World Cup: Holland late come back edge Mexico, Costa Rica beat Greece on penalties

Two late goals from Sneijder and Klass Huntelaar helped Holland defeat Mexico in the round of 16 match on Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Mexico took the lead through Giovanni Dos Santos in the 65th minute while the Netherlands had to wait till dying minutes of the match to rally back and win the match which saw them through to the Quarter final of the World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica and Greece had to settle for penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 on regulation time.

Costa Rica scored through Captain Bryan Ruiz and were later reduced to 10 men after Oscar Duarte was sent off for for a challenge. The Greeks rallied back into the game to send the match into extra time and then penalties to be decided.

It could be recalled that Costa Rica shocked Uruguay, Italy and shared points with England in the Group stage.

Mikel Obi: A Distance From the No "10" Tradition

By Adetayo Odulaja

You remember Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Ronaldinho, Francesco Totti, Kaka, the list goes on.... They all have one thing in common which is, their jersey No. 10.

Jersey No. 10 is meant for players who are "cult heroes" in their respective teams and this tradition is as old as football and the trends continue in this World Cup.

For football enthusiasts, it is only natural to expect much from any player wearing the NO. 10 for their country owing to the fact that they most times dictate the play for the rest of the team members in the attract line from the midfield. Simply put, the bulk of the team's creativity rest on their shoulders. They do the thinking, magical, unimaginable and sometimes "cheat".

We know the story of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jnr and the new kid on the block with 5goals, 4assists in 4games, James Rodriguez. However, the same cannot be said of Nigeria number 10 jersey which was made famous by the multi-talented magician, Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha Seeing the cute-looking Mikel Obi playing or acting as No. 10 completely negates the encomium and authority that comes with such a vital role.

Without undermining the effort of the Nigeria national team and it technical crew, one can say that after three matches, the team has been relatively lucky to have progressed to the round of 16 with below average performance from Mikel which has drawn criticism from the fans back home.

Many of the aforementioned names are winners of the Balon D'or and that goes to justify that the number attracted glory to their personalities.

Come to think of it, this same Mikel Obi was the cynosure of all eyes when he was second best to Messi at the World Youth championship in 2005 but today without mincing words we can tell who has evolved into a super character.

Interestingly, some believe that the player,  Mikel would have improved a whole lot if he hadn't been restricted and cultured into his new style. 

What influenced his or informs his style of play today is not the bone of contention now but to state the fact that he must step up his game to be ranked amongst the greats sooner or later because even the kids on he street would prefer a No 10 with dignity.

Brazil beat Chile on penalties, Colombia edge Uruguay to qualify for Quarter finals

Brazil have advanced to the Quarterfinals of the World Cup after beating fellow South Americans Chile 3-2 on penalties in the round of 16.

Les Celesao drew the first blood thorough defender David Luis while Chile equalized before the end of half time.

The pulsating encounter remained one goal appease after full time and extra time which took the match into penalty shootout.

Meanwhile in the other round of16 match on the night, Colombia triumphed over Uruguay beating their fellow South American side 2-0 with James Rodriguez giving a special performance to life his side past their neighbors.

Uruguay gasped for survival without their super striker Luis Suarez who is presently on suspension for biting.

Two of the four South Americans that made it through to the round of 16 have have advanced to the Quarter finals, Brazil and Colombia.

Aftermath of Biting: Suarez loses endorsement deal

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has lost his first endorsement following his ban by FIFA for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in their last Group game of World Cup.

Betting firm 888 Poker terminated their relationships with the Liverpool striker and according to a statement released by the firm "888poker signed Luis Suarez following a fantastic season for which his achievements were widely recognised.

"Regrettably, following his actions during Uruguay’s World Cup match against Italy on Tuesday, 888poker has decided to terminate its relationship with Luis Suarez with immediate effect."

According to the Mirror UK, Separate sponsors Adidas announced on Thursday that they fully supported FIFA's decision to ban the striker.

The German sportswear giants also confirmed they would not be using Suarez for any additional marketing activities during the remainder of the tournament in Brazil.

Nigeria, Algeria to fly Africa's flag in Round of 16

Nigeria and Algeria will be Africa's flag bearers in the second round of the on going FIFA World Cup in Brazil after they both made it past the group stage.

Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon are other African compatriots that failed to make it past the Group stage.

Nigeria, runner-up from Group F having Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina and Iran while Algeria made it through from Group H consisting Belgium, Russia and South Korea.

It also marks the first time two African team will qualify to play in the round of 16 of the tournament.

YOBO 100 CAPS: Omeruo congratulates captain, relishes partnership

His Instagram post tells it all. Obviously, he dreams of such height too, who doesn't like to reach a milestone.

Suarez banned by FIFA, fined 8200 euros

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has been handed a four months suspension from all football-related activity, after a disciplinary panel found him guilty of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in their Group C game on Tuesday.

The Liverpool player was also fined 82,000 euros and handed a nine-match international ban. This means that Suarez will miss the rest of the World Cup and the start of the new Premier League season.

“The player Luis Suarez is to be suspended for nine official matches,” a Fifa statement read. “The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming FIFA World Cup fixture between Colombia and Uruguay on June 28, 2014.

“The remaining match suspensions shall be served in Uruguay’s next FIFA World Cup match(es), as long as the team (remains in the competition), and/or in the representative team’s subsequent official matches.

“The player Luis Suarez is banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) for a period of four months. “A stadium ban is pronounced against the player Luis Suarez in accordance with article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code as follows: the player Luis Suarez is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium during the period of the ban.

“The player Luis Suarez is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium in which the representative team of Uruguay is playing while he has to serve the nine-match suspension.

“The player Luis Suarez is ordered to pay a fine in the amount of 100,000 Swiss Francs.”

Bendtner, Sagna, nine other players depart Arsenal

Report from Arsenal website indicates that 11 players will be leaving the club when their contracts officially expire on June 30.

According to the statement on Arsenal.com "Nicklas Bendtner and Ju Young Park come to the end of their contracts, while Kim Kallstrom and Emiliano Viviano’s loan spells are set to conclude.

"As already communicated, Bacary Sagna, Lukasz Fabianski and
Zak Ansah have completed permanent moves to Manchester City, Swansea City and Charlton Athletic respectively.

"Meanwhile, academy players Chuks Aneke, Daniel Boateng, Zach Fagan and Leander Siemann also depart having reached the end of their current agreements.

"Everyone at Arsenal would like to take this opportunity to thank all of these players for their contribution to the club, and to wish
them well for the future.

Muntari, Boateng expelled from Ghana World Cup Team

Sulley muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng will not be a part of the Ghana squad that will face Portugal in today's last Group G match encounter after the duo were suspended by th Ghanaian FA. Muntari reportedly physically attacked a member of the Black Stars’ management team, while Kevin Prince Boateng received the same punishment for hurling verbal abuse at coach Kwesi Appiah.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has suspended Sulley Ali Muntari indefinitely from the Black Stars with immediate effect,” read a statement on the Ghana FA’s official website.

“The decision was taken in the wake of his unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah on Tuesday 24th June, 2014 during a meeting.

“Muntari’s accreditation for the 2014 World Cup has been withdrawn with immediate effect.”

A separate statement read: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has approved coach Kwesi Appiah’s decision to suspend Kevin- Prince Boateng indefinitely from the Black Stars.

“The decision takes immediate effect.

“The decision was taken following Boateng’s vulgar verbal insults
targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah during the team's training session
in Maceio this week.

“Boateng has since showed no remorse for his actions which has
resulted in the decision.

“Boateng’s accreditation for the 2014 World Cup has been withdrawn with immediate effect.”

World Cup: Victor Moses may be sent packing for refusing to warm up against Argentina - Report

Following the reports making the rounds that Victor Moses is injured and that has been responsible for his not being fielded in matches against Bosnia Herzegovina and Argentina.

Google Image: Victor Moses

Brila FM Lagos, confirmed that the player is not actually suffering any form of injury. According to the report filed in from Brazil, ''Victor Moses was among those players called up by Coach Stephen Keshi to warm up but he refused, feeling disappointed of not getting a starting line up and may risk being axed from the team by the coach.''

Moses was fielded against Iran and was substituted before the end of the match.

The Nigeria super Eagles qualified for the Round of 16 despite losing to South American giants Argentina 2-3 on Wednesday and are set to play Group E winners France while Argentina confronts Switzerland.

Group F: Nigeria 2-3 Nigeria as Bosnia Herzegovina records inconsequential victory against iran

Simply put, Lionel Messi was quite instrumental to Argentina's 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the final Group F match.

Messi grabbed his brace in the match with his first coming after just 3 minutes of play, but Ahmed Musa rose to the occasion for the Africans as he responded in th 4th minute and later completed his brace as well in the 47th.

Nigeria's goalie Vincent Enyeama proved his worth with the several calls to action by the chief tormentors Messi and Angel Di Maria.

Marcos Rojo's 50th minute header gave Argentina the winner.

In the other Group game, Bosnia Herzegovina recorded their first World Cup win ever after beating Iran 3-1 which secured Nigeria's place in the next round of the competition next to Argentina who topped the table with 9pts.

Nigeria will play winner of Group E while Argentina faces Runner of of the Group.

FIFA investigates Suarez Biting act

Reports have it that FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Uruguay player Luis Suarez after he was seen biting Italian defender Giogio Chiellini.

Fifa.com, states that "the player Luis Suarez of Uruguay following an apparent breach of art. 48 and/or art. 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ match Italy-Uruguay played on 24 June 2014. The player and/or the Uruguayan FA are invited to provide with their position and any documentary evidence they deem relevant until 25 June 2014, 5pm, Brasilia time.

"According to art. 77 lit. a of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention. Furthermore, according to art. 96 of the FDC, any type of proof may be produced (par. 1), in particular are admissible, reports from referees, declarations from the parties and witnesses, material evidence, audio or video recordings (par. 3)."

Ivory Coast World Cup exit: Eboue rants, says he won't eat for 30 days

Shortly after the Elephants of Ivory Coast lost to Greece, Ivorian international Emmanuel Eboue took to Twitter to voice his dissatisfaction on the official's verdict to have adjudged a penalty against his brothers in Brazil.

Giovanni Sio obstructed Georgios Samaras in the box with during the dying minutes of the match andDthe ref didn't think twice to pick the call. 

Greeks snatch Round of 16 ticket from Ivory Coast as Colombia go clear

Ivory Coast have been eliminated from the World Cup after conceding a penalty in the dying minutes to Georgios Samaras to be beaten 2-1 by the Greeks in a decisive encounter on Tuesday.

Greece took  the lead few minutes before half time through Andreas Samaris only for Wilfred Bonny to get the Africans back in at 74th minute but they failed to hold on till the end as substitute Giovanni Sio fouled Samaras in the box which proved to be the decider.

In the other Group game, Colombia thrashed Japan 4-1 to go clear as group leaders into the next round with 9pts, Greece finishing second with 4pts.

SHOCKER! Godin heads Uruguay through, sends Italy packing

Diego Godin's 81st minute header sent former World Champions Italy out of the World Cup.

Italy finished with 10-men after Claudio Marchisio was sent off for an awful challenge on Arevales Rio.

The Athletico Madrid defender headed home from a corner kick which caught the Azzuris napping and not even Buffon could help.

Uruguay no where finished second behind supposed underdogs of the Group Costa Rica who ended their final match against England in a goalless draw.

Round of 16: Brazil to play Chile, Holland face Mexico

Neymar was the closure of all eyes as Brazil took Cameroon to the cleaners beating the Africans 4-1 in the last Group A game on Monday night which confirmed the host as the leader of the Group.

The Barcelona star grabbed a brace in the encounter to increase his goal tally in the tournament to four.

In the other Group game Mexico defeated Croatia to also confirm a place in the next round and will be facing Group B leaders Holland.

Chile also qualified from Group B and have set a date the the host nation Brazil in an all south American affair.

Brazil 2014: Song bags three-match ban for elbowing Mandzukic

Alex Song has been handed a three match ban after he was sent off for elbowing Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic.

The Indomitable Lions were already a goal down, when the Barcelona player was dismissed for the offence. They went on to lose 4-0 and are already out of the World Cup.

According to the statement, the former Arsenal man will miss the next two international games having missed the final Group game against Brazil on Monday.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided today to suspend Song for three matches and impose a fine of CHF 20,000 for breaching art. 48 par. 1 d) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” a FIFA statement read.

“The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming World Cup fixture between Cameroon and Brazil on 23 June 2014, with the remaining two to be served at the next official matches of the Cameroon national team"

Meanwhile, Cameroon were beaten 4-1 by the host Brazil on Monday to confirm their exit having lost all three matches in the Group.

Nigeria beat Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia Herzegovina's hope of progressing to the next round of the World Cup was dashed after losing to a 1-0 defeat by African champions Nigeria in Cuiaba, Brazil.

Osaze Odemwingie's lone goal secured all 3 points for the Eagles which is also Nigeria’s first win at a World Cup finals since 1998.

The super Eagles are however favourites to join Argentina in the second round. Argentina are on six points after beating Iran 1-0 earlier on Saturday to leave the Iranians on a point while the Nigerians are on four points.

Nigeria play Argentina in their final group F game on Thursday — the Africans lost 2-1 on the previous occasion they played the South American side in the group stage in the 1994 finals

Nigeria beat Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia Herzegovina's hope of progressing to the next round of the World Cup was dashed after losing to a 1-0 defeat by African champions Nigeria in Cuiaba, Brazil.

Osaze Odemwingie's lone goal secured all 3 points for the Eagles which is also Nigeria’s first win at a World Cup finals since 1998.

The super Eagles are however favourites to join Argentina in the second round. Argentina are on six points after beating Iran 1-0 earlier on Saturday to leave the Iranians on a point while the Nigerians are on four points.

Nigeria play Argentina in their final group F game on Thursday — the Africans lost 2-1 on the previous occasion they played the South American side in the group stage in the 1994 finals

Costa Rica shocks Italy, England Ousted!

Costa Rica have qualified for the knock-out rounds after beating Group D favourites Italy on Friday.

Bryan Ruiz grabbed the lone goal that shocked the Azzuris few minutes before half time to go into the round of 16 and also going top of the Group with 6pts and confirms England's exit from the tournament with no points from two matches.

Now, it's a win or burst situation between the Italians and Uruguay who defeated England 2-0 in their second match.

England will be taking on Costa Rica in their last match which is a mere formality.

Balotelli wants a kiss from the Queen of England

What a wish! Super Mario revealed on his Twitter account that he wants a kiss from the Queen after beating Costa Rica.

Half-fit Suarez sinks England with a brace

England are on the brink of elimination after losing to Uruguay 1-2 in their second match of Group D.

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez scored twice while Wayne Rooney grabbed England's only goal in the match.

Meanwhile this is the first time England will lose their first two matches in a world cup campaign.

What this victory means for Uruguay is that hope of reaching the second round has been rekindled as they face Italy in the last Group game, both with 3pts along with Costa Rica while England sit at the bottom.

Earlier, Colombia defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to go top of group C with six points joining Netherland and Chile as teams to have made it to the next round of the World Cup.

Spain, Australia crash out of World Cup

Defending champions Spain have been eliminated from the on-going World Cup in Brazil after they were beaten by Chile 2-0 on Wednesday in the second group B match.

The Europeans couldn't curtail the South Americans who proved to be much of a handful.

Spain however becomes the first defending champion to have lost the first two games and be eliminated from the most glamorous football festival.

In another development, Socceroos of Australia have also been eliminated after losing their second match to Netherland in a competitive affair which ended 2-3 in favour of the Dutch.

Australia's top scorer Tim Cahill also grabbed a sensational goal which qualifies for the tournament's best at the moment.

What's left of the group is mere formality between Australia and Spain while the Netherlands will tackle Chile tot ascertain who tops the group.

Adios Spana

Tim Cahill's goal of the tournament so far against Netherland (Video)

Coutesy: YouTube

Rakitic moves to FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the
transfer of Ivan Rakitic. Ivan Rakitic will sign a contract with FC
Barcelona for the next five seasons. Both clubs have also agreed
for Denis Suárez to be loaned to the Andalusian club for the next
two seasons.

According to fcbarcelona.com, 26-year-old Ivan Rakitic arrives at the Camp Nou after an impressive three seasons with Sevilla becoming the team’s main central playmaker and captain, leading them to the
Europa League title in the 2013/14 season.

He made 59 official appearances and scored 15 goals for Sevilla. Rakitic is also one of the stars of the Croatian national team that is currently in Brazil playing at the World Cup.

Iran 0-0 Nigeria, USA beats Ghana

African champions, Nigeria failed to beat Iran in their opening Group F game on Monday night.

The much anticipated match needed in a stalemate as both teams could not find the back of the net.

Earlier in the day, Group G teams Germany hammered Portugal 4-0 in a match which saw the Portuguese finishing with 10-men after Pepe was sent off for a careless head-butting on Thomas Muller who grabbed the first Hatrick of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo's effort couldn't go unnoticed but was not enough to help his side as they were disorganized by the machines after conceding a penalty early in the game.

Ghana on the same night lost to the USA 1-2 in a pulsating encounter.

The United States drew the first blood with just 30 seconds into the match though captain Clint Dempsey before the Africans could settle.

Ghana had the better of possession which paid off in the 82' minutes after Andre Ayew saw the back of the net only for USA to take the lead five minutes later through John Brooks who came on as a substitute.

Messi breaks Bosnia Herzegovina as France thrash Honduras

Bosnia Herzegovina lost 1-2 to Argentina in the opening Group F match of their World Cup campaign on Sunday.

Argentina benefited from an Own goal in the early minutes of the first half while Lionel Messi eventually showed the stuff he's made of as he extended the lead in the 65th minute.

With about 5 minutes to stoppage time, Ibisevic scored Bosnia's first ever World Cup goal to unsettle Argentina.

It was however no disgrace for Bosnia as expected by many, they sure will prove a threat to the others in the group, Nigeria and Iran.

In the early kick-off, Switzerland snatched a late victory from Ecuador in a match that ended 2-1 while France thrashed Honduras 3-0 in the Group E games.

Man of The Match Award excites Balotelli (PHOTO)

Scorer of Italy's winning goal against England in the opening Group D game on Saturday, Mario Balotelli thanks his mates and fans for their support as the  AC Milan forward shared on his Instagram.

The Azzurris defeated Three Lions of England 2-1.

Balotelli heads Italy past England

Super Mario headed home from a Candreva's across to secure Italy's victory in their opening Group D game against England on Saturday night.

Excited Balotelli caught winking at the Camera in the Photo.

Spain humiliated! One, Two, Three, Four....

It was an unbelievable and humiliating night for title holders Spain as they fell 1-5 to Netherlands in Group B World Cup opener.

Spain went ahead after Diego Costa was brought down in a controversial tackle to earn a penalty which  was well converted by Xabi Alonso. But Robin Van Persie had a better plans for the Dutch as he levelled before the stroke of half time.

Expectedly, Spain was better in terms of possession in the first half but that obviously didn't worry the Dutch side.

Eight minutes into the second half Arjen Robben came up with a piece of magic to put his side ahead and before long, Stefan De Vrij headed home to extend the lead.

To make the night worse for the Spaniards, Casillas gifted RVP with a pass who delighted took his chance while Robben added the icing on the cake with a mesmerizing display infant of goal to make it five.

Germany is the most Valuable World Cup Team as Nigeria ranks 16th

The German machines have been valued at £642m thereby topping the list of most valuable Team present at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

According to a recent study by Lloyd and the Center for Economic and Business Research, next to Germany is Spain (£591m) while England have an estimated incurable value of (£550m). Put together the top three are worth more than £1.7bn collectively, more than the 20 bottom teams combined.

The last on the list is Costa Rica valued at £18.5m.

In Africa, surprisingly, Ivory Coast are not the most valued despite the plethora of stars they are worth £132m while Cameroon are the most valuable squad with (£195.8m), Ghana (£185.5m) and Nigeria third £143.1m.

The insurance-related figures are based on club earnings and endorsement incomes of the 32-man World Cup squads.

Meanwhile, the 32 teams have a collective estimated value of £6.2bn.

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in World Cup opener

By every standard, you'll agree that the opening match of the World Cup between the host Brazil and Croatia was quite competitive. It therefore goes to foretell what to expect in the games to come in the other group matches.

Without mincing words, Croatia seemed up to the task especially after being set in front by Marcelo's own goal in the early minutes of the first half.

For the home team, the they have to thank their Heavens just like Neymar did after scoring his second goal from the penalty spot.

Neymar turned up, Sleek Oscar who finished off the Europeans grabbing the third later in the match, Julio Cesar almost had very little to do was also called up and he stood the tests.

Don't be deceived by the final score. It wasn't easy for Brazil putting three past Croatia, they were hard-earned goals.

Cesc Fabregas joins Chelsea

Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.

Speculations surrounding the 27-year-old has therefore been confirm as reality with this move back to the English Premier league.

Did you see that on his Twitter Profile picture?

Engaged! Balotelli gets a "YES" from his girlfriend

Mario Balotelli left his Italian teammate in Brazil to propose to his new girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.

The Italian striker confirmed the news on his instagram page with picture of the engagement ring.

Italy will play England in their first World Cup opening match on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed FIFA World Cup Player on Twitter

Quite interesting stats shared by @Austynzogz on Twitter showing which player will be in Brazil and has the most followers.

"I am responsible for Ronaldol's injury" - Ghanaian Witch Doctor

A Ghanaian Witch Doctor who spoke with the Guardian in the UK, claims he is responsibility for Cristiano Ronaldo's injury threatening his world cup participation.

Nana Kwaku Bonsam whose name translates "Devil on Wednesday" earlier in February predicted that Ronaldo would miss this summer's World Cup in Brazil. Meanwhile A statement from the Portuguese FA on Wednesday confirmed that Ronaldo is suffering from tendinosis in his left knee as well as nursing a muscle problem in his left thigh, which caused him to miss the 0-0 draw with Greece at the weekend.

Ghana will be playing Portugal in their last Group G match in the world cup.

Read More here non Guardian.co.uk

Brazil 2014 Journey: Now that the List is out....

By Amos Joseph

Journalists, football enthusiasts both home and abroad waited, longed and kept late night just for one thing.... The List!

Ask me, who is that one man capable of holding the nation to ransom with a decision, and I'll simply answer, Mr President. But on the contrary Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi proven to be in such a position while he held on to the Super Eagles 23-man squad and until midnite as he left Nigerians waiting.

Releasing the list ordinarily ought not to have generated much controversy but the names on it just like every other nation participating in the World Cup.

As it is often said, "different strokes for different folks". To all players in the squad it would be a lifetime experience playing in the world cup, to a few it it is simply one and only chance while to some it is the last gasp, to others it is a chance and there will be another.

Keshi has overtime proven to be in charge of the Eagles without any interference. He selected his choice of players from the a pool and clarified every question that arose knowing fully well that he would be held responsible for the outcome.

The inclusion of Home-based players in his 30-man squad for camping was lauded and appreciated by all and this cannot be separated from the impressive performance of the lads he took to the Nations Cup without forgetting CHAN in 2013.

It is important to mention that Keshi has given hope to the home-based players that they are available for selection as long as he remains the head coach of the senior national team.

June 2, 2014 will be a memorable day in the life of these players both the selected and those that could not make the cut.

Home based Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, midfielder Joel Obi, South Africa 2013 hero Sunday Mba, Nosa Igiebor, 2014 CHAN most valuable player Ejike Uzoenyi, Olympic Silver Medalist Obinna Nsofor and Nnamdi Oduamadi all left out of the squad.

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa,
Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe
Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez,
Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi,
Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche
Nwofor.

Now that the names of the 23-man Army for the Brazil 2014 is out, it is time to heed to the clarion call with five star performance beginning from tonight when they take on Greece in a warm-up match.

The golden chance to show what stuff they are made of is now. Nigerians have faith but the place of fate cannot be overruled as the Eagles file out against Iran, Bosnia Herzegovina and Argentina.

Mba, Nsofor dropped as Keshi names 23 for Brazil World Cup

Home based Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, midfielder Joel Obi, South Africa 2013 hero Sunday Mba, Nosa Igiebor, 2014 CHAN most valuable player Ejike Uzoenyi, Olympic Silver Medalist Obinna Nsofor and Nnamdi Oduamadi all left out of the squad.

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa,
Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe
Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez,
Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi,
Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche
Nwofor.

The Eagles will take on Greece in another warm up match on Tuesday.

David Villa excited to join NYC F.C

Spain and Athletico Madrid forward David Villa has joined New York City Football Club and is excited to be the first player to be signed as his tweet reveals.

According to tell statement on the Club's website which reads "Today, New York City FC is excited and proud to announce the signing of its first player, Spanish superstar and World Cup winner David Villa. The 32-year-old, who last month helped his former club Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title in Spain, joins the newly-formed Major League Soccer team for a three-season commitment.

"As the club begins to assemble a competitive and dynamic squad,
fans in New York will have the opportunity to watch one of the
biggest names in world soccer when the Club’s inaugural season
begins in 2014.

Read more here on the Club's Website

Interesting! What God told Floyd Mayweather about being extravagant

Another interesting comment you'll say from the undefeated himself on his Instagram account.

Drogba celebrates 100Caps for Ivory Coast

Just after the International friendly match against Bosnia, Didier Drogba could not hide his feelings as he took to Instagram to thank all his home fans and we'll wishers even haters.

He wrote on his wall " After two months of competition I returned to what I love most, football.

"I wish we had won the game against Bosnia but wearing this Jersey and represent my country 100times has always been a privilege.

"Thanks to all my team mates in this team from the day I start until now, thank you to my fans for the unconditional love and also all the critics that always make me work harder to get close to my dream... Make ivory coast one of the best team in the world."

Ghana World Cup Squad Jet to the States for final Preparations

This photo was shared by Kevin Prince Boateng via his Instagram @prince09_ on Sunday.

The Black Stars lost 0-1 to Netherlands in a warm up game on Saturday and now on their way to USA for final world cup camping.

Pele's Son sentenced to 33 years imprisonment for Money laundering

A recent report says that the son of the Brazilian football legend Pele has been sentenced to 33 years in jail for laundering money raised from drug trafficking.

Edinho is a retired footballer who played goalkeeper for Pele's old club, Santos, in the 1990s.

He was first arrested in 2005 and has served a sentence for drug trafficking offences and links with a notorious drug dealer in the city of Santos.

According to BBC, He says he is a drug addict but denies the trafficking charges. The ruling was issued by a judge in the nearby coastal city of Praia Grande, in Sao Paulo state.

Read more on BBC

Negredo, Navas dropped as Diego Costa makes Spain's final 23-man list for Brazil

Manchester City of England duo Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo have been left out of the last 23-man Brazil bound squad released by Coach Vicente Delbosque with Fernando Llorente as another big casualty.

However, Diego Costa, who is currently struggling with late fitness issues, has made the cut, as well as Chelsea’s Fernando Torres.

Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Koke, is one of the newest faces in the La Roja squad and will be joined by veterans like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Gerard Pique and David Villa.

Check out the squad to take on Holland, Australia and Chile in the tournament:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol,
Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Juanfran
Torres

Midfielders: Koke, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta,
Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Pedro
Rodriguez, Juan Mata, David Silva

Strikers: Fernando Torres, David Villa, Diego Costa