaldo in the
Champions League game, although Neville is
not certain that will contain him.
"You literally need to have two men against
him. Even then they might both get beaten,
Criteria for Fergie successor.
Manchester United have already set their
criteria for the manager to succeed
Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Daily Star Sunday says the first
requirement will be European experience,
particularly at Champions League level.
United will also want a manager who will
continue the club’s policy of developing their
own players.
And they will require someone who will
embrace the club’s commercial operation.
The manager who in particular ticks those
boxes is former Barcelona boss Pep
Guardiola – but he has just taken over at
Bayern Munich.
criteria for the manager to succeed
Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Daily Star Sunday says the first
requirement will be European experience,
particularly at Champions League level.
United will also want a manager who will
continue the club’s policy of developing their
own players.
And they will require someone who will
embrace the club’s commercial operation.
The manager who in particular ticks those
boxes is former Barcelona boss Pep
Guardiola – but he has just taken over at
Bayern Munich.
Mou won't coach Man Utd
Peter Schmeichel can't see Real Madrid
coach Jose Mourinho ever taking charge of
Manchester United.
The legendary keeper insisted the
controversy that follows Mourinho means he
cannot succeed Alex Ferguson.
United idol Schmeichel said: “He will not be
the successor. I don’t think the club would
be happy with everything Mourinho brings
with him.
“He’s a great candidate for his qualities as a
manager but the club doesn’t want all the
things that come with him.
“Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid — he
doesn’t last more than three years.”
coach Jose Mourinho ever taking charge of
Manchester United.
The legendary keeper insisted the
controversy that follows Mourinho means he
cannot succeed Alex Ferguson.
United idol Schmeichel said: “He will not be
the successor. I don’t think the club would
be happy with everything Mourinho brings
with him.
“He’s a great candidate for his qualities as a
manager but the club doesn’t want all the
things that come with him.
“Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid — he
doesn’t last more than three years.”
Mazzarri>Cavani could go.
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri can't
guarantee Edinson Cavani staying beyond
the end of this season.
Real Madrid are regarded as favourites for
the Uruguay striker ahead of
Manchester City and PSG.
"I can do without the speculation, so until
June nobody knows what will happen.
Napoli will try to make the most of Edi and
then in the summer we'll see. These are
things that are good for the media, but not
for us.
"Important players like him, however, I do
not think are affected," said Mazzarri.
guarantee Edinson Cavani staying beyond
the end of this season.
Real Madrid are regarded as favourites for
the Uruguay striker ahead of
Manchester City and PSG.
"I can do without the speculation, so until
June nobody knows what will happen.
Napoli will try to make the most of Edi and
then in the summer we'll see. These are
things that are good for the media, but not
for us.
"Important players like him, however, I do
not think are affected," said Mazzarri.
Santos leaves Arsenal
Arsenal have confirmed defender Andre
Santos has been loaned to Gremio for the
remainder of the season.
The Brazilian international failed to establish
himself at The Emirates after manager
Arsene Wenger paid Fenerbahce 7m euros
for his services in August 2011, and has
returned to his homeland.
The Gunners website read: "After finding
first-team opportunities limited this term,
Santos now returns to Brazil's Serie A - the
Brasileirao - for more regular first-team
football. Everyone wishes Andre well for his
time with the Tricolo."
Santos has been loaned to Gremio for the
remainder of the season.
The Brazilian international failed to establish
himself at The Emirates after manager
Arsene Wenger paid Fenerbahce 7m euros
for his services in August 2011, and has
returned to his homeland.
The Gunners website read: "After finding
first-team opportunities limited this term,
Santos now returns to Brazil's Serie A - the
Brasileirao - for more regular first-team
football. Everyone wishes Andre well for his
time with the Tricolo."
Former Official Sheds more light about Keshi's exit
Stephen Keshi quit his
post as Nigeria coach
because the Nigerian
Football Federation (NFF)
booked flights home
after being drawn with
Cote d'Ivoire in the
quarter-finals, according
to a former official of the
national side.
The Super Eagles boss made the stunning
decision to resign on Monday, just one day
after winning the Africa Cup of Nations
following a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, citing
that he was "doing the right thing".
Reports also suggested the NFF attempted to
sack Keshi prior to their quarter-final clash
with the Elephants and had interviewed
several European candidates to take his place.
Indeed the former Mali and Togo trainer hit
out at the practice of African nations
employing coaches from other continents at
his pre-quarter-final press conference.
And now the nation's former public relations
officer, Idah Peterside, has claimed the
conduct of senior officials was at the root of
his decision.
“Keshi only heard the NFF had given the
secretary money for return tickets before the
Ivory Coast game,
after they had won the game," he wrote on
Twitter.
The 51-year-old coach told www.icgoal.blogspot.com before
the final that he would "pack his bags and
leave" if he felt he was not wanted.
But after going through with his threat the
tale has taken another twist, with Nigeria
sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi claiming NFF
president Aminu Maigari had not received a
letter of resignation.
post as Nigeria coach
because the Nigerian
Football Federation (NFF)
booked flights home
after being drawn with
Cote d'Ivoire in the
quarter-finals, according
to a former official of the
national side.
The Super Eagles boss made the stunning
decision to resign on Monday, just one day
after winning the Africa Cup of Nations
following a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, citing
that he was "doing the right thing".
Reports also suggested the NFF attempted to
sack Keshi prior to their quarter-final clash
with the Elephants and had interviewed
several European candidates to take his place.
Indeed the former Mali and Togo trainer hit
out at the practice of African nations
employing coaches from other continents at
his pre-quarter-final press conference.
And now the nation's former public relations
officer, Idah Peterside, has claimed the
conduct of senior officials was at the root of
his decision.
“Keshi only heard the NFF had given the
secretary money for return tickets before the
Ivory Coast game,
after they had won the game," he wrote on
Twitter.
The 51-year-old coach told www.icgoal.blogspot.com before
the final that he would "pack his bags and
leave" if he felt he was not wanted.
But after going through with his threat the
tale has taken another twist, with Nigeria
sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi claiming NFF
president Aminu Maigari had not received a
letter of resignation.
Riquelme relishing Boca reunion.
The veteran has spoken of his excitement
ahead of another spell with his boyhood
club and believes Leandro Paredes is the
future of Argentine football.
Juan Roman Riquelme has revealed his
excitement ahead of embarking on another
adventure with Boca Juniors.
The 34-year-old signed on for a fourth spell
with the Argentine giant on Saturday and is
relishing the prospect of winning more
trophies with Los Xeneizes.
"I returned three times and I won three
times. I'm excited to win something else,"
Riquelme told the club's official website. "We
are going to try to stay in the Libertadores.
Carlos [Bianchi] is very confident and that
transmits to the players. It changes your
mentality. I hope that we can win something
and give joy to the people.
"Physically I feel very good. I don't know
when I am going to play, I'm going to keep
training and talking with the coach.
"Carlos will decide when to count on me.
He's going to play me when I am ready and
if not, he won't play me."
The former Argentina international also
noted the emergence of Boca starlet
Leandro Paredes and believes the youngster
will play a prominent role in the future of
Argentinian football.
"He plays well, I like him," Riquelme said. "He
has a lot of pressure on him, he's young. He
always wants to improve and he's going to
be a figure of Argentine football. I am lucky
to be with him and I'm going to help him
however I can."
ahead of another spell with his boyhood
club and believes Leandro Paredes is the
future of Argentine football.
Juan Roman Riquelme has revealed his
excitement ahead of embarking on another
adventure with Boca Juniors.
The 34-year-old signed on for a fourth spell
with the Argentine giant on Saturday and is
relishing the prospect of winning more
trophies with Los Xeneizes.
"I returned three times and I won three
times. I'm excited to win something else,"
Riquelme told the club's official website. "We
are going to try to stay in the Libertadores.
Carlos [Bianchi] is very confident and that
transmits to the players. It changes your
mentality. I hope that we can win something
and give joy to the people.
"Physically I feel very good. I don't know
when I am going to play, I'm going to keep
training and talking with the coach.
"Carlos will decide when to count on me.
He's going to play me when I am ready and
if not, he won't play me."
The former Argentina international also
noted the emergence of Boca starlet
Leandro Paredes and believes the youngster
will play a prominent role in the future of
Argentinian football.
"He plays well, I like him," Riquelme said. "He
has a lot of pressure on him, he's young. He
always wants to improve and he's going to
be a figure of Argentine football. I am lucky
to be with him and I'm going to help him
however I can."
Argentine Zeballos upset Rafael Nadal
Argentine Horacio Zeballos sprung a major
surprise by beating Rafa Nadal 6-7 (2) 7-6
(6) 6-4 to win the Chilean Open on Sunday
and clinch the first title of his career.
surprise by beating Rafa Nadal 6-7 (2) 7-6
(6) 6-4 to win the Chilean Open on Sunday
and clinch the first title of his career.
David Villa admitted to the hospital.
The 31-year-old forward is undergoing
treatment for a kidney stone and will miss
his side's next league fixture.
David Villa has been admitted to hospital
with a kidney stone, Barcelona has
confirmed.
The Spain international is now unlikely to be
involved in Tito Vilanova's side's game
against Granada on Saturday after being
struck down by a nephritic colic infection.
He was hospitalized on Monday afternoon
and will undergo treatment to sort the
kidney stone problem.
It is not yet clear how long the Spain striker
will be absent for, in what is an untimely
blow for the player after he scored in the
club's 6-1 win over Granada on Sunday. Villa
has scored five goals in 15 appearances this
season, but he has not scored in the
Champions League this campaign and might
not get the chance to do so in Barcelona's
next fixture in the competition, with the
Blaugrana set to face AC Milan on Feb. 20.
treatment for a kidney stone and will miss
his side's next league fixture.
David Villa has been admitted to hospital
with a kidney stone, Barcelona has
confirmed.
The Spain international is now unlikely to be
involved in Tito Vilanova's side's game
against Granada on Saturday after being
struck down by a nephritic colic infection.
He was hospitalized on Monday afternoon
and will undergo treatment to sort the
kidney stone problem.
It is not yet clear how long the Spain striker
will be absent for, in what is an untimely
blow for the player after he scored in the
club's 6-1 win over Granada on Sunday. Villa
has scored five goals in 15 appearances this
season, but he has not scored in the
Champions League this campaign and might
not get the chance to do so in Barcelona's
next fixture in the competition, with the
Blaugrana set to face AC Milan on Feb. 20.
Funny
Stephen Keshi just resigned. The Pope is
about to resign. Arsene Wenger, how far na?
GEJ, whatsup?
about to resign. Arsene Wenger, how far na?
GEJ, whatsup?
Messi new deal worth €230,000 a week NET
The new contract of Barcelona star
Lionel Messi is worth over €230,000-a-week
NET.
Punto Pelota says including bonuses, Messi's
new deal to 2018 is worth an amazing €12
million-a-year.
That will include meeting all four yearly
bonus clauses in his deal - winning the
Ballon d'Or, playing 60 per cent of games,
winning the Champions League and La Liga
title. Thats too much money for me oo but messi enjoy while it last brother.
Lionel Messi is worth over €230,000-a-week
NET.
Punto Pelota says including bonuses, Messi's
new deal to 2018 is worth an amazing €12
million-a-year.
That will include meeting all four yearly
bonus clauses in his deal - winning the
Ballon d'Or, playing 60 per cent of games,
winning the Champions League and La Liga
title. Thats too much money for me oo but messi enjoy while it last brother.
Confederation cup fixtures.
Nigeria will represent Africa at this year’s
Confederations Cup, after winning the
Nations Cup on Sunday night in South
Africa.
The Super Eagles, have been drawn in
Group B, where they will face European
champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay.
The tournament will be
held in Brazil from June
15 to 30 and will be a prelude to the 2014
FIFA World Cup. Brazil are the defending
champions.
Group A: Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Italy
Group B: Spain, Uruguay, Tahiti, Nigeria
17 June 2013: Tahiti vs Nigeria (Estádio
Mineirão, Belo Horizonte)
20 June 2013: Nigeria vs Uruguay (Arena
Fonte Nova, Salvador)
23 June 2013: Nigeria vs Spain (Estádio
Castelão, Fortaleza)
Confederations Cup, after winning the
Nations Cup on Sunday night in South
Africa.
The Super Eagles, have been drawn in
Group B, where they will face European
champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay.
The tournament will be
held in Brazil from June
15 to 30 and will be a prelude to the 2014
FIFA World Cup. Brazil are the defending
champions.
Group A: Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Italy
Group B: Spain, Uruguay, Tahiti, Nigeria
17 June 2013: Tahiti vs Nigeria (Estádio
Mineirão, Belo Horizonte)
20 June 2013: Nigeria vs Uruguay (Arena
Fonte Nova, Salvador)
23 June 2013: Nigeria vs Spain (Estádio
Castelão, Fortaleza)
Keshi resigns
The Nigerian coach has submitted his
resignation to the Nigerian Football
Federation, after a dramatic falling out,
and states that he will not change his
mind
The Nigerian football fraternity was dealt
with a huge blow on Monday evening, when
their coach Stephen Keshi announced his
resignation from his job as the coach of the
national team, just less than 24 hours after
he guided the Super Eagles to Afcon glory at
the National Stadium.
Keshi claims that he was sacked prior to
their quarterfinal clash against Ivory Coast,
because apparently the Nigerian Football
Federation booked a plane back to Nigeria
as soon as they found out that they will play
Ivory Coast.
However, Keshi claimed on Metro FM that he
heard about the arrangement made by the
NFF after the Mali game, and that he did not
want to take it to mind as it would have
affected his teams preparations.
Keshi’s resignation letter still has to be
discussed by the NFF, and the coach says he
is unlikely to change his mind, because he
believes that NFF did not trust and respect
his tactics as a coach.
The coach did tell icgoal.com a few days
before the final, that he would ' pack his
bags and leave' if he felt he was not wanted,
and it is a surprising turn of events after the
coach was highly praised from all quarters.
resignation to the Nigerian Football
Federation, after a dramatic falling out,
and states that he will not change his
mind
The Nigerian football fraternity was dealt
with a huge blow on Monday evening, when
their coach Stephen Keshi announced his
resignation from his job as the coach of the
national team, just less than 24 hours after
he guided the Super Eagles to Afcon glory at
the National Stadium.
Keshi claims that he was sacked prior to
their quarterfinal clash against Ivory Coast,
because apparently the Nigerian Football
Federation booked a plane back to Nigeria
as soon as they found out that they will play
Ivory Coast.
However, Keshi claimed on Metro FM that he
heard about the arrangement made by the
NFF after the Mali game, and that he did not
want to take it to mind as it would have
affected his teams preparations.
Keshi’s resignation letter still has to be
discussed by the NFF, and the coach says he
is unlikely to change his mind, because he
believes that NFF did not trust and respect
his tactics as a coach.
The coach did tell icgoal.com a few days
before the final, that he would ' pack his
bags and leave' if he felt he was not wanted,
and it is a surprising turn of events after the
coach was highly praised from all quarters.
UNBELIEVEABLE
Did You Know These Health
Habits Could Kill You?
Harmful Health Habits
There's a new health terror sweeping the
nation called the "Triangle of Death," and it
lives on your face. Dr. Oz coined the term
when he covered this health hazard on his
show. The triangle includes the areas of
your face extending from the corners of
your mouth to the bridge of your nose.
What makes the area so dangerous is that
the blood vessels there drain to the back of
the head and connect to the veins at the
base of the brain, which pumps that blood
throughout the rest of the body. Any
damage that breaks the skin in the triangle
exposes the body to bacteria and infections,
which can cause headaches, blindness,
paralysis, and even death.
Maybe you should think twice before you
pop that zit or try to get the crust out of
your nose after a cold. Don't believe me?
Click on for 9 health habits that can actually
kill you.
Habits Could Kill You?
Harmful Health Habits
There's a new health terror sweeping the
nation called the "Triangle of Death," and it
lives on your face. Dr. Oz coined the term
when he covered this health hazard on his
show. The triangle includes the areas of
your face extending from the corners of
your mouth to the bridge of your nose.
What makes the area so dangerous is that
the blood vessels there drain to the back of
the head and connect to the veins at the
base of the brain, which pumps that blood
throughout the rest of the body. Any
damage that breaks the skin in the triangle
exposes the body to bacteria and infections,
which can cause headaches, blindness,
paralysis, and even death.
Maybe you should think twice before you
pop that zit or try to get the crust out of
your nose after a cold. Don't believe me?
Click on for 9 health habits that can actually
kill you.
Arsenal and Man Utd target reject contract.
Ajax chief Marc Overmars has confirmed
Christian Eriksen has rejected new terms.
The Dane, a target for Manchester United
and Arsenal, is inside the final 18 months of
his current deal.
Overmars said: "Christian has informed us
that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract
right now. I think he and his agent want to
see what opportunities present themselves
this summer."
Christian Eriksen has rejected new terms.
The Dane, a target for Manchester United
and Arsenal, is inside the final 18 months of
his current deal.
Overmars said: "Christian has informed us
that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract
right now. I think he and his agent want to
see what opportunities present themselves
this summer."
This is money $$
Globacom boss Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr.
last night gave the victorious Super
Eagles $1million for winning the Cup of
Nations.
The government’s package for the team
will be announced when President
Jonathan hosts them at the Presidential
Villa on Tueday.Coach Stephen Keshi got
$200,000 cash from the billionaire
industrialist who said he will take over
the payment of his salary from next
month. Adenuga announced the
package shortly after the team’s 1-0
victory over Burkina Faso’s Stallions.
Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote
had earlier given the team N130million,
promising to do more after they might
have won the cup
last night gave the victorious Super
Eagles $1million for winning the Cup of
Nations.
The government’s package for the team
will be announced when President
Jonathan hosts them at the Presidential
Villa on Tueday.Coach Stephen Keshi got
$200,000 cash from the billionaire
industrialist who said he will take over
the payment of his salary from next
month. Adenuga announced the
package shortly after the team’s 1-0
victory over Burkina Faso’s Stallions.
Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote
had earlier given the team N130million,
promising to do more after they might
have won the cup
Sunday, February 10, 2013
fact
Did you know? Stephen Keshi has become
only the second man in history to win the
Nations Cup as coach and player!
Like if you respect this incredible man!
Hope for Arsenal.
It took Nigeria 19 years to get this trophy.For the Arsenal fans out there.Hope still dey. Who said the Nigeria League is not the best as a local based player scored the only Goal of this keenly contested encounter.MBA God Bless you brother.
Sunday said Mba to Burkina Faso on a Sunday
SOWETO, South Africa (AFP) – Nigeria
ended a 19-year Africa Cup of Nations
title drought Sunday with a 1-0 final
victory over Burkina Faso at Soccer City
thanks to a late first-half goal from
Sunday Mba.
It was a result that took winning coach
Stephen Keshi into the record books as
he equalled the feat of late Egyptian
Mahmoud El Gohary by winning gold
medals as a player and a coach.
Among the rewards for the Super Eagles
was a $1.5 million first prize and a place
at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil,
where they will face world and European
champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay.
Nigeria were forced into a late pre-
match change when striker and four-
goal leading scorer Emmanuel Emenike
was ruled out by a hamstring injury
sustained in the semi-final rout of Mali
and experienced Ikechukwu Uche took
his place.
Burkina Faso were able to retain the
team that started against Ghana in a
semi-final settled by a shoot-out after the
red card given to midfielder Jonathan
Pitroipa was rescinded when the referee
admitted he erred.
It was only the third time the countries
have met in the 56-year competition
with Nigeria beating then-Upper Volta
4-2 in 1978 and Burkina Faso snatching
a stoppage-time 1-1 draw in a Nelspruit
group game last month.
The Mba goal gave the Super Eagles a
deserved 1-0 half-time lead after 45
minutes that followed a predictable
script with Nigeria dominating
possession and scoring chances while
the Burkinabe relied largely on counter-
attacks.
Mba, one of two home-based stars in the
starting line-up, struck on 40 minutes
with a penalty-box flick over Mohamed
Koffi and a left-foot shot into the far
corner past helpless goalkeeper Daouda
Diakite.
It was an opportunist goal by Mba and
his second of the tournament, having
struck a superb match-winner in the 2-1
quarter-final defeat of pre-tournament
title favourites Ivory Coast.
Nigeria should have taken the lead much
earlier as Diakite spilled a cross on 10
minutes into the path of Brown Ideye,
whose shot at an unguarded goal was
just too high.
A combination of Nigerian midfield
creativity and a couple of defensive
howlers by the Burkinabe offered several
half chances to the Super Eagles that
were squandered.
The early second-half exchanges
mirrored the first period with the
Nigerians pressing for a second goal
that would leave opponents fielding a
lone striker in Aristide Bance with a
mountain to scale.
Diakiate did well to push away a hard,
low Ideye cross-cum-shot and Moses
should have done better in a two-on-one
situation that favoured the Eagles only to
timidly surrender possession with the
Burkinabe goal in sight.
Although Spain-based Uche was a goal-
scoring star of the qualifying campaign,
he was making no impact on the final
and gave way to Ahmed Musa nine
minutes after half-time.
There was another Nigerian substitution
not long after — this time enfored —
with full-back Elderson Echiejile limping
off to be replaced by Juwon Oshaniwa,
while the Burkinabe introduced Wilfried
Sanou for Florent Rouamba.
As the game moved into the final quarter
there were chances at both ends with
unmarked Musa slipping as he was
poised to shoot inside the box and a
Sanou drive at the other end finishing
just wide of the far post.
ended a 19-year Africa Cup of Nations
title drought Sunday with a 1-0 final
victory over Burkina Faso at Soccer City
thanks to a late first-half goal from
Sunday Mba.
It was a result that took winning coach
Stephen Keshi into the record books as
he equalled the feat of late Egyptian
Mahmoud El Gohary by winning gold
medals as a player and a coach.
Among the rewards for the Super Eagles
was a $1.5 million first prize and a place
at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil,
where they will face world and European
champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay.
Nigeria were forced into a late pre-
match change when striker and four-
goal leading scorer Emmanuel Emenike
was ruled out by a hamstring injury
sustained in the semi-final rout of Mali
and experienced Ikechukwu Uche took
his place.
Burkina Faso were able to retain the
team that started against Ghana in a
semi-final settled by a shoot-out after the
red card given to midfielder Jonathan
Pitroipa was rescinded when the referee
admitted he erred.
It was only the third time the countries
have met in the 56-year competition
with Nigeria beating then-Upper Volta
4-2 in 1978 and Burkina Faso snatching
a stoppage-time 1-1 draw in a Nelspruit
group game last month.
The Mba goal gave the Super Eagles a
deserved 1-0 half-time lead after 45
minutes that followed a predictable
script with Nigeria dominating
possession and scoring chances while
the Burkinabe relied largely on counter-
attacks.
Mba, one of two home-based stars in the
starting line-up, struck on 40 minutes
with a penalty-box flick over Mohamed
Koffi and a left-foot shot into the far
corner past helpless goalkeeper Daouda
Diakite.
It was an opportunist goal by Mba and
his second of the tournament, having
struck a superb match-winner in the 2-1
quarter-final defeat of pre-tournament
title favourites Ivory Coast.
Nigeria should have taken the lead much
earlier as Diakite spilled a cross on 10
minutes into the path of Brown Ideye,
whose shot at an unguarded goal was
just too high.
A combination of Nigerian midfield
creativity and a couple of defensive
howlers by the Burkinabe offered several
half chances to the Super Eagles that
were squandered.
The early second-half exchanges
mirrored the first period with the
Nigerians pressing for a second goal
that would leave opponents fielding a
lone striker in Aristide Bance with a
mountain to scale.
Diakiate did well to push away a hard,
low Ideye cross-cum-shot and Moses
should have done better in a two-on-one
situation that favoured the Eagles only to
timidly surrender possession with the
Burkinabe goal in sight.
Although Spain-based Uche was a goal-
scoring star of the qualifying campaign,
he was making no impact on the final
and gave way to Ahmed Musa nine
minutes after half-time.
There was another Nigerian substitution
not long after — this time enfored —
with full-back Elderson Echiejile limping
off to be replaced by Juwon Oshaniwa,
while the Burkinabe introduced Wilfried
Sanou for Florent Rouamba.
As the game moved into the final quarter
there were chances at both ends with
unmarked Musa slipping as he was
poised to shoot inside the box and a
Sanou drive at the other end finishing
just wide of the far post.
Profile of super Eagles Players
Joseph YOBO
(Date of Birth: 06-09-1980)
Nigeria’s record
international
player with 93
caps. The
experienced
defender has
declared this
would be his
last Africa Cup
of Nations, after
being at five
previously. He
wants to go out
on a high on
Sunday. Played at the 2002 and 2010
FIFA World Cup finals. Current Club:
Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Vincent
ENYEAMA
(Date of Birth:
29-08-1982)
Lion-hearted
goal-tender
who has been
number one for
most of the past
11 years and
made crucial
saves leading to
Nigeria’s place
in the Final.
Recently voted
the best goalkeeper in Africa, and could
win the Afcon Best Goalie award on
Sunday. Won two MVP awards in
Nigeria’s three matches at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup. Current Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv
(Israel)
Elderson
ECHIEJILE
(Date of Birth:
20-01-1988)
One of only six
players in the
Nigeria squad
who have
tasted action at
the Cup of
Nations. He was
in Angola in
2010 and
impressed. Also
played at the
FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
Gifted and courageous left back with
solid engine who started off at the 2007
FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. Scored in
the semi final thumping of Mali.
Current Club: SC Braga (Portugal)
Efe AMBROSE
(Date of Birth:
18-10-1988)
Yet another
former youth
international
who simply
burst onto the
Nations Cup
with plenty of
energy. Played
at the 2007 FIFA
U-20 World Cup
in Canada and
has remained a
regular with the senior team in the past
two years. Has had a great tournament
despite red card in Nigeria’s first match
against Burkina Faso. Current Club: Celtic
FC (Scotland)
Brown IDEYE
(Date of Birth: 10-10-1988)
Ambitious defender who also started off
as a youth international. Scored a couple
of goals at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in
Canada in 2007. Was in the Nigeria
squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
in South Africa. Has had a remarkable
tournament; scored against Mali on
Wednesday.
Current Club:
Dynamo Kyiv
(Ukraine)
Emmanuel
EMENIKE
(Date of Birth:
10-05-1987)
Well-built striker
who previously
played in
Turkey. Top
scorer of the
tournament
with four goals
and one assist.
Current Club: Spartak Moscow (Russia)
John Mikel OBI
(Date of Birth:
22-04-1987)
Solid defensive
midfielder who
can hold the ball
well and give
defence-
splitting passes.
Another former
youth
international,
who was voted
Second Most
Valuable Player
of the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in The
Netherlands in 2005. Could be named
MVP of South Africa 2013. Current Club:
Chelsea FC (England)
Victor MOSES
(Date of Birth:
12-12-1990)
Impressive
attacking
midfielder who
played for
England at
junior level
before opting to
represent
fatherland at
senior level.
Scored twice in
the 6-1 mauling
of Liberia in the second leg of the final
qualifying match in Calabar. Has two
goals and one assist in the tournament.
Current Club: Chelsea FC (England)
Godfrey
OBOABONA
(Date of Birth:
16-09-1990)
Calm and
courageous
central defender
who has been
part of Stephen
Keshi’s team all
along. Has also
showcased his
wares with
some of the top
teams and done himself credit. One of
six home-based professionals in the
squad. One of the revelations of the
tournament. Current Club: Sunshine Stars
(Nigeria)
Ogenyi ONAZI
(Date of Birth:
25-12-1992)
Started as a
schoolboy
international
but has earned
respect in a
couple of
friendlies
leading to this
tournament.
Highly mobile
and energetic
midfielder who won silver medal at the
2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by
Nigeria. One of the revelations of this
tournament, for sure. Current Club: SS
Lazio (Italy)
Sunday MBA
(Date of Birth:
28-11-1988)
Relatively new
forward in the
squad, but
scored both
goals in the 2-0
defeat of Liberia
in an
international
friendly in
Monrovia in
February 2012.
Bold and
ambitious, and one of six professionals
from the Nigeria League. Scored an
audacious winner against Cote d’Ivoire
in the last eight and has been excellent.
Current Club: Enugu Rangers (Nigeria)
Kenneth
OMERUO
(Date of Birth:
17-01-1993)
Talented young
defender who
has been
magnificent in
his first Africa
Cup of Nations.
Started as a
schoolboy
international
and won silver
medal at the
2009 FIFA U-17
World Cup that Nigeria hosted. On loan in
The Netherlands from English club,
Chelsea FC. Current Club: ADO Den Haag
(Netherlands)
club owner gives out his Aton Martin
A football club chairman has given his
Aston Martin car to the team's manager
as a reward for an 8-1 victory.
Mansfield Town chairman John Radford
handed over the keys to Paul Cox following
the win over Barrow on Saturday.
The Blue Square Premier team won 7-0
when they played Barrow last March and
Radford said he wanted to do even better
when the two teams met again.
"It's worth a bob or two," Mr Radford said.
'Top guy'
"It's my old Aston Martin so it's not brand
new. It's a couple of years old," he added.
"You have these things and you've got to
give people targets and things like that, so
he fancied the car and I thought I'm about
ready for a change and he did the job."
The car, worth up to £80,000, was waiting
in the car park of the Nottinghamshire club
after the game, already fitted with
personalised MT51 COX registration plates.
Cox told BBC Radio 5 live it was "a bit
surreal to be honest".
He said: "I didn't really take him at face value
when we was talking but to be fair to the
man he's a top guy and when he did it, it
was unbelievable.
"I love cars. I think every man does, don't
they, but it's the football that motivates me."
Uche to replace Emenike in AFCON final.
Spartak Moscow striker, Emmanuel Emenike,
has not fully recovered from his hamstring
trouble and will be replaced in the Super
Eagles starting 11 to face Burkina Faso, in
Sunday’s final.
Emenike who picked up
the muscle tear against
Mali in the semi-final win, is likely to play a
role from the bench. However, there is
some good news, as Victor Moses is fit and
will start the game, after recovering from an
injury to his ankle.
Super Eagles starting XI vs Burkina Faso:
Enyeama; Echiejile, Ambrose, Oboabona,
Omeruo; Onazi, Mikel, Mba; Moses, Uche,
Ideye.
has not fully recovered from his hamstring
trouble and will be replaced in the Super
Eagles starting 11 to face Burkina Faso, in
Sunday’s final.
Emenike who picked up
the muscle tear against
Mali in the semi-final win, is likely to play a
role from the bench. However, there is
some good news, as Victor Moses is fit and
will start the game, after recovering from an
injury to his ankle.
Super Eagles starting XI vs Burkina Faso:
Enyeama; Echiejile, Ambrose, Oboabona,
Omeruo; Onazi, Mikel, Mba; Moses, Uche,
Ideye.
Today's Fixture
TODAY'S FIXTURES (GMT+6):
AFRICAN NATIONS CUP (FINAL):
12:00 AM - Nigeria vs Burkina Faso
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
7:30 PM - Aston Villa vs West Ham United
(ESPN)
10:00 PM - Manchester United vs Everton
(ESPN)
SPANISH LA LIGA:
5:00 PM - Barcelona vs Getafe
10:00 PM - Real Zaragoza vs Real Sociedad
12:00 AM - Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol
2:00 AM - Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid
(STAR SPORTS)
ITALIAN SERIE A:
5:30 PM - Parma vs Genoa
8:00 PM - Atalanta vs Catania
8:00 PM - Bologna vs Siena
8:00 PM - Cagliari vs AC Milan
8:00 PM - Palermo vs US Pescara
8:00 PM - Sampdoria vs AS Roma
8:00 PM - Udinese vs Torino
1:45 AM - Internazionale vs Chievo Verona
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA:
8:30 PM - FC Augsburg vs Mainz (NEO PRIME)
10:30 PM - SC Freiburg vs Fortuna Düsseldorf
(NEO PRIME)
AFRICAN NATIONS CUP (FINAL):
12:00 AM - Nigeria vs Burkina Faso
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
7:30 PM - Aston Villa vs West Ham United
(ESPN)
10:00 PM - Manchester United vs Everton
(ESPN)
SPANISH LA LIGA:
5:00 PM - Barcelona vs Getafe
10:00 PM - Real Zaragoza vs Real Sociedad
12:00 AM - Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol
2:00 AM - Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid
(STAR SPORTS)
ITALIAN SERIE A:
5:30 PM - Parma vs Genoa
8:00 PM - Atalanta vs Catania
8:00 PM - Bologna vs Siena
8:00 PM - Cagliari vs AC Milan
8:00 PM - Palermo vs US Pescara
8:00 PM - Sampdoria vs AS Roma
8:00 PM - Udinese vs Torino
1:45 AM - Internazionale vs Chievo Verona
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA:
8:30 PM - FC Augsburg vs Mainz (NEO PRIME)
10:30 PM - SC Freiburg vs Fortuna Düsseldorf
(NEO PRIME)
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