Mikel, Yaya and Drogba for African footballer of the year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced that current African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure will be battled for the biggest individual football prize on the continent by his countryman, Didier Drogba who has won the  and Chelsea star, John Obi Mikel.

"The Ivorian pair of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba make the final three for a second successive year and will be joined by John Obi Mikel of Nigeria. The winner will be announced on the 9th of January 2014 at the GLO-CAF Awards Gala to be held in Lagos Nigeria," Caf announced on its official website on the eve of New Year's Day.

In other categories:

African Footballer of the year based in Africa
Sunday Mba
Ahmed Fathy
Abou Trika
National Team of the Year
Burkina Faso
Ethiopia
Nigeria
Youth National team of the Year
Nigeria Under-17
Club of the Year
Al Ahly
CS Sfaxien
Orlando Pirates
Fair Play Award
Nigerian Supporter
Coach of the Year
Manu Garba
Stephen Keshi
Paul Put
Most Promising Talent
Ebenezer Assifuah
Saleh Gomaa
Kelechi Iheanacho
Referee Award
Alioum Neant
Haimoudi Djamel
Papa Bakary Gassama
Legend Award
Bruno Metsu
Mehdi Faria

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets win Gold

Nigeria Golden Eaglets have won the FIFA U-17 World Cup beating Mexico 3-0. 

The boys from Nigeria took the lead in the first half through an own goal in the 9th minute, Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the lead from a rebound dropped off by the Mexican goalie while the captain of the Side Musa Muhammed scored the 3rd 81' to seal the the victory for Nigeria.

Mexico earlier fell 1-6 to Nigeria in their opening match of the tournament.

Meanwhile Nigeria is now the most successful team in the history of the tournament winning four times, one better than Brazil. 

FIFA U-17 World Cup: How Golden Eaglets journeyed to the final

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have book their place in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on-going in the United Arab Emirates after seeing off Sweden in a 3 unreplied goals thriller. 

The Eaglets however set up a crunchy tie with Mexico who comfortably defeated Argentina with the same goal margin.

It could be recalled that Nigeria earlier thumped The Mexicans 6-1 in their opening match of the tournament. Meanwhile the world saw a resurgent Mexican side that later adjusted, beating one of the pre-tournament favorites Brazil and then making it to the final. 

The journey so far.

Nigeria:  vs Mexico 6-1

                  vs Sweden 3-3

                  vs Iraq    4-0

 Round of 16 vs Iran 4-1

Q/final vs Uruguay 2-0

Semi final vs Sweden 3-0

Mexico: vs Nigeria 1-6

                vs Iraq 3-1

                vs Sweden 1-0

Round of 16 vs Italy 1-0

Q/final vs Brazil 1-1 (11-10) PSO

Semi final vs Argentina 3-0

The finals match is however scheduled for Friday 8th November in Abu Dhabi. 

2013 Ballon D'or nominations announced

It is about that time of the year when players who have played impressively and worked tirelessly are given a thumb-up for their outstanding performance by the world football governing body FIFA. 

Players who made the 23-man shortlist include the regulars Messi, Ronaldo and a host of others playing in Europe. 

The list will be trimmed down to three players in early December, with national team captains and coaches, as well as a select group of media representatives, voting for the winner, who will be announced on Jan. 13 in Zurich.

The man who led Bayern to the summit of European club football last season, Jupp Heynckes, heads the ten-strong shortlist for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football with fellow retiree Sir Alex Ferguson also in the running.

Ballon d'Or shortlist: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid/Wales), Edinson Cavani (Paris St Germain/Uruguay), Radamel Falcao (Monaco/Colombia), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris St Germain/Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona/Spain), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich/Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund/Poland), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich/Germany), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany), Neymar (Barcelona/Brazil), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal/Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus/Italy), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/France), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich/Netherlands), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Portugal), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich/Germany), Luis Suarez (Liverpool/Uruguay), Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain/Brazil), Yaya Toure (Manchester City/Ivory Coast), Robin van Persie (Manchester United/Netherlands), Xavi (Barcelona/Spain).

Coach of the year shortlist: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid/ex-Paris St Germain), Rafael Benitez (Napoli/ex-Chelsea), Antonio Conte (Juventus), Vicente Del Bosque (Spain), Sir Alex Ferguson (ex-Manchester United), Jupp Heynckes (ex-Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea/ex-Real Madrid), Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).

Bill Gates negotiating with Real Madrid on remaning the Bernabeau

Reports from a reputable Spanish Newspaper suggest that Microsoft owner Bill Gates has contacted Real Madrid with the intent of naming right deal for the club's stadium (Santiago Bernabeau) which may see the new name as ''Microsoft Santiago Bernabeau'' or something of that nature.

According to the report, a preliminary meeting between Mary Garana, President of Microsoft Spain, and Real Madrid head honcho Florentino Perez took place in the Royal Box at the Bernabeu during the week, though a decision isn’t expected at any point in the near future as, along with the stadium renovation plans that are already afoot, Perez  is also keen to take his time over a deal that will undoubtedly be “emotionally delicate” for fans.

Meanwhile, we have seen club stadium around the world renamed or rebranded as the case may be. Like the Allianz Arena, the Emirates Stadium, Etihad, Signal Iduna Park, Veltins Arena, Zenit’s half-finished Gazprom Arena – even Barcelona’s Nou Camp, which hasn’t been officially rebranded but is still plastered in Qatar Airways livery these days.

Kano Pillars emerge Champions of 2012/2013 Glo NPFL

Last season's champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Kano Pillars have won the League this season to be crown back-to-back champions. The Kano based team team despite losing away to Lobi stars 0-1 on final match day were able to clinch the title for the second time.

Pillars finished on the log with 63points, closely followed by Enyimba on 62points, Bayelsa United ended on 3rd spot (61pts) while El Kanemi of Maiduguri were fourth with 60pts.

At the bottom, it was an unfortunate situation for the two Kwara State clubs, as ABS FC  (private) and Kwara United got relegated, joined by 3sc and Wikki Tourist of Bauchi.

Meanwhile, Pillars and Enyimba will represent the nation in the CAF Champions League while Bayelsa United will be playing in the Federations Cup joined by Runners-up in the FA Cup Warri wolves.

Last season's champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Kano Pillars have won the League this season to be crown back-to-back champions. The Kano based team team despite losing away to Lobi stars 0-1 on final match day were able to clinch the title for the second time.
Pillars finished on the log with 63points, closely followed by Enyimba on 62points, Bayelsa United ended on 3rd spot (61pts) while El Kanemi of Maiduguri were fourth with 60pts.
At the bottom, it was an unfortunate situation for the two Kwara State clubs, as ABS FC (private) and Kwara United got relegated, joined by 3sc and Wikki Tourist of Bauchi.
Meanwhile, Pillars and Enyimba will represent the nation in the CAF Champions League while Bayelsa United will be playing in the Federations Cup joined by Runners-up in the FA Cup Warri wolves.
- See more at: http://deluxe.icelark.com/blog/sports-kano-pillars-emerge-champions-of-20122013-glo-npfl#sthash.OhyBeTWE.dpuf

Last season's champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Kano Pillars have won the League this season to be crown back-to-back champions. The Kano based team team despite losing away to Lobi stars 0-1 on final match day were able to clinch the title for the second time.
Pillars finished on the log with 63points, closely followed by Enyimba on 62points, Bayelsa United ended on 3rd spot (61pts) while El Kanemi of Maiduguri were fourth with 60pts.
At the bottom, it was an unfortunate situation for the two Kwara State clubs, as ABS FC (private) and Kwara United got relegated, joined by 3sc and Wikki Tourist of Bauchi.
Meanwhile, Pillars and Enyimba will represent the nation in the CAF Champions League while Bayelsa United will be playing in the Federations Cup joined by Runners-up in the FA Cup Warri wolves.
- See more at: http://deluxe.icelark.com/blog/sports-kano-pillars-emerge-champions-of-20122013-glo-npfl#sthash.OhyBeTWE.dpuf

Last season's champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Kano Pillars have won the League this season to be crown back-to-back champions. The Kano based team team despite losing away to Lobi stars 0-1 on final match day were able to clinch the title for the second time.
Pillars finished on the log with 63points, closely followed by Enyimba on 62points, Bayelsa United ended on 3rd spot (61pts) while El Kanemi of Maiduguri were fourth with 60pts.
At the bottom, it was an unfortunate situation for the two Kwara State clubs, as ABS FC (private) and Kwara United got relegated, joined by 3sc and Wikki Tourist of Bauchi.
Meanwhile, Pillars and Enyimba will represent the nation in the CAF Champions League while Bayelsa United will be playing in the Federations Cup joined by Runners-up in the FA Cup Warri wolves.
- See more at: http://deluxe.icelark.com/blog/sports-kano-pillars-emerge-champions-of-20122013-glo-npfl#sthash.OhyBeTWE.dpuf

Premier League possession table: Arsenal and Liverpool surprisingly low

Last year’s top two possession teams languish in 8th and 9th (but top the real table!)
Premier League average possession table:

1) Manchester City – 56%
2) Tottenham – 55%
3) Swansea- 54%
4) Manchester United – 54 %
5) Chelsea – 53%
6) Everton – 53%
7) Southampton – 53%
8) Arsenal – 52%
9) Liverpool – 51%
10) Stoke City – 50%
11) Newcastle – 49%
12) Fulham – 48%
13) Cardiff City – 48%
14) West Brom – 47%
15) Norwich – 47%
16) West Ham – 47%
17) Crystal Palace – 46%
18) Hull City – 46%
19) Aston Villa – 45%
20) Sunderland – 45%

Current Premier League table toppers Liverpool and Arsenal have not kept the ball nearly as well as they did last season, but have traded goals for possession this term.

Argentina set to play Italy in front of Pope #Homage#

Coach Allejandro Sabella has released a 22 man list of player to face Italy in the August 14th friendly match to be played in Stadio Olympico which will have Pope Francis as audience.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenz.

 

Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria/ITA), Oscar Ustari (Almería/ESP), Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA)

Defenders: Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United/ENG), Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan/RUS), José Basanta (Monterrey/MEX)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Ever Banega (Valencia/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Erik Lamela (Roma/ITA).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Angel Di María (Real Madrid/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/argentina-to-play-italy-in-front-of-pope/#sthash.MaPlhIKn.dpuf

Ronaldo donates blood to Spain rail crash victims

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Galicia to donate blood for victims of the rail disaster in Santiago de Compostela which claimed 80 lives and left many injured.

The former Manchester United winger expressed his sadness at the disaster through his Twitter profile and left Real’s pre-season training camp to travel to the Spanish city to donate blood for the victims.

Almost 200 people have been seriously injured from the crash which saw a number of carriages came off the railway track, smashing into a wall.

Surprised? Yes he's got no tatoo. Well done.

Former Birmingham City strike Christian Benitez dies of Heart attck

Former Premier League striker Christian Benitez died suddenly of suspected heart attack @ age 27.

According to a  statement on the Ecuadorian FA  website ''he died of heart failure after suffering 'stomach pains''

The Ecuadorian had only completed a £10m switch to Qatari side El Jaish from Birmingham where he made 36 appearances on loan in 2009/10 season.


Manchester United's Antonia Valencia led the tributes to his compatriot on twitter with tributes from footballers who called him 'Chucho' 

Christian is survived by his wife, children and his father, former Ecuador international footballer Ermen Benítez.


REST IN PEACE CHUCHO... Amen