The Fastest Man in the World Now is a Nigerian

Nigerian athlete, Divine Oduduru, on Saturday ran a 100m/200m double at the Michael Johnson Classicin Waco, Texas.

The 22-year-old student of Texas Tech University posted the fastest time in the world, this year, in the 100m of 9.95 seconds, beating his personal best time by 0.1 seconds.

45 minutes later Oduduru returned to track and clocked another impressive time of 19.76 seconds in the 200m which is the #2 all time and World lead in 2019.

Shortly after achieving the feat, he told TexasTechTF: “I worked for it and I got it.”.

“In my 35 years of coaching, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Tech coach Wes Kittley said after Oduduru recorded the double wins in the 100m and 200m events.

“To run that 9.94 and then 40 minutes later, ran the 200. This was a really tight schedule and pretty spectacular performances that close together.”



Credit Source: Tori.Ng

Football: Senegal Leads Africa in the Latest FIFA Ranking

Senegal’s national team, the Teranga Lions, are Africa’s top team according to the latest ranking (March 2019) by football world governing body, FIFA.

The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking released on April 4 ranked Senegal 23rd sandwiched between Iran and the United States. The Lions grossed 1515 points and moved one spot from the last ranking.
Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), completed the top five slots for Africa. Along with Ghana, they were the only Confederation of African Football, CAF, teams to make the top 50.

The biggest mover in March was Tanzania (131st, up 6) after the latter booked their place in Africa Cup of Nations slated for Egypt later this year.

DRC who are also heading to Egypt moved 5 slots up whiles Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Lesotho all moved four slots up. Lesotho and Burkina Faso are not going to the AFCON.

The top 10 slots are as follows:

• Senegal
• Tunisia
• Nigeria
• Morocco
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Ghana
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Burkina Faso
• Mali

Key points from the report:

While there were 150 games played across the globe during the international period, things remain tight at the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as the top three remained unchanged.

This sees Belgium (1st, unchanged) maintain a slender lead – growing it marginally to three points – over 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ winners France (2nd, unchanged). Brazil (3rd, unchanged), however, are looking over their shoulders somewhat as England (4th, up 1) leapfrogged World Cup finalists Croatia (5th, down 1).

Uruguay (6th, up 1) are the only other movers within the top ten, whereas a dramatic win for Germany (13th, up 3) saw them overtake defeated opponents the Netherlands (16th, down 2), as well as Sweden (14th, unchanged) and Chile (15th, down 2).

Israel (84th, up  8) enjoyed the biggest jump of all, followed closely by Guatemala (143rd, up 6) and Tanzania (131st, up 6) after the latter booked their CAF Africa Cup of Nations place.

Two other sides preparing to appear at Africa’s showpiece in June, Congo DR (46th, up 5) and Ghana (49th, up 3), were the only two sides to breach the top 50, while Kosovo (127th, plus 3) continued their steady climb up the World Ranking.


Credit Source: African News

Super Eagles Coach Rohr gives Falconets success tips

Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to the Falconets’ evening training session at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja, where he handed out success tips to the team.

Rohr, accompanied by the NFF Head of Women Football, Ruth David, expressed optimism in the ability of Falconets to soar at the forthcoming 2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

X-raying the country’s Group B opponents Japan, Canada and Spain, the former defender said that Nigeria boasts of a rich pedigree of at the global level which their opponents will find hard to surpass. He harped on the need for hard -work and humility as the keys to success and advised the girls to imbibe the spirit of team -work and respect for their opponents.

“Nigeria is a strong contender for the trophy. This is a team that fought till the end in the last tournament and I believe they can make history again. I want the team to understand the importance of team -work because it is the bed -rock for the success of any team. I want the girls to be humble at all times and respect their opponents.

“Be focused and business –like even while you are winning. Until the final whistle is blown, do not allow the euphoria of victory becloud your sense of purpose.

“This is the same advice I gave to the Super Eagles against Zambia. We focus on the game while it is on and after the game has ended, we can celebrate and greet our supporters.”

Nigeria will open her World Cup campaign against Japan on November 13, 2016 at the Bava Park in Port Moresby.



Sun News

Mourinho 'Cries' Over Derby Loss, Blames Referee and Players

In back of a bitter defeat to his longtime rival, Jose Mourinho who was disappointed that Pep Guardiola has beaten him yet again as he suffered his first competitive defeat as Man. United manager, has blamed his players and the referee over loss. 

Portuguese coach, Jose Mourinho was naturally disappointed to have suffered his first competitive defeat as Manchester United manager on Saturday, after rivals Manchester City claimed a slender victory at Old Trafford. 

 

Below are the main points from the manager's post-match interviews with Sky Sports and MUTV.

 

First reflections

 

"What did I make of today? I think in the first half they were much better than us. We started the game badly. We started the game with some players really below the normal level, in terms of their concentration, of their mental ability to play a game of this speed because you need to be sharp in the way you think, the way you play. In a match of this dimension, when you have three or four players not at that level, you pay for that. The team paid for it."

Derby of two halves

 

"In the first half, for 35 minutes it was City in control, City deserved to be in front. In the last period of the first half we scored a goal and we could immediately score again but I think that was outside the context of the game in the first half. The second half was completely different, and when they brought on Fernando, they were feeling what everybody was feeling, that we were in control. We were much more dangerous, we had our chances to equalise and who knows what could happen if we had equalised. For 45 minutes, we fought really hard. We tried everything, took lots of risks and deserved a different result."

 

Deciding factors in defeat

 

"I think we were punished by a lot of things. First thing: our first half – the way we started, some individual performances made the team look fragile. We were also punished by two decisions of Mark [Clattenburg], because even the best referees can make mistakes and he made two mistakes. The first one is Bravo [on Rooney] – it’s a penalty and a red card. If any player does that outside the box, it’s a direct free-kick and a red card, so inside the box it’s a penalty and a red card. But the referee maybe thought of the consequences of that because the consequences would be a completely different game and he didn’t want to take that decision, which would be very important. And the second one is another penalty – Otamendi, with his elbow. He tries to stop the cross that’s going in front of him but the cross goes behind him, he’s looking to the ball and brings the arm and elbow back, and it’s another clear penalty. So we were also punished by that."

 

Right team selection?

 

"Look, honestly, I had two or three players in the first half who, if the game was played now and I know what is going to happen, then I wouldn't play them. But this is football and sometimes players, they disappoint managers, and sometimes players, they give us great surprises. I thought because of the characteristics of the game we could hurt them playing with some individuals with some qualities, they didn't give what I want. Is it their fault? Is it my fault? It's my fault because I'm the manager and it's always my fault because it's always my choice."

Positives to take from the second half

 

"The positives I take are the spirit of the group and the mentality to play the second half in the way we played it, taking enormous risks against a team that was defending and was waiting for a chance to counter-attack."

 

Two substitutions at half-time

 

"I would have done more if I could, because I was far from happy with the performance and I had to try to change the direction of the game, which we clearly did, but we didn’t get the compensation of what we did in the second half. I was feeling [we would score again] until the last minute, like we did at Hull City. When you feel that the team is there and ready to give everything until the last second, you are always waiting for something. And in the last 15 minutes, against a very good team obviously, we gambled in such a way that we left one against one in defence and went forward with everybody else to try to take to City a situation of big pressure, which we did. But again we did not get the compensation we deserved. In the first half we were punished like we deserved, but in the second half we didn’t get the compensation we deserved."

 

Results like this can happen

 

"You know that in this league you are always going to lose matches and you know that especially between the big teams, three results are more than possible to happen. So I don’t open my mouth when Liverpool go and beat Arsenal at Arsenal, when City beat Man United here, when Man United beat Chelsea or Tottenham away – nobody opens their mouth with surprise because it’s a normal result. But of course we’re sad and disappointed with the defeat."

Tori NEWS

Dream Team Bans Sports Minister, Dalung from Rio Camp

The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung is in trouble again as the U-23 team has asked him not to come near their camp again. 

Controversial Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung has been given a stern warning by the U-23 football team to the Olympics not to come near their camp.

 

According to ThisDay, some key players of the team aiming to go pass Germany Wednesday in one of the semi finals of the men’s football event of the Rio 2016 have begged not to be distracted by officials of Team Nigeria.

 

Specifically, they insisted that they don’t want the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, and his delegation anywhere near their dressing room before and during the match to avoid unnecessary distractions.

 

“We are set for the semi final clash with Germany. We have perfected our game plan to qualify for the final and win the gold medal for Nigeria like our 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games colleagues,” hinted one of the top players on Monday night.

 

This is coming after the Minister apologized over the shameful manner his ministry treated the team during their training tour of Atlanta, USA.

 

The player insisted that it was difficult for them to forget the scandalous scenario before achieving the feat of reaching the semi final.

 

Nigerian will play Germany in one of the semi finals of the men’s football event of the Rio 2016 after defeating Denmark in the quarterfinals match.

 

 

Tori News 

EPL 2016/2017: Leicester City Signs Ahmed Musa in a Club Record Deal

EPL Club, Leicester City have signed Super Eagles player, Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow on a 4-year contract for a club-record fee. 

ESPN has exclusively reported that English Premier League club, Leicester City FC, have completed the signing of Nigeria forward, Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow for a club record deal worth around £15 million.

 

A source has told ESPN that the 23-year-old, signed a four-year contract with the Premier League champions after passing a medical on Friday.

 

The Nigeria international who has won multiple titles in his home country with Kano Pillars and with Russian giants CSKA, becomes the fourth signing of the summer for the champions after the capture of goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, defender Luis Hernandez and Nampalys Mendy.

 

Musa scored 13 goals and provided five assists for CSKA in 30 Russian Premier League games last season.

 

He has also scored 11 goals in 58 Nigeria appearances, two of them coming in the 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the 2014 World Cup.

Tori News

Lionel Messi Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Tax Fraud

Argentina and Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud, Spanish media say 

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after a court in Barcelona found him guilty of three counts of tax fraud, a statement from the court said on Wednesday.

 

The court also sentenced the Argentine football player's father, Jorge, to 21 months in prison for the same three crimes. The sentence can be appealed through the Spanish supreme court, the statement said.

 

However, under Spanish law a prison sentence under two years can be served under probation, meaning Messi and his father are unlikely to go to jail.

 

The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of around 2 million euros ($2.21 million) and his father to pay 1.5 million euros for the crimes.

Tori News

Euro 2016: Conte Masterplan Sends Defending Champions, Spain Home

Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets: names that hold no fear any more. A side that ruled the world was prematurely dumped out of its second consecutive tournament by an Italy side who looked sharper, smarter and newer. Italy looked like the future. Spain looked like the past: a gilded and garlanded past, but a past all the same.

Four years ago, when Spain demolished Italy 4-0 in one of the most ruthlessly one-sided finals of the modern age. It was the high watermark of one of the great international sides of modern times, but in the intervening period the Spanish school has become the orthodoxy. Their method has spread around the world, and ossified in the process: the same conventional style, the same predictable movement, the same metronomic passing game. Teams have had eight years to work it out, and Italy certainly have. They defended ruthlessly, they attacked intelligently and they chased with passion and aggression.

In the first minute of injury time, Italy finally drew the curtains. Substitute Matteo Darmian charged down the right on the break, Pelle timed his run to perfection and jabbed the ball past De Gea to secure victory. Italy’s bench stormed the pitch. Spain hunched their shoulders as if protecting themselves from the rain. The last 10 minutes had seen them hoisting endless crosses into the box, working the ball meaninglessly around the edge of the area.

And so one of the great modern teams is now consigned to the past. All great sides pass into legend, but few quite so definitely as this. Nothing will quite be the same again after this: Spain is a name that no longer holds any fear, and that is perhaps the greatest sadness of all. 

At last, it was Spain-0; Italy-2, courtesy of goals from Giorgini Chielleni and Graziano Pelle. Conte magic just did it... Welcome to Chelsea!

The Telegraph

Shameful! Messi/Ronaldo Superiority Argument: Youths Fight Dirty in Abakaliki

Fans of two of the world's best football players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been involved in a massive brawl that has led to severe injuries.

Three football fans were wounded in a free-for-all in a bar in Abakaliki on Saturday night over an argument about who is a better player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Vanguard reports.

 

A correspondent who witnessed the melee reports that the incident occurred at the Kpirikpiri area of the town during the EURO 2016 second round match between Portugal and Croatia. Portugal won the match 1-0 courtesy of a Ricardo Quaresma 114th minute-extra time goal that sent them into the competition’s quarter-finals.

 

Trouble started when a Ronaldo supporter identified as “Marshal’’ celebrated widely as the Real Madrid star’s shot was parried into Quaresma’s path for the goal to the consternation of the Messi’s supporter named Obinna. The duo had argued all night over the better player between both mega stars. Immediately Quaresma scored, Marshal rushed to Obinna and mocked him, chanting “I told you, I told you Ronaldo is the best’’.

 

Obinna who apparently was reeling with anger pushed Marshal and a fight ensued which made others inside the bar to intervene. Matters, however, went out of hand when Marshal’s friends felt that Obinna’s friends were indirectly aiding him in the fight, thus making the fight instantly a free-for-all.

 

The bar owner, identified simply as Simon, rushed outside to invite people within the compound as those inside couldn’t control the situation.

 

However, calm was eventually restored but three persons, including Obinna were seriously wounded, while Simon immediately closed before the match could end. On the development, Simon said that both fans always argued on the issue of Real Madrid and Barcelona superiority.

 

“I banned them from coming to my shop but this is their first visit since the commencement of the competition. 

“It took the intervention of others inside the shop for me to allow them, as I was sure that their acrimony toward each other goes beyond Ronaldo and Messi supremacy,’’ he said.

 

Dr Obiora Ike, a youth activist, decried the level of fanaticism being displayed by young soccer fans in the state, especially over foreign clubs and players. “This sort of incident occurs regularly and one wonders why people should fight and disturb themselves over clubs and footballers who do not even know that they exist. 

“It is time the relevant authorities should seriously address this issue before it gets out of hand and curiously, none of these fanatics has such sentiment for Nigerian clubs and players,’’ he said.

 

DSP George Okafor, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said that the incident had not been officially reported. He added that the command always dealt with such issues decisively.

 

“Football hooliganism is a societal malaise as it is only foolish people who indulge in it,’’ he said.

Tori News

Flying Eagles defeat Burundi in Bujumbura

Nigeria’s U-20 side, on Saturday defeated hosts Burundi 1-0, in a CAF U-20 AFCON qualifier in Bujumbura.

After a goalless first half, Chukwudi Agor grabbed the winning goal in the 64th minute.

The second leg will be played in Calabar next month, with the winner over the two legs going on to face Sudan, for a place in the tournament in Zambia next year.

Nigeria is the current defending champions.

DailyPostNg

Africa Sports: Pirates and SuperSport play to a 2-2 draw

Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United played to a 2-2 draw in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The halftime score was 0-0.

SuperSport had an opportunity to score in the opening minute when Kingston Nkhatha was through, but Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo saved well. The keeper could only manage to parry the ball, but, on the rebound, Dove Wome fired over the bar.

Pirates then bounced back nicely from that early scare, with chances to Tendai Ndoro and Sifiso Miyeni. Thabo Matlaba also, in his usual, inimitable long range fashion, had a chance to score, but SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was equal to the task with a good save.

A few minutes before halftime, Pirates had two more opportunities, but Matlaba shot wide and Ndoro also squandered an opening.

A minute into the second half, SuperSport coach took off David Mathebula and brought on New Zealand striker, Jeremie Brockie. Soon after, Thuso Phala provided the pass for Nkhatha, but the Zimbabwean striker hit his effort over the bar.

Both teams continued in search of goal, with Ndoro missing again and SuperSport’s Mario Booysen stabbing a header over.

In the 66th minute, Pirates’ Thabo Rakhale produced a magnificent curling shot that looked headed for the top corner, but Williams, in fantastic acrobatic style, tipped the ball for a corner. From the resultant corner, though, the Soweto side took the lead. A poor clearance from SuperSport saw the ball fall to Miyeni, who tucked a delicious volley into the net – even the brilliant Williams couldn’t deny the Pirates winger.

SuperSport took off Wome in the 73rd minute, bringing on Bradley Grobler. It proved to be an inspired substitution when, five minutes later, Brockie got clear, crossed, and Grobler was at hand to tuck in and make the score 1-1.

Pirates were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, when Matlaba was fouled by Phala, and Mpho Makola stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

Just when it appeared that Pirates would register the victory, SuperSport snatched a point when Denwin Farmer netted a late goal to level matters at 2-2.



Africa Sports

FIFA Threatens to Ban Nigeria Again over NFF Crisis

FIFA has warned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of an impending suspension should Amaju Pinnick be removed as president.

In a letter to Pinnick dated April 11, 2016, the world's football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has warned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of an impending 'suspension' should Amaju Pinnick be removed as president.

 

FIFA warned that last week’s decision of the federal high court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be considered an interference in the internal affairs of the NFF.

 

"The case would be brought to the highest authorities of FIFA for consideration of sanctions, including the suspension of the NFF," a part of the letter read.

 

Signed by Markus Kattner, acting secretary-general, the letter also noted: "Lastly, we would like to Stress that the plaintiff in question already filed an appeal in relation to the same matter with the highest judicial Sport authorities, the Court that said appeal was dismissed by the CAS on 18 May 2015."

 

 

 

Tori News

Federal High Court Sacks Amaju Pinnick as NFF President and Reinstates Chris Giwa

A Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State has sacked the Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick.

According to a shocking report on Premium Times, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has been sacked by a Federal High Court sitting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and also ordered Chris Giwa to resume office as president of the football federation.

 

It was learnt that the duo of Adama Yahaya and Obinna Ogba had approached the court to re-list the suit against Pinnick which they withdrew after the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

Before the court ruling, many Nigerians had demanded the resignation of Pinnick from office who blamed him for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the AFCON 2017, same way they missed out on the 2015 edition.

 

The embattled Pinnick had played down on the resignation calls, describing them as unnecessary.

 

It is yet to be seen how the world football governing body (FIFA), will react to the new twist in Nigerian football as FIFA opposes football matters being taken to civil courts.

 

Tori News

Spurs 2: Arsena 2 as Sanchez rescues 10-man Arsenal at White Hart Lane

Alexis Sanchez salvaged a point for 10-man Arsenal and denied Tottenham Hotspur the chance to go top of the Premier League after a pulsating north London derby ended in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Aaron Ramsey’s first-half goal put Arsene Wenger’s side ahead, but the dismissal of Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin in the 55th minute shifted the game in Spurs’ favour, with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane putting the hosts ahead.

However, the visitors showed impressive determination to recover through Sanchez’s 76th-minute effort to revive their faltering title challenge.

It was leaders Leicester City who were the main beneficiaries, though, with Spurs now two points behind Claudio Ranieri’s side, who face Watford later on, Saturday, while the draw left Arsenal five points off the top.

Wenger acknowledged the importance attached to this game when he admitted beforehand it was one of the most significant north London derbies he has been involved in.

And while the outcome was vital to both teams, there was little doubt Arsenal came into the clash facing more questions about their ability to sustain their title challenge.

The midweek home loss to Swansea City, coming on the back of the disappointing defeat at Manchester United, had drawn criticism of Wenger and his players, but their fightback with 10 men at least temporarily answered the doubters.

Wenger reacted to the Swansea loss by making four changes to his starting line-up, with David Ospina replacing the injured Petr Cech in goal and Kieran Gibbs coming in for Nacho Monreal at left-back.

In midfield, the manager introduced Mohamed Elneny for his first Premier League start, while Wenger’s frustrations at his side’s recent efforts up front prompted his decision to start with Danny Welbeck.

Tottenham had also gone into the game on the back of a defeat –- the 1-0 loss at West Ham United that prevented them moving to the head of the table -– but there had been no suggestion of a growing crisis at White Hart Lane.

And with Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli restored to the starting line-up after injury, the home side started with more confidence, quickly taking control of the game.

– Great awareness –

Arsenal had offered little as an attacking force but still managed to force the lead with their first meaningful attempt on goal in the 39th minute.

Welbeck benefited from a fortunate deflection that freed him down the left but the forward showed great awareness to delay his cross before picking out the run of Hector Bellerin.

The right-back’s pass towards the centre of goal found Ramsey and the Wales midfielder was on hand to direct the ball past Hugo Lloris with a clever back-heel.

Wenger’s men should have found themselves two up moments later when Welbeck directed a header too close to Lloris from Sanchez’s cross.

Spurs were stunned at finding themselves behind but were given a helping hand in their efforts to get back into the game when French midfielder Coquelin collected a second yellow card for an ill-judged sliding tackle on Kane after being booked for handball in the first half.

The dismissal was always likely to prove costly and within five minutes Tottenham were level when Alderweireld finished from close range following a corner.

Spurs were on a high and their renewed confidence was illustrated by Kane’s spectacular effort that put them ahead just two minutes later.

Alli worked hard to keep the ball from going out for a goal-kick before Kane picked up possession near the by-line and curled a 20-yard shot beyond Ospina from a tight angle.

Arsenal’s cause seemed lost, but to their credit, they continued to pursue an equaliser despite being a man down.

It came in the 76th minute when Sanchez moved to collect Bellerin’s pass and send a shot across Lloris and inside the far post.



Guardian Ng

List of Super Eagles' Invited Players for Egypt Cracker

 

 

Abuja — West Ham winger, Victor Moses has been recalled to the national team by Super Eagles care-taker coach Samson Siasia for the double-header against Egypt later this month.

 

Moses has not played for Nigeria since his celebrated fall-out with former coach Stephen Keshi at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

 

He similarly rejected an olive branch by the immediate past coach Sunday Oliseh, for the friendly matches against DR Congo and Cameroun in Belgium, last year saying he wanted to focus on his club football.

 

He is one of the 20 foreign-based players listed in the 42-man squad summoned for the two Group G matches billed for Kaduna on March 25 and Alexandra, four days later.

 

Siasia also invited Aaron Samuel, who was a main vertebrae of the team under Keshi but was frozen out by Oliseh in 14 official engagements.

 

Some few surprise call ups too as Siasia gambled with a few new comers. They include Fenando Adi of Portland Timbers of USA, Stanley Amuzie of Olhanense FC, Portugal and Aminu Umar, who plays for Osmanlispor FK, Turkey.

 

"I believe in the players I have listed and I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, give us total support. It will not be easy, but we will triumph. I will give everything that I have to offer for us to win both matches. The six points are very crucial," Siaisia said.

 

The foreign legionnaires will be joined by 22 home-based players who will open camp in Abuja on Sunday.

 

Though Siasia intensified talks to convince former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and hit-man Emmanuel Emenike out of retirement, he admitted failure in landing the duo.

 

According to him, Enyeama, who fell out with Oliseh in Belgium, told him international football was no longer his priority. Siasia said he asked Enyeama to inform him when he is ready to play for the country once again as his experience can still be relied upon.

 

 

Siasia, who stressed the essence of the Africa Cup of Nations fixtures against Egypt, said that Nigeria could not afford to lose the home tie to the Pharaohs.

See the list.

 

FOREIGN-BASED PROFESSIONALS:

 

Goalkeepers:

Carl Ikeme, Wolves, England; Daniel Akpeyi, Chippa United, South Africa.

 

Defenders:

Kenneth Omeruo, Kasimpasa FC; Turkey, Efe Ambrose, Celtic FC, Scotland; Elderson Echiejile, AS Monaco, France; Stanley Amuzie, Olhanense FC, Portugal; Abdullahi Shehu, Uniao da Madeira, Portugal; Godfrey Oboabona, Caykur Rizespor, Turkey.

 

Midfielders:

Ogenyi Onazi, Lazio, Italy; John Mikel Obi, Chelsea FC, England;

Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City, England; Azubuike Okechukwu, Yeni Matalyspor, Turkey.

 

Forwards:

Odion Ighalo, Watford FC, England; Aaron Samuel, CSKA Moscow, Russia; Alex Iwobi, Arsenal FC, England; Fanendo Adi, Portland Timbers, USA, Ahmed Musa, CSKA Moscow, Russia; Moses Simon, Gent, Belgium; Victor Moses, West Ham, England; Aminu Umar Osmanlispor FK, Turkey.

 

 

HOME -BASED

 

Goalkeepers:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)

 

Defenders:

Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Chibuzor Okonkwo (FC IfeanyiUbah); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Sincere Seth (Rhapsody FC); Segun Oduduwa (Nath Boys); Chima Akas (Akwa United); Chris Madaki (Kano Pillars); Oke Ogogatewho (Sunshine Stars)

 

Midfielders:

Ifeanyi Mathew (Kano Pillars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Etebo Oghenekaro (Warri Wolves); Yau Hassan (Wikki Tourists); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves)

 

Forwards:

Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Prince Aggrey (Kano Pillars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists).

 

 

AllAfrica

CAN Qualifier: NFF Begins 'Operation Beat Pharaohs'

 

 

Stock Up Your Home with Sports kits

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disclosed that it has started a process that will see the Super Eagles beating Egypt home and away in their Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers, which hold later this month.

 

Nigeria will host Egypt in Kaduna on March 26 and travel to Cairo to face the Pharaohs three days later.

 

Speaking on the NFF's preparations for the double header, the federation's first Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, said in Lagos yesterday that the Super Eagles' new technical crew, led by Samson Siaisa, has started a programme that will see Nigeria's best players from around the world coming down to the country to begin preparations for the game.

 

He said the federation has put the 'unsavoury experience' with Coach Sunday Oliseh behind it, adding that the plan in now to ensure that Nigeria got the six points in the games against Egypt.

 

He said "the coaches have started working out the programme for the matches against Egypt and just yesterday, they met to compile the names of the players needed for the ties.

 

Meanwhile, the NFF has denied reports quoting its President, Amaju Pinnick, as saying the federation will no longer appoint local coaches for the Super Eagles.

 

Akinwunmi, who said Pinnick's statement was misunderstood, revealed that the federation's stance is that no unrecognized coach will handle any of the national teams henceforth.

 

On payment of coaches' salaries, Akinwunmi explained that the delay was as a result of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) introduced by the Federal Government.

 

Debunking claims by Super Eagles former Coach, Sunday Oliseh, that he was owed more than four months salary and other emoluments, NFF's First Vice President disclosed that the federation had an agreement with Zenith Bank with regards to Oliseh's salaries.

 

He said, "If you recall, we paid three months salary in advance to Oliseh even before he started work. But the TSA ensures that every money coming into the NFF is first paid into the single account and from there we apply to settle our obligations.

 

AllAfrica

Exit Rumour: Ronaldo, Ramos hand in Transfer Requests

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos reportedly asked club president Florentino Perez to consider any offers that come in for them this summer in the wake of Los Blancos' derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

 

According to Goal's Chris Davie, Pipi Estrada reported on Spanish television show El Chiringuito that the pair handed in transfer requests directly to Perez.

Their requests came in the aftermath of a defeat that leaves their La Liga title hopes hanging by a thread as they trail Barcelona by 12 points.

                                

As noted by Liam Spence of the Daily Express, Ronaldo has frequently been linked with either a return to Manchester United or a move to Paris Saint-Germain—two of the clubs who can afford him and "both believed to be interested in signing him."

Meanwhile, Ramos was heavily linked with a move to United last summer only to sign a new five-year deal with Los Blancos.

Real have struggled at times this season, though, and it looks likely they'll finish behind Barcelona and possibly Atletico—which would make it four years without a league title and just one triumph since 2008.

Ronaldo caused controversy as he hit out at his team-mates following Atleti's 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu.

Although that is undoubtedly the case with the team struggling so far behind Barcelona, losing captain Ramos as well as Ronaldo would be a serious blow. Replacing their quality would be an unenviable task, even if the forward is no longer at the top of his game.

The exit rumours, combined with Ronaldo's comments and the unrest among the fans, paint an unhappy picture at the Bernabeu, so it wouldn't be overly surprising if he or Ramos were hoping to jump ship in the summer.

The club will likely be eager to bring in marquee reinforcements this summer ahead of their impending transfer ban, but there may well be some high-profile exits from the Bernabeu at the same time.


Bleacher Sports

Mourinho to Miss Stoke Clash As He Refuses To Appeal Stadium Ban

Jose Mourinho has not appealed his Football Association stadium ban and will be forced to watch Chelsea's crucial clash with Stoke City away from the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

The Portuguese coach had until midday on Friday to lodge an appeal to defer his one-match ban but will now leave his backroom staff to run the show from the sideline in Saturday's 5.30pm kick-off.

Mourinho, who will also have to pay a £40,000 fine, says he will not communicate with his team but confirmed the tactical decisions taken mid-game will be decided in pre-match planning meetings.

Mourinho will be absent for Saturday's clash after being slapped with a one-match stadium ban by the FA

When asked about his decision not to appeal the ban in his Friday press conference, Mourinho made it clear that he thought his prospects of having a successful case were slim.

'The match is tomorrow,' he said. 'I know the result of the appeal already, so I decide to give up.

'I think it's stupid to fight a fight you know you already lose.'

The Portuguese coach will travel with his squad up until the point he is told he can go no further ahead of Saturday's game.

He will watch the clash from the team hotel but could use his mobile phone to contact his coaches on the bench, although he says that will not be the case.

Assistants Rui Faria, Steve Holland and Silvino Louro will be briefed on every possible scenario that Mourinho envisages.

The under-fire manager went on to hint that the decision to hand him a stadium ban could set a precedent with more to follow for bosses who fall out of line in future.

Chelsea boss oversaw his side's win over Dynamo Kiev but will watch the Stoke game away from the ground

'One thing is not to be on the bench. I'm stopped being in a football stadium. I'm stopped being in what I love so much which is football,' he said.

'When I go into the punishment, it opens a range of options. I imagine there will be lots of managers with stadium bans in the future. Bans should be something really serious in terms of aggression, using words I don't want to use. This one is about words, about campaigns.

'It could happen a lot more. Unless we have our association or other associations around Europe to talk about the rights of the managers and having stadium bans as I mentioned. From my point of view, from my side, I want to be out of it. I want to let the game tomorrow finish. That's it.'

The 52-year-old (above in our artist's impression) could to use his mobile phone to contact his coaches

Mourinho was handed the one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine for comments made to referee Jon Moss at half-time during Chelsea's 2-1 loss at West Ham on October 24.

The Portuguese is understood to have said to Moss: 'Arsene Wenger was right, you are f****** soft.' Banished from the dug-out, he was forced to watch the second half unfold from an executive box.

Mourinho is alleged to have got around a UEFA stadium ban in 2005 by hiding in a laundry basket, which allowed him to give pre-match and half-time team talks during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

He says that will not be a tactic he uses in Saturday's game. 

 

 

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Madrid, PSG, ManCity, Chelsea & More: Top 20 List of 2015 Costliest Squads in Europe

Manchester United have third costliest squad in Europe behind rivals Manchester City and Real Madrid… but which other clubs make the top 20?

Premier League clubs dominate the European landscape in terms of money spent on assembling their squads, with eight of the costliest teams in Europe’s #Big 5 divisions coming from England.

Manchester City have spent £408.8million on transfer fees to put together Manuel Pellegrini’s table-topping squad, with record signing Kevin De Bruyne accounting for £54.5m of that.

Manchester United have spent £389.1m on their current squad and Chelsea have spent £297.1m. That trio are are all in the top five in Europe along with Spanish giants Real Madrid and oil-fuelled Paris Saint-German.

 

 

 

Liverpool - £251.1m and Arsenal -£222.7m both make the top five in England the top 10 in Europe. The Premier League clubs spent almost £900m on new players in the summer to take total outlay in transfers spent on assembling their 20 current first-team squads to £2.8BILLION.

New analysis just published by experts from the Football Observatory in Switzerland shows City now have the most expensively assembled squad of any Premier League team.

Only Real Madrid across the whole of Europe’s #Big 5 leagues have assembled their squad at a greater cost. They have spent £428.5m on stars including Gareth Bale - the world’s most expensive footballer ever, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The full details are in the accompany tables below;

 

The outlay of all 98 clubs across the Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1 can be seen in full at the Observatory website.

 

 

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Culled from Tori News 

 

5 Best Premier League Signings of the 2015 Summer Transfer Window

According to BBC Sport, the Premier League spent £870 million this year—a record figure. Speculation is over (until around November anyway), so we can finally focus on actual football.

In doing so, and in an homage to the past three months, we must review which English protagonists have done the best transfer work.

Xherdan Shaqiri to Stoke City

 

From: Inter Milan (Italy)
Transfer Fee: £12 million
Signed from Bayern Munich on January 9, Xherdan Shaqiri's move to Inter Milan was meant to be long term. Six months later, though, the Switzerland international finds himself at Stoke City.

It's an interesting deviation in his career path for sure, but it's also a terrific capture for Mark Hughes' burgeoning squad of former European wunderkinds.

For £12 million, Shaqiri is an absolute steal. The 23-year-old is a world-class technician possessing the unteachable attribute of pace. His only hurdle seems to be understanding the speed and power of the Premier League, and that should come with time.

Petr Cech to Arsenal

 

From: Chelsea (England)
Transfer Fee: £10 million
Arsenal were the only club in Europe's top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga) who did not spend money on an outfield player this summer.

Luckily for Arsene Wenger, the one player he paid for is arguably the Premier League's greatest goalkeeper ever: Petr Cech.

Costing just £10 million, Arsenal now have a dependable, world-class "No. 1," something they have not enjoyed since Jens Lehmann, some may even argue David Seaman.

A shaky start against West Ham United was reconciled with a standing ovation-worthy performance against Liverpool. Growing familiarity with Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista should see Cech take and extend the Premier League's all-time clean sheets record.

Yohan Cabaye to Crystal Palace

 

From: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Transfer Fee: £10 million
Leaving Newcastle United might have been a poor decision in hindsight for Yohan Cabaye. His short-lived adventure at Paris Saint-Germain—though trophy-filled—was rather uninspired.

It seemed the Frenchman did not feel loved in the big Parisian pond.

But his former Magpie boss Alan Pardew moved clubs to Crystal Palace, PSG felt like selling and Cabaye felt like switching capital cities. Thus, the ingredients for a brilliant transfer were available.

£10 million is a relatively hefty number for the Eagles, but considering Cabaye's pedigree, international standing and English experience, Palace could have landed few better midfielders than the 29-year-old for that price.

James Milner to Liverpool

 

From: Manchester City (England)
Transfer Fee: Free
James Milner is a Swiss Army knife of Premier League football. Excluding goalkeeper and centre-forward, the 29-year-old Englishman can capably play anywhere a manager requires.

Being a "master of none" makes Milner appear disposable. It seems clubs feel they can find tailored options rather than have Milner fill gaps. What happens, though, when gaps need filling? One needs a "jack of all trades."

Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and England have made use of Milner's versatility, and now, one of England's most unpredictable managers, Brendan Rodgers, gets his turn on a free transfer.

Signing the preferred midfielder gives the Northern Irish boss as many tactical options as there are positions Milner can play.

Andre Ayew to Swansea City

 

From: Olympique de Marseille (France)
Transfer Fee: Free
After four matches, three goals and an assist, Swansea City have, possibly, the best transfer of this summer window in former Olympique de Marseille star Andre Ayew.

The 25-year-old attacker has made the Premier League his playground.

Linking with Bafetimbi Gomis, Jefferson Montero, Jonjo Shelvey, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Ki Sung-Yueng and others, the Ghanaian international—son of three-time African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele—has added a new dimension to Garry Monk's side.
 
As Ayew cost only his wages and the paper on which his contract was printed, Swansea should consider themselves blessed to have found his level of production for free.


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