Belgian defender Gregory Mertens dies three days after suffering heart failure

Google Image: Gregory Mertens

Belgian defender Gregory Mertens has been confirmed dead three days after he suffered a heart filure while playing for Lokeren reserves in Genk.

The 24-year-old had been in a critical state after collapsing on the field 20 minutes into a reserve game against Genk on Monday.

A club statement said: "The medical staff have done everything to save Gregory, but they finally had to acknowledge their impotence.

"Gregory passed away at around 16:30."

According to sky sports, He was given emergency treatment on the pitch before being rushed to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma in an effort to save his life.

He began his career at Anderlecht, before moving to Lokeren in January last year from Cercle Bruges. He has also been capped several times by Belgium at U21 level.

Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium are best grounds in the Premier League

Old Trafford

Arsenal and Manchester United playing grounds (Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford) have been adjudged the Ground Team of the season in the Premier League.

This award shows that tireless efforts of the men working behind the scene is being recognized

Emirates stadium

Run by the Playing Surfaces Committee in conjunction with the STRI, there is a scoring system in place which is compiled using marks from match officials and match delegates.

There is also a pitch assessment visit by Dr Stephen Baker, head of sports surface technology at the STRI, and an assessment of each club's management of the pitch, whilst also factoring in elements such as environmental issues, shade from the sun and pitch usage throughout the season.

Barclays Premier League Grounds Teams of the Year, 2014/15

Winners: Manchester United (grounds team led by Tony Sinclair), Arsenal (led by Paul Ashcroft)

Highly commended: Aston Villa, Southampton, Swansea City

Source: Manutd.com

Federations Cup: Enyimba gets Nassarawa Feeders FC as Bayelsa United draws Nembe City

Defending champions Enyimba have been drawn against Nassarawa Feeders FC while Nembe City and Bayelsa United, (teams from the same state) were pitched against each other in the Round of 64 Federations Cup draws on Thursday 30th April 2015.

Here is the full draw:

Doma United FC Vs Jalingo United FC

Nembe City Vs Bayelsa United

A.B.U Zaria FC Vs Ajiroba Oni FC

Niger Tornadoes Feeders Vs Shinkafi United FC

Zagbai FC Vs Niger Tornadoes FC

Cardinal FC Vs Remo Stars FC

Kano Pillars FC Vs Zara FC

Inter FC Vs Dolphins FC

Plateau United FC Vs 3SC FC

Heartland FC Vs Bizi Cashless FC

Gabros FC Vs Chuson FC

Caliphate sokoto Vs Crown FC

Makwada Warriors FC Vs Jigawa Golden Stars FC

Kurmi Market FC Vs BJ Foundation

FC Taraba Vs Akampa United FC

Giwa FC Vs Kukuruku Dragons FC

Doma United Vs Jalingo United FC

El Kanemi Babes Vs Abia Warriors FC

Akwa United FC Vs Dalhatu United FC

Christ Ambassadors FC Vs Prime FC

Bilani FC Vs Gateway FC

Akwa Starlets FC Vs Kwara United

Enyimba FC Vs Nasarawa Feeders FC

El Kanemi Warriors Vs Kwara Academy

Kaduna United FC Vs Rangers International FC

Idah United FC Vs Spotlight FC

FC Abuja Vs Wikki Tourists FC

Papilo FC Vs Gombe United FC

J.Atete FC Vs Sunshine Stars FC

Peacemaker FC Vs New Stars FC

Nasarawa United Vs New Vision FC

FRSC FC Vs Sharks FC

MATCH DATES

Round of 64 takes place on May 13th & 14th,

Round of 32: 8th & 9th July,

Round of 16: 22nd & 23rd July,

Round of 8: 12th & 13th August

Semi Finals: 19th August & Final: 30th August

Nigerian coaches are passionate but far from current trends - Coach Folabi Ojekunle

United Kingdom based youth coach Folabi Ojekunle has bemoan the deficiency in Nigeria football coaching system. 

''Coach Folley'' as he's fondly called gives an insight into his stint in the United Kingdom where he has worked with Tottenham FC under Harry Redknapp, Luton FC and some other clubs.

The former Nigerian Railway Corporation FC and Nitel FC of Lagos player, also shares his thought on the vivid difference between coaching in the Nigerian environment at the grassroots level in comparison to European climes. 

Born 11th of October 1975, he attended St Phillips Primary School and Eko Boys High School Mushin, and his coaching career kicked began July 3rd 1993, approximately in coaching for 22 years.

What are your high moments on the job while you were in Nigeria? A lot but to mention few I worked with schools and youths teams like Eko Boys High school, Estate Grammar School, Oduduwa Secondary School, Ikeja Grammar School. For the clubs; Jegede FC, PMP FC, Magate FC, Osaka FC and some others.

It is also important to mention the best of my best when I feature in a football talent hunt in 2008. The Oceanic Football Challenge with John Fashanu and Austin Jay Jay Okocha in 2009 which was televised on Nigerian stations.

While in Nigeria you coached in the grassroots level, what is the difference compared to United Kingdom where you are presently? Whaoooo, Over here the kids have a very good beginning with good facilities, support from parents and community at large, corporate bodies and individuals but all of these are missing in Nigeria. I think we will get to that level soon.

Are you currently employed in the UK? Yes! I am presently working with AQUINAS FC BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND though not on contract because its a youth team, I have also also worked with LUTON FC and TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC youth department under Harry Redknap for five months.

What do you think European coaches posses that makes many African nations seek after them? Simple! they are consistent, they love the job and are serious about it. In this light, they do more of refresher courses to help us improve on the quality of information we have on the game like new tactics, techniques and law of the game of football just like what the present NFF chairman (Amaju Pinnick) is advocating at the moment.

In you capacity as a coach, mention some players you have worked with who have made it to the topflight? Well, quite a number of them but I will mention the likes of Raheem Lawal and Sani Gideon ply their trades in Turkey, Stephen Sunny, Akeem Agbetu in France, Alex Tayo plays in China and a host of others.

What do you think about the reappointment of Stephen Keshi as coach of the Super Eagles? I have long been expecting that. Allowing Keshi to take charge again is fine, and i believe the federation have their reasons. But they should as well look inwards for other coaches who are also qualified for the position. The truth is, most coaches in Nigeria need to upgrade their knowledge in their own interest and that of the game.

@ Tottenham FC U-18 & U-21

What is your dream job? In all fairness my dream job is to coach any of the Nigerian national teams and i will be glad to serve my country whenever the opportunity surfaces.

Mayweather's father encourages son to retire after Pacquiao fight

Google Image: Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather's Sr has advised his son to call it quit after Saturday's ''Money-fight'' against Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather, 38, has said he will fight one more time after the clash with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"I hope he walks away after this fight," Mayweather Sr. told the British-based Sunday Telegraph.

"This is a gambler's game and I don't think Floyd should be gambling too much. Once you reach that pedigree and make that kind of money, you don't have to fight no more. Whenever you get in that ring, anything can happen. It looks easy but it ain't as easy as it looks. He makes it look easy."

WBA and WBC champion Mayweather has won all 47 of his fights, 26 by knockout, in his 19-year professional career.

After his defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007, Mayweather relinquished his WBC light-middleweight title, only to come out of his brief retirement in July to announce his fight with Britain's Ricky Hatton.

Mayweather also retired in 2008 but returned 21 months later in May 2009 to fight Juan Manuel Marquez.

The fight against Pacquiao is expected to be the richest in the history of boxing and they will walk away with about £200m between them.

Fabregas joined Chelsea to win trophies says Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Cesc Fabregas opted to join the Blues ahead of Arsenal because he needed to crown his effort with trophies.

The Spanish midfielder joined Chelsea a year ago from Barcelona and would be playing against his former side for the first time since returning to the Premier League.

''I know why he chose Chelsea,'' Mourinho said. ''I don't know why he didn't choose Arsenal. I only know what we promised him and what he promised us. 

''I can't talk about why he left Arsenal, why he didn't go back. I don't know if it was his decision or the manager's decision. We promised him a team built in the style to suit his play. 

''Normally good projects go in hand with titles and he was looking for that.''

On whether the former Arsenal skipper would receive a warm welcome from the fans at the Emirates, Mourinho said: ''I'm not worried about that. Frank Lampard played at Stamford Bridge without any problem and with a good reception.

''I don't see a reason for Fabregas not to have the same at the Emirates. But he is more than ready if he has a bad reaction. He played at Barcelona in an Arsenal shirt.''

After 12 meetings, Jose Mourinho has not lost against Arsene Wenger's tutored side but Sundays affair promises to be a cracker.

Real Madrid get Juventus, Barca to play Bayen Munich in UCL Semi Final

Bayern Munich have been paired to play Barcelona in the Semi final of the UEFA Champions League which will see former manager coach Pep Guardiola face off against his old club.

In the other fixture, current holders Real Madrid were drawn against Italian giants Juventus.

Meanwhile in the Europa League, reigning champions Sevilla will play Italian side Fiorentina while Dnipro will tackles against Napoli.

Champions league comes up 5th and 13th May while Europa takes place 7th and 14th of May, 2015.

Wenger insists his focus is on the game against Chelsea not ''Jose Mourinho''

It is no news that Arsenal Manager has not beaten Mourinho after 12 meetings, but the French man has played down the significance of clashing with the Chelsea manager when both sides clash this weekend in the Premier League.

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but the Gunners boss does not want to be drawn into managerial rivalry between himself and the Portuguese.

''It is not a confrontation (between managers), it is a confrontation of two teams,'' - he said.

''Football is down to the fact that the performance on the day will decide the game and the result, so let’s focus on that.''

Mourinho's Blues defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last October but the Gunners recent form can see them to getting a favourable result at the weekend.

Akpoborie condemns Keshi's appointment.

Former Super Eagles player Jonathan Akpoborie has expressed that the reappointment of Stephen Keshi as the coach of the national team is not a good move for Nigerian football.

Keshi signed a two year contact with the Nigerian Football Federation on Tuesday to see him return as the head coach of the Eagles.

According to Akpoborie in an interview with Brila Fm, the former Mali coach has not improved and he foresees dark days for the national team with keshi as coach.

Meanwhile, Vice-chairman of the federation stated that adequate support will be given to Keshi upon his new appointment.

Nigerian Football Federation signs sponsorship deal with Nike

One of world's biggest sports kitting company Nike, has signed a deal with the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, to design and develop Nigeria's football kits for both the male and female national teams.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick (left) and Nike's General Manager, Laurent Payre signed agreement in London today April 23rd. The deal is from April 1st 2015 till 2018.

According to the NFF,  the Under-20 men’s team will be the first team to don the new Nike kit at the FIFA world cup in New Zealand from later next month.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has expressed confidence that the Kit Sponsorship Agreement the Federation signed with world’s leading brand, NIKE in London on Thursday will open more doors for Nigeria football in the area of sponsorship.

''I am thoroughly convinced that this agreement is the beginning of good and great things to happen to Nigeria football with regards to sponsorship deals.

''The NFF is happy to come into partnership with a leading global brand like NIKE. We are in good company.''

American company NIKE also kits the world’s leading football teams including five-time world champions Brazil, France (1998 world champions), England (world champions in 1966), Netherlands (World Cup runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, and bronze medallists at last year’s finals in Brazil), Portugal (third place finishers at 1966 World Cup), Korea Republic, USA and Australia.

No room for bench warmer in the Super Eagles says Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has stated that players who feature regularly for their club sides would get his attention in his new dispensation.

The big boss who was recently reappointed as the head coach of the Nigerian senior national team said he would need need to begin working immediately toward the AFCON 2017 qualifications.

"We have ton get the players that are playing regularly for their teams and have at least three or four training sessions before a game, but it's always very difficult, he said.

"So what we have to do is to concentrate on a lot of tactical work most of the time because I think they are physically fit for their clubs.

"So we just need to try and get it done because we don't have a lot of time so most of our work will be tactical and positional play."

He signed a two years contract with the Nigerian Football Federation on Tuesday.

Flying Eagles to play Football College of Abuja in a friendly on Thursdays

Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles will take on Football Club of Abuja on Friday to test their might in preparation for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in less than two months.

Since returning from the African Youth Championship in Mali where the team triumphed, the Manu Garb a tutored team would swing to action once again.

Meanwhile, the U-20 boys have a full house as over 30 players are reported to be in camp.

UCL: Real Madrid, Juventus make last four

Real Madrid and Juventus have qualified for the semi final of UEFA champions league after seeing off their opponent with slim margins respectively on Wednesday night.

On-loan striker Javier Hernandez finished completed the deal for Real Madrid against Atletico edging their fellow city rivals by 1-0 after a scoreless first leg.

The other fixture on the night produced Juventus who drew goalless with Monaco in France but progressed on the 1-0 advantage they grabbed in the first leg in Turin.

Both Real Madrid and Juventus join the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich as semi finalist in the world's most prestigious club tournament.

Draw will be held on Friday.

Forgiven! LMC Pardons Sunshine Stars' Strippers

The Leagues Management Company (LMC) has decided to temper justice with mercy after accepting the apologies tendered by two players of  Sunshine Stars duo of Kunle Odunlami and Prince Aggrey, following their indecent behaviour.

Both players were banned for one league game and fined N50,000, after they stripped to their pants to celebrate the winning goal in a Week 4 game against Dolphins.

According to a statement on the league body's website, the players have been warned about their future conduct but must serve the one match ban and pay the sum as levied. 

Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salisu Abubakar said: ''The two players have written to accept full responsibility for their bad behaviour and have accordingly apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the LMC, our broadcast partners; Supersport, the owners of the club; the Ondo Government, their employers; the Ondo State Football Agency, Supporters of Sunshine Stars and the general public.''

The LMC, he said has further advised all Club Management to discharge their technical responsibilities to players and other personnel by providing continuous enlightenment on codes of conduct and other rules of the game.

Nigeria, Europe divided as Arsenal and Chelsea boast of most Twitter followers

The Gunners (Arsenal) as they are called may not be atop the Premier League table but are leading in terms of Twitter ''followership'' in some selected countries in Europe and Africa and closely followed by Chelsea.

In Nigeria, Arsenal boasts as Total of 26.10%, Chelsea 25.17% and Manchester United 18.04% .

Top three clubs by Twitter followers in selected countries:

UK: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Ireland: 1 Liverpool, 2 Man Utd, 3 Arsenal

France: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Germany: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Spain: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Italy: 1 Chelsea, 2 Man City, 3 Arsenal

Netherlands: 1 Arsenal, 2 Man Utd, 3 Chelsea

USA: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man Utd

Russia: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

India: 1 Man Utd, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Australia: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Brazil: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man City

Skysports.com

View full Map representation here as released by Twitter

Arsenal trio nominated for German Football Ambassador Award

Arsenal's Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski have been shortlisted for the German Football Ambassador Award.

Other players of the nine men and two women nominated for the awards include Shkodran Mustafi, Anja Mittag, Miroslav Klose, Nadine Angerer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Broich, Cacau, Kevin Kuranyi.

According to reports Supported by the German government, the award seeks to recognize German footballers playing abroad who have been ''ambassadors'' for their country.

The award takes into account players' contributions both on and off the pitch.

Champions League: Simeone confident ahead of Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that his side is not under any pressure ahead of tonight clash against fellow city rivals, Real Madrid.

Real Madrid were held to a scoreless draw when both sides met last week in the first leg of the UEFA Champions league quarter final match.

The Argentine remains hopeful that his side would do enough to cause an upset against Carlo Ancelotti's men at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night as they battle for a place in the semis to join the like of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Mayweather vs Pacquiao: Referee Kenny Bayless to earn $25,000

Google Image: Kenny Bayless

Kenny Bayless has been named referee for the fight between America Floyd Mayweather and Philippine Manny Pacyuiao on May 2.

He is widely regarded as the world’s leading referee in boxing and would be in charge of the bout that has been dubbed ''fight of the century''


Bayless will turn 65 years two days after the fight, but his large physical presence and personality, have made the Nevada State Atletic Commission pick him to officiate.


He will be reportedly paid about $25,000 (£16,600) for the night’s work and the most recent notable fight he officiated was between - Andy Lee vs Matvey Korobov in 20014.

Bayless has previously refereed other fights involving Mayweather and Pacquiao. He was in charge of Mayweather’s battle against Marcos Maidana and Pacquiao’s knock-out by Juan Manuel Marquez.

NFF charge Keshi to encourage Youngsters

Following his appointment as the new coach of the Super Eagles on Tuesday, Stephen Keshi has been tasked by the Nigerian Football Federation to give young players a chance in his squad.

Speaking at the event, NFF vice president Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi said the coach has been asked to encourage youngster by building a "young" and vibrant team.

"He has the charge to create a new young, vibrant Eagles that would play a style of football that Nigerians would be proud of" said Akinwunmi.

"To ensure a seemless transition of the U-20 players to the super eagles.

With the recent exhibition by the Manu Garba tutored U-20 side, it explains the reason why the federation is calling for their inclusion in the plans of Keshi.

Champions League: Barcelona dismiss PSG as Bayern cruise into semi final

The atmosphere at the Camp Nou last night could be likened to a training session for Barcelona as they finished the job they started a week ago against French Champions Paris Saint German.

The Spanish side defeated the visitors on all fronts with Brazilian forward Neymar scroring twice to seal a semi final spot for Barcelona as they won 5-1 on aggregate.

In the other semi final on the night, Bayern Munich punished FC Porto winning  5-1 to cancel the the Portuguese side's first leg 3-1 win.

Bayern still did not have a handful of players but were enough to run riot on Porto to progress to the semi finals as well. Thiago Alcantara, Jerome Boateng, Robert Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso all made the scorers sheet.

Tonight will see Real Madrid battle city rivals Atletico Madrid in the return leg inside Santiago Bernabeau to continue the drama which ended scoreless in the first leg while Juventus travel to Monaco with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

NFF confirms Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles Coach (PHOTO)Keshi

Stephen Keshi has been re-appointed as the coach the Super Eagles signing a two years contract with the Nigerian Football Federation.

Keshi’s initial contract ran out at the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in July, after Nigeria crashed out in the Round of 16, losing to France.

 

The NFFVerified account‏@thenff

Coach Stephen Keshi has signed a fresh two-year contract with the NFF as Head Coach of Super Eagles.

"It's a fresh start. We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong," Keshi told BBC Sport.

"As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.

''I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results''- Stephen Keshi

"To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us, this is not Stephen Keshi's team but our national team."

Courtesy: Chris Oguguo

Meanwhile, NFF vice President Seyi Akinwunmi explained the reason behind the delay. ''The delay in Keshi’s return was occasioned by the elongated and unwarranted crises we had last year. The NFF have agreed to continually sponsor Keshi on refresher courses.''

First on Keshi's table will be the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup which begins in June.

Champions League: Laurent Blanc admits beating Barca will be ''very difficult''

Paris Saint-German will have to fight an epic battle for a place in the Semi final of this season’s Champions League but they will have to create an upset when they take on Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The French side lost at home 1-3 to Barcelona and look to progressing but their manager Laurent Blanc admitted that beating Barça will be ''very difficult'' whilst at the same time highlighting the fact that ''we have nothing to lose''.

''I am a realist and we know that it will be very difficult, given that it we have had little time to prepare for the game. We don’t have anything to lose and we will simply play our usual game.''

''We will have the chance to score goals. The only problem is that to get through we cannot concede more. That is impossible given that the majority of team have conceded.''

''Barça dominated but we also will have the ball, but we have to show that we can make them work hard. We will try to pressure them high up the field.''

''The return of Ibrahimovic will have a great impact and he is a player who has great self-confidence. He loves this kind of game.''

''There is a great difference between Barça and us. Barça have great players and it’s a great club who have recently won the Champions League more often than PSG.''

Sunshine Stars Players face ban for stripping to celebrating a goal

Courtesy: Footballlive.ng

Kunle Odunlami and Prince Aggrey of Sunshine Strs have been slammed with a one-match ban and a fine of N50,000 for stripping to their underpants while celebrating one of their goals against Dolphins at the weekend.

According to a statement released by the League Management Company, both players have 48hours to either submit to the League Management Company (LMC) decision and or elect to be dealt with by a special LMC commission.

The statement read, - ''Two players of Sunshine Stars who stripped themselves to celebrate their winning goal against Dolphins FC on Match Day 4 in Akure have been suspended for one match each and also fined N50, 000 for indecent exposure and conduct capable of bringing the league to disrepute.'' 

An injury time winner from Prince Aggrey condemned the Port-Harcourt side to a painful 2-1 defeat on Sunday evening but moved the Akure Gunners to seven points from four matches.

From Aston Villa Dressing room after beating Liverpool to qualify for FA Cup final

Sky Sports: Aston Villa dressing room reaction

Christian Benteke equalizer and Fabian Delph 5th minutes goal canceled Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool lead to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in 15 years.

Modric, Bale, Benzema Injured! Worries in Real Madrid Camp ahead of Champions League tie against Atletico

It is not all smiles in the camp of Spanish giants Real Madrid at this point in time as club Doctors confirmed that Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are injured.

According to reports, Bale has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left soleus he limped off the field in 3-1 win over Malaga at the weekend, midfielder Modric picked up Knee ligament sprain which may keep him out for five to six weeks while Benzema is yet to recover from Knee injury while 

Real Madrid will entertain city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg tie quarter final UEFA champions league. 

The Whtes have lost four out of the twenty-four games they’ve played without Luka Modric this season.

Yaya Toure is staying put at Manchester City - Pellegrini

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has defended his midfielder midfielder Yaya Toure and says the Ivorian international would not be leaving the club.

The 31-year-old has not replicated his last season's form when he scored 24 goals in all competitions, 20 of which came in the Premier League but has scored 8 goals this season so far.

''I repeat we are not talking about that,'' the Chilean snapped.

 ''Yaya is a very important player for our team. Maybe all of you are waiting for me to criticize him or sacrifice him.

''Yaya will continue playing here because he is a very important player for me and the squad and the fans for everyone.''

The Etihad will be lighted up when City host West Ham midday on sunday.


Source: Skysports

Bayern Munich Team Doctor resigns after defeat to Porto

Bayern Munich team doctor, Han-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, has tendered his resignation over what he called ''broken trust''.

The Bundesliga champions 3-1 by FC Porto on Wednesday, without the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, David Alaba, Javi Martinez and Mehdi Benatia who were ruled out due to injury.

Muller-Wohlfahrt announced that he is leaving the club, after he was blamed for the Bavarians’ loss in Portugal.

''After the Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Porto, the medical department was blamed due to the inexplicable reasons for the loss,” he said in a statement.

''The bond of trust is damaged.''

However, Bayern’s media director, Markus Horwick, expressed surprise at the news, telling Sport1: ''FC Bayern were not informed about this step.''

EPL: Chelsea duo lead nominees for Player of the year awards

Nominees for the Player of the Season and Young player of the year have been announced by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Source: Skysports.com

With no surprises, the six players unarguably deserve the call as they pose the most attacking threat to any team.

Four nominees from London namely, Chelsea duo Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and the golden boy of English football, Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been nominated as has Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Nigeria cruise into semi final of Africa Beach Soccer Championship

Nigeria Sand Eagles defeated Egypt 4-1 to progress into semi final at the on-going CAF Beach Soccer championship in Seychelles.

The Eagles thumped host 10-1 in their opening game of the tournament on Tuesday and currently tops Group A with six points from two games.

 

The NFFVerified account‏@thenff

SuperSand Eagles cruises into the semis after a 4/1 winner over Egypt CAF BEACHSOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS ”

FRSC Striker Akeem Isiaka sets eyes on goals in Nigerian National League

FRSC FC of Abuja striker, Isiaka Akeem, has set a ten goal mark for Nigeria National League season which commences soon.

Isiaka could only manage three goals last season due to injury constraint but he is optimistic ahead of the new season.

"I pray to be injury free even though football is a contact sport, I just could not do much last season as I got injured early in the season but I did show a glimpse of what I can offer when I joined the first team back late in the season scoring three goals in six games," the Oyo state born striker SL10 on Tuesday morning.

FRSC FC (Federal Road Safety Commission) have played 17 friendly matches so far and Akeem Isiaka featured in eight of those matches scoring seven goals.

The Abuja base FRSC FC have lined up two friendlies with one confirmed and the other yet to be confirmed.

A planned friendly match against Nigeria Nationwide League side, Court of Appeal FC will be played tomorrow while a revenge re-match against Lobi Stars in Makurdi will be confirmed before the week runs out.

Lobi Star ran away with a lone goal when they met FRSC FC in Abuja last week.

Bale is not for sale! Zidane warns Manchester United and other clubs to stay clear

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has reiterated that Gareth Bale will not be leaving the club this summer.

The Castilla coach made this statement following reports suggesting that the Welshman might be making a return to England in the summer to join Manchester United.

It has been a challenging season for the former Spurs star after the loss to rivals Barcelona, which saw fans attacked his car.

''Real Madrid buy the best players in the world. They don’t sell them,” Zidane told the Daily Mirror.

''Of course other clubs will be interested in him, he would improve any squad in the world, but the president has said he is not for sale and that is because he is not for sale.

''That will be the answer to Manchester United or any other club that asks the question.

''He was a big part of our success last season especially in the Champions League, and as we look to defend our title I am sure he will play a successful part again.''

Manchester United Legend Cantona believes Ronaldo and Messi are not better than PSG's Pastore

The duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not as good as Javier Pastore. This was the submission of former Manchester United Legend Eric Cantona.

Cantona believes that the PSG and Argentina forward is ''more creative'' than any other player in the world.

''The best player in the world, the most exciting player in the world, is [Javier] Pastore from Paris Saint-Germain,'' said Cantona. ''I watched two games just to see Pastore playing, giving passes. He has got something special. Because football is interactive, it's why football is so popular, I think.''

Pastore's statistics this season can not be compared with that of Messi who has 45 goals for Barcelona while Cristiano Ronaldo has found the back of the net 51 times for Spanish rivals Real Madrid, but the former Manchester United legend who seems to be seeing something the world is not, was speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai.

''Pastore can do things that the other ones don't know, he does things that surprise you every time. Not only in scoring goals, spectacular goals - everything. Just passing. He's a very creative player. He's the most creative player, I think, in the world today. It's why I think he's the best player in the world, because I love this kind of player.''

UEFA Youth League triumph excites Chelsea forward Dominic Solanke

Chelsea U-19 forward Dominic Solanke has expressed his delight after his side defeated Shakhtar Donesk 3-2 in the UEFA Youth League final to be crowned champions on Monday evening.

The 17-year old who finished as the tournament's highest goal score on 12 goals admitted it was a tough battle against the Ukrainian side but his side came out smiling.

''It's a dream come true,''- he said on uefa.com ''We've worked hard all season in this competition and won most of our games, losing only one, and we all put in a great shift to get here.''

''We were always confident going into the final and we produced what we needed to.

''Shakhtar are a very organised team and they made it hard. They equalised just before half-time, which was difficult for us, but we came out in the second period ready to go and managed to get a few more goals.

''It's a tough task to get into the first team at Chelsea, but you've got to keep working.''

Champions League: Echiejile confident Monaco can beat Juventus

Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile has issued a stern warning to Juventus to watch out for his side when they clash in the quarter final of the UEFA champions league.

Monaco sent Arsenal packing in the round of 16 and would be taking on the Italian champions on Tuesday night in Turin.

''In the (Champions League) group stage, we set a new record by not conceding a goal in six matches. We could as well rewrite our history by winning in Italy,'' the left back said on his official website. 

''We only need to stay focused in both legs and we could be in the semifinals.

''Juventus are on great form in Serie A as well as in Europe, but we can get results from them to go through.''

Echiejile is the only Nigerian left in the chase for champions league glory this season.

Enyeama listed for Best African player Award

Nigeria and Lille of France goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has been nominated for the Marc-Vivien Foe Award which he won last year as the best African player in the French Ligue.

The prize was initiated in 2009 in honour of Foe, who collapsed and died on June 26, 2003 during Cameroon’s FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final clash with Colombia. 

Here are the nominees for this year's award:

Aymen Abdennour (Monaco, Tunisia)

Jordan Ayew (Lorient, Ghana)

André Ayew (Marseille, Ghana)

Nabil Dirar (Monaco, Morocco)

Vincent Enyeama (Lille, Nigeria)

Max-Alain Gradel (Saint-Etienne, Ivory Coast)

Idrissa Gueye (Lille, Senegal)

Aissa Mandi (Reims, Algeria)

Benjamin Moukandjo (Reims, Cameroon)

Clinton N’Jie (Lyon, Cameroon)

Mayweather vs Pacquiao Fight: Jay Z to host after party in Las Vegas

Google Image: Jay Z

Founder of Roc Nation Sports and hip hop legend Jay Z is set to host a Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao after-fight party where V.I.P. tables are rumored to going at $50,000.

According to TMZ, the May 2 event will be held at the Marquee nightclub at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, site of the fight.

Jay Z's bash is expected to be the biggest "after-party on the strip," even surpassing the star power expected to be generated at parties hosted by the likes of Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and 2 Chainz. Presumably, Jay's better half, wife Beyonce, will also be in the house, which almost certainly will serve as an added draw for his event.

After selling off his minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets, the "Blueprint" rap legend formed Roc Nation Sports in April of 2013 and since doing so Sports Illustrated reports he has inked such big-name clients as Kevin Durant, Dez Bryant, Robinson Cano, Ndamukong Suh, CC Sabathia, Victor Cruz, Antonio Smith, Geno Smith, Todd Gurley, Andre Ward and Skylar Diggins.

Around the time of his launch, he wrote on his Life +Times website, "Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years."

He also added he planned to himself become a certified agent, first in baseball and later both basketball and football. Among Jay Z's other biggest hits are such classics as "99 Problems," "I Just Wanna Love You," "I'll Be," "Izzo," "Bonnie & Clyde," "Run This Town," "Empire State of Mind" and "Crazy In Love."

General admission for the Las Vegas bash will be $100 for men and $30 for women.

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Ronaldo cleared for Eiba weekend clash

Cristiano Ronald has been cleared to feature against Eibar after the yellow card he recieved in midweek win over Rayo Vallecano was rescinded.

The Portuguese incurred a one-match suspension after he booked for diving when he was actually brought down by a Rayo defender.

A statement on Real Madrid website confirms the Spanish Football Competition Commitee.

''The RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) Competition Commitee has upheld the appeal submitted by Real Madrid against the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the match against Rayo Vallecano, agreeing to "rescind the caution imposed on the player by the referee". 

The forward will therefore be eligible to play in the La Liga matchday 31 game against Éibar.

Wales new height on FIFA Ranking excites Gareth Bales

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale tweeted after the latest FIFA rankings for April was relased: "A Welsh high of 22nd in the world rankings, unbelievable achievement for all the lads!!"

The team's 3-0 win away in Israel last month helped Wales climb 15 places - more than any other side and saw them surpass their' previous best ranking of 27.

The current team remain on course for next year's European Championship finals, with only third-ranked Belgium above them in qualifying Group B.