Friday 30 May 2014

BASKETBALL: Former Microsoft Chief Executive set to buy Clippers

A recent report claims that former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Steve Ballmer has met and won the bid to buy the Los Angeles Clippers at $2Billion.

According to USA Today, a source who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said Shelly Sterling had a signed contract with Ballmer that was sent to the NBA for approval. At least three-quarters of the league's owners must approve the sale.

Read more on USATODAY

Eagles return excites Osaze

Nigeria and Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie as usual took to Twitter to voice out his joy on his comeback to the Super Eagles squad playing in the international friendly against Scotland.

Brazil 2014 is the target, go ahead @OdemwingieP

Wednesday 28 May 2014

BREAKING: Van Der Vaart Injured! Out of World Cup

Netherland's Rafael Van Der Vaart has been ruled out of World Cup after picking up a calf injury in training on Tuesday.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is one of the key players tipped to lead the 23-man squad to Brazil 2014 in few weeks but with the turn out of events, he will not recover until after the tournament.

Currently with Hamburger SV, Van Der Vaart 31 saw action in the 2006 and the 2010 World Cup.

Tuesday 27 May 2014

BREAKING: Nigeria vs Scotland friendly under investigation for Match-fixing allegations

Scotland's friendly against Nigeria in London on Wednesday night
is being investigated by police after claims that attempts have
been made to fix the match.

National Crime Agency officers, who investigate serious and
organised crime, have tipped off world governing body FIFA over
possible attempts to rig the fixture.

Dailymail.co.uk reports

Super Eagles Players bonding ahead of Scotland friendly (PHOTOS)

+Instagram @Vinny2908 




+Instagram @Vinny2908

United is Premier League's Most Valuable brand as Bayern top the World

According to a recent report, five English Premier League teams made the list of most valuables brand in the world.

10) PSG - $324m brand value
PSG won their second consecutive Ligue 1 title last term,and are up a whopping 14 places from last year's brand table. They're also set to make Chelsea's David Luiz the world's most expensive ever defender in the coming weeks.

9) Borussia Dortmund - $327m brand value
Jurgen Klopp's side average more home fans at their stadium every week than any other side in Europe, but are losing the battle for German supremacy at the moment with Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich outfit.

8) Liverpool - $469m brand value
Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2009, but are actually down one place from last year. They have especially large followings in Indonesia and the Far East.

7) Chelsea - $502m brand value
Roman Abramovich has turned Chelsea into a genuine footballing
superpower since buying the club a decade ago, and he's seen the
Blues win three Premier League titles and a maiden Champions League crown in that time.

6) Arsenal - $505m brand value
After winning the much needed silverware FA Cup, Arsene Wenger's side will be looking to build on the success next term following an ambitious summer transfer market.

5) Manchester City - $510m brand value
City won the Premier League for the second time in three years and also collected the League Cup during Manuel Pellegrini's first season in charge. They're up three places from last term in the brand table.

4) FC Barcelona - $622m brand value
Having finished the season without a trophy, but they still have the world's most marketable footballer Lionel Messi on their books, who has won the Ballon D'or a ludicrous four times already, despite being only 26-years-old.

3) Manchester United - $739m brand value
United were at the very top of the brand table last year, but after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and the miserable season David Moyes endured, their brand value has dropped by over £60m in one season.

2) Real Madrid - $768m brand value
Real Madrid recently won their tenth European Cup, beating bitter
rivals Atletico 4-1 in the final after Extra-Time. They're up two places from last season's brand table, and have the world's two most expensive footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on their books.

1) Bayern Munich - $896m brand value
Bayern Munich have won two consecutive Bundesliga titles, and finished last term with a record points tally in the German top flight. In Pep Guardiola, they have by far the world's highest paid manager as well.

#Sources: Fanatic.com and Soccernation.com

Sunday 25 May 2014

UCL FINAL DISASTER: 3 die, several injured in Jos Bomb Blast

Reports have it that three Nigerians met their death while watching the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid at a viewing on Saturday night in Jos.

According to Vanguard, The blast came just days after a twin car bomb attack ripped through a crowded market in the city, killing 118 and raising fears of a spread of Boko Haram Islamist violence from the restive northeast.

Read more here

Saturday 24 May 2014

Real beat Athletico to clinch 10th UCL Title

Real Madrid defeated Athletico Madrid 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night in Lisborn Portugal.

Atheleti drew the first blood as Ike Casillas miscalculated and was beaten by a header which put the Diego Simeone side ahead.

Few minutes to the end of injury time, Sergio Ramos struck with a header and the match was sent into extra time as the table turned around with Gareth Bale hit target to shine when it mattered most, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Athleti were nailed.

Diego Costa saw few minutes in the game and was substituted before half time.

Thursday 22 May 2014

BREAKING: Suarez injured! May miss the World cup

Uruguay and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is a doubt for the World cup after picking up a kneel injury in training.

Reports suggest that he suffered meniscus damage and will undergo surgery that normally keeps players out for long.

Source: Supersport

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Ronaldo, Bale confirmed as Benzema sweat for fitness ahead for UCL final

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is positive over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale for the UEFA Champions League final against Athletico Madrid on Saturday.

He made it clear that CR7 and Bale will feature in the epic final against fellow city rivals but cast aspersions on the the return of Karim Benzema and Pepe.

"There's no problem, and I think those two (Bale and Ronaldo) are going to be able to play.'' said the manager.

When asked about the fitness situation on Tuesday, Ancelotti revealed his only serious concerns were Pepe and Benzema.

He said "They're the only two players about whom we have doubts. I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic. I'm a realist and, as things stand right now, of course they wouldn't be able to play.

"We have four days to the final and we'll wait and see. If Pepe can't play, (Raphael) Varane can play in his place.

Barcelona appoint fourth manager in seven years as United Confirm Van Gaal

FC Barcelona on Monday confirmed their former player Luis Enrique as new manager.

Enrique takes over from Gerardo Tata Martino and will be in charge for the next two years all things being equal.

According to a statement released by the Spanish club “The FC Barcelona board of directors have this evening confirmed Luis Enrique Martíneza the new first team coach, following a proposal from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta. Luis Enrique, 44 , will sign a two-
year deal.”

Enrique become the fourth manager the club will be hiring in a space of seven years. Pep Guardiola was in charge from 2008-2012, late Tito Vilanova 012-2013 while Tata Martino handled the team for the 2013 season.

In England, Manchester United also confirmed Luis Van Gaal as their new manager who takes over the helm of affairs from Interim Manager Ryan Giggs who has just been confirmed as assistant to the Dutchman.

He is however expected to return the club to winning ways after an unimpressive 2013/2014 season with David Moyes in charge.

Monday 19 May 2014

London-based Nigerian celebrates Arsenal FA Cup Victory in Style (Photos)

London based Nigerian Olasunkami Olalekan flying his Arsenal flag after the epic English FA CUP final on Saturday

Floyd Mayweather shares his Childhood Photo

Undefeated American Boxer, Floyd Mayweather recently shared this photo of his Childhood days on Instagram.

He knew he was going to be great. So if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

Thursday 15 May 2014

Ronaldo, Alves lunch campaign to lure Ibrahimovic to the World Cup


Although his country didn't qualify to participate in the Brazil 2014 World Cup, after being beaten by Portugal in the play-off, Zlatan Ibrahimovic may yet make it to Rio but on separate grounds.
Barcelona defender Dani Alves, Ronaldo Delima and other Brazilian citizens want to see the amazing PSG star during the mundial.

courtesy: YouTube 

Jesus fails to help Benfica again!

This is interesting! Football fans across the globe are beginning to have a rethink on the issue of Benfica being under a "curse".

Benfica were clearly the best side on the night against Sevilla in the Europa league final on Wednesday night but lost on penalties to the Spanish side.

According to this report  Benfica coach Jorge Jesus and several of the players laughed off talk of the infamous curse in the buildup to the final, but it has now been 52 years since coach Guttman stormed out and the club has failed in every single one of its subsequent European title clashes.

Known as the Jose Mourinho of his era, Guttman had just led Benfica to back-to-back European Cup victories and the Portuguese club looked set to rule the international stage for years to come.

However, shortly after steering his side to victory over Real Madrid in 1962, Guttman quit when his request for a pay rise was turned down.

On leaving he allegedly cursed the club, declaring "not in a hundred years from now will Benfica ever be European champion."

And so far it hasn't.

Read more here on USATODAY

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Sevilla win Europa League

Sevilla have won the Europa League after defeating Benfica 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of open play in Turin.

Benfica were beaten 12 months ago in the final by Chelsea  but this marks a 3rd Europa trophy for Sevilla in eight years.

"Never judge strikers by goals alone" - Eto’o

Many have been quick to criticize Chelsea forward Fernando Torres and some other strikers across the globe for being less potent during the season.

Do you agree with Samuel Eto’o on his view as seen in this Image? Could that also be the reason why Torres is going to the world cup? Many questions demanding answers.

Nasri, Clichy missing in France's World Cup Squad

Samir Nasri has been left out of France's World Cup squad. This was revealed when Didier Deschamps unveiled a 23-man list plus seven standby players on Tuesday.

The Manchester City midfielder has been labelled "troublemaker" in the national team but was part of the team that saw the team through the play off though not impressive in the campaign.

Read more here on SUPERSPORT.COM

Hazard is Chelsea's Player of the Season

Belgian Eden Hazard has been voted as Chelsea player of the season.

The 23 year old scored a total of 14 goals with seven assists which helped the Blues finish third on the English Premier League log (automatic champions league spot).

It could be recalled that the forward was linked to French  champions PSG and recently made the headlines for his comments after their Champions league exit.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Tottenham Sack Manager Tim Sherwood

Tottenham Hotspur announced that the club has parted ways with the manager Tim Sherwood after leading them to a Europa League spot.

Tim took over from Andres Villas Boas and wa handed a contract which has now been cut short by the club management.

According to Daniel Levy's (Chairman) statement on the club's website which reads “We appointed Tim mid-season as someone who knew both the players and the Club.

“We agreed an 18-month contract with a break clause at the end of the season and we have now exercised that option.

“Since appointing Tim as Assistant First Team Coach in 2008 and then as Technical Co-ordinator in 2010 and Head of Football Development in 2012, we have been supportive of him during football management changes throughout that period. On behalf of the Club, I should like to state our thanks for all his efforts during his years with us. We wish him great success in his managerial career.

“Moving forward, now the season is over, we shall embark on the process of finding a new Head Coach. We have a talented squad and exciting young players coming through. We need to build on this season, develop our potential and inspire the kind of performances that we associate with our great Club."

Thursday 8 May 2014

Osaze speaks again on his recall to the Eagles for Brazil "Return of the Prodigal son"

Stoke City and Nigeria international, Osaze Odemwingie took to the social media to thank his fans and comment on his call up yo the Super Eagles for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

UEFA name Kuipers as Referee for UCL Final

the UEFA Referees Committee has  announced the referee for the 2014 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid CF and Club Atlético de Madrid, which takes place at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Lisbon on Saturday 24
May.

According to a statement on the European Football body's website which reads "The match will be refereed by 41-year-old Dutchman Björn Kuipers, who has been an international referee since 2006.

"In total,  Kuipers has officiated at 68 UEFA matches in his refereeing career. This season, he has taken charge of four UEFA Champions League and three UEFA Europa League matches. Kuipers also refereed last season’s UEFA Europa League final between SL Benfica and
Chelsea FC (1-2) in Amsterdam.

"At the final in Lisbon, Björn Kuipers will be assisted by his fellow
countrymen Sander van Roekel and Erwin Zeinstra. The fourth official will be Cüneyt Çakır from Turkey, and the two additional assistant referees, Pol van Boekel and Richard Liesveld, are also from the Netherlands. A Dutch reserve assistant referee – Angelo Boonman – completes the line-up of the refereeing team.

Also mentioned in the release are referees for the Europa league and women's Champions League final.

Read more here on UEFA.COM

Wednesday 7 May 2014

A step closer: City 4-0 Aston Villa

Manchester City defeated Aston Villa 4-0 at the Etihad stadium to go atop the Barclays Premier League with two points off Liverpool.

After a goalless first half, Edin Dzeko grabbed a brace, substitute Jovetic and Yaya Toure finished off Villa.

City will host West Ham on Sunday in the last match of the season and a win or draw would suffice at the Etihad for City to be crowned champions.

No Kaka, Ronaldinho, in Brazil World Cup Squad

Yes, big names missing in Brazil's 23-man world cup squad. The likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Philippe Coutinho Lucas Moura and a host of others.

Majority of the players selected were those Felipe Scolari used in prosecuting the Confederations Cup.

The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Júlio César (Toronto FC), Jéfferson (Botafogo),
Victor (Grêmio).

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), Marcelo
(Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz
(Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Dante (Bayern
Munich), Henrique (Napoli).

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho
(Tottenham), Ramires (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester
City), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Hernanes
(Internazionale), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Forwards: Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Barcelona), Hulk
(Zenit St Petersburg), Jô (Atlético Mineiro).

Wenger Reveals Arsenal Could have signed Hazard

Manager of Arsenal FC Arsene Wenger has revealed how he would have landed Chelsea's Eden Hazard.

The young Belgian was then being chased by Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur but it was the blues that finally got hold of the 23-year old for €40m.

According to  Wenger “Yes, I wanted to take him,”.

Wenger told BeIN Sports. “I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn’t
make.

“He can be one of the players who grows into the [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo stature if he continues to develop well.”

Wenger, who has not yet signed a contract extension to stay at the Emirates, also admitted that he would consider coaching in Germany, if he left the Gunners.

“If I were to go somewhere then I think it would be in a different country because I am so much Arsenal that I would not like to coach anywhere else in England,” he remarked.

“Germany [is an option] because I am of German culture a little bit and it’s a country where I have never worked and I am very close to it.”

Giggs assures United Fans of a Bright future

Interim manager of Manchester United saw and participated in the 3-1 defeat of Hull City at the Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The victory was inspired by 18-year old debutant for United, James Wilson who grabbed a brace along side Robin Van Persie's lone goal.

Giggs also came on later in the match and made a statement there after saying good times will return after a disastrous season. He said “A special thanks also to Nemanja to who is leaving us this year. He goes with our best wishes for success in the coming years.

"We know it has been tough this season and over the years we have been spoilt by the success we have had.

Read more here on Talksport.com

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Brazil 2014 World Cup: Keshi's 30-man Provisional List

Coach of Nigeria National Team Stephen Keshi has released a 30-man list to pick from for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The list comprises five home-based and 25 foreign based to be streamlined to 23 for the world cup proper.

 Goal Keepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi.

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

Midfielders/Attackers: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi Sunday Mba Gabriel Rueben Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi, Michael Uchebo.

Strikers: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie , Babatunde Michael, Uche Nwafor, Nnamdi Oduamadi.


Liverpool Boss opens book of Lamentation after Palace draw

Liverpool lost played a 3-3 draw against Crystal Place in London on Monday night in their penultimate end of season game.

Liverpool went ahead early enough to score thrice through Joe Allen, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez but the table turned around when  Damien Delaney struck and two other goals from Dwight Gayle stunned the Reds as they settle for stalemate.

Manager of the side lamented his disapprove stating that the chance for his to claim the title is over.

"There is no doubt Manchester City will go on and win it," said Rodgers.

"We needed to win to keep the pressure on going into the last game and we did not do that."

"It was hugely disappointing," Rodgers told reporters after the game. "For 78 minutes, we were outstanding and did everything that we would want to do."

"It doesn't take away the pain now, because we've drawn a game we should have won. But that will be an area we look to improve on again next year, and if we do that then we'll continue to get better."

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez couldn't hide his emotions as he bowed his head and cried.

Nasri delighted at Crystal Palace draw against Liverpool

Manchester City Midfielder Samir Nasri had hailed the impressive performance exhibited by Crystal Palace in the 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Monday night.

Obviously pleased with the result, he took to Twitter to express his satisfaction at the outcome which leaves his side needing just 4point in the remaining two games to be crowned champions.

Monday 5 May 2014

Suarez wins Football Writers Player of the Year

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been recognized once again but this time, it's the Football Writers Player of the year award collecting 52 per cent of the votes, while his Reds teammate and skipper, Steven Gerrard, came second ahead of Yaya Toure in third.

Suarsez clinched the PFA Player of the Year honour at a special ceremony in London last week.

The Uruguay striker has scored 30 goals so far this 2013-14 season which has helped his side to second place in the Barclays Premier League table.

Warning! England National Team is not "God-given" to Manchester United Players - Roy Hodgson

Someone is speaking tough and some people have to listen. Yes! You cannot but be attracted to players when their clubs are doing well and get less attracted when the club's aren't up on their performance.

Manager of the Three Lions Roy Hodgson has made it clear that the English national team is not God-given to United players.

Players like Michael Carrick, Danny Welbeck et al who were important to the squad during the qualifiers have to watch it now.

"Manchester United are one of the few teams that have had a lot of English players," he told The Independent. "But football players have to accept unfortunately their England careers are tied up with their club careers.

"If it’s not going well in their clubs, and it’s not going well for them in their clubs, and other players are doing extremely well in their clubs, it does put your position as a national team player under some sort of threat.

Read more on Dailymail.co.uk

Rogers believes City will make mistakes

Liverpool Manager Brendan Rogers has made it clear that their chase for the title is not over yet despite the stern challenge from Manchester City.

They go to Crystal Palace on Monday night but the Manager is upbeat that his side will do whatever it takes to outshine City who are nine goals better on goal differences.

Rogers told reporters that "It is a tough task for City.

"No matter how it works, at this stage of the season to play three games that really, really matter is a real, real tough ask at this stage of the season.

"Manchester City need to win all their games which means they
will have won five games in a row and they have only done that
once this season in the league.

"It will be a wee bit new for them as well. It is certainly not over by
a long way."

Source: Tribalfootball.com

Sunday 4 May 2014

Arsenal join the Chase for Diego Costa

Reports have it that Arsenal FC may cough out £31m for in-form Athletico Madrid striker Diego Costa who is also being chased by fellow  Chelsea.

It could be recalled that Arsenal missed out on Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez earlier in the season but could make up for that with the signature of the Spaniard Costa.

There are also speculations that Chelsea are willing to pay £32m for the Athletico Madrid forward.

Saturday 3 May 2014

City on course as Cardiff, Fulham relegate to the Championship

Cardiff City and Fulham have been confirmed relegated to the Championship after they lost their week 37 matches against Newcastle United and Stoke City respectively.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's  men are rocking the bottom with 30 points while Fulham occupy 19th position with 31 Points. The third is yet to be confirmed as Sunderland upset Manchester United 1-0 at the Old Trafford on Saturday to move up from the relegation zone.

Norwich must however beat Chelsea on Sunday to have a gasp of hope in the relegation battle.

At the top of the Log, Everton lost to Manchester City 2-3 at the Gudison Park. For city, it's a glimpse of hope as all they need do is to win the remaining two matches to be crowned champions.

Tottenham on the other hand lost 0-2 to West Ham United. A couple of other results:

Aston Villa 3-1 Hull City
Swansea 0-1 Southampton

Friday 2 May 2014

Nigerian Girls Abduction: Football Stars join #BringBackourGirls campaign

Both Nigeria and foreign football players have lend their voices to the campaign for release of the over 200 Students of Government Girls School kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State. 

Ghanaian Michael Essien and Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo took to Instagram to air their voices.

Thursday 1 May 2014

Perhaps you have none: 10 Reasons Why you should like Jose Mourinho

"Ten Reasons why I like Jose Mourinho" - By Godwin Enakhena

1) He is a success story wherever he goes

2) A very hard worker who detests failure

3) A man who makes players under him work for his money

4) A coach who is a journalist's delight

5) A man who believes in superstars but insists they can not be bigger that the coach

6) A talkative, a 'gift' millions who criticize him are guilty of in many aspects.

7) Dubbed arrogant because he treads where small minds won't dare.

8) He fails sometimes because he's human

9) Learnt the biz under some of the best managers in the game. He's educated. Paid his dues.

10) He Stimulates discuss wherever he goes and also gets his greatest enemies to talk about him unconsciously.

Remember you don't have to agree with me but state your reasons for or against the self styled special one.

Godwin Enakhena
Managing Director & CEO Global Media
Sports Broadcaster
Twitter: @genakhena

Hazard criticises Mourinho's tactics

Reports have it that Edin Hazard has reportedly questioned Jose Mourinho's tactics. He's quoted telling French media that 'Chelsea aren't set up to play football.'

Mourinho's been criticised for his defensive tactics against Atletico Madird and Liverpool.

Source: Skysports

Football fans mock Chelsea (Photos)

Fans on social media make mockery of Chelsea after losing 1-3 to Athletico Madrid in the Semi Final of the UCL.