Sunday 31 August 2014

Chelsea move excites Lioc Remy

@ChelseaFC
French striker Loic Remy has joined Chelsea FC from Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth £8.5million.

The move became imminent just after Spanish forward Fernando Torres left the Stamford Bridge on a two-year loan move to AC Milan.

In his first interview with the club website, the striker who was on loan at Newcastle last season is obviously delighted to have made this move.

''I feel very happy and very proud to have signed for Chelsea. They are one of the best clubs in the world and I can’t wait to get started, training and playing with my new team-mates, when I get back from international duty with France.''

''To be honest I wanted to play in the Champions League this season so yes, that was another of my motivations for coming here. I know that Chelsea can win the Champions League this season because there is so much quality in the squad. The first thing to aim for is winning titles.''

Remy will join the attacking options already available to Jose Mourinho as he battles with the likes of Diego Costa and Didier Drogba for a place.


Everton 3-6 Chelsea: Mourinho worried by defensive mistakes

Despite winning 6-3 against Everton in a premier league game on Saturday, Manager Jose Mourinho is worried about his side's defensive ability.
 
He told newsmen after the nine-goal thriller at the Gudison park that all didn't go according to plan but yet extremely satisfied with the way his side attacked and got goals.
 
''We made defensive mistakes. I don’t want to speak for Everton and Roberto [Martinez] but my team made defensive mistakes. I just said on Chelsea TV before I came down that it’s difficult to believe on Wednesday afternoon we trained for one-and-a-half hours and we did only two things: defensive corners and defensive lateral free-kicks.
 
''Imagine how happy I am with the result of our work! It would have been better to give them Wednesday off and stay at home with my wife and kids!
 
''When the opponent scores against us I want it to be because they were brilliant or because they did something that was difficult to control. We made four defensive mistakes: for the three goals, despite them being great finishes, and when Courtois made a fantastic save with the result at 4-3.''

Onazi's cracker in Lazio 3-1 over Inter Milan (VIDEO)

Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi's cracker against Inter Milan. (Video courtesy Youtube)

''Make AC Milan fly high again'', Balotelli wishes Torres goodluck on his Milan loan move

Although Mario Balotelli has not played along side Fernando Torres before, he wishes the Spaniard best of luck on his loan adventure at AC Milan and encourages him to keep the club on high.

Mario posted on Instagram: ''Good Luck Fernando! Make ac Milan flying high again!''

Torres will be playing at Milan for the next two season to find his scoring boot may be....

Saturday 30 August 2014

Stoke shock City, Goals galore as Chelsea beat Everton

Mame Biram scored the lone goal that helped Stoke City secured their first win in the premier league this season as they edged Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
 
It took just 36 seconds to get the game started as new Chelsea signing, Diego Costa scored from a Cesc Fabregas pass to begin the nine-goal thriller against Everton at the Gudison Park.
 
Jose Mourinho's men showed their scoring ability as Eden Hazard, Ramires and Matic all got on the scorer's sheet to grab a superb 6-3 away victory.

Former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto's was also on the scorer's chat but for his new club Everton to mark his debut.
 
In an early match, Manchester United were away at Burnley in a quest to grab a first victory since the start of a new season under a new gaffer.
 
United failed to unlock the newly promoted side despite the presence of the record signing Angel Di Maria who could only pull a few passes to see the game ending goalless.
 
Other results saw Swansea defeat West Bromich Albion 3-0, Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Sunderland, Westham United 1-3 Southampton,

Friday 29 August 2014

Mourinho wants Torres to stay at Chelsea

Despite several reports linking Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to clubs, manager Jose Mourinho said he is part of his plans for the season.

Speaking ahead of Everton clash billed for Saturday, the Portuguese said "What we have clear is that we need three strikers to face the season, he is one of them''

"I like him as a person. I like him as a player. If he wants to leave it is something he didn't say to me. At the moment he is our player, nothing more than that.

''If he wants to leave I believe it is because he wants to try a new life, a new club, a new league. If he wants to leave I believe it is to try and be happier than he was in the last couple of years.

''This is a very human club in the way it tries to approach these situations. If he comes to us then any possibility will be analysed.''

First thing first: Van Gaal targets top four finish

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has declared that the his intention is to see his side finish among the top four in the English Premier League.

According to the club website, the Dutchman while speaking during a press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday said:

"I never doubt myself,"

"We have made steps in our process. This process needs time. We are building up a new team and I hope we will succeed. I hope we are in the top four this season and then, the next step, is to be the champions and then, the next step, is to be the winners of the Champions League. That takes time.

"Of course, I am a trainer-coach who is used to being in the Champions League so, for me, it is also a little bit strange that we are not in it. We shall work very hard to be in it next season."

UEFA Champions League draw (sse full Draw here)

The UEFA Champions league draw has been drawn with top European clubs said to get started as Real Madrid (defending champions) find themselves in Goup B to trade tackle with Liverpool, Basel and Lodogorets.

FULL Draw right here:

Group A
Atletico Madrid
Juventus
Olympiacos
Malmo

Group B
Real Madrid
Basel
Liverpool
Ludogorets

Group C
Benfica
Zenit St. Petersburg
Bayer Leverkusen
Monaco


Group D
Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund
Galatasaray
Anderlecht

Group E
Bayern Munich
Man City
CSKA Moscow
Roma

Group F
Barcelona
PSG
Ajax
Apoel Nicosia

Group G
Chelsea
Schalke
Sporting
Maribor

Group H
FC Porto
Shakhtar Donetsk
Athletic Bilbao
BATE

Ronaldo bags Best Player in Europe award

Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the best player in Europe ahead of  Arjen Robben and Manuel Neuer.

He won the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid in the 2013/2014 season, scoring the last goal of the game as the Spanish giants claimed the La Decima.

“I’m really, really happy,” Ronaldo said after receiving the award on Thursday.

“I have to say thank you to my team-mates, to my family, my friends. I don’t have this trophy in my museum – I’ll put it there straight away.”
Ronaldo netted an astonishing 17 goals in 11 European matches.

Thursday 28 August 2014

No Arsenal move for Welbeck, Zigic as Wenger debunks panic shopping for a striker story

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn into the news making the rounds that the club is looking to sign a striker to replace injured Olivier Giroud.
 
The Gunners were without the striker who got injured in last Saturday's come-back at Gudison Park against Everton, edging Besiktas of Turkey by a lone goal in the qualifier of the champions league on Wednesday night.
 
As reported on the club's website, Wenger confirmed that the player will not return until later in the year but he's in no mood for a panic buy.
 
''Giroud had surgery today from a broken tibia and he will be out for 3-4 months on the competition side.
 
That means he will be capable to play again in the Premier League certainly at the end of December because he will be out for two months.
 
''By the time he comes back, that goes three to four months. You ask me straight away who we will buy? I give you the answer straight away - at the moment nobody.
 
Recent reports link former Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic and United's Danny Welbeck to the club but the manager affirmed that no contact has been made.
 

Samuel Eto'o says goodbye to international football

Instagram/@setoo9
Cameroun international Samuel Eto'o has decided to call it quit on the international scene.
 
The four-time African Footballer of the Year confirmed this on Wednesday as he dropped a statement on his Facebook account which reads:
 
''I wish to inform you that I put a definitive end to my international career. On this occasion, I wish to thank all Africans in particular and all my fans around the world for their love and unconditional support. Find here the expression of my deep gratitude.'' Samuel Eto'o Fils
 
 
The former Chelsea and Barcelona striker who recently signed a two year contract with Everton last played for the indomitable Lions during the last World Cup in Brazil.
 
He had a total of 116 caps, won two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2008, a competition in which he is the top all-time scorer with 18 goals, and the 2000 Olympic gold medal. He is also Cameroon’s record scorer with 55 goals.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Alexis Sanchez' lone goal sends Arsenal to UCL

Alexis Sanchez scored his first goal for Arsenal in style as it was enough to help the club see off Besiktas in the second leg of UCL qualifier.

The Chilean struck in before the stroke of time  to ensure that Arsenal will play in the Champions League for the 17th consecutive season.

Meanwhile Mathieu Debuchy was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence which condemned the side to fight to finish to make it through.

In other results on the night, Athletic Bilbao and Bayer Leverkusen, will go into the draws for the group stages on Thursday.
 

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Record Transfer: Di Maria says Manchester United is the only club he would have left Madrid for

Argentine international Di Maria has joined Manchester United for a British record fee of £59.7million  from Real Madrid.
 
The 26-year old signed a five-year contract for the club he termed to be his best option as he moved from Santiago Benabeau.
 
Angel Di Maria said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for. (Club Website report)
 
He began his career at one of the most prolific youth academies in Argentinian football, Rosario Central. In 2007, he moved to Europe to play for Portuguese club Benfica, before signing for Real Madrid in 2010. The Argentina international has 52 caps for his national team, scoring 10 goals.

Balotelli and Drogba's Conversation on EPL as the Best League in the World

So the debate on which European Football league is best in the is also a topic on the lips of players, see Didier Drogba and Mario Balotelli's  chi chat shared by the Chelsea striker:

Joke or for real, the EPL is simply one of the best.

Blue for Blue: ''Ambitious'' Samuel Etoo joins Everton from Chelsea

Instagram/ @setoo9

Former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Samuel Etoo has joined Everton on a two year deal after completing his one year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The Cameroun forward shared a pic of himself on his Instagram account captioned  ''Officially an Everton Fc Player. Let's get ready for a new season full of ambitions!''
 Ambitious? Time shall tell.

League One side MK Don hit Manchester United 4-0 to send the Reds out of Capital One Cup

Manchester United have been sent out of the Capital One Cup second round, after a 4-0 bashing by MK Dons on Tuesday night.

United manager Louis van Gaal opted  for a mix of fringe players, with Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, Anderson and Shinji Kagawa.

The League One side capitalised on Johnny Evans’ error to take the lead before half time through  Will Grigg. The striker made it 2-0 with a chested effort, before Arsenal loaneee grabbed a second-half brace to complete United’s humiliation.

Van Gaal is yet to win a competitive game in charge of the Premier League side, who entered this stage of the competition because they are not playing in Europe this season


Rogers optimistic despite Liverpool 3-1 loss to Manchester City

Brendan Rogers is optimistic of his team's future performance despite losing 3-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.
 
Liverpool were the better side for quite a long period in the match before Stevan Jovetic struck twice to put the host ahead while substitute Sergio Aguero completed the thriller.
 
Pablo Zabaleta however handed the visitors a consolation after he conceded an own goal from a Rickie Lambert's close range header.
 
 
''I think up until the 40th minute we were the best team but we switched off in final period,” Rogers told Sky Sports. “We didn’t defend it well enough and were 1-0 down.
 
''At 2-0 it is difficult for us, but to our credit we kept going.
 
''I felt we needed to be quicker in our actions in the final third, we needed to be more dynamic, but we looked a threat, which is important.
 
''This is a difficult place to come, but we will continue to work, we’ll get better, it just wasn’t our night.
 
''There is no psychological blow, there is a long way to go. It was a tough game but we’ll move on.''

Monday 25 August 2014

Mario Balotelli officially bows out of AC Milan, shares a statement on his Instagram account

Instagram/@mb459

Italian striker Mario Balotelli has officially put pen to paper for Liverpool FC in a return to England from AC Milan.
 
The controversial forward however release a statement on his Instagram account to announce his signing out and as well express his gratitude to a club he ''so love''.
 
The statement reads:
 
''As I am about to enter a new chapter, I would like to thank @acmilan fans who have shown incredible loyalty and faith in me.
 
''I also want to thank the great staff who have shown exceptional patience and guidence over the years.
 
''Most importantly, I want to express endless gratitude to my teammates who supported me on and off the pitch, just like my family does. Your camaraderie will be forever appreciated, as I've learned so much from you all.
 
''I leave Milan with sadness, but know that I will still make you all proud going forward.''
 
#FORZAMILAN!!!! #ThankYouMilan  I'm forever grateful

Outstanding Asisat Oshoala the Golden Girl of Canada 2014 Womens World Cup

Although the Nigeria Falconets did not win Gold as a team but Asisat Oshoala has been outstanding in the tournament scoring a total of seven goals for the team and also secured the Golden Ball as the MVP of the mundial.

A bright future ahead babe!

Germany beat Nigeria to claim U-20 Womens World Cup

Germany have been crowned champions of the U-20 Womens FIFA World Cup after they defeated Nigeria 1-0 in Canada.

The pulsating encounter ended goalless in the first half with a few scoring chances especially for the Africans with two clear opportunities begging to be buried.
 
The Germans got the winner after 98 minutes of play through Lena Petermann who coolly slotted from close range which was enough to win their third trophy in this category.
 
Meanwhile, France saw off Korea DPR in the Third place match winning 3-2 to clinch the Bronze.

Individual awards
Sara Daebritz won the Bronze boot and Pauline Bremer (Silver) both of Germany while Asisat Oshoala won the Golden boot after scoring seven goals in the tournament.

The Golden glove went to the German goalie,
Claire Lavogez  (Bronze) France
Griedge Mbock Bathy (Silver) France
Asisat Oshoala Golden Ball
 

Sunday 24 August 2014

The Struggle continues as Sunderland hold Manchester United to a draw

Manchester United managed to share points from their second premier league match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

United had gone ahead through Juan Mata in the 17th minute but the lead was short-lived when Jack Rodwell levelled before half time.

Red devils' new manager Louis Van Gaal admitted that his side was suffered from lack of confidence and that cost them to share the spoils.

Van Gaal said: “One point, that is not good enough for Manchester United.

''We lost a lot of balls in situations where I don’t expect it. We were dominating without creating chances. That is disappointing.

''I think that is down to the confidence. The play was much better in the United States [in pre-season].

''We have to improve but it takes time. You can never say how long it will take. If you win the next game, then confidence is coming back.''
 
It could be recalled that United were beaten at home in their opening game of the season 1-2 by Swansea.

Security concerns force Libya to withdraw from hosting 2017 Nations Cup

Confederation of African Football has confirmed that Libya will no longer host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations due to security concerns.

Libya were to host the 2013 version of the tournament but for the unrest in the country it was handed to South Africa who were supposed to be 2017 hosts.

According to a statement on CAF's website, the body confirmed that plans for replacement is next on the agenda. 

“The designation of the host for this competition will be made according to the statutory provisions of CAF, especially in conformity with articles 27 to 47 of the Regulations Governing the Application of CAF Statutes,” the statement read.
“The CAF headquarters in Cairo will receive applications until Tuesday September 30, 2014.
“In addition to the government guarantee, and considering the limited time left for the organisation of the 2017 edition, the CAF Executive Committee will select a host country whose dossier guarantees that accommodation, transportation and hotels facilities, as well as training sites and stadiums already exist.
“The designation of the host country will be made at a meeting of the Executive Committee in 2015.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/libya-withdraw-hosting-africa-cup-nations/#sthash.Ci8DCtYc.dpuf
 "The designation of the Host for this competition will be made according to the statutory provisions of CAF, especially in conformity with articles 27 to 47 of the Regulations Governing the Application of CAF Statutes.

''The CAF headquarters in Cairo will receive applications until Tuesday 30th September, 2014.

''In addition to the government guarantee, and considering the limited time left for the organization of the 2017 edition, the CAF Executive Committee will select a host country whose dossier guarantees that accommodation, transportation and hotels facilities, as well as training sites and stadiums already exist.''
“The designation of the host for this competition will be made according to the statutory provisions of CAF, especially in conformity with articles 27 to 47 of the Regulations Governing the Application of CAF Statutes,” the statement read.
“The CAF headquarters in Cairo will receive applications until Tuesday September 30, 2014.
“In addition to the government guarantee, and considering the limited time left for the organisation of the 2017 edition, the CAF Executive Committee will select a host country whose dossier guarantees that accommodation, transportation and hotels facilities, as well as training sites and stadiums already exist.
“The designation of the host country will be made at a meeting of the Executive Committee in 2015.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/libya-withdraw-hosting-africa-cup-nations/#sthash.Ci8DCtYc.dpuf

Saturday 23 August 2014

Arsenal fight back to secure a 2-2 draw against Everton

Olivier Giroud's scored a 90mins equalizer which gave Arsenal a 2-2 draw in a two goals come-back against Everton on Saturday.

The host (Everton) were in perfect control of the first half as they opened scoring through Seamos Coleman in the 18th minute while Steven Naismith doubled the lead before the stroke of half time.

Introduction of Olvier Giroud, Snati Carzola and Joel Campbell brought about the desired change that the Gunners have been seeking in the game.

Aaron Ramsey once again proved to be an important player for the Arsene Wenger tutored side when he slotted in a nicely worked Carzola ball in the 82nd minute while Frenchman Giroud headed home to beat Tim Howard from close range.

EPL Watch: Another win for Chelsea (See other results)

Chelsea had to wait until the second half to get the goals coming after they were held for 63 minutes by Leicester City before Diego Costa and Eden Hazard pumped in the goals to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were last week defeated new Premier League entrants Burnley on away soil making their victories 2 wins out of 2 games.

In an earlier fixture it was a stalemate between Aston Villa and Newcastle, Swansea 1-0 Burnley, Crystal Palace despite their impressive performance against Arsenal last week fell at home 1-3 to West Ham United, Southampton also played out a goalless with Westbromich Albion.

Friday 22 August 2014

Keshi losing patience with NFF over contract talk, says he can't wait anymore

Stephen Keshi is obviously frustrated with the way the Nigerian Football Federation is handling his new contract talks.
 
Recent reports have it that the Big Boss has been in talks with the NFF for weeks now, over an extension to his deal which expired after the 2014 World Cup and says he's losing patience.
 
''Talks over a new contract shouldn’t drag on,” Keshi told BBC Sport. ''I can’t wait any more – the NFF is not serious.''
 
Keshi, who led the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last year and the knock-out stages of this year’s World Cup, claimed he still had offers from other countries.
 
''I’ve had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but I kept them all away,'' he said.
 
The 53-year-old also insisted that the current issues the NFF is dealing with, should not be allowed to interfere with the national team’s preparations.
 
He said: ''I understand the ongoing crisis facing the federation but the national team should not suffer from such at this crucial stage. Sadly, I also think attention is focused more on the upcoming NFF elections and the national team is simply not a priority.
 
 
''I love my country and I am aware of the dream our fans had of me taking this team to the next level.
 
''I have moved on. I can only wish the country well for the future.''

Mario Balotelli arrives at Liverpool training ground

Ahead of a potential move from AC Milan, reports have it that Italian striker Mario Balotelli is in England to complete his medicals at Liverpool. (Sky Sports)

Balotelli is supposed to be a replacement for Luis Suarez who has joined Barcelona.

Details later.

King turn delvil: Van Gaal begs for time at Manchester United

After a disappointing first premier league outing  against Swansea last week, Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has appealed to the fans of the club to give him time to implement his philosophy.
 
The Red devils hired the Dutch man to take them to their promise land but the love seems to be turning to hate especially after the Swansea 1-2 defeat at the Old Trafford.
 
''Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester. Now I am the devil,'' Said Van Gaal at a press conference on Friday.
 
''I was not hired to be fired, but to build up a team and that is a process that needs time,'' the Dutchman added.
 

Thursday 21 August 2014

Wenger insists he has no regrets not buying Fabregas back

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger, has insisted that he does not regret turning down the chance to re-sign former skipper Cesc Fabregas.
 
Fabregas joined Chelsea this summer, after Wenger refused to activate the buy-back clause the Gunners inserted in the deal that saw him return to Barcelona in 2011.
 
The Spaniard has been impressive since joining the Blues and was involved in all three goals for Jose Mourinho’s team, as they began their Premier League season, with a 3-1 win away to Burnley.
 
''I have no regrets that Fabregas joined Chelsea,''Wenger told reporters.
 
''My only regret is that he left us in the first place.''
 
Wenger refused to be drawn into comparisons between Fabregas and Aaron Ramsey stating that they both play differently.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

U-20 Womens World Cup: Nigeria Falconets thump Korea DPR 6-2 to book a spot in the final

Nigeria U-20 women national team defeated Korea DPR on Monday to qualify for the final of  FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
 
The Falconets opened scoring through Courtney Dike in the early minutes before Asisat Oshoala began her free-scoring as she saw the back of the net four times in the match.
 
Although Korea DPR look like they would cause the African trouble after scoring their first from the penalty spot which made it 1-2 in favour of Nigeria, but events turned out to show that the Nigerians were too hot to handle on the night.
 
Falconets will face the winner between Germany and France in the second semi final yet to be decided.

Marcos Rojo joins Manchester United for a fee of €20m

Manchester United has announce the signing of defender Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of €20m, with Nani joining the Portuguese club on a season-long loan.

The 24-year old left back was part of Argentina’s squad that played in the final of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup and he joins the Red devils on a five-year contract.
In a statement on the club’s website, the player Marcos Rojo said: "It is such an honour to say that I now play for Manchester United. The Premier League is the most exciting league in the world and to have the chance to play in it for the world's biggest club is a dream for me. I am young and am very keen to continue to learn the game, so playing for such an experienced technical coach as Louis van Gaal is a fantastic opportunity for me. I have joined United to work hard with my team-mates to win trophies and I know that the manager shares that ambition."

Manager of the side Louis van Gaal said: "Marcos is a very gifted defender. He has played at the highest level in world football and can play either as a central defender or left-back. He has ability, physical strength and a willingness to learn that means he has a very bright future ahead of him. He had a very strong World Cup and has been playing in Europe for a couple of years now. He is a very good addition to the team."

 

 

Tuesday 19 August 2014

UCL Play-off: Arsenal play goalless against Besiktas, (other results)

Arsenal's quest to secure a 17th successive UEFA Champions League spot will have to be decided at the Emirates Stadium after they play a goalless draw against Besiktas in Turkey on Tuesday night.

The home side pulled the first threat after former Chelsea striker Demba Ba fired against the cross bar within 5 seconds into the match.

The London club however finished with 10-men after Aaron Ramsey was sent off as he was booked for the second time in the match with just 10 minutes to play.

Besiktas will visit the Emirates next Wednesday for the return leg.

In other fixtures on the night,  it was Napoli 1-1 Athletico Bilbao, Salzburg 2-1 Malmo, FC, FC Koebenhavn 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen, Steaua Bucuresti 1-0 PFC Ludogorets Razgad
  

 
 

Mourinho commends Chelsea composure

Chelsea manager  Jose Mourinho has commended his side for their composure after coming back from a goal down to beat newly promoted side Burnley in their opening premier league match on Monday night.

The Blues conceded in the 14th minute as Scott Arfield fired home but MOU's men maintained their calm as they pulled on back through new signing Diego Costa within 20mins of trailing.

Andre Schurrle was perfect as he converted the mildest touch of Fabregas so also did Branislav Ivanovic all in half time to give the team a flying start into the season.

According to MOU in a post match interview: ''I think we had a good reaction, and the first part of that reaction is the fact that emotionally we were not affected by the goal conceded,'' the Portuguese tactician said.

''We conceded the goal and kept playing according to the way we are training and to the way we want to play.

''The players were very calm.

''They never lost their composure, they never lost the footballing idea, and after that we had a fantastic 20-25 minutes with three goals – especially the second one was a fantastic goal, plus the penalty that the linesman decided not to give – and in the second half we had control of the game.''

Neymar back to business, Suarez finally gets unveiled officially

Barcelona forward Neymar Jnr has returned to action scoring a brace in Barca's final pre-season game against Leon in a match which ended 6-0 at the Camp Nou on Monday.

The Brazilian has not played since sustaining a back injury which cut his World Cup short on home soil.

More so, Luis Suarez who costs Barcelona about £75m has finally been unveiled as he made debut for the club coming off the bench in the white-washed against Leon on the night.

The Uruguay forward replaced Rafinha Alcantara with 13 minutes remaining to a rousing reception at Camp Nou to be unveiled along side the rest of the new signings, Ivan Rakitic, Thomas Vermaele et al.

Costa, Fabregas shine as Chelsea coast to Victory


Chelsea came from behind to beat Burnley 3-1 on away soil in their opening Premier League game on Monday night.

New signing Diego Costa grabbed the equalizer for Chelsea on his debut, Fabregas with two assists on the night and Thibuat Courtois picked to be in goal ahead of Petr Cech.  

Andre Schurrle and Branislav Ivanovic were also on the scorers sheets from the first half.

Chelsea will welcome newly promoted side Leicester City in their next game.

Monday 18 August 2014

Injured! Nadal ruled out of US Open

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will not be playing at the US Open owing to a wrist injury he's been battling with since his exit from the Wimbledon Open in July.

The 28 -year old took to face book to announce his unavailability to his fans and the entire Tennis world which reads: ''I am very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play at this year’s US Open a tournament on which I’ve played three consecutive finals in my last participations.

''I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things


''Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.”
Nadal won the US Open title last year, defeating Novak Djokovic in a keenly contested final.

Sunday 17 August 2014

FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup: Nigeria beat New Zealand 4-1 to qualify for Semi final

Nigeria has qualified for the Semi fina of the FIFA Womens World Cup on-going in Canada after beating New Zealand 4-1 on Sunday.
FIFA.COM/Falconets
Asisat Oshoala and Uchechi Sunday both scored a brace as they whipped the women from New Zealand who managed to grab a consolation in the 89th minute.

The Falconets will confront Korea DPR in the semi final.

AFCON 2015: Nigeria to play Congo as CAF disqualifies Rwanda

Group A Africa Cup of Nations qualifier challenge will no longer feature Rwanda after they were disqualified by the Confederation of African Football for fielding an ineligible player during their qualifying match against Congo in July.

According to a statement on the African football ruling body's website, Congo will now replace Rwanda with immediate effect after their protest was .

Rwanada was to play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on 6th September, 2014.

Cafonline reports that the decision followed a protest made by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) during the first leg match of the second round of qualifying played against Rwanda on 20 July 2014 in Pointe-Noire.

The statement reads: 

''The protest by Congo contested the eligibility of the player Birori Dady aligned with Rwanda, and plays for the AS Vita Club of Kinshasa with Congolese (DRC) passport as Etekiama Agiti Tady, and a different age.

''Following investigations by CAF and on the basis of documents provided by the federations of Rwanda, Congo and DR Congo, and hearing the player's testimony on 11 August 2014 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, CAF established that the two identities only referred to a single person.

''While the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) maintained that to their knowledge the player Dady Birori had one identity, investigations revealed that he was summoned as Etekiama Agiti Tady by FERWAFA to join the national team of Rwanda,'' it said.

''Based on these and other findings, the Organising Committee of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in accordance with Article 41 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Articles 82 and 83.1 of CAF Disciplinary Code, decided as follows:

''Immediately suspend the player Etekiama Agiti Tady / Birori Dady until further notice and ban him from playing for club and the national team

''Rwanda declared losers of No.37 against Congo, and consequently being eliminated from the competition

''Consign Congo to the group phase of the qualifiers of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco in 2015 in Group A, as replacement for Rwanda

''Reserved the right to confirm the exact length of the player's suspension and to impose additional sanctions if necessary at the next meeting of the Organising Committee scheduled for 17 September 2014

''Urged players and stakeholders to regulate the situation of dual identity

''The decision of the Committee takes effect immediately and with option for appeal in accordance with the regulatory provisions in force in CAF Disciplinary Code.''



A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf
A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf
A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said the decision followed a protest lodged by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), after their match against Rwanda on July 20. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/afcon-2015-caf-disqualifies-rwanda-fielding-ineligible-player/#sthash.hIBsvN8H.dpuf

City begin title defence with a win over Newcastle, Liverpool edge Southampton

Last season winners of the Premier League, Manchester City began their 204/2015 campaign on a good note as they defeated Newscastle at St. James' Park on Sunday.
Twitter/@MCFC
 Edin Dzeko created a fine chance with a back-heel for David Silva who gave City the lead in the first half. The host tried rallying back as they came all out for a leveler only to concede a double after substitute Sergio Aguero scored.

In the early kick off of the day, Liverpool began their life after Luis Suarez with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge proving they can take the club to promise land as they both fired in to beat Southampton 2-1.

Mourinho changes gear, says second place finish would be enough

Despite spending over £70m to beef up the Chelsea squad for the new Premier League season, Jose Mourinho has admitted that the league is very competitive and feels a place behind the first would be a pleasure.
+Chelsea Football Club /Mourinho

As reported by Dailymail sports, Mourinho said ‘It’s the only league in the world where four, five or six clubs are title contenders. Only one can win. Do the other five fail? I don’t think so.

''One view is that one succeeded and five failed. Another view is that three, four or five did fantastically but only one won.''

Chelsea would be away at Burnley on Monday and Mourinho added: ‘I can do nothing more than say: ''We feel we are title contenders.'' The only thing I can add is that probably, if you ask every manager in the Premier League are you a title contender, probably four, five or six will tell you, ''Yes.'' 

Come to think of it, this same Mourinho labelled Arsenal manager, Wenger ''specialist in failure'', does this mean he has changed his mind to play second fiddle or playing mind game?
MOU: - ''If the team finishing first is better than us — if we are very good but somebody is better than us — that’s football. That’s not a failure. The only thing you can do is be good.

''We have to be good, we have to better than last season as a team, the quality of our game, in everything we have to be better.

''We have to fight for the title and after that if somebody is really better than us, it’s because they were fantastic.''

Wenger relishes home victory in league opener as United lose at Old Trafford

Arsenal is the only team to record a home win on Premier League opening day as the Gunners rallied back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace.
 
Meanwhile Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger agreed it was a hard-earned victory for his side after going a goal down.
 
''It was not the plan, the plan was to win the game, but because of the physicality and organisation level of Crystal Palace. It was very difficult for us.

'''Why Because we conceded a goal on the first corner they had.
 
''We lacked a bit of pace in the final third to change what we built up into dangerous situations but it was enough to win the game and win the three points.''
 
Wenger: - You could see that for the first game of the season, nobody won at home, we were the only team that won at home. So that shows you that it's difficult for everybody on the first day of the season. We got the three points we wanted, now let's focus on Besiktas.
 
In other results, Manchester United suffered a 1-2 loss to Swansea, Leicester 2-2 Everton, QPR 0-1 Hull City, Stoke 0-1 Aston Villa , West Brom 2-2 Sunderland and in the London derby it was West Ham 0-1 Tottenham
 

Saturday 16 August 2014

''We are delighted to have Victor Moses'' - Stoke City Chief

Nigerian forward Victor Moses has moved to Stoke City on a season-long loan from Chelsea FC.
 
Chief executive of Stoke City, Tony Scholes said that the club is happy to have the 23-year old Super Eagles player in their fold.
 
 ''We are delighted to have secured the services of such an exciting young talent in Victor.
 
''He will certainly add to our attacking options and from talking to him it’s obvious that he’s really excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League with Stoke City'' said Tony Scholes.
 
Moses was on loan at Liverpool last season making just 6 premier league starts, 13 from bench and scored just a goal.
 
 
 
 

Manchester United 1-2 Swansea: Could this be one of the shocking results Rogers warned Van Gaal about?

Swansea visited the Old Trafford on Saturday to prosecute their opening game of the 2014/2015 season. The story is simple. They came, they say and they conquered the home side 2-1.

It could be recalled that Manchester United had a pretty good pre-season run recording five wins in all five matches under new manager Louis Van Gaal but Liverpool boss Brendan Rogers issued a note of warning  that the United gaffer will find the league proper shocking.

In his words: "I think what he'll find is the competition in this league will be different to any other league that he's worked in.

"In a lot of the other leagues, there are one or two teams and those are the teams that are expected to win.

"This is a league where the top team plays the bottom team and on any given day you can lose. You don't get that a lot in the other leagues. I think the competition will probably take him by [surprise], and that's from foreign managers I have spoken to over the years."

The excerpt above shows that Brendan Rogers was clear with his words to the new united gaffer and that’s exactly what played out in the opener against the Swans at home.

In fact, Swansea went ahead to take the lead before Wayne Rooney grabbed the equalizer which only lasted until the later minutes of the match before Gary Monk’s men completed the job.

Van Gaal complained bitterly about how his team faired as a unit, other than trying to achieve stuffs with individual brilliance. 

''It is very disappointing that we have lost our first home match,''

''We didn’t reach the level we can play at. That is disappointing because we have done it much better and when you cannot do it in your first home match that is disappointing, especially for the fans.

''We were very nervous in first half, made the wrong choices and that is a pity. In the second half we never played as a team, therefore I’m responsible.
 
 ''We had more chances than Swansea but that shall say nothing about the result. It is the goals that count. I thought we would win [at 1-1] but because we are not playing as a team in the second half we made the wrong decisions going forward.

 ''My players did their utmost best, which I said in the dressing room, but you also need to play as a team and reach your level.

 Simply put, no English Premier League is a roller coaster, as often said, Gold don't lie enticingly in Gold Coast. What a way to begin the season.!