Nigeria Super Eagles need a European Coach, says Apkoborie

Former Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie, is one of many Nigerians who aired their views on the poor performance of the Super Eagles as the team lost 0-1 to the Cranes of Uganda in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

Simply put, the former Wolfsburg forward stated that indigenous coach cannot handle the Super Eagles but may have their way at the age grade level.

''The Ugandans were not as talented as out footballers but they were well organized; they knew well what they had to do and they had a game plan and that’s why they won the game'', - he told Brila FM.

''Nigeria played like street boys; we played without a plan. We need an European coach; I know many people have been clamoring for our indigenous coaches but we just don’t have it

''Maybe out coaches at the youth level can do very well but at the senior level right now, we can’t. It is very clear right now but if anybody says otherwise, then they don’t understand football.''

Xavi signs three year deal with Qatari club Al-Sadd

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has signed a three-year contract with Qatari club Al Sadd

According to reports from Spain the 35-year old midfield maestro will join Al Sadd at the end of the season and replace former Real Madrid star Raul in the side.

Xavi is expected to receive a salary of 10 million euros and will study for his coaching licences during his time in Qatar at the Aspire Academy.

Xavi emerged from Barca’s famous academy at La Masia, making his breakthrough into the senior side in 1998.

Chelsea Goalkeeper Petr Cech set to quit the Blues if he does not become first choice again

Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, has expressed his frustration of having to remain second fiddle at the English club and stated he is ready to quit if he does not return as the team's number one again.

The Czech has only played in 14 games this season, after manager Jose Mourinho decided to make Thibaut Courtois his first choice, following a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Cech moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004 but considering leaving the bridge.

''I don’t know what the club’s idea will be,'' he told Czech newspaper Idnes. ''It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo.

''But that can work for one season only. I don’t want another one like this.''

The 32-year-old also stated he was going to have discussions with Mourinho and Chelsea officials, to decide his future.

He added: ''There always will be speculation, I leave it for the summer.

''It will be important to sit down with the club, with the manager, to consider all the pros and cons. We will see what will work out the best.''

African Youth Championship: Four Nigerian players make CAF Starting Eleven

Captain and defender of the the victorious Nigeria U-20 team Musa Muhammed, Midfielder  Idowu Elijah, Goal Keeper Joshua Enaholo and striker Taiwo Awoniyi have been listed among the Team of the the tournament.

The Manu Garba tutored boy defeated host Senegal to win the championship and have also qualified to play at the World Cup in May.

Team of the Tournament

Goalkeeper: Enaholo Joshua (Nigeria) 

Defenders: Musa Muhammed (Nigeria), Souleymane Diarra (Mali), Mouhameth Sane

Midfielders:Sidy Sarr (Senegal), Alassane Diallo (Mali), Ibrahima Wadji (Senegal), Yaw Yeboah (Ghana), Idowu Elijah (Nigeria)

Forwards: Clifford Aboagye (Ghana), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)



Substitutes
Sory Ibrahim Traore (Mali), Joseph Aidoo (Ghana), Ifeanyi Matthew (Nigeria),
Omego Prince (Nigeria), Tyroane Joe Sandows (South Africa), Silvere Ganvoula Mboussy (Congo), Malick Toure (Mali), Prosper Kassim (Ghana)

Swedish third-tier club Dalkurd narrowly escapes Germanwings flight

Source:Dailymailsports

Reports have it that players and staff of Swedish third-tier side Dalkurd narrowly avoided being on the doomed Germanwings flight that left 150 people presumed dead on Tuesday.

Flight 4U9525 departed Barcelona for Dusseldorf, but crashed in the French Alps.

Dalkurd had 29 players and staff who were returning home from Spain after a one-week training camp, and only decided to bypass the Dusseldorf-bound flight due to stopover length – instead flying via Zurich and Munich.

''We were supposed to have been on that flight. We checked in with all of the passengers. It’s surreal,'' Dalkurd sporting director Adil Kizil told Aftonbladet.

''When we got to the airport in Barcelona there were four flights leaving that time, flying north over the Alps.

''Four flights and we had players on three of them. Let’s just say we were very lucky.''

Dalkurd are scheduled to open their Division 1 campaign at home to Vasalunds on April 12.

Source: Soccernews.com

UEFA elects Michel Platini for the third time

European Football Association has elected French football legend Michel Platini unopposed for the third time as president of the football body.

Platini, 59, was returned by acclamation by the 54 member federations as there was no other candidate.

Platini promised to run the world’s most powerful continental federation with more “democracy” and also offered more cooperation with the heads of other confederations.

"I am proud to be your team-mate, proud to be the captain of this winning team and proud of our achievements," - report from the football body's website. 

"And I am excited to be taking on the challenges that await us over the next four years.

"I know that I can count on you. And you know that you can count on me," the UEFA President emphasised. "It is the closeness of that bond between us that makes us strong and allows us to take these bold and courageous decisions – decisions which always pay off. This mutual trust, this participatory democracy, is our hallmark, our trademark, and we will continue to work this way over the next four years. You have my word on that.

It runs nation and club competitions including the UEFA European Championship, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup, and controls the prize money, regulations, and media rights to those competitions.

Real Madrid Coach Zidane spotted in Bayern Munich Training

Former France international Zinedine Zidane visited German club Bayern Munich during one of their training sessions.

All pictures shared by @Realmadridplace via twitter

Reasons for his visit is unknown but the Real Madrid Castilla coach seemed to be enjoy the warm welcome.

What could they be discussing? Pep to Real Madrid? You never can tell.

AYC Final: Flying Eagles to play tournament host Senegal again

The Nigerian U-20 national team will again be entertained to a crunchy tie as they trade tackles with Senegal in the African Youth Championship final billed for Sunday 22nd March.

Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0 in their semi-final clash on Wednesday, while Senegal beat Mali 2-1 in a the other fixture on Thursday evening.

Moussa Kone scored twice for the home team, before the Eaglets grabbed a consolation goal from Alassane Diallo.

It could be recalled that the Flying Eagles defeated the hosts 3-1 in the opening match of the tournament.

Meanwhile, it is the first time a Senegalese team will reach the final of a major continental competition, since the Africa Cup of Nations in 2002, when they lost to Cameroon on penalties.

Ghana will play Mali in the third-place game.

Juventus Midfielder Paul Pogba to be out for over six weeks

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, has been ruled out for over six weeks and will not feature for the Serie A champions until May.

The 22-year-old picked up a hamstring injury, during their 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

According to a statement on the club's website, ''Paul Pogba, who was brought off during the first half of Dortmund-Juventus, has been medically examined.''

''Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the initial suspicion of a second-degree injury to Pogba’s right hamstring. The recovery schedule for the midfielder is due to take 50 days'', it added

Eagles recall excites West Brom striker Ideye

Google Image: Ideye Brown

West Bromich Albion striker Brown Ideye has expressed his excitement to have been invited back into the Nigerian senior national team fold.

Ideye last saw action in the colours of Nigeria at the last Confederations Cup (2013) but has been named among the players to feature in friendlies this month.

The 26-year old shared on twitter '' So happy to be back with the National team #supereagles #keepbelieving''

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are to play South Africa and Bolivia later this month but reports have it that Bolivia are opting out due to security concerns.

FA Slams Hull City for failing to control their players

Hull City have been charged by the FA for 'failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion' during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Leicester.

According to a statement on the association website, the allegation relates to an incident in the 68th minute when Hull players surrounded referee Jonathan Moss after defender Alex Bruce was booked for a foul.

The club has until 6pm on 23 March 2015 to respond to the charge.

NFF appoints Channels Television Sportscaster Toyin Ibitoye as Super Eagles Media Officer

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday confirmed the appointments of Mr. Pascal Patrick (MON) and Mr. Toyin Ibitoye into the backroom crew of the Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles.

According to a release on the federation's website, the appointment takes effect immediately as Patrick, a former Nigeria international player, will resume as Team Coordinator, while Ibitoye, a front-line broadcast journalist, will become the team’s Media Officer.

Patrick, who is also vice chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association, replaces Emmanuel Attah, while Ibitoye, who has a postgraduate diploma in sports management from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, replaces Benjamin Alaiya, who has held the position since December 2011.

Godfirst Chike will also become the Equipment Manager, replacing Chidi Ngoka.

Wenger admits Monaco deserved to go through to quarter final

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded that Monaco deserved to go through to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League after his side failed to perform the ''miracle''.

Google Image: Arsene Wenger

Having lost 3-1 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal almost pulled off a stunning fightback at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday night, but as they say ''almost doesn't kill a bird''.

It is the fifth season in succession that Arsenal have bowed out at this stage, and a disappointed Wenger was left to rue a poor first-leg display.

"It's always difficult to win by three goals," he told beIN Sports. "We have not taken every opportunity we've had tonight. 

"It was not realistic enough, especially after the first leg where we made ​​too many mental mistakes.

"When we look at the number of shots on target by Monaco in the competition and the number of goals, we say we can only congratulate them to be in the quarter-finals. They deserve their place. 

"Monaco have perfectly defended as they have done since the beginning of the Champions League. Again, we pay for our failures in the first leg, while the spirit and quality of play were there tonight."

Mayweather share video of his training ahead of Pacquiao fight

Floyd Mayweather is indeed getting prepare for the big fight against Manny Pacquiao showing to the world he just doesn't know how to spend money alone, but also knows how to spend quality time training hard.

He shared this video via Instagram.

Recent reports also have it that Mayweather is paying a personal chef a whopping $1,000 per meal until the fight. Given that 46 days remain until the highly anticipated bout, TMZ calculates at an estimated four meals per day, it will cost $184,000 to keep said personal chef on Team Mayweather’s payroll.

The American undefeated Boxer will on May 2, 2015 take on Manny Pacquiao in the much anticipated fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Moments from Monaco dressing room after edging Arsenal to progress into quarter final of the UCL

Yes! Monaco can celebrate having made it to the quater final stage of the UEFA Champions League ahead of Arsenal .

Although the French club lost 0-2 to Arsenal at home but qualified based on the away goals rule which saw them proceed on 3-3 aggregate. They defeated Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates about a week ago and that settled it.

Nigerian defender Elderson Echiejile shared this moment from the dressing room via instagram @uwa_Elderson with the comment ''Great qualification looking ahead to the next round#AllerMonaco #ChampionsLeague''

AYC: Flying Eagles to play Ghana in semi final

After finishing tops from Group A, Flying Eagles of Nigeria will now confront their Ghanaian counterparts on Wednesday, for a spot in the final of the 2015 African Youth Championship on-going in Senegal.

Flying Eagles during one of their training sessions.

The Ghanaian U-20 were edged 1-0 by Mali which saw them finished second from Group B.

In the other semi final on Wednesday, Mali will face hosts Senegal at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar.

All four teams have already qualified to represent the continent at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in June.

Nigeria Premier League Club Rangers FC has Branded Bottled Water?

Facebook: Felix Ifeanyi Abacha Nwosu

Facebook: Felix Ifeanyi Abacha Nwosu

If this is for real, it's not a bad idea as we understand the bottled water goes for N100 each at the stadium.

Glo Nigeria Premier League Week Two Roundup: Heartland shock shooting, Pillars win as Sunshine Stars escape upset

Nigeria Premier league returnees Shooting Stars have lost two games back to back as they were shocked by visiting Heartland on Saturday.

Google Image: Kano Pillars

Another away victor saw FC Taraba United continued with their impressive performance on in their second game of the season as they defeated Akwa United 1-0 in Akwa Ibom.

Current title holder Kano Pillar were 2-0 better than Bayelsa United, Rangers beat Sharks 3-2, Nassarawa 2-0 Wikki Tourist, Kwara 2-1 Elkanemi Warriors, as Sunshine Stars battled their way through to avoid upset at home edging Gabros by 2-1 in Akure.

Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Dolphins FC were busy on the continent as they had their week two games postponed.

Lobi Stars will host Enyimba while Wolves welcome Giwa FC midweek.

English Premier League Roundup: United, Arsenal win convincingly, Chelsea held and City beaten at the weekend

Red devils Manchester United made Old Trafford uncomfortable for Tottenham Hotspurs as they roast the visitors 3-0 in Premier league match on Sunday.

League leaders Chelseas failed to take full advantage of the slip from Manchester City as they drew 1-1 against Southampton who came from behind to secure a draw at Stamford bridge.

Diego Costa ended his eight-game scoring drought, by rising to head in Branislav Ivanovic’s measured cross.

The Saints had better plans as they drew level before the break, after Saido Mane was fouled inside the box by Nemanja Matic. Tadic stepped up and drove his spot kick down the middle.

Everton were too good for Newcastle as they continued thier impressive form from Europe beating the visitor 3-0 at Gudison Park.

In Saturday's encounter, Arsenal thumped West Ham 3-0, Manchester City failed to get a result from Burnley as they lost 0-1 away to open the game between them and the table toppers Chelsea to five points. 

Leicester City played 0-0 draw, Sunderland lost 0-4 to visiting Aston Villa, West Brom edge Stoke City 1-0while Crystal Palace were too good for Queens Park Rangers as it ended 3-1.

Interview: Omar Assar after seeing off Aruna Quadri at the Lagos International Table Tennis Championship

Egyptian second seed Omar Assar defeated Aruna Quadri of Nigeria 12-10, 13-15, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 in an interesting final of the Men’s Singles event at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall,Teslim Balogun Lagos on Saturday 14th March. 

Lagos State FA Cup: Organizers list Cash Rewards as Round of 32 commences

The Lagos State Football Association has announced the benefits attached to this year's FA Cup in the state.

According to the Chairman Technical committee, Dotun Coker, he said the FA is committed to rewarding participants handsomely in the round of 32 which kicks off on 16th March at the Agege Stadium.

The opening games will be between Eko Akete and Oceania, Nath Boys vs Ascenders and two other matches.

Here are the cash rewards as announced by the FA:

Male Category: Winners N750,000 and Runner up N250,000

Women: Winner N300,000 and Runner Up N200,000

Man of the Match from every game will pocket N10,000 each.

The Best behaved team, Most valuable Player and the Highest Goal Scorer would also smile home with N50,000 respectively. And the media is not also left out of the largess as cash awards will also go to the reporters in the following categories:

Best photo Journalist

Print 

TV

Radio categories

FIGHTING RACISM: How Nigerians caused Samuel Eto'o ill-treatment at a Jewelry shop in the UK

Cameroonian Footballer Samuel Eto’o, narrated his ordeal at at jewelry shop in the UK of how he and his brothers tried to shop but the sales rep acted funny because some Nigerians had come to use fake credit cards at the shop.

Google Image: Samuel Etoo

The former African footballer who is worth over $100million, said he had gone in search of a watch worth over $15,000 but said the shop assistant looked at them suspiciously and reluctantly allowed them to view the watches. 

''I went to go buy a watch at a jewellers, not too far from my house. The watch I wanted to see was expensive. I asked the saleswoman - who was also black - ''Could you show me that watch please?’ First, I saw her turn to her co-workers like, ''Uh, what should I do?'' Eventually, she let me see the watch. I looked at it and said, ''OK, I’ll buy it.'' I took out my credit card and when she went to go run it through the machine, she came back and said it was declined.”

Eto'o, who is the 7th-richest footballer currently playing, said he asked her: ''Was it declined or did you not want it to be accepted?''

''My brother asked, ''What’s going on?'' And she said, ''Nothing, nothing.'' But he said, ''No, because when I came in, I saw how all of you were looking at us ... My brother can afford this and the way you’re treating him shows that you think just because he’s black, he can’t afford this watch.''

''The woman then slipped up and said, ‘No, it’s just that we had some Nigerians in the store the other day who came in with fake credit cards. I don’t know if you can imagine the weight of what she said. If one of my own makes a mistake, they judge us all. I don’t think she’s a racist person, but she stereotyped all black people as ‘those people’.''

Read full story on CNN

Arsenal vs West Ham: Mug injury may keep Hammers Striker Enner Valencia out of tie

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce disclosed on Thursday that Ecuadorean striker Enner Valencia could miss this weekend's game against Arsenal after cutting his toe on a broken mug.

The Hammers have a date to keep at the Emirates and could be left the aDiafra Sakho as the only fit striker for the crunchy tie.

"Enner has had an accident at home and has cut his big toe quite severely on a broken cup," Allardyce told a press conference.

"We're not exactly certain, but we think it will be too soon for him be considered for the game at Arsenal on Saturday. It was a freak accident at a time when we could have done without it due to our lack of available strikers."

In a statement on their website, West Ham said that Valencia "trod on a piece of teacup, which he had dropped", leaving him with a "deep laceration" that required "emergency hospital treatment to clean and stitch the wound".

Nigeria Flying Eagles beats Congo 4-1, seal World Cup ticket

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a semi final spot and also booked their place  in the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand with a 4-1 win over Congo in their second Group A match inside the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium.

Despite being reduced to 10-men, the Manu Garba side grabbed an emphatic victory over the Congolese with Musa Muhammed getting a brace, Ifeanyi Mathew and Taiwo Awoniyi' on the scorers sheet.

Nigeria remain top of their Group with 6 points from two games after beating host Senegalese in the opening game at the weekend.

The team have secured a semi final spot and are certain of a ticket to feature in the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Nigeria Football stars Onazi and Oduamadi step out for shopping in Italy

Simply put, stars ball together! Super Eagles players Ogenyi Onazi and Nnamdi Oduamadi hooked up in Italy where they ply their trade to have a nice ''brotherly-time'' together.

''Finally went out shopping with my bro @oduamadi90 was really fun to watch him play and later go out to eat something together, - Onazi shared via Instagram.

David Luiz hurts Chelsea as PSG knock the Blues out of Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain have qualified for the next round of the Champions League, after a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw red to reduce his side to ten before Gary Cahil grabbed the opener later in the second half.

Former Blues' defender David Luiz headed home a header to take the tie to extra time.

The extra-time was quite dramatic as Thiago Silva handled the ball in the area to earn the Blues a penalty which Eden Hazard stepped forward and coolly restored Chelsea’s lead.

As fate would have it, Silva nodded in PSG’s second, to eliminate Jose Mourinho’s side on away goals rule.

In the other match of the day, Bayern Munich hammered 10-man Shakhtar Donestk 7-0 at home, to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid escapes Schalke upset, qualifies for next phase of UEFA Champions League

Champions League title holder Real Madrid were beaten 4-3 Schalke at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night but qualified for the next round of the UEFA Champions League on 5-4 aggregate.

With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Real Madrid were favourites for the ticket to the next phase but the Germans showed character, confidence and took advantage of the flaws at the back-line of the Whites.

The visitors drew the first blood in the 20th first half but Cristiano Ronaldo rose to the occasion to level thing up for the Spanish club and also getting his second later in the game to boost his Champions league goal record to 76 goals in 115 games.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar and 19-year old substitute Leroy Sane were thorns in the flesh of the hosts survived the scare.

FACT: United Manager Louis Van Gaal admits Di Maria's action is inexcusable

Louis van Gaal, has told Angel Di Maria that he has ''no excuses'' for getting sent off in their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Monday night.

The Red devils were already trailing the Gunners and looking to level up, the Argentine international was shown two quick yellows. Referee Michael Oliver initially booked him for diving and then for pulling him back.

''In Spain, he knows that he doesn’t touch the referee, but that is also in his emotion,'' United manager said after the game.

''I’ve already spoken with him, he knows my opinion but also I have to see on the video.

''I think he touched the referee and that’s forbidden in every country, so he has no excuses.

''Di Maria knows that he doesn’t have to touch the referee, so that is not so smart of him. Every player knows that.

''I have said to Di Maria the referee is the boss on the pitch and you have to adapt to that – not the other way round.

''But to control emotion is not so easy in such a match and I know that in these kind of matches, a red card is easy''

CAF postpones Kano Pillars' champions League tie against Moghreb Tetouane

The Champions League tie involving Kano Pillars’ CAF and Moghreb Tetouane, has been postponed by one week, after the Nigerian Premier League club suffered a robbery attack last week.

The game was initially scheduled to be played this Thursday, but the club appealed for a shift.

Pillars have now confirmed via their official Twitter account, that the match against the Moroccan team will be played next week.

''CAF Champions League Committee has postponed our Ist leg match against MA Tetouane of Morocco for one week,” the club tweeted.

''The March 14th game is now scheduled to be played on 20, 21, or 22 of March. The match has been postponed due to the attack on the team.''

FA Cup: Welbeck beats United at Old Trafford, sends Arsenal to semi final

Danny Welbeck scored against his former side Manchester United at the Old Trafford to seal Arsenal's semi final spot in the English FA Cup.

The Gunners took the lead through Nacho Monreal but the Reds didn't hesitate to respond as captain Wayne Rooney headed home to put the game at per.

Welbeck who left Untied last Summer for the Emirates capitalized on Antonio Valencia's 61st minutes mistake to seal the victory for his visiting side.

United finish with ten men after Angel Dimaria was shown two yellow cards for diving and immediately for pulling the referee's shirt from behind.

Arsenal will now play winner between Reading and Bradford.

Enyimba held, Wolves beaten in Glo Nigeria Premier League opener

The Glo Nigerian Premier League has kick off over the weekend with exciting games from across different match centers.

In the opener on Saturday, it was a double header in the city of Port Harcourt as Dolphins FC were held at home by visiting Kwara United while Sharks FC aslo played out a goalless encounter with Sunshine Stars.

It was goals galore in the match between new entrants FC Taraba and Rangers as the game ended 3-2 in favour of the home side.

Enyimba of Aba also welcomed Akwa United an it ended scoreless, Gabros bashed Warri Wolves 2-0 as Wikki Tourist came tops in the battle of the newcomers winning 2-0 over Shooting Stars.

Full Match Day One result:

Bayelsa Utd 1-1 Lobi Stars ‪
Enyimba 0-0 Akwa Utd ‪
FC Taraba 3-2 Rangers
Gabros 2-0 Warri Wolves

Giwa FC 0-0 Abia Warriors
El-Kanemi 1-0 Nassarawa Utd
Wikki 2-0 Shooting Stars
Sharks 0-0 Sunshine Stars
Dolphins 0-0 Kwara Utd ‪

AYC: Nigeria Flying Eagles beat tournament host Senegal

Nigeria U-20 Team aslo known as Flying Eagles defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the 2015 African Youth Championship.

Taiwo Awoniyi's brace set the Eagles in front in the first 11 minutes of the game, played at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Matthew grabbed the third goal for the Flying Eagles, before Sidy Sarr pulled one back for the hosts.

The Manu Garba’s tutored side go atop of Group A with three points and will play Congo in their second match on Wednesday, at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor.

Arsenal in Trouble! Rooney hopes to end FA Cup Trophy drought

Wayne Rooney has spent about 11-years with Manchester United, won many trophies but the FA Cup trophy still eludes him.

United will confront rivals Arsenal in the quarter final of the FA Cup this weekend and it promises to be a cracker. 

Rooney has missed out in the finals on two occasions, in 2005 shootout defeat to Arsenal and again in 2007 when Didier Drogba’s solitary goal in extra-time earned Chelsea a 1-0 triumph at the new Wembley

''We have an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on Monday and that is massive for us,'' Rooney told ManUtd.com and thePress Association. ''We haven’t been to a final for a few years, we want to try to win that game and we are looking forward to that.

''Of course, I think it is a massive trophy. It is a trophy that, growing up as a youngster, I used to love watching and I was fortunate enough to see Everton lift the FA Cup in 1995 when I was nine years old. It is something which I would love to do and hopefully it can be this year.''

The last time both teams met was in Novemeber 2014 in a league match which ended 1-2 in favour of the Reds devils.

Glo Nigeria Premier League 2015 Season Kicks off this weekend (See fixtures and club Logo)

The Nigeria football league season is here again as the 2015 edition kicks off this weekend in different venues across the nation.

According to the League Management Company, some games will be aired live on cable television, Sharks FC to host Sunshine Stars at 2pm while Dolphins FC will also welcome Kwara Utd showing live at 4pm on Saturday.

On Sunday it would be the Super Sunday Clash between Enyimba and Akwa United also to be aired live.

Other fixtures include, Elkanemi vs Nassarawa, Wikki vs Shooting Stars, Giwa vs Abia, Bayelsa vs Lobi, Gabros vs Wolves, Taraba vs Ranger while the game between Heartland and Kano Pillars has been postponed indefinitely.

NPFL: Sunshine stars to travel by air for league opener against Sharks FC

Sunshine stars will make their trip to Port Harcourt by air on Friday from Lagos Airport as they confront Sharks Football Club at the weekend in their first game of the season.

The Media Officer of the Akure Gunners Wahab Bankole told Brila FM that the team will move from their preseason base in Abeokuta to Lagos where they will connect a flight to Port Harcourt.

He also mentioned that the team is used to making their long trips by air as they have done in the past season.

Meanwhile other matches will go as schedule except for the game s between Heartland and Kano Pillars that has been postponed indefinitely due to the robbery incident encountered by the league champions on Thursday on their way to Owerri.

Kano Pillars release official statement after robbery attack, confirm players are responding to treatment

Courtesy: Goal.com

Nigerian Premier League champions Kano pillars were attacked by gunmen at Abaji on their way to Owerri on Thursday.

According to an official report from the club's twitter account ''Five players were injured from gunshots by the gunmen, the players are Gambo, Ogbonaya, Eneji Otekpa, Murtala Adamu, and Moses Ekpai, - the statement reads.

''They are all responding to medical treatment and hopefully they will be discharged soon.

''We will keep you updated on their health status and if the tragic event will affect the upcoming Premier League and Champions League.

''The gunmen also snatched away handsets and other valuable properties of the players.

The club also confirmed they have tendered a request to the league management company to postpone their match against Heartland FC.

''We have formally made a request to League Management Company to postpone the upcoming match against Heartland due to this tragic event.''

Ronaldinho shows off his $60,000 wrist watch he received from Lebron James

Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho displayed a watch he received from NBA star Lebron James as a gift which is said to be worth $ 60,000 (about US $ 173,000 ) .

The object is a limited collection created by the wing of the Cleveland Cavaliers .

Ronaldinho who won the World footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005 shared via Instagram on Monday evening ''I loved this gift! Limited series watch from my bro LeBron James. Thanks, my friend!'', he said in his post.

Congratulations Chelsea: 2015 Capital One Cup Champions

Chelsea FC defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to clinch the 2015 edition of the Capital One Cup with goals from Captain John Terry and Diego Costa.

This is Mourinho's first trophy since his return to the Blues.