Friday 28 November 2014

Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers reveals Balotelli is not set for return against Stoke

Liverpool will be without Mario Balotelli when they host Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday.
The Italian has missed Champions League match against Ludogorets Razgard midweek and a couple of games in the past few weeks due to a groin injury he picked up while on international duty.
The Reds manager Brendn Rogers at his pre-match press conference, confirmed that the Italian would not be a part of the squad for Saturday's encounter.
"Not yet, no," said the Northern Irishman when asked if Balotelli could feature against the Potters. "We'll have the same squad as the other night."

Manchester United confirm Falcao and Rojo for Hull City clash

Manchester United manager has confirmed that Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo could make their come back from injury in weekend match against Hull City in the Barclays Premier League. 
The manager told the media that both players could be available for selection for saturday's match, - according to the club's official Twitter account.

''@Falcao and @MarcosRojo5 could both return to #mufc's squad against Hull City tomorrow''.
Radamel Falcao posted on his twitter page. (The cut above)

Roy Keane leaves Aston Villa after about six months as assistant manager

Roy Keane has stepped down from his role at Aston Villa where he worked under Paul Lambert combined with his assistant manager role at Republic of Ireland.

The former Manchester United midfielder who joined Villa in Jul claimed he wants to concentrate more on the Ireland job.

''Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much,'' Keane said.
''It isn't fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision.
''I’d like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the Club nothing but the best going forward.''
Lambert thanked Keane for his impact at the club and made it clear that he completely respects his decision to quit.

I’m not thinking retirement – Didier Drogba

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has stated clearly that he’s not considering retirement yet.

Google Image
The 36 year old who returned to Chelsea after two years away told, Oma Akatugba, an international football expert after the Champions League match against Schalke on Tuesday night in Gelsenkirchen Germany that he would to think about retirement soon and make decisions on life after playing career.
 
''I have to think about it's soon ehn...laughs..but I try to to enjoy the moment and on day for sure it would have to come, - said the Chelsea forward.

''You cannot continue forever, it has to stop one day.''

The goal poacher retired from national team football after the Brazil World Cup, and since returning to the Blues, he has proven to be an addition to the attack of the Blues which he attributes to his love for the game.  

Drogba being interviewed by Oma Akatugba
''There is no secrete, for me its passion.  I am happy to be on the pitch, anytime I have the chance to be on the football pitch I try to enjoy it, that's why I keep going.

On life after playing career, Drogba said ‘What am looking at the moment is how I can help the team achieve success.

''What can I bring to the team, how can I help the team. That’s the most important thing. I don’t look at 4, 5 or 10 years. My focus is now.''

Didier Drogba became the second non-European player behind Lionel Messi to score 50 or more goals in European competitions.


 

Thursday 27 November 2014

Nigeria retains 42nd position in FIFA ranking

Despite not qualifying for Afcon 2015, Nigeria did not surge nor slum in the latest FIFA ranking released by world football governing body FIFA for the month of November as Nigeria remains on the 42nd position attained.

The Eagles defeated Congo 2-0 away and played out a 2-2 draw in Uyo against South Africa but was not enough to see the team through to Equatorial Guinea 2015.

My Take: You envisaged a slum didn't you?

Arsenal confirm Jack Wilshere is out for three months

Jack Wilshere has successfully had a surgery on his left ankle and the London club will be without the midfielder for about three months.
Arsenal.com/Jack Wilshere
The England international sustained the injury while playing against Manchester United on Saturday in a Barclays Premier League match.
 
According to report on the club website, the 22-year old was assessed by a specialist and was confirmed for an operation which he had in London on Thursday afternoon.
 
Jack will now commence his injury rehabilitation programme with the Arsenal medical team.
 

Confirmed: Victor Moses to miss Liverpool tie, out till January

Victor Moses will not be a part of Stoke City to that will face Liverpool in Saturday's Barclays Premier League match after it was confirmed that the Nigerian had picked up a thigh injury.

The Nigerian international will be sidelined until January according to a report on the club website released on Wednesday.

''On-loan winger Victor Moses is facing the prospect of at least six weeks on the sidelines with the thigh injury he sustained in last weekend's defeat at the hands of Burnley, but there's optimism that Marc Wilson may be available for the trip to Merseyside,'' - The report reads. 



Wednesday 26 November 2014

Team of the Year: UEFA records three million votes in 24 hours

Over three million votes have been recorded in the on-going UEFA Team of the Year 2014 with just about 24 hours after the poll was introduced.
UEFA.COM
According to UEFA.COM, 3,166,801 votes had been cast in the poll, which gives fans the chance to select their stars of the year from a 40-strong selection chosen by UEFA.com. 

At the same stage in 2013, 2,195,589 votes had been cast – the 2014 selection is clearly engaging fans and players more than ever.

If you're yet to cast your vote for players you want to see in the team before they are announce, click here.

Breaking: CAF and Adidas present ''Marhaba'' as Eqautorial Guinea 2015 Afcon Match Ball

 Confederations of Africa Football CAF Adidas have presented the official tournament match ball, Marhaba, for the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea 2015.
Marhaba 
The official presentation will be done come December 3 during the draw of the final tournament at the Sipopo Convention Center in Malabo

Reports on the football body's website have it that the design is ''inspired by the history of the tournament and it's famously passionate fans. 

''The distinctive gold and blue colouring on the ball represents the contrasting landscape of the continent, from the Sahara desert to the bright azure sky of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.''

Be of good cheer Schalke, you lost to a ''very good Chelsea team'' - says Mourinho

Google Image: Jose Mourinho
Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho has sent out an encouraging message to Schalke after his team bashed the Germans 5-0 in a UCL game on Tuesday night.

The Germans went down five nil at the comfort zone yet Mourinho feels the team should take solace in the fact that they lost to a ''very good Chelsea team''.

''I think we should have scored even more,'' – said the Chelsea manager in a post match interview as quoted by the league body's website.

''Obviously Schalke must be very sad with the result, the only comfort they can take is that they lost against a very good Chelsea team.''

Mourinho further hailed his side for the impressive performance terming the result as abnormal.


''To win 5-0 away in the Champions League is not normal. To win 5-0 in Germany is even more not normal. 

''The performance was complete. It was very impressive.''


My Take: That's MOU for you after an emphatic victory, lol

It was Xabi Alonso's Birthday but Aguero got all the Gifts to help Manchester City

Manchester City secured an important three points at the Etihad Stadium against Bayern Munich to rekindle their hopes of seeing the last 16 of the UCL this term.
Google Image: Sergio Aguero
The Etihad stadium came alive after Sergio Aguero was brought down in the box by Benatia who got sent off and reduced to see the visitors reduced to 10-men. The Argentine striker put City ahead scoring from the penalty spot to begin his eventual hatrick.

Before long, Birthday Boy Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski scored to see 10-man Bayern go into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The real drama began when the birthday-boy's pass saw his pass intercepted by Aguero who made no mistake to set the match at per at 85th minute but also benefited from another mistake by Jerome Boateng to secure City's much needed victory.
Xabi Alonso scores from the spot, share by
@ChampionsLeague on Twitter
Manuel Pellegrini's men will now go into their final game away to Roma level on points with the Italian side and CSKA Moscow, meaning they will qualify if they win and the Russian champions fail to win at Bayern, who were already guaranteed to qualify as Group E winners.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Stars dominate UEFA Team of The Year nominees

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are well represented in the shortlist of players for the UEFA Team of The Year 2014 Award.
Google Image
The Spanish club boast of 7 players while the Germans have a larger number of 9 players.

According to UEFA,  more than 6.3 million votes were cast in the UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013 poll, the final XI featured four players from FC Bayern München and a record eighth appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Here's a full list of nominees and you can view and cast your vote here 

Goalkeepers        
Gianlugi Buffon      Juventus
Beto                        Sevilla
Thibuat Courtois    Chelsea
Manuel Neuer        Bayern Munich

Defenders
Sergio Ramos        Real Madrid
Diego Godin          Athletico Madrid
Miranda                  Athletico Madrid
Vincent Kompany  Manchester City
Jerome Boateng      Bayern Munich
Medhin Benatia      Bayern Munich
David Alaba            Bayern Munich
Ezequeil Garay        FC Zenith
Mats Hummels         Borussia Dortmund
Philip Lahm             Bayern Munich
Pablo Zabaleta         Manchester City
Dani Carvajal          Real Madrid

Midfielder
Toni Kroos            Real Madrid
Luka Modric         Real Madrid
Angel Di Maria     Manchester United
Ivan Rakitic           Barcelona
Arjen Robben        Bayern Munich
James Rodriquez   Real Madrid                   
Koke                    Athletico Madrid
Xabi Alonso        Bayern Munich
Marco Reus         Borussia Dortmund
Paul Pogba          Juventus
Ardar Turan        Athletico Madrid
Yaya Toure         Manchester City

Forward
Gareth Bale      Real Madrid
Diego Costa      Chelsea
Tomas Muller   Bayern Munich
Cristiano Ronaldo   Real Madrid
Zlatan Ibrahimovic    Paris Sanit German
Robert Lewandowski   Bayern Munich
Alexis Sanchez           Arsenal
Karim Benzema         Real Madrid
Lionel Messi             Barcelona
Jonatan Soriano        FC Salzburg
Carlos Tevez           Juventus
Neymar                 Barcelona


Laurent Koscielny returns for Arsenal ahead of Dortmund UCL tie

Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund as French international Laurent Koscielny returned to the squad.

 The defender has not featured for the Gunners since returning from international duty in mid October with an Achillis problem
 
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger confirmed that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are ruled out of the tie.
Source: UEFA.COM
 

FIFA names Casillas, four other Goalkeepers for FIF Pro World XI

Real Madrid and Spain Shot stopper Iker Casillas has been shortlisted along with four other goalkeepers for the best fives goalkeepers in the world.

Bayern Munich and Germany's Manuel Neuer is favourite to win, after clinching the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal, before lifting the World Cup with Germany.

Thibuat Courtois was between the sticks when  role Athletico Madrid won the La Liga title, while Buffon was an ever present figure, as Juventus won another Serie A title.

Chile’s Bravo impressed with Real Sociedad and his country at Brazil 2014 and earned himself a move to Barcelona.

According to fifa.com The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from tens of thousands professional footballers worldwide. They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.The shortlists for defenders, midfielders and forwards will be announced and published on FIFA.com on 26 November, 28 November and 1 December respectively.

Who makes the final cut? Make your choice or wait until 1 December when the winner would be announced.

Sunday 23 November 2014

Like Arsenal like Dolphins FC as Enyimba claim forth FA Cup glory

It was a weekend with lots of expectation as the Nigerian club football season was capped with the Federation Cup on Sunday 23rd November.

Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere Lagos hosted the men from the East and all football lovers who troop to the commercial never of the nation to be thrilled with raw football skills as Enyimba and Dolphins FC took the center stage right after the female category saw Rivers Angels dazzled the Queens from the Sunshine State, Akure.

Of course the creme de la creme in the Nigerian football scene graced the occasion.
Without much ado, From the blast of the whistle, Dolphins FC seemed the better side as Emem Eduok continued to trouble the Enyimba defense, but Goalkeeper Femi Thomas was at his best to stop all Dolphin efforts at goal.
Dolphins had a couple of scoring opportunities that could have seen them throw Enyimba off balance but Eduok was left alone to wander in the den of Lions, a defense led by a no nonsense Udoji.

Someone should have told Dolphins the story of Arsenal just a day before their match how Gunners had plethora of chances begging to be buried against rivals Manchester United.

Obviously no one told them. Enyimba came back resurgent and they didn't waste much time before their marksman Mfon Udoh scored in the 55th minute to put the Aba Boys ahead. You should have seen how the fans reacted with their non-stop Uzobu Enyimba Enyim, fireworks and so much noise. Trust me, the chanting from the opposing side subsided and it was all about Enyimba.
It didn't take long before the more or less quiet Udoh found himself gifted a scoring chance by the unsettled Dolphins defense but he opted to set up Chinonso Okonkwo who fired in to doubled Enyimba's lead.

With about ten minutes to see of the game, Man of the Match Eduok rewarded his efforts as he saw the back of the net. Call it a consolation and you're absolutely right.
Enyimba have now defended the title they won last year on the same ground, grabbing their fourth of the Federation Cup glory.

Predict and win: Enyimba vs Dolphins FC in Federations Cup Battle

Dolphins FC and Enyimba FC will battle for the Federations Cup title today, right inside the Teslim balogun Stadium Surulere Lagos.

Both teams finished strong in the league and would be representing at the continental club games. Enyimba, CAF Champions League while Dolphins will play in the Confederations Cup.

Dolphins FC are four time champions of the Federations Cup and they are going into the cracker with Emem Eduok who has a total of 20 league goals in the recently concluded season.

Enyimba International are holders and three-time winners of the federations cup. They also have a marksman in Mfon Udoh who has made a name for himself as all-time highest goal scorer with 23 league goals.

Here's the deal, Predict the correct score and win recharge cards
NOTE: Prediction closes at 3pm today, First 2 correct enteries to be rewarded.
Drop your name and phone number.

Friday 21 November 2014

Scholes believes Manchester United is missing Danny Welbeck

England forward Danny Welbeck was considered surplus to requirement by manager Louis Van Gaal and was sold to rival club Arsenal football club, but Paul Scholes sees the move as one which United will pay for.

Welbeck faces his former club for the first time since he left and would be ready to play his heart out on Saturday.

Google Image/DannyWelbeck
Dailymail quotes Scholes in the Evening Standard, 'In terms of United, they miss the energy that Danny once gave them in attack.

''My view has not changed: he should not have been sold and recently I have felt that United have looked a bit pedestrian going forward. As a United fan I am a little concerned for them going into Saturday’s game.

''Aside from Michael Carrick at his very best, United lack a central midfielder capable of linking play and getting the best out of their forwards. 
 
''They need that individual who can pass the ball forward, play one-twos and bring the strikers into the game. That kind of playmaker – a Cesc Fabregas, Luka Modric or Toni Kroos – is vital to any side. They are the brains of the team and without them the forwards can struggle.

''Much will be made of Danny Welbeck’s first game against the club at which he grew up. The immediate assumption will be that Danny is nurturing some grievance against United at being sold and will want to prove a point. 


''I don’t see it that way. Danny will want to play well because he would want to anyway, regardless of the opposition, and from what I see and hear he is very happy at Arsenal and with his move to London.''

Thursday 20 November 2014

Willian, Oscar, Flamini and Adel Taarabat star at Dolce & Gabbana Chistmas Event

Instagram/willianborges88
Chelsea star Willian Borges shares a pic of himself and fellowe teammate Oscar along side Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini and QPR's Adel Tarabat at the recent Dolce and Gabana Christmas Tree Event in London.

Willian posted on his account @willianborges88 ''Dolce&Gabbana Xmas event! with @adeltaarabt23 @oscar_emboaba #Flamini

Footballers got swag, don't you think so?

Cote d'voire celebrate Yaya Toure's 100th cap for the Elephants

Instagram/salomonkalou
Salomon Kalou and striker Tallo Gadji delighfully posed with Manchester City midfielder on celebrating his 100th appearance for the Ivory coast national team.

The Ivorian played out a scoreless draw against Indomitable Lions of Cameroun and that was enough to see them through to the Africa Cup of nations in Equatorial Guinea come January.

Salomon Kalou shared on his Instagram ''Congrats Mr 100 cap #Yayatoure u deserve it all. #Can2015 @jt_11crml

Nigeria had a bit of luck to have picked a draw says Shakes Mashaba

Despite ensuring that Nigeria did not qualify for the 2015 Equatorial Guinea Africa cup of Nations, South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba believes the Africa champions were lucky to have draw the game.
The men from the south shocked the home side just before half time and pulled another in the second half through Toke Rantie but thanks to Hull City midfielder Sone Aluko who "savaged" the situation scoring twice to see the match end in stalemate.

"The boys did everything right until referee’s optional time at the end of the game – we lost shape and the goalkeeper was obscured at the second goal,” said Mashaba in an interview with Super Sport after the match.

“It is a question of luck (the fact that South Africa have not beaten Nigeria) – we should have beaten them at home and this one as well.

“They had a little bit of luck to come back against us in the referee’s optional time, but they are a good side.”


Do you agree?

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Afcon 2015: Nigeria miss out, see countries that made it through

Title holders Nigeria will not be at Equatorial Guinea to defend the title they won last year, thanks to a 2-2 draw the west Africa played against South Africa in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

The African champions finished 3rd place in Group A with 8points, two points behind Congo who pip Sudan 1-0 to secure an automatic slot after Bafana Bafana maintained their lead as winner of the group with 12points.

Here are the teams that made it through:
Equatorial Guinea (hosts), Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia

Good luck to them all, name your favourites for the title.

AFCON 2015 QUALIFIER: South Africa starting XI against Nigeria

Coach of South Africa, Shakes Mashaba has named his starting line up for the game against Nigeria in their last round of AFCON qualifying match which will kick of 6pm in Uyo.
The Bafanna Bafana have qualified and sits atop the group while the Super Eagles need to win on the day, or draw if Congo fail to beat Sudan.
Bafana XI: Darren Keet, Sibusiso Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Eric Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Mandla Masango, Bongani Ndulula, Tokelo Rantie.
Subs: Brilliant Khuzwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Themba Zwane, Kermit Erasmus, Andile Jali, Lehlohonolo Majoro
Source: Soccerladuma

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Keshi calls Joseph Nathaniel as replacement for Akpan

Sharks Football Club midfielder Joseph Nathaniel has been invited into the Super Eagles by coach Stephen Keshi as replacement for injured Hope Akpan ahead of the last Afcon 2015 qualifying clash against South African.
Google Image
Joseph was at the heart of the midfield in a friendly match between the home-based Eagles and Ghana U-23 team which saw the Eagle launch the Akwa Ibom stadium with a 1-0 victory over the Meteors.

The midfielder confirmed to Sports Talk that he has been in camp since Sunday and looks forward to the date the men fro South.

The Eagles host Bafana Bafana 6pm on Wednesday in Uyo.


Ebola: Football world partner health organitions in fight against deadly virus

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr are some of the top international football players who have patnered with the world football governing body, FIFA, CAF and Health organizations to raise a voice and against the spread of Ebola Virus in the world.
FIFA.COM

FIFA released a statement on its website on Monday stating that the football is not left out in the course to ending the deadly disease which has claimed many lives especially in West Africa.

Some top players which also include John Mikel Obi, Didier Drogba, Philip Lahm and others have been selected to promotes 11 simple health messages selected with the help of doctors and health experts from Africa, the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization who are tackling the outbreak in West Africa, in the campaign tagged ''11 against Ebola''.

According to the FIFA Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jiří Dvořák, MD the popularity of football and its top players has proven to be a powerful way to connect with a wide audience and to transmit public health messages.

''We doctors have experienced the power of football when it comes to prevention and health, while successfully implementing the ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme in 15 African countries as part of the medical legacy of 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Now we are using the same system to tackle Ebola, by presenting simple educational messages to prevent the spread of the disease through the voices of football stars – ''When football talks, everybody listens’.''





Oboabona Out, Omeruo in for South Africa clash

Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona will not taste action when Nigeria trade tackles with South Africa in the win or burst Africa cup of nations qualifying game on Wednesday evening.

The Rizespor of Turkey defender was handed a yellow card for handling the ball in the area in Saturday'sgame against the Red devils of Congo.

He join Reading midfielder on the sidelines while Kenneth Omeruo might make his return back into the squad after he had missed Congo clash due to injury.


Afcon 2015 Qualifier: Nigeria vs South Africa game kickoff time confirmed

The all important Afcon 2015 qualifying clash bewteen Nigeria and South Africa will kick off at 6pm.

Reports had it that the match which was earlier scheduled for 5pm has been confirmed for an hour later, dailypost reports.

According to NFF head of international department, Bola Oyeyode, said on Monday: ''We got information that the match will now kick off at 6pm, and not 5pm as earlier slated.''

The Super Eagles go into the match in search of three maximum points to make it to the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

Monday 17 November 2014

Manchester United in ''soup'' as Daley Blind suffer knee injury

Manchester United travel to Arsenal on Saturday for their next premier league game and this would not be the best of news they expect right now after Daley Blind suffered a suspected knee ligament injury during Holland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Latvia on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old left the pitch without a stretcher, after a challenge with Eduards Visnakovs in the first half and was replaced with Jordy Clasie.
Dutch manager Guus Hiddink already gave an insight to what the midfielder might have suffered. ''It doesn’t look good. It’s his medial ligament. It could be a strain, but it could also be a tear. So that’s a big blow''
Michael Carrick, who played in Blind’s role, also pulled out of England’s squad with a minor groin problem while David Da Gea broke his finger during training with Spain.
United fans won't like this but for Arsenal fans, you never can tell.

Kano Pillars get Lion share as Glo Premier League clubs share N75m Merit Award

The League Management Company has revealed that N75m will be shared among the 20 Glo Premier League Clubs, an amount which surpasses last season's N50m from the Financial Merit Award.


The merit award represents cash earnings shared to the 20 clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sponsored by Globacom Limited in accordance with their placing on the final league table ratified by the league body.

League Champions Kano Pillars will recieve N15m as opposed to N10m awarded to the champions last season, LMC Chairman Nduka Irabor revealed in a report on the league body's website.

''Last season, we had a pool of N50m from where clubs shared based on their final placement on the log but this season, the share-out is N75m representing 50% increase across all positions. It therefore means that any club that improved on its position last season will receive even higher than 50%'', stated Hon. Irabor

Runner-up Enyimba will smile to the bank with N11.25m while Warri Wolves who finished third gets N7.5m. And whereas the least placed club got N1m last season, the earning this season is N1.5m, the breakdown further showed.


The distribution order shows that the 4th placed team will receive N3.75m while N3.15m, N2.925M and N2.85m will go to the fifth, sixth and seventh placed teams. Others are N2.775m, N2.7m, N2.625m and N2.55m for the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th placed clubs.

A further breakdown shows that N2.475m, N2.4m, N2.25m and N2.1m will be received by the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th placed clubs while from 16th to 19th will receive N1.95m, N1.875m, N1.8m and N1.575m respectively.

All payments will be made immediately after the NFF Congress ratifies the season’s placement.




Sunday 16 November 2014

Super Eagles Social Media accounts records massive "followership"

Wow! To his over 300,000 followers on Google plus and over 75,000 on Twitter is not child's play.

The Nigerian national team is a big brand, you should start following too and show your support for the team if you have not.

Morocco bags two year ban plus fine for refusing to host Afcon 2015

Reports have it that Confederation of African Football CAF has slammed Morocco with two year ban from the next two Africa Cup of Nations as punishment for refusing to host the 2015.

"We are going to stick to the rules, that means elimination from the next two Nations Cups," Hayatou told France's L'Equipe sports daily.

"On top of that there will be the financial and moral damages to calculate."

Morocco are facing a $20 million fine for refusing to host the 2015 Cup in its scheduled 17 January - 8 February 8 slot over fears of the spread of the deadly Ebola epidemic to the popular tourist destination, Morocco's Le Matin newspaper suggested this week.

However, Equatorial Guinea have volunteered to host the prestigious African Football festival come next year.

Hurrah! Nigeria beats Congo but this Super Eagles Must Improve

Peradventure you missed the game between the Red devils of Congo and our Super Eagles, i would say you misssed a great deal.

Some say in football you need some luck, i'll say that was what came to play on the day. Thanks to recalled Villareal striker Ike Uche who converted a penalty won by Emmanuel Emenike in the 58th minute before the man who plies his trade China Aaron Samuel, whom many have criticized coach Stephen Keshi for inviting, ''relatively unknown'' as he was then branded.

Both goals came in the second half, after a fruitless encounter in the first 45 minutes that would have seen the Eagles gone behind but for the wastefulness of the devils, glad they never scored anyway, it would have been worse. Being fully aware of the importance of the outcome of the game, the devils played purposefully with finesse and panache from the blast of the whistle, They looked like a team with a plan as they took our team to the cleaners, enjoying so much of the ball in the middle down to the wings but for some brilliance exhibied by the Eagles shot-stopper, Vincent Enyeama.

Soon after the Eagles the first goal, the devils were awarded a lifeline to put the game back on track for themselves and their already disturbed fans, but to their amazement, Vincent Enyeam stepped his game up, ha it saved and it was play continue.

Ike Uche made his presence known, not because he scored from the spot but for the way he kept the attack alive, holding on to balls when necessary, intelligently taking on defens and attempting to score when called up. His ball control was topnotched, you can tell where he plies his trade.

Lets just say getting the three points was very important and is all that matter right now, the Eagles didnt get better as a team until the introduction of Sone Aluko and Aaron Samuel who changed the game and the team began to string a couple of passes. The needful then was someone who could connect easily with the forward which we did not get to see earlier, thanks to the wasteful long balls from the back and the midfield held by John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and Hope Akpan who later got injured and was substituted for Aluko.

For me, the attack found it difficult to get balls at their feet as they had to struggle to come alive, until Mikel realised that going forward was best.

Frankly speaking, i really do not blam those who have been calling for the introduction of the likes of Kelechi iheanacho.Our Eagles need to play exciting football like we see other teams do, reference to the teams that have made it through to the competition already like Algeria, Senegal et al. Some individual intelligence, players who could make something happen with less struggles for the attackers.

Did I hear you say we miss Jay Jay, yes and Papilo? Yes! That was the song on everyone's lips where i watched the game. No one is saying play good football and lose would be better, but the confident play that got us that name ''giant of Africa''' is gone. No team would be afraid of this Eagles, that is why we struggle to qualify playing against the likes of Sudan and Congo. Wake up giants! You won Afcon just last year.

Credit must go to the team and Coach Stephen Keshi for securing the all important victory, but the truth must be told as we approach the final game on home soil. It will be against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on the turf of the new Akwa Ibom Statdium. Come Wednesday, the fate of the Eagles will be decided, in fact, the team under pressure is Nigeria because the men from the South have their feets already in Equatorial Guinea.

Have your say, this is Amos' opinion.

Saturday 15 November 2014

Uche, Samuel score as Nigeria escapes Congolese onslaught

Ike Uche and Aaron Samuel scored to see Nigeria put two goals past Congo in Pointe Noire on Saturday.

Super Eagles needed to beat the host to keep their hope of qualifying for the Afcon 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.

The red devils defeated the Eagles 3-2 in calabar but were not clinical enough to cause upsets on their home soil.

South will visit Nigeria for the final group game, while Congo will play host to Sudan.

Nani dreams return to Manchester United after loan spell at Sporting Lisbon

Manchester United could fans may see on-loan forward Luis Nani playing at the Old Trafford fter he hinted that a return is possible.

The Portuguese international has hit form since returning to Sporting Lisbon but it is yet to be disclosed whether the loan contract provides for a recall clause or not, - IBTimes report.

"I don't think there is a clause but I leave that for others to solve," said the 27-year-old.

"It's always good to feel the affection of the fans."

"If they ask for my return it is because they recognise that I'm doing well and that I could be an asset to the club at the moment."

"That's football - sometimes we are praised and at other times criticised."

"I don't want to distract from my focus. I just want to keep playing football and then we'll see."

"I'm not saying this is the best time in my career - I've had good times and I hope to continue to have them."

"I'm enjoying my football and I hope to remain doing so.''

Friday 14 November 2014

Let's Talk Soccer Bet and The Winning Condom

Guys, let us reason together on this betting that has taken mere passion for sports or football to the next level of having to get rewarded.

Have you not realized that the rate at which people flood to betting shops every weekend, beginning from Friday down to Sunday is so high and only a few would return with smiles on Monday. The thing is, many have fallen in love with the game of football and passion they say is the driving force, sometimes to no where exactly if one is not wise.

There's a common mistake I have observed that many make including me, because I also want to reward my passion. Lol.. Who does not want to make money? The truth is, ''betters'' tend to stake their money on a club they have passion for, even when the team is not doing too well. That's what i call ''Fanatic betting''.

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It is not wrong to have confidence in the team you follow as a fan but what is wrong is when you don't live in reality that your team is not doing well at the moment and you just want to maintain your loyalty.

You'll be rewarded if you maintain your loyalty no doubt, may be your team will send your money back to your account. Hmm, if I hear! Please don't ask me which club I support...

Come to think of it, wouldn't you rather stake wisely? May be you prefer to lose money week in week out, but for me, I believe in the term ''Playing Safe'', let's say, its could be likened to using a condom. You know what I mean. The essence of using a Condom is to help you stay safe, that is also not to say that condom guarantees you 100% security, never! The thing is many ''betters'' do not use condom.

You may not to know who carries a deadly disease especially when it's at its early stages. You don't go raw because you feel the lady or man is looking gorgeous and you think all is well, okay o. Even your darling Girl/Boyfriend (Club/Country) could be a carrier, did i hear you say God forbid? 

In the same vein, you just would not know which team would be the spoiler of your carefully selected teams. Lets just say, many pick teams based on hype. Some even pick teams they do not know or have not heard about, don't you think it is risky even if it is believed that betting is all about risk?

Well, this is not to say that luck doesn't come to play but these days in football, you never can tell. Let me cast your mind back to the recent humiliation of AS ROMA by Bayer Munich, or let's just go far back to the World Cup how Brazil was dealt with, or lets just say how Barcelona could not score a goal against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou. Do you now see that nothing is 100% sure.

Frankly speaking, guys let's stop wasting money and that's why I say let's reason together.

There's a working formula! Stake but never lose it all. No one cares to know how much you stake weekly or daily or monthly in fact annually, but the the is how much do you rake in at the end of the day? That's the question all ''betters must answer''. 

The football world enter into international week where national teams will be doing battles for a place in continental competitions, for this weekend there are many games across the globe. 

Now let's talk bet. I acknowledge that you have been a ''better'' for many years, i also agree that you are a guru in prediction, let's say your predictions are on point, that's if you have been harvesting from your plantation

Staking wisely doesn't require much expertise, neither does it require too much calculation, but still i'll say again nothing is sure. There's nothing wrong in having a big dream, in fact motivational speakers and best selling authors advise that dreaming big is the best. But as you dream, also be a realist.

This is the condom which has been a working formula: risk is inevitable but you can also be sure of certain selections on another betting slip which will serve as your condom for the particular day/week/month, depending how often you engage in the business. 

Practically speaking, when you go for Big teams to Win, also consider them to draw (X) or at least score a goal in a match (Over 0.5) following all analysis, particularly the Over 0.5 in a match depending on how much you stake. Have you tried staking Over 0.5 when you are so sure the match would produce at least a goal?

Have you also tried betting live when you realize you are losing already? The idea is to recover your investment and not lose everything. Don't you think is would be wise enough not to keep visiting the betting shop everyday or every week (for online account holders)? 

Go into this international week and rake in profit. 






Equatorial Guinea replaces Morocco as AFCON 2015 Host

Equatorial Guinea has been announced by the Confederation of African as new host of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations slated to be held between January 17th - February 8th 2015.
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The initial host Morocco pulled for reasons relating to the fear of Ebola Virus.

According to a report on the official website of the African football body CAF president Issa Hayatou was confirmed to be visiting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema on Thursday. Although Qatar had signified interest in hosting if neessary, it is udnerstood that CAF were eager to keep the competition in Africa.

''Following friendly and fruitful discussions, the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.
''The Executive Committee of CAF President Issa Hayatou would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of Equatorial Guinea, to their government, and particularly to the Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.''
A draw for the tournament will take place on Wednesday, December 3 in Malabo.
It could be recalled that Equatorial Gunea co-hosted the Cup of Nation with Gabon in 2012.

'I am not under any pressure to deliver' - Ike Uche

As the Super Eagles gear up for the win or burst AFCON qualifying match against the Red devils of Congo on Saturday, Nigeria striker Ike Uche has insisted that he is not under any pressure.
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The Villareal of Spain striker was recalled by coach Stephen Keshi to be a part of the team seeking revenge in Pointe Noire on saturday, after the African Champions were shocked in the first leg, played in Calabar.

"It's always an honour to play for my country and I am ready to give my best," declared Uche, who scored 14 goals in La Liga last season. "- Ike told Cafonline.

I am not under any pressure to deliver, but the team spirit is high and as a team we would together do our best to qualify our country."

Thursday 13 November 2014

Football fans and how they react about their respective clubs

Someone posted this on his face book account and I began to wonder how true this is, but honestly there seem to be an iota of truth in his revelation on how football fans react about their clubs and i feel i should share this.

He tags it ''FOOTBALL FANS AND THEIR ATTITUDES''


Barcelona Fans - Even though they are one of the greatest, they make no noise, this shows how mature they are.

Real Madrid Fans - They act like kings but talk less

 - They are so patient even when in trouble, they talk a little but not much

Man City fans - I don't even know if they exist 

Liverpool Fans - Claiming to be kings when they are not, though they act wisely

Chelsea Fans - Oh my goodness, they're d worst, they always talk ''rubbish'' and too arrogant, they claim to b the best and yet they have less trophies than all d mentioned teams, they hate history
because their club have none... Amos can't share the rest of the comment

Manchester United Fans - best sets of fans, though they talk, they're friendly, they are the most
successful club in England and they never give up!!!!....

The fan confirms he's a Gunner, so where do you belong and what do you think your normal reaction is when your club is being discussed ???...


Amos says ''So this guy is an Arsenal fan, hmmm, okay lets see how positive this argument will end for him. Hahahaa.... I also feel this is related to Nigerian football fans or what do you think? 

So it's true! Suarez says thank you to Gerrard for advising him to shun Arsenal move

Barcelona Striker Luis Suarez has sent words of appreciation to his former teammate and captain Steven Gerrard for advising him not to join Arsenal last summer.
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Reports had it that the Gunners were keen on his signature and willing to cough out about £40million but was rejected by the Reds.

Suarez eventually joined Barcelona, waited to complete his four months match ban before seeing action for the Spanish giants.

''It would have been a big error that I would have made had it not been for Steven Gerrard,'' Suarez admits, in his book ‘Luis Suarez, My Story: Crossing the Line’.
''We spoke about this when I went to Melwood to pick up my things at the end of the summer and he said: ''You did the right thing, you waited until the best moment.''
''He had told me to play well for Liverpool, give it another year and it will be Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona coming for you and then you can go where you want, because you have the quality to play at any of those three clubs.''
Arsenal fans must be ''hating'' Gerrard right now. Lol