Thursday 31 May 2012

The same Moses is all we want

Victor Moses
Victor Moses is one of the foreign based players invited by coach Stephen Keshi ahead of qualifiers for the Nations Cup and World Cup 2014.

 The Wigan Athletic striker is optimistic and as quoted in one of the Nigerian Dailies he said, “To be honest, Nigeria is a massive country, they have records, they’ve played at the World Cup and also the Olympic Games so it’s a good one to represent this big country, so I’m looking forward to the games to help in any way I can so as to win so we can qualify for both tournaments.

 Well, if Moses can replicate his incredible performance that helped his team escape relegation in the English Premier League last season, then Nigerians will say "this is the Moses of our time". 

 It could be recalled how many foreign based players have let Nigerian down and the trust is gradually returning. Only time shall tell.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Turkish Super Lig: All eyes on Sani Gideon

Definitely, all eyes will be on Nigerian Born forward, Sani Gideon Adinoy who recently made history with his club Akhisar Belediyespor in Turkey.

The 22year old was a star performer for his club in the just concluded 2011/2012 season where they finished as league champios and have gained promotion for the first time in the history of the club from second division to play in the Super Lig next season.

He moved from an amateur side Izmirspor where he made a hundred percentage record scoring 3 goals in the 3 games he featured for the club before he was spotted by the Second Division side Akhisar Belediyespor.

Sani who only joined Akhisar Belediyespor in the mid of 2011/2012 season scored 3 goals in 14 appearances for the club.
He however joins the likes of Super Eagles Captain Joseph Yobo, Ekigho Ehiosun, Michael Eneramor and a host of other Nigerians plying their trade in the Turkish top flight League.

Sunday 20 May 2012

UCL FINALS: Beyond Chelsea's Destiny

Writer: Amos Joseph
What a date! One with destiny you might want to say. But realistically, it is quite obvious that something kept Chelsea going saw them to and through the finals.

Beyond the teams' Panache and finesse, these days football seem to have become intolerably cruel but also rewarding as we have seen teams with the best possession ending up losing games. Just like Bayern Munich did in the early minutes of the game.

Yes! The final show down was decided at the Allianz Arena. An arena aesthetic artistry you will planted in the North of Munich, home of the German side Bayern Munich, with an audience of 62,500 seated in the Stands and Millions watching at home mesmerized by the masterpiece of football.

Feels great to be a part of history though. But for the home fans in Munich it is a disappointing 2011/2012 season for them as they ended up with no title losing the UCL and the Bundesliga. Also in the English Clime, Chelsea's heroic achievement dashed the Champions League hopes of Tottenham as their 4th place finish on the log is nt enough to see them through to the next UCL

Chelsea fans across the world can now celebrate their first ever UEFA champions League title in style.

Saturday 12 May 2012

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP: Simple Mathematics

Writer: Amos Joseph
It is the last round of league match in the English Premier League this weekend. It's all about survival, consolidation and glory.

Simply put, in the battle for the title, if Manchester City beat QPR at the Etihad Stadium they will be crowned champions of the 2011/2012 season while a loss will b detrimental if their city neighbors Manchester United succeed in seeing off Sunderland. 
Image: ESPN soccernet


Arsenal must get the better of Westbrom as Tottenham and Newcastle are also gunning for the same spot and a slip would delight either of the sides. Who wants the 4th? As it stands, the top three will automatically go into the group stages of next year's competition with the fourth placed team in the final qualifying round. But if Chelsea win the Champions League, that fourth placed club - currently Tottenham Hotspur - would be dumped into the Europa League. 

Bolton and QPR walk on a tight rope as a loss will not help.  For Bolton they have to win at Stoke or face life in the Championship for the first time since 2002.  If Owen Coyle can lead his side to victory they must hope QPR lose at Man City. QPR have a superior goal difference of nine and know a shock point at Eastlands will render Bolton's efforts meaningless.

Even Aston Villa should watch it because they may may be mathematically in relegation trouble, but are surely safe as they enjoy a gap of three points and 17 goals to Bolton Wanderers in the final relegation place.
We await the drama.

Wednesday 2 May 2012

It is Roy Hodgson ahead of Redknapp

Image: ESPNsoccernet
Now there is an end to speculation as the Three Lions of England now have a new Manager. Don't take a guess, because you might just goof. 
After the departure of Fabio Capello as England Manager in February 2012, the English FA have been scouting for a replacement. Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp had been considered the favourite but the FA targeted Roy Hodgson due to his international experience, as he has overseen positions with Finland, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.
The 64 years old has been appointed, granted a four-year deal and will now begin his preparations for England's Euro 2012 campaign - where they face Ukraine, Sweden and France in Group D - ahead of friendly matches versus Norway and Belgium.
He will remain in charge of West Brom for their final two Premier League matches of the season, against Bolton and Arsenal, before being released from his contract at the Hawthorns.
Sometimes, the man who reports a case first to the Police may not necessarily be adjudged winner. Sorry Harry for the distraction if any.