Ike Uche flaunts his new Adidas Predator Instinct boot (PHOTO)

Twitter/@Ikeuche9

Villareal striker Ike Uche poses with his new boot and shares with his fans on social media, he said on twitter ''My new shoes #PredatorInstinct, thanks @adidas_ES!''

Reports have it that the Nigerian has been invited by reinstated Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi for the final two games of AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Congo

Throw Back: Who remembers Samuel Eto'o stint with Real Madrid? (PHOTO)

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Samuel Eto'o is a Cameroonian currently plying his trade in the English Premier League with Everton  FC where he joined on free transfer from Chelsea.

Eto'o is enjoying his spell with Everton having scored four goals in Eight games so far, and the club is considering an extension for the African star.

The striker spent a season with Real Madrid Castilla (Youth Team) before he was loaned to Leganes, Espanol and Marlloca before being transfer to Mallorca, and then the success list gets full

What does Taylor Swift want on the Basketball Court?

Twitter/@Ballislife

Taylor Swift is on a promotional ride for her new Album ''1989'' which leaked released on Sunday, and she has not exempted her sporting fans as she took to the Basketball court to hang out with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e in the Pic with Taylor in the middle.

Now we know where the American singer and writer belongs in sports and games.

Keshi Returns as Super Eagles Coach!

Reports have it that former coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, who was recently relieved of his post has been reinstated back as the Head coach of the nation's men senior national team.

Media Officer of the Team, Mr Toyin Ibitoye shared this news on his personal twitter account @ToyinIbitoye on Thursday which read ''Keshi Returns as @NGSuperEagles Coach.''

More as event unfolds.

FA Slams Rio Ferdinand with three-match ban, £25,000 fine over Twitter taunt

Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand will miss three games and pay a fine of $25,000 over a twitter comment, the Football Association has announced.

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The 35 year old posted a comment with reference to gender last month which has landed him in the situation which will see him miss an encounter with Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle if an appeal is not brought forward and upheld.

Report on Skysports has this statement from the FA which read: “Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has been suspended for three matches commencing with immediate effect, subject to any appeal, after an FA misconduct charge against him was found proven.

''It was alleged a comment Ferdinand posted on his twitter account was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper.

“It was further alleged that this breach was aggravated pursuant to FA Rule E3(2) as the comment included a reference to gender.

''Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Wednesday 29 October, Ferdinand was also fined £25,000, severely warned as to his future conduct and ordered to attend an education programme, arranged by The FA within four months.''

Senzo Meyiwa's girlfriend barred from attending funeral

The family of deceased South African shot-stopper, Senzo Meyiwa have stated that their son's burial ceremony is open to all to attend but not his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.

 

Photo: Senzo Meyiwa and his girlfriend (Source Eyewitnessnews)

According to report on Allafrica.com, Kellu Khumalo who has a child for the national team captain is not invited for the burial which will take place on saturday.

"The service is open to anyone who wants to come to pay their last respects to Senzo, but that girl [Kelly Khumalo] is not welcome. She mustn't even think about coming," Meyiwa's father, Samuel was quoted as saying.

Gauteng detective unit head Maj-Gen Norman Taioe told reporters in Johannesburg that Meyiwa was shot in his upper body while visiting his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday night.

Meanwhile Police have released identikits of two dreadlocked men with gold teeth believed to be involved in Meyiwa's shooting and a ransome of R250,000 is being offered for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Capital One Cup Shocker: Newcastle United send City Packing

A resurgent Newcastle United defeated star-studded Manchester City 0-2 at the Etihad Stadium dumping the title holders out of the Capital One Cup. 

From the blast of the whistle, it seemed as though Newcastle were in big trouble but the boys gave ity a run for their money as Roland Aarons scored early enough to send his side ahead on the big day.

Alan Pardew boys showed strength having to deal with several threats from the Manuel Pellegrini men who dominated but could failed to break.

The second half however saw the introduction of Sammy Ameobi who mesmerized the city side and it was another substitute, Moussa Sissoko who sealed the victory to confirm a date in the quarter final with Tottenham Hotspur who defeated Brighton.

Super Falcons cash-in on AWC Glory, get $18,000 each

Nigeria Super Falcons have been rewarded for winning the Africa Women Championship as each of the players recieved a the sum of $18000.

The women defeated Cameroun 2-0 in the final of the competition on saturday at Windoak, Namibia.

However, General Secretary of the NFF Ademola Olajire confirmed that their reward has been handed to them at the ministerial reception in Abuja.

''We are obviously very proud of these girls,” Musa stated. “For the group stage matches, the girls got $3000 each.

''They got $4000 for winning the semifinals and $5000 for lifting the cup.

''So all together they got $18,000 bonus outside their camp allowances.''

Toure backs Mario Balotelli for more goals

Mario Balotelli has been tipped by teammate Kolo Toure to get more goals in the course of the season.

The 24 years old striker was introduced from the bench in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Swansea in the Capital One Cup where he grabbed his side's equalizer before Dejan Lovren scored the winner for the Reds.

Toure told Liverpool Echo after the match the the goal represent the end of an era for the Italian.

''For strikers, goals are like food,” the Ivorian, who also played with Balotelli at Manchester City, told the Liverpool Echo.

''Mario needs to feed himself by scoring goals. Now that he has got one, he will do that, definitely.

''Getting that goal will be fantastic for his confidence. He is a great player, he has just been lacking goals.

''Mario is my mate and I’ve tried to help him, like Stevie [Gerrard], the manager [Brendan Rodgers] and everyone else in the dressing room.

''We all know he’s a top player. I always tell him: ‘You need to get out there and show you are one of the best players in the world.''

''He is one of the best. He has just been missing goals but they will come now.''

Emotional Mario Balotelli relishes first goal in nine matches after he grabs the equalizer against Swansea in Capital One Cup

Instagram/Mb459

Mario Balotelli came off the bench to grab Liverpool's equalizer against Swansea in the Capital One Cup before Dejan Lovren's header which secured a 2-1 victory for the Reds on Tuesday night.

With less than 10 minutes to the end of the match, Balotelli who had earlier been benched for picking up a slight injury during warm up session was brought on by Brendan Rogers to help the team which finally paid off as the Italian finally had a chance to silence his critics. May be....

The player shared on his Social media accounts with an emotional icon which depicts crying. Baalotelli cry?

Okay, let the tears role Mario.... No player especially a striker will be happy when the goals are not forth coming. 

Amazing Celebrity Birthday Cake: Obafemi Martins' well-garnished Birthday Cake should make the list (PHOTO)

Instagram/Obagoal

It was Obagoal's Birthday on Tuesday and he had this to share.... Sure you want to have a piece of this cake. Hmmm

Of course he had a great year in the MLS, he deserves the best cake oooo

Revealed: Everton's Phil Jagielka faster than Hazard, Sterling, Sanchez and others

Merely looking at the headline, you may want to suggest who and who will top the list on the fastest players in the English Premier League.

Surprisingly, it's a defender who tops the list. Everton's Phil Jagielka is 32 now, yet he's fast enough not only to make the cut but to be the number on shot.

Here's a full list as release by EA SPORTS, an agency working with the Premier League to track player by the minutes.

10. Joey O'Brien (West Ham) – 35.46 km/h
9. Craig Gardner (West Brom) – 35.49 km/h
8. Nathan Dyer (Swansea) – 35.53 km/h

7. Alan Hutton (Aston Villa) – 35.54 km/h

6. Mohamed Diame (Hull City) – 35.68 km/h

5. Connor Wickham (Sunderland) – 35.80 km/h

4. Steven N'Zonzi (Stoke City) – 35.82 km/h

3. Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace) – 35.91 km/h

2. Ritchie de Laet (Leicester City) – 35.94 km/h

1. Phil Jagielka (Everton) – 35.99km/h

List is courtesy Dailymail UK

Real Madrid ready to fight tooth and nail over Zinedine Zidane's Suspension

Following the suspension of Real Madrid Reserve Team Coach Zinedine Zidane and his assistant Santiago Sanchez, the club has issued a statement in stout defense of their coaches promising to exploit every option to have the decision reversed.

The former France international was slammed for four moths while his assistant bagged three month by the Spanish football federation for leading the Castilla without the right qualification, as reported by BBC

 ''The club's absolute disagreement with the decision, not least of all because Zinedine Zidane has been authorised by the French Football Federation to work as a head coach in the category Real Madrid Castilla currently find themselves in, as the certificate issued by said Federation from 13 October 2014 states.''

 ''Real Madrid will pursue every available legal avenue so that this decision is overturned.''

Usual suspects in FIFA Ballon d’Or 23-man shortlist, no Suarez!

FIFA Has released a list of nominees for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award which includes current holder Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben, and a host of other players who have been impressive in the course of the last one year.

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The list doesn’t include new Barcelona striker Luis Suarez who recently returned from his four months ban which he bagged for biting Giogio Chiellini during the World Cup.

Break down of the list reveals that Germany is the most represented country with a shortlist of about six players while English Premier League boast of Five  players , La Liga accounts for  a total of ten, Bundesliga has six all from Bayern, one from Italia Serie A and one from French Lig 1.

Gareth Bale (Wales), Karim Benzema (France), Diego Costa (Spain), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mario Gotze (Germany), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Paul Pogba (France), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Holland, James Rodriguez (Colombia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast).

Meanwhile, here’s a list of coaches nominated for the manager  category:  

Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Antonio Conte (Juventus/Italy), Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich), Juergen Klinsmann (USA), Joachim Low (Germany), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea), Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City), Alejandro Sabella (Argentina), Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Louis van Gaal (Holland/Manchester United).

The world football body had four days ago released the women’s category. In the statement on the body’s website, On 1 December, FIFA and France Football will announce in a live show the names of the three women and three men, as well as the three coaches for women’s football and three coaches for men’s football, who have received the most votes (without unveiling the winners). The three nominees for the FIFA Puskás Award and the FIFA FIFPro World XI shortlist for the best forwards (15), midfielders (15), defenders (20) and goalkeepers (5) will be unveiled in the end of November and the beginning of December.

Who will make the final cut? Drop your opinion

It's Obagoal's Birthday: What a year for Obafemi Martins. Story in Pictures

His club Seattle Sounders won the MLS Supporters Shield, Won The Player of the Month Award in August and being nominated for same award for October. He and his club also won the US Open Cup in September 2014.

Do you now agree it's indeed a happy Birthday for Obagoal? Many Happy Return to the goal poacher.

All Photos on this post from Instagram/obagoal

Robin Van Persie: The gain and Pain of Goalscoring

“It was a stupid reaction after the goal. I can see he was excited but after he was booked it was not so smart” - Louis Van Gaal

Goal(s) in the game of football is meant to separate opposing sides or put teams at per during the course of a match.

Manutd.com/Robin Van Persie 

In real sense, when goals are scored by players, it throws everyone on the scoring side into jubilant mood which can sometimes be overwhelming depending of the importance of the goal or at what time it was score. On the other hand, the conceding side become unhappy.

Sometimes in a match, a side may have taken the lead in the early minutes while the opponent make efforts to rally back to be at per and or win the match as the case may be. In fact, a goal may come very late in that it could be the last attack of the allotted match time.  However, the importance of goal(s) in a match cannot be overemphasized because it is a determinant of a whole lot in the game. In grouping situation, goal(s) sometimes determine different positions teams assume in the group or on the log.

The goalscorer is usually the lead jubilant as he takes to any kind of gesture, artistic performance or gymnastic to express his joy. 

Sometimes, jubilation are rehearsed by members of the team or the individual player. Some common jubilation according to Wikipedia include: 

• The scorer running away from teammates who wish to embrace or congratulate him.

• A giant group hug of the players on the pitch with the scorer underneath, or the players jumping on each other shoulders.

• The scorer banging with a fist on his chest.
• The scorer kissing the club/national badge on his or her shirt, to show his or her love for the club/country.The scorer diving onto the grass with arms and legs outstretched. This was supposedly first done by Jürgen Klinsmann, shortly after he joined Tottenham Hotspur. Klinsmann was actually performing this goal celebration to satirise his own (in his belief unjustified) reputation for diving to win free-kicks and penalties. It became known as "a Klinsmann".

The above jubilation does not represent the entire forms of jubilation as we have quite a lot of moves performed especially in contemporary times. Some players have things written in their underwear or on their bodies which they might want to reveal to the fans. It could aslo be for endorsement reasons, to gain popularity or give the football world something to talk about. Like Ronaldo, Balotelli, Angel Di Maria, Gareth Bale, to mention a few of popular characters found wanting.

It should be noted that jubilation can drag the player into trouble waters and pose serious danger to the player himself as we have seen in recent times just to mention a player injuring himself during his acrobatic display in a match in India.

For these reasons, some jubilation performances have been banned and anyone who flouts the rules guiding such in their clime will be made to pay dearly. 

 If a player incites the crowd and/or takes his shirt off after scoring a goal he is likely to get booked by the referee. This can cause huge controversy if the player has already been booked, since he would then be sent off. However, some players get around this rule by pulling the hem of their shirts over the head, without taking the shirt off entirely, but this is not always overturned by the referees. Some players were receiving fines for dropping their shorts after scoring. - Wikipedia

Most recently, Robin Van Persie scored an all important goal Manchester United in a game that was almost won by Chelsea but The Reds forward struck with just seconds remaining to cancel out Didier Drogba's second-half header, capping a vibrant and valiant display against Jose Mourinho's side.

His goal obviously changed the atmosphere, helped his side salvage the situation and affect the club record on a positive. RVP took off his shirt despite knowing it would lead to a yellow card.

Despite the importance of that goal, The Reds' manager Louis Van Gaal frowned at the manner in which his player took to celebrate, branding it as ''stupid''.

“It was a stupid reaction after the goal. I can see he was excited but after he was booked it was not so smart” - Quoting the Dutch manager 

You may wonder why the coach is not pleased, well, may be players should be asked if the letters are not clear enough for them to understand. It costs the player himself, let alone the team. It is tantamount to piercing ones self in the eye. Although it come as a natural impulse, what can you then say of players who ensure they do not celebrate when they score against a side they have once fielded for? Come on, players can avoid the extremism and be modest in jubilation so as to leave all parties at peace.

The game is for humans and not robots hence the game is full of emotions-obcenity can be tamed but not players' reactions when they score

 

Robin Van Persie late strike saves United from home defeat to Chelsea

Robin Van Persie fired home from close range to help Manchester United secure a 1-1 draw in Sunday's BPL match against Chelsea.

Manutd.com

The visitors were reduced to 10-men after Branislav Ivanovic carelessly pulled Angel Di Maria in injury time which gave the Red Devils last gasp before the sound of final whistle. Marouane Fellaini attacked Di Maria's effort, saved by Thibuat Courtois and finally buried home by RVP.

Didier Drogba had earlier put the Blues ahead in the 53rd minute which looked like the Blues were coasting away with a win from Old Trafford.

 

Man Utd striker Falcao watched El Clasico in Real Madrid Jersey

Are you for real? Anyways, his fellow countryman James Rodriguez now plays for Madrid, they were also team mates while in Monaco.

Twitter/@Realmadridplace

EPL: Liverpool struggle continues as West Ham Pip Manchester City

Brendan Rogers men continued in their struggle to make an impact in the premier league after they played out a goalless draw with Hull City in Saturday's league match.

Goal-shy Balotelli fired blank as the Red failed to see the back of the net again this week.

West Ham United had a very good outing on the day as they beat Manchester City 2-1 to remain in the top four of the EPL while Southampton also continued their impressive run edging Stoke City by a goal to nil.

Arsenal's visit to the Stadium of light was fruitful with Alexis Sanchez stealing the headline after he scored two goals for the Gunners.

Swansea ended a run of five league games without a win when they beat Leicester City 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium while Crystal Palace secured a 2-2 draw away at West Brom.

Nigeria beat Cameroon to win African Women Championship Title

The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 to win the CAF African Womens Championship in Namibia on Saturday evening.

Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala's goals helped the Falcons see off the Lioness who battled for glory on the night to stop the Nigerians from winning their 7th continental title.

In the 3rd place match, Ivory Coast beat South Africa to claim 3rd place spot which see them join the finalist as representatives of Africa in the Womens World cup.

Asisat Oshoala was however adjudged the Most valuable player of the tournament while Desire Oparanozie picked the Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the championship.

Real Madrid expose Barcelona in 3-1 El Clasico win

Real Madrid came from a goal down to beat Barcelona 3-1 in the first El Clasico of the season in the La Liga which saw former Liverpool striker debut for his new side in the league.

Neymar put the visitors ahead in the 3rd minute of the match while it took a Cristiano Ronaldo 35th minute Penalty kick for Madrid to come back into the game after Gerard Pique caught the ball in an attempt to stop a Marcelo pass.

The home side came all attacking in the second half with Pepe scoring a header to put Madrid ahead before Karim Benzema increased the tally in the 61st minute of the match.

The win places the Whites (21pts) just a point behind Barcelona (22pts) after 8 games into the L Liga season.

Why Always Him: Police investigating Mario Balotelli for ''threatening'' a woman taking photographs of his Ferrari

Mario Balotelli has made the headlines again, not for football reasons though. Reports have it that the Liverpool striker is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police for ''threatening'' a woman who took photographs of his red Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

According to Dailymail Police were called to a housing estate at 3pm on Thursday in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester, where the 24-year-old was reportedly visiting his mum Rose Barwuah.

GMP are investigating Balotelli's use of ''threatening behaviour'' after the forward demanded the woman stop taking photographs of the £240,000 car he shipped from Italy during the summer.

The controversial forward was seen swapping jersey with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half time while Liverpool were 3 nil behind.

Nigeria Coach Peter Debevbo shortlisted for FIFA Award

Nigeria U-20 Women's Coach Peter Dedevbo has been listed among the nominees for FIFA Coach of the Year for Women.

Coach Dedebvo was in-charge of the Nigeria Women’s U-20 Silver Medal team at the recently concluded World Cup this year but were beaten by Germany in the final.

FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football and a group of experts from France Football drew up the 10-man list, which will be cut down to three by December 1.

Here's a full list of the nominees for the award 

1. Philippe Bergeroo (France/France national team)

2. Peter Dedevbo (Nigeria/Nigeria U-20 national team)

3. Laura Harvey (England/Seattle Reign FC)

4. Ralf Kellermann (Germany/VfL Wolfsburg)

5. Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-20 national team)

6. Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan national team)

7. Pia Sundhage (Sweden/Sweden national team)

8. Asako Takemoto Takakura (Japan/Japan U-17 national team)

9. Jorge Vilda (Spain/Spain U-17 national team and U-19 national team)

10. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany/Switzerland national team)

AFCON 2015: Mind your business, CAF tells UEFA

The Confederation of African Football CAF has sent a resounding message to European football body president Michel Platini saying his opinion on the postponement of Afcon 2015 can be described as treachery.

Platini had earlier urged CAF to postpone the Nations Cup due to the outbreak of Ebola Virus but the African Football body has asked Platini to concentrate on matters that affects his confederation.

According to report on Vanguard, CAF hit back at the UEFA boss pointing out that football activities sanctioned by the Europe governing body continue in Ukraine despite the war in the country.

“CAF under the leadership of its President, Issa Hayatou, has always promoted free expression within it. Far from it therefore, claim to deprive anyone latitude to express themselves,” CAF said in the press release published on its official website.

“But we must beware of what appears in every way as interference by a president of a Confederation, in cases involving first and foremost Africa and CAF.

“Under the principle of non-interference required to comply, CAF has refrained so far to comment on some issues on the managing of European football or any other continent.”

CAF pointed to the UEFA boss that despite the shooting down of a passenger plane in Ukraine and the ongoing civil war in the country, Europe’s governing body has sanctioned matches in the nation despite threat to human life.

“Despite the risks involved in armed conflict in Ukraine, a country where a civilian plane was shot down killing nearly 300 people, UEFA did not consider it necessary to exclude Ukrainian clubs from its competitions as a security parameter by hosting games outside this nation, as treacherously raised once it is about Africa,” the statement further said.

Nigeria drops again in latest FIFA Ranking

Nigeria has dropped again in the latest FIFA ranking released which sees the Super Eagles rank 42nd in the world.

It could be recalled that the Eagles ranked 37th last month and 33rd in August.

Reasons for this downsliding is not far fetched as the African Champions have not been convincing in their performance. Recently the Eagles lost 0-1 to Sudan in Khartoum but gave a better show in the return leg.

In the ranking, Germany however remain on top while Argentina and Colombia are next.

Anderlecht vs Arsenal UCL Night Out: A Birthday gift delivered at dawn

Have you ever had a birthday celebration and the baker failed to deliver in time? Let's look at it this way, imagine it's your birthday and after several calls to the baker, the cake is still not in sight and your guests are around waiting to cut and have a piece of the cake.

Say for some adult, there may be claims of having the birthday with or without the cake it's still going to so much fun. Well, try it with your child and then you'll know how much importance is accorded to the ''Birthday Cake''.

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What a feeling when the baker drops by the door to deliver your birthday cake and then it begins to dawn on you that it's your birthday actually.

Arsenal Manager clocked 65 on Wednesday and his piece of cake got delivered almost at the end of the party. Just as fate would have it, Anderlecht lost to Arsenal 1-2 on home soil right in Belgium when it seemed they would get a result on the night's UCL game.

The Gunners came from a goal down to win with Goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski late on in the match to secure their much needed win in the group. Podolski joined the part in the 84th minute replacing midfielder Jack Wilshere, a sub which the manager termed risky but paid off n the long run.

'' I had hope. It didn't look like it but it happened and that means we took all the risks and in the end, it paid off.''

''It's a little bit of a gambling situation that happens in this kind of games and it worked tonight. It did not look obvious, that is for sure.''

Wenger according to reports is one those who do not accord much importance to birthdays, here's his quote just before the game: 

"I am not a celebrator of birthdays," he said. "I just think what is important is that my team performs well.

"Do I feel young? No, because my age is my age and you have to deal with that, but until now I am lucky to be in good shape - the desire and the motivation is stronger than ever."

But come to think of it, should Arsenal have lost on the night, how would it have been for the manager and the players who had wished him a happy Birthday? But yes or yes, it was a happy ending for Arsene Wenger and his men on the road.

Even the French celebrant agreed it was a date with super ending ''It's a nice end to a game.'' - Wenger said in a post-match press conference.

''We played against an Anderlecht team that played very well. They were well organised, very focused, very quick in the transition and very good in the challenges. 

In the other Group game, Dortmund were ruthless aas they defeated Galatasary 4-0 in Turkey to remain atop of the group. 

David Ospina joins Arsenal injury list as Wenger confirms Martinez for Anderlecht UCL clash

Arsenal have been hit by another injury after Colombian Goalkeeper David Ospina was confirmed injured which keeps him out for about three months.

Google Image/Damian Martinez

Arsene Wenger confirmed this to newsmen in a press conference ahead of their clash with Anderlecht on Wednesday night as reported on the club website.

''He had his first injury in Nice,'' said the French man. ''It was a knee problem and I think he was a bit rushed back. 

'He didn't use his legs so his muscle became weaker, then he got injured during the World Cup. And after that he came to us injured, from the World Cup. 

''It took him two months to play a game. I had to bring him on against Galatasaray without warm-up, without being prepared and he had a recurrence of that injury. 

''He had his first injury in Nice,'' claimed the Arsenal boss. 'It was a knee problem and I think he was a bit rushed back. 

''He didn't use his legs so his muscle became weaker, then he got injured during the World Cup. And after that he came to us injured, from the World Cup. 

''It took him two months to play a game. I had to bring him on against Galatasaray without warm-up, without being prepared and he had a recurrence of that injury. 

Wenger further comfirmed the return of some others into the squad. 

''Chambers is back in our squad after suspension. Coquelin is not in the squad. Szczesny is not here as he is suspended and will be replaced by Martinez.''

"You can put the blame on me" says Roma Coach Rudi Garcia after 1-7 loss to Bayern Munich

No one saw this coming, no one. Not even an octopus would predict the eventual outcome of the Roma vs Bayern game which ended in a disaster for the Italians on home soil.

Roma were tortured by the visiting Germans on the night as they fell like a bag of cats with mesmerizing display from the flying Dutchman Arjen Robben who grabbed a brace in that game, along side the likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski, Franc Ribery, Mario Gotze and Xherdan Shaqiri who co pelted the route.

Rudi Garcia however accepted that his side lost both tactically and mentally which amounted to the bashing which was never envisaged.

“It was a tactical collapse more than a psychological one. We weren’t aggressive enough and allowed Bayern to play,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am the first one who made the mistake, it is not the fault of the players, the first-half approach was my fault entirely. It was the wrong strategy, we should’ve been more closed up and try to hit them on the counter-attack.

“Once we were a goal down after 10 minutes, we ran forward and that played into Bayern’s hands. We were too eager to get it back on track and left spaces that Bayern took advantage of. We should’ve kept our heads and waited for the right chance.

“We had a good reaction after the break, their goalkeeper prevented us scoring a couple more, but I am disappointed by the two goals we conceded late on. We wanted to prove there is pride in this squad and we did that in the second half.”

“Now we must lift our heads and the only good news is Manchester City’s draw, which allows us to stay second in the group.

“Bayern were stronger than us and we played much less well than usual. We were almost spectators in the first half and what I don’t like is the lack of aggression and unity.

“We must accept this defeat, which proves we also need more steps to get closer to the best teams in the world. We are still second and can hope for qualification, but certainly not playing like this.

“Playing against Bayern Munich there is only one thing to lose and that is with a slap to the face. Losing to them is normal.”

Roma remain second in the group after City could only draw 2-2 at CSKA.

Chelsea players share dressing room pic after 6-0 demolition of Maribor

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba shared this picture of the boys in the dressing room shortly after their 6-0 win over Maribor in the UEFA champions league on Tuesday night.

He tagged a couple of other players asking "but where is @cesarazpi"

Oscar Pistorius bags five years jail term

Finally, judgment has been served on the Oscar Pistorius murder trial as reports have it that the South African amputee athlete has bagged five years jail term sentence for the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

According to The Independent UK, Pistoriu was sentenced at Pretoria’s High Court for the killing of his girlfriend Ms Steenkamp, after being cleared of murder but convicted of culpable homicide.

There is no minimum sentence for culpable homicide, which left Judge Thokozile Masipa to decide independently what punishment the Paralympian should receive for negligently killing Ms Steenkamp.

Read more....

100 goal-mark in Spain excites Nigeria striker Ike Uche

Nigeria international Ike Uche has expressed joy over his new goalscoring record after he struck twice to reach a total of 100 goals in his 12-year spell in Spain.

Twitter/@Ikeuche9

The Villarreal striker scored twice to ensure his side defeated Alemeria  in weekend's La Liga match in which they won 2-0.

He shared on his Twitter account "Great game last night, very proud to have scored my 100th goal in Spain. Just want to thank everyone for the support.

Of course it's worth celebrating, congrats IKE.

Ebola-free Nigeria interested in hosting 2015 AFCON

Nigeria is among other countries interested in hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 having been cleared of the Ebola Virus Disease by World Health Organization on Monday.

Goal.com reports that  the first Vice President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi  dropped the hint shortly after the country was cleared of the EVD after several reports have suggested hat the supposed host nation Morocco may pull out due to the fear of the deadly virus.

Akinwunmi noted that the chance of hosting the continental event is possible, ''I think we are interested [in hosting the Afcon],'' he told Goal on Monday.

''It is not strictly the purview of the NFF alone but we have been asked [if we can host the competition] and we have said yes, why not?

''I think that the National Sports Commission or the Federal Government is looking at the possibility of hosting the tournament.''

Ivorian footballer Salomon Kalou and Yvonne Nelson look perfect in this pose

Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou shared a pic of himself and Popular Ghanaian Actress & Model, Yvonne Nelson.

He posted along with the image "Meet one of the most talented African movie star" on his Instagram.

They look like a couple you know. Or What Ya Say?

Kalou joined Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin from Lille of France during the summer transfer.

Wenger blames Arsenal 2-2 draw against Hull City on luck

Arsenal manager has aired his disappointment after his side were held to a 2-2 draw despite having huge possession over visiting Hull City on Saturday in their EPL game.

The Gunners took the lead through an Alexis Sanchez solo goal but Mohamed Diame equalized for the visitors to end half time with one goal appease.

Arsenal.com

Hull grabbed their second as Abel Hernandez rose to a cross heading home to put his side ahead in the second half before Danny Welbeck  pulled a late equalizer for the Emirates side.

Quoting the Gunners manager on the club website: “It is a very disappointing result because we were very unlucky with the referee’s decision for the first goal.

“They had two shots and scored two goals but we had to keep going and that saved us a point in the end. It is a long time since we’ve dominated so much and not won the game.

“Look at the shots on goal; how many times did they come into our half? They defended well and we made it difficult for ourselves by giving them a second goal. Sometimes the team that takes the initiative doesn’t win. We tried our best and we can only look at ourselves.

“We have conceded too many goals and we have to look at ourselves defensively. Some other teams have bought many defenders and concede goals as well. I think it’s a matter of concentration.”

Arsenal struggle, Chelsea remain on atop EPL

Arsenal managed to secure a 2-2 draw after Danny Welbeck grabbed an equalizer for the Arsene Wenger tutored side against Hull city at the Emirates.

Chelsea pulled a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in a game that saw both sides end with 10-men but the Blues remain on top of the Premier League with 22 points.

Oscar's superb free-kick put the Blues ahead before Cesc Fabregas doubled the lead in the second half, while Fraizer Campbell scored for Crystal Palace.

Sunderland were the weeping boys of the weekend after they conceded a total of 8 goals on away soil to Southampton, while Manchester City wallop Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 with Sergio Aguero scoring all four goals in the encounter.

Brendan Rogers says Balotelli is working a Lions to end goal quest

Liverpool Manager Brendan Rogers has revealed that the rate at which their new top man Mario Balotelli is working hard is quite impressive.

"He is a really good boy and is so keen to impress," the Northern Irishman commented to the Liverpool Echo on his final signing of the summer transfer window.

"He is doing his best and has worked very hard during the international break. Mario has worked like a lion over the past fortnight. Nobody is more determined than him to show his value and worth."

Liverpool

The Italian striker is in search of his first premier league goal and hopes to end his quest to silence critics this weekend when the club confront Queens Park Rangers.