Cote d'voire Football Federation names five coaches for Elephant Job, Keshi not mentioned

Google Image: Stephen Keshi

The Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation (FIF), has released a list of five coaches, that are in the running to replace Herve Renard, as their national team manager.

It was reported that FIF received 60 applications from interested candidates with Nigerian Stephen Keshi, who currently handles the Super Eagles appearing on the list.

The Ivorian Federation the final shortlist on its official website www.fedivoir.com/fifci, Portuguese coach, Paulo Duarte, Polish manager, Henryk Kasperczak, French trio of Patrice Neveu, Frédéric Antonetti and Michel Dussuyer.

Last three will be announce before one of them is given the job.

Renard left The Elephants to join French club Lille, after helping them win their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 23 years.

Rangers FC Coach Imama Amapakabo targets more points as he eyes strong finish

After beating Sunshine Stars at the weekend, Coach of Rangers International Imama Amapakabo has revealed that the club has set a target which will see them finish at summit of the Glo Premier League table.

Courtesy: Supersport.com

Rangers moved from 11th place to 8th recording 20 points after 14 matches and have a date with last season champions, Kano Pillars on Wednesday.

Speaking with our correspondent Busayo Olowookere, Coach Imama Amapakabo said his team is poised for more points in subsequent games in the league.

''We were optimistic going into the game against Sunshine and we still have 62 points to play for, he said.

''Hopefully our players will adhere to the plan in the coming games and the target will be achieved.''

Meanwhile, Pillars were held to a 2-2 draw by Dolphins FC in Kano after taking a two-goal lead. They also lost 3-0 in Akure against Sunshine Stars but will hope to find their feet this midweek.

Christopher Danjuma replaces Okon as Coach of Super Falcons

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the appointment of Christopher Danjuma as Head Coach of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons.

He takes over from Edwin Okon who led the Super Falcons to the World Cup in Canada where they crashed out in the first round.

The Okon led squad did not win any match in the World Cup, with a draw two loses.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Nigeria Technical and Development Committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, he praised Okon for the job he has done and revealed that Christopher Danjuma who was an assistant to Okon will be the temporary coach of the Super Falcons.

''We commend Okon and his crew for the services rendered to the country and they did well to reclaim the African Women Championship title for the country in Namibia in October 2014 thus qualifying the team for the Women’s World Cup in Canada," Anyasi-Aguw is quoted to say by the NFF website.

''Mr Christopher Danjuma will now take over the team in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive coaching crew which process is ongoing.”

However Danjuma has a task of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics billed for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

''The team will soon move to Port Harcourt to get used to the pitch on which it will play Equatorial Guinea in the third round of the Olympics qualifiers. The NFF will provide everything that the needs to succeed,'' said Anyansi-Agwu

Danjuma’s first game in charge will the against Equatorial Guinea in the first leg of the Olympics Games qualifiers in Port Harcourt on Saturday, July 18.

Source: thenff.com

Petr Cech finally gets to pose with Arsenal Jersey

Courtesy: Arsenal.com

Petr Cech has agreed to join Arsenal from Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

He completed his medical on Friday and will join up with his new team-mates shortly to begin preparations for the 2015/16 season.

Cech’s Arsenal squad number will be revealed soon. 

Sunshine Stars slip, promises Akwa tough time as Wikki stuns Ifeanyi Ubah

Sunshine Stars of Akure have dropped to second spot after they were pipped 1-0 by Rangers International in Enugu in Sundays league fixture at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.

The host proved the better side in the first 45' and did not hesitate when the opportunity came calling as Alex Emenike's goal separated by both sides before the half which also proved to be the match decider.

Having lost to a better side on the day, the Akure Gunners conceded defeat and praised the Referee for fair officiating saying that the Antelopes deserved the victory.

Shortly after the match, the club shared via twitter, "Bad day in the office for our boys. The two injuries enforced the substitution, also limited our chances. Rangers deserved their win, the statement reads.

"We will bounce back against Akwa on Wednesday in Akure."

Interestingly, Ifeanyi Ubah lost at home for the first time since joining the Premier league to visiting Wikki Tourists by a lone goal scored by Chukwudi Samue in the 77th minutes.

The victory catapults Wikki to the summit as they now have 27points from 14 league matches, leading Sunshine Stars and Enyimba who also won 2-0 at home by a point.

In other results, last season champions Kano Pillars were held to a 2-2 draw by Dolphins FC who came from behind to put the match at per. Lobi Stars beat Abia Warriors 2-0, Bayelsa 2-0 Kwara United, Giwa FC 3-1 El-kanemi, Sharks 1-1 Heartland, Akwa United 1-1 Warri Wolves.

Meanwhile the only Saturday fixture saw Shooting Stars grab one point away after securing a 1-1 draw against FC Taraba.

Bring Super Eagles matches to Lagos, Oliseh advises NFF

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has advised that the nations senior national team will perform better playing inside the National Stadium Lagos.

Oliseh in an interview with Brila FM noted that the pressure from Lagos fans would suffice to spur the Eagles to giving their best in any match.

He further stated that it was more difficult during his days to represent the country that present time.

“It’s a lot easier now to play for Nigeria and I guess that is one of the reasons we are not doing so well now. In those days, you go to the National Stadium, Lagos in front 100, 000 fans. After 20 minutes, you have not scored, the fans go crazy and your family lives in Lagos; that is pressure. When you go to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup and you know that second
is not enough; that is pressure. When you have to play and the future of your family is at stake; that is pressure.

“I’m overtly telling them that if we want to go back to the top; we need to bring the Super Eagles back to Lagos.

"If England have an important match to play, they play you at Wembley because that is where they have the greatest number of fans and that is where it becomes emotional for the players. The National Stadium is our own Wembley. I played for Nigeria for 10 years and we never lost at the National Stadium. That shows you how mythical it was to play there. The players need that kind of atmosphere to perform.”

NFF vs Enyeama: Can Nigeria move on please?

Super Eagles Goalkeeper and Captain Vincent Enyeama has been in the news lately over his remarks before the African Cup of Nations Qualifier against Chad in Kaduna.

The Lille of France shot-stopper made some "provocative comments" on the venue of the match, which got him queried by the federation. 

Several reports had it that Enyeama was invited by NFF Disciplinary Committee to explain matters, on the same occasion as Coach of the Eagles Stephen Keshi over his recent link to the Ivorian job. Keshi showed up but the captain failed to turn up based on claims that he never received any invitation in that regard.

Enyeama said he had apologized and was surprised to hear from the media that he shunned an invitation to appear before the NFF Disciplinary Committee. 

Spokesman of the federation Ademola Olajire told Africanfootball.com, that the claims by Vincent Enyeama who said he didn't get any invitation was untrue, ''I can assure you that Enyeama was sent an invitation by the NFF'', he said.

''The invitation to appear before the committee was sent to him through the channel that we normally send him invitations to the Super Eagles.

''The disciplinary committee is a judicial body, so whether Eneyama appears or not they will make their decision.''

Vincent Enyeam further shared these on Instagram on Friday morning, an appeal so to speak ''Good morning my world#this got me cracking#someone sent this to me#i am still very sorry about my comments on the security issue.#and I still want to once again apologize to everyone that found that comment offensive,most especially the executive governor and the people of Kaduna state,the nff. God bless Nigeria#God bless Kaduna state#God bless bless Nff#God bless everyone reading this message.#TIMEDRAWINGCLOSERTHANPLANNED.

Come to think of it, all these counter-accusations, are they necessary? The Nigerian Football Federation can handle this matter better and focus on other important things that will move our football forward.  But kudos must also go to the NFF for handling the matter before the game proper. That is the way to go and should never have been brought up again.

If indeed, Enyeama was invited at all and he failed to show up, the federation MUST punish him for not honouring the call being a respected member of the team.

The Super Eagles just played their first qualifying match with Tanzania and the Pharaohs of Egypt waiting. It is time to focus on forth-coming games and not getting busy setting up committees upon committees to look into matters that could be sorted without moving muscles.

Offside: It was rumored that the federation would send a delegation to Abidjan to investigate the why Keshi was shortlisted for the Ivory coast coaching job. In this jet age? What has suddenly happened to mails and phone calls?

LMC Okays Sharks Sponsorship deal with Eunisell

The League Management Company (LMC) has endorsed a shirt sponsorship deal between Sharks FC of Port Harcourt and Eunisell Limited in line with provisions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Rules and Framework.

In a letter to Sharks FC, Chief Operating Officer of the league body Salihu Abubakar, congratulated the club for securing the deal and also complying with regulation which provides that all external commercial relationships of clubs must be vetted and approved by the LMC before signing.

"There are regulations guiding commercial relationships which prescribes the processes to ensure that existing rights are not violated. While we congratulate Sharks for their good fortune which we hope will grow, it is our expectation that other clubs will set up strong marketing units or engage marketing agencies to expand their revenue generating capacities", Abubakar said.

Abubakar further reminded other clubs that it is a breach of the rules to wear shirts with unauthorized endorsements and advised any club that is yet to have the approval of LMC to desist from further wearing of such shirts. He also reminded clubs that pitch panel displays must be approved by the LMC and their deployment for match day branding are to be handled by the LMC approved agency or any such persons authorized by it.

Source: npfl.ng

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez has a message for dream chasers

Google Image: Alexis Sanchez

Below is a photograph of Chile and Arsenal forward Alexi Sanchez who tries to show every dream-chaser out there that it is possible to achieve your goals.

Sanchez posted his picture as a young boy, on his Instagram page which states his mission.

He said to his followers ''Do not let anyone steal your dreams... still struggling'' after explaining it was a picture from his time in Buenos Aires.

Alexis began his career with Cobreloa in Chile and has currently plies his trade with Arsenal FC the Premier League, after moving from Barcelona at the beginning of last season, having previously played for Udinese.

He spent time on loan with Colo-Colo and River Plate but moved permanently to Barcelona in 2011. 

The forward is currently representing his country in the ongoing Copa America on home soil where they have qualified for the quarter final.

Enyeama's response to the NFF and other sports news making the rounds this Thursday

Super Eagles Goalkeeper has told the BBC that he was not officially invited by the Nigeria Football Federation to defend his ''uncomplimentary remarks'' about security in Kaduna ahead of June’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad. 

He further maintained that the matter was resolved in-house but surprise to find in the media that he has been invited to face the federation's disciplinary committee.

** Nigeria U-23 Coach, Samson Siasia has set Friday 26th June deadline for invited home-based players from the Flying Eagles to the Dream Team.

Captain Musa Mohammed, strikers Godwin Savior and Taiwo Awoniyi and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, are the home-based players Siasia invited to camp, while the foreign-based players Kingsley Sokari, Musa Yahaya, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon have been given until two weeks to the African U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo to show up.

** The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kadun will host the tie between the Super Eagles and Pharaoh's of Egypt come March 23, 2016.

However, before the home game against Egypt, Nigeria will travel to Tanzania in the first week of September.

**ObisiA Nwamkpa, a former Commonwealth Welterweight boxing champion on Wednesday decried the nation’s poor preparation towards the forthcoming 11th All Africa Games to hold in Congo Brazzaville. 

Nwamkpa told News Agency of Nigeria that there was no significant arrangement in place to show that the country was preparing for major continental Games despite having about four years to prepare.

The Games are scheduled to run from Sept. 4 to Sept. 19.

** National Women’s Soccer League side, Washington Spirits, have announced the signing of Super Falcons midfielder, Ngozi Okobi, from Delta Queens.

The club signed Okobi on Wednesday but they are yet to receive her International Transfer Certificate.

Meanwhile the Spirits as they are called had earlier signed Josephine Chukwunonye from Rivers Angels after the World Cup to join Francisca Ordega, who has been with the club since the beginning of the season.

** Report has it that Ghanaian striker Asamoha Gyan has admitted he had consensual sex with the lady who claims to be pregnant for him.

Although the Al Ain player has asked for a paternity test, which will confirm if he is actually responsible for the pregnancy of Sarah Kwabla, a 22-year-old university student.

The Black Stars captain allegedly had an affair with Sarah and got her pregnant. She is now demanding for financial upkeep from the Al Ain player.

Enyeama ignores NFF Disciplinary Committee

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama failed to honour the invitation of the Nigeria Football Federation Organizing and Disciplinary Committee.

The Lille of France number-one was invited  by the committee after his "provocative comments" on the venue of the AFCON qualifying game against Chad.

Although he is yet to give a reason why he didn't honour the invitation, Coach of the senior national team Stephen Keshi who was also invited to explain his link with the Ivory Coast job said he has no information on the matter.

“No I am not aware. I only know about my own invitation. You can ask the
NFF officials they should be able to tell you,” he said.

Source: Vanguard

Emmanuel Adeboyor's romantic message to his wife on her Birthday

They say always appreciate what you have, it makes sense this way.

Seyi Emmanuel Adebayor's message to his wife on her birthday as he shared on his Instagram
"SEA, for me your birthday is just like another day. With you being by my side everyday is a
celebration. Thank you so much for being in my life and making it so meaningful, for me and our daughter. Happy birthday again !"

He's got a beautiful woman.

Galaxy named after Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal and Real Madrid now has a galaxy named after him by the Eastern Southern Observatory, a renowned astrological organization.

Google Image: Cristiano Ronaldo

The ESO described the newly-christened CR7 galaxy as "by far the brightest galaxy yet found in the early Universe."

''#DYK the brightest distant galaxy recently discovered by @ESO has a nickname after @Cristiano Ronaldo? #CR7 http://ow.ly/Otfsz'' - the organization share via twitter.

The name refers to the galaxy's age. The higher the redshift, the further back in the history of the universe the galaxy is being seen from.

The galaxy will share the CR7 name with a line of underwear endorsed by Ronaldo, who even has his very own museum.

While the stars which share his name shine bright, Real endured a less-than-stellar season.

Source: CNN

Poor finishing cost us against Rangers - Emeka Inyama

Chairman of Abia Warrior and board member of the Nigerian Football Federation has attributed his side's loss to Rangers in Wednesdays Premier League match to poor finishing.

Google Image: Chief  Emeka Inyama

Speaking with our correspondent Busayo Olowookere after the game, he said that it was a good match but Abia Warriors players failed to take chances.

''This is one of the matches where you don't see the better side win'', he said.

''It was a good game, our Abia Warriors gave a good account of themselves but poor finishing and all that, but Rangers got the three points and that is football.''

He further gave kudos to the home side for doing the necessary to clear maximum points ''Congratulations to Rangers''.

Chief Inyama who also commented on the exit of he country's representatives at the FIFA Womens World Cup and the U-20 World Cup advised the NFF to consider the quality of coaches they bring on board. 

''We need to rethink on the quality and caliber of Nigerian coaches, with all due respect. That is why the federation is going ''

''The federation is going ahead to employ foreign coach for the female team and the youth teams that will take youth development and produce a template to impact the right attitude on the players.

He further noted that indigenous coaches needs to improve their technical depth by going back to study some more.

Rangers pip Abia Warriors in dying minutes

By Busayo Oloowokere (Enugu)

It was a wild jubilation from the fans of Rangers international at the Nmamdi Azikwe stadium when Chisom Egbuchulam scored the winner with what could be last kick of the game.

With about 3,000 fans inside the stadium, the Flying Antelope needed to put smiles on the faces of their darling supporters who were disappointed in their last game in Ilorin losing 3-1 to the Harmony boys.

Both teams opened up the game in the early minutes with Rangers making a touching line clearance to deny Abia Warriors the lead. Rasak Adegbite also came closed but could not find the target before Marshall Odah blasting over the bar with only the goalkeeper of Abia Warriors to beat heating up frustration to end the first 45 mins at goalless.

On Resumption of the second half, both team geared up to find a goal with Abia Warrior's Ndifreke Effiong testing Itodo Akor in the 63rd mins to get a corner kick, while Osas Okoro who got a one on one with Chinedu Anozie blasted over the bar in the 76th mins.

With 4mins added time to be played, two one touch played from Rasak Adegbite and Osas Okoro drop the ball for Chisom Egbuchulam to fire in a shot into the back of the net to erupt a wild jubilation from the fans.

Speaking after the game, Abia Warriors Coach Ladan Bosso praised his boys for playing hard with determination and focus but expresses his dissatisfaction with the 4th official whom he claimed wasted time before showing of the added time. 

Ondo SWAN elect new executives

By Isaac Afolabi
Mr Akintunde Akinsemola has been re-elected as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter after defeating his opponent Mr Wahab Bankole by 21 votes to 11 votes. 

The election which was held at Nigerian Union of Journalist Press Centre, Akure, witnessed the emergence of the incumbent Chairman and others who will oversea the association's affairs for the next three years.

Declaring the results, The chairman SWAN Electoral Committee, announced that Mr Ayo Ogedengbe said 2 people were returned unopposed including the Assistant Secretary , Mr Issac Afolabi of Radio Nigeria Positive FM as well as the Vice Chairman, Mr Longe Olabisi for the post of the secretary.

Mr Giwa Segun (News Agency of Nigeria) polled 21 votes defeating his Mr Francis Akinnodi who garnered 11 votes. 

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Ondo SWAN, Mr Akintunde Akinsemola thanked members of the association and promised to work towards the upliftment of the association in the state and beyond.

Earlier in his address, the National President of SWAN who was represented by the Vice-President, South-West Zone, Mr Muyideen Adeleke urged the sports journalists to always contribute their quota towards sports development in the country.

English Premier League 2015/2016 fixtures released

Saying that many English Premier League fans across the globe cannot wait for the 2015/2016 Season to kick off will not be an exaggeration as the fixtures have been released by the league on Wednesday morning.

League champions will play host to Swansea in their opening game at the Stamford bridge while second place Manchester City will be away against West Bromich Albion while Arsenal will be at home to Westham United.

Day one games are scheduled for 8th August, 2015.

See all fixtures below:

8 August 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa #BOUAVL
Arsenal v West Ham United #ARSWHU
Chelsea v Swansea City #CHESWA
Everton v Watford #EVEWAT
Leicester City v Sunderland #LEISUN
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur #MUNTOT
Newcastle United v Southampton #NEWSOU
Norwich City v Crystal Palace #NORCRY
Stoke City v Liverpool #STKLIV
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City #WBAMCI

15 August 2015
Aston Villa v Manchester United #AVLMUN
Crystal Palace v Arsenal #CRYARS
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth #LIVBOU
Manchester City v Chelsea #MCICHE
Southampton v Everton #SOUEVE
Sunderland v Norwich City #SUNNOR
Swansea City v Newcastle United #SWANEW
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City #TOTSTK
Watford v West Bromwich Albion #WATWBA
West Ham United v Leicester City #WHULEI

22 August 2015
Arsenal v Liverpool #ARSLIV
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa #CRYAVL
Everton v Manchester City #EVEMCI
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur #LEITOT
Manchester United v Newcastle United #MUNNEW
Norwich City v Stoke City #NORSTK
Sunderland v Swansea City #SUNSWA
Watford v Southampton #WATSOU
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea #WBACHE
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth #WHUBOU

29 August 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City #BOULEI
Aston Villa v Sunderland #AVLSUN
Chelsea v Crystal Palace #CHECRY
Liverpool v West Ham United #LIVWHU
Manchester City v Watford #MCIWAT
Newcastle United v Arsenal #NEWARS
Southampton v Norwich City #SOUNOR
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion #STKWBA
Swansea City v Manchester United #SWAMUN
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton #TOTEVE

12 September 2015
Arsenal v Stoke City #ARSSTK
Crystal Palace v Manchester City #CRYMCI
Everton v Chelsea #EVECHE
Leicester City v Aston Villa #LEIAVL
Manchester United v Liverpool #MUNLIV
Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth #NORBOU
Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur #SUNTOT
Watford v Swansea City #WATSWA
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton #WBASOU
West Ham United v Newcastle United #WHUNEW

19 September 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Sunderland #BOUSUN
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion #AVLWBA
Chelsea v Arsenal #CHEARS
Liverpool v Norwich City #LIVNOR
Manchester City v West Ham United #MCIWHU
Newcastle United v Watford #NEWWAT
Southampton v Manchester United #SOUMUN
Stoke City v Leicester City #STKLEI
Swansea City v Everton #SWAEVE
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace #TOTCRY

26 September 2015
Leicester City v Arsenal #LEIARS
Liverpool v Aston Villa #LIVAVL
Manchester United v Sunderland #MUNSUN
Newcastle United v Chelsea #NEWCHE
Southampton v Swansea City #SOUSWA
Stoke City v AFC Bournemouth #STKBOU
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City #TOTMCI
Watford v Crystal Palace #WATCRY
West Bromwich Albion v Everton #WBAEVE
West Ham United v Norwich City #WHUNOR

3 October 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Watford #BOUWAT
Arsenal v Manchester United #ARSMUN
Aston Villa v Stoke City #AVLSTK
Chelsea v Southampton #CHESOU
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion #CRYWBA
Everton v Liverpool #EVELIV
Manchester City v Newcastle United #MCINEW
Norwich City v Leicester City #NORLEI
Sunderland v West Ham United #SUNWHU
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur #SWATOT

17 October 2015
Chelsea v Aston Villa #CHEAVL
Crystal Palace v West Ham United #CRYWHU
Everton v Manchester United #EVEMUN
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth #MCIBOU
Newcastle United v Norwich City #NEWNOR
Southampton v Leicester City #SOULEI
Swansea City v Stoke City #SWASTK
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool #TOTLIV
Watford v Arsenal #WATARS
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland #WBASUN

24 October 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur #BOUTOT
Arsenal v Everton #ARSEVE
Aston Villa v Swansea City #AVLSWA
Leicester City v Crystal Palace #LEICRY
Liverpool v Southampton #LIVSOU
Manchester United v Manchester City #MUNMCI
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion #NORWBA
Stoke City v Watford #STKWAT
Sunderland v Newcastle United #SUNNEW
West Ham United v Chelsea #WHUCHE

31 October 2015
Chelsea v Liverpool #CHELIV
Crystal Palace v Manchester United #CRYMUN
Everton v Sunderland #EVESUN
Manchester City v Norwich City #MCINOR
Newcastle United v Stoke City #NEWSTK
Southampton v AFC Bournemouth #SOUBOU
Swansea City v Arsenal #SWAARS
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa #TOTAVL
Watford v West Ham United #WATWHU
West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City #WBALEI

7 November 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United #BOUNEW
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur #ARSTOT
Aston Villa v Manchester City #AVLMCI
Leicester City v Watford #LEIWAT
Liverpool v Crystal Palace #LIVCRY
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion #MUNWBA
Norwich City v Swansea City #NORSWA
Stoke City v Chelsea #STKCHE
Sunderland v Southampton #SUNSOU
West Ham United v Everton #WHUEVE

21 November 2015
Chelsea v Norwich City #CHENOR
Crystal Palace v Sunderland #CRYSUN
Everton v Aston Villa #EVEAVL
Manchester City v Liverpool #MCILIV
Newcastle United v Leicester City #NEWLEI
Southampton v Stoke City #SOUSTK
Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth #SWABOU
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United #TOTWHU
Watford v Manchester United #WATMUN
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal #WBAARS

28 November 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Everton #BOUEVE
Aston Villa v Watford #AVLWAT
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United #CRYNEW
Leicester City v Manchester United #LEIMUN
Liverpool v Swansea City #LIVSWA
Manchester City v Southampton #MCISOU
Norwich City v Arsenal #NORARS
Sunderland v Stoke City #SUNSTK
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea #TOTCHE
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion #WHUWBA

5 December 2015
Arsenal v Sunderland #ARSSUN
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth #CHEBOU
Everton v Crystal Palace #EVECRY
Manchester United v West Ham United #MUNWHU
Newcastle United v Liverpool #NEWLIV
Southampton v Aston Villa #SOUAVL
Stoke City v Manchester City #STKMCI
Swansea City v Leicester City #SWALEI
Watford v Norwich City #WATNOR
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur #WBATOT

12 December 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United #BOUMUN
Aston Villa v Arsenal #AVLARS
Crystal Palace v Southampton #CRYSOU
Leicester City v Chelsea #LEICHE
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion #LIVWBA
Manchester City v Swansea City #MCISWA
Norwich City v Everton #NOREVE
Sunderland v Watford #SUNWAT
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United #TOTNEW
West Ham United v Stoke City #WHUSTK

19 December 2015
Arsenal v Manchester City #ARSMCI
Chelsea v Sunderland #CHESUN
Everton v Leicester City #EVELEI
Manchester United v Norwich City #MUNNOR
Newcastle United v Aston Villa #NEWAVL
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur #SOUTOT
Stoke City v Crystal Palace #STKCRY
Swansea City v West Ham United #SWAWHU
Watford v Liverpool #WATLIV
West Bromwich Albion v AFC Bournemouth #WBABOU

26 December 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace #BOUCRY
Aston Villa v West Ham United #AVLWHU
Chelsea v Watford #CHEWAT
Liverpool v Leicester City #LIVLEI
Manchester City v Sunderland #MCISUN
Newcastle United v Everton #NEWEVE
Southampton v Arsenal #SOUARS
Stoke City v Manchester United #STKMUN
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion #SWAWBA
Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City #TOTNOR

28 December 2015
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth #ARSBOU
Crystal Palace v Swansea City #CRYSWA
Everton v Stoke City #EVESTK
Leicester City v Manchester City #LEIMCI
Manchester United v Chelsea #MUNCHE
Norwich City v Aston Villa #NORAVL
Sunderland v Liverpool #SUNLIV
Watford v Tottenham Hotspur #WATTOT
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United #WBANEW
West Ham United v Southampton #WHUSOU

2 January 2016
Arsenal v Newcastle United #ARSNEW
Crystal Palace v Chelsea #CRYCHE
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur #EVETOT
Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth #LEIBOU
Manchester United v Swansea City #MUNSWA
Norwich City v Southampton #NORSOU
Sunderland v Aston Villa #SUNAVL
Watford v Manchester City #WATMCI
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City #WBASTK
West Ham United v Liverpool #WHULIV

12 January 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United #BOUWHU
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace #AVLCRY
8pm Liverpool v Arsenal #LIVARS
Swansea City v Sunderland #SWASUN

13 January 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion #CHEWBA
Manchester City v Everton #MCIEVE
Newcastle United v Manchester United #NEWMUN
Southampton v Watford #SOUWAT
Stoke City v Norwich City #STKNOR
8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City #TOTLEI

16 January 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Norwich City #BOUNOR
Aston Villa v Leicester City #AVLLEI
Chelsea v Everton #CHEEVE
Liverpool v Manchester United #LIVMUN
Manchester City v Crystal Palace #MCICRY
Newcastle United v West Ham United #NEWWHU
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion #SOUWBA
Stoke City v Arsenal #STKARS
Swansea City v Watford #SWAWAT
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland #TOTSUN

23 January 2016
Arsenal v Chelsea #ARSCHE
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur #CRYTOT
Everton v Swansea City #EVESWA
Leicester City v Stoke City #LEISTK
Manchester United v Southampton #MUNSOU
Norwich City v Liverpool #NORLIV
Sunderland v AFC Bournemouth #SUNBOU
Watford v Newcastle United #WATNEW
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa #WBAAVL
West Ham United v Manchester City #WHUMCI

2 February 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
Arsenal v Southampton #ARSSOU
8pm Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth #CRYBOU
Leicester City v Liverpool #LEILIV
8pm Manchester United v Stoke City #MUNSTK
Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur #NORTOT
Sunderland v Manchester City #SUNMCI
Watford v Chelsea #WATCHE
8pm West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City #WBASWA
West Ham United v Aston Villa #WHUAVL

3 February 2016
7.45pm Everton v Newcastle United #EVENEW

6 February 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal #BOUARS
Aston Villa v Norwich City #AVLNOR
Chelsea v Manchester United #CHEMUN
Liverpool v Sunderland #LIVSUN
Manchester City v Leicester City #MCILEI
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion #NEWWBA
Southampton v West Ham United #SOUWHU
Stoke City v Everton #STKEVE
Swansea City v Crystal Palace #SWACRY
Tottenham Hotspur v Watford #TOTWAT

13 February 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Stoke City #BOUSTK
Arsenal v Leicester City #ARSLEI
Aston Villa v Liverpool #AVLLIV
Chelsea v Newcastle United #CHENEW
Crystal Palace v Watford #CRYWAT
Everton v West Bromwich Albion #EVEWBA
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur #MCITOT
Norwich City v West Ham United #NORWHU
Sunderland v Manchester United #SUNMUN
Swansea City v Southampton #SWASOU

27 February 2016
Leicester City v Norwich City #LEINOR
Liverpool v Everton #LIVEVE
Manchester United v Arsenal #MUNARS
Newcastle United v Manchester City #NEWMCI
Southampton v Chelsea #SOUCHE
Stoke City v Aston Villa #STKAVL
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City #TOTSWA
Watford v AFC Bournemouth #WATBOU
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace #WBACRY
West Ham United v Sunderland #WHUSUN

1 March 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton #BOUSOU
Arsenal v Swansea City #ARSSWA
Aston Villa v Everton #AVLEVE
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion #LEIWBA
8pm Liverpool v Manchester City #LIVMCI
8pm Manchester United v Watford #MUNWAT
Norwich City v Chelsea #NORCHE
Sunderland v Crystal Palace #SUNCRY
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur #WHUTOT

2 March 2016
7.45pm Stoke City v Newcastle United #STKNEW

5 March 2016
Chelsea v Stoke City #CHESTK
Crystal Palace v Liverpool #CRYLIV
Everton v West Ham United #EVEWHU
Manchester City v Aston Villa #MCIAVL
Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth #NEWBOU
Southampton v Sunderland #SOUSUN
Swansea City v Norwich City #SWANOR
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal #TOTARS
Watford v Leicester City #WATLEI
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United #WBAMUN

12 March 2016 AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City #BOUSWA
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion #ARSWBA
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur #AVLTOT
Leicester City v Newcastle United #LEINEW
Liverpool v Chelsea #LIVCHE
Manchester United v Crystal Palace #MUNCRY
Norwich City v Manchester City #NORMCI
Stoke City v Southampton #STKSOU
Sunderland v Everton #SUNEVE
West Ham United v Watford #WHUWAT

19 March 2016
Chelsea v West Ham United #CHEWHU
Crystal Palace v Leicester City #CRYLEI
Everton v Arsenal #EVEARS
Manchester City v Manchester United #MCIMUN
Newcastle United v Sunderland #NEWSUN
Southampton v Liverpool #SOULIV
Swansea City v Aston Villa #SWAAVL
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth #TOTBOU
Watford v Stoke City #WATSTK
West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City #WBANOR

2 April 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City #BOUMCI
Arsenal v Watford #ARSWAT
Aston Villa v Chelsea #AVLCHE
Leicester City v Southampton #LEISOU
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur #LIVTOT
Manchester United v Everton #MUNEVE
Norwich City v Newcastle United #NORNEW
Stoke City v Swansea City #STKSWA
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion #SUNWBA
West Ham United v Crystal Palace #WHUCRY

9 April 2016
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth #AVLBOU
Crystal Palace v Norwich City #CRYNOR
Liverpool v Stoke City #LIVSTK
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion #MCIWBA
Southampton v Newcastle United #SOUNEW
Sunderland v Leicester City #SUNLEI
Swansea City v Chelsea #SWACHE
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United #TOTMUN
Watford v Everton #WATEVE
West Ham United v Arsenal #WHUARS

16 April 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool #BOULIV
Arsenal v Crystal Palace #ARSCRY
Chelsea v Manchester City #CHEMCI
Everton v Southampton #EVESOU
Leicester City v West Ham United #LEIWHU
Manchester United v Aston Villa #MUNAVL
Newcastle United v Swansea City #NEWSWA
Norwich City v Sunderland #NORSUN
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur #STKTOT
West Bromwich Albion v Watford #WBAWAT

23 April 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea #BOUCHE
Aston Villa v Southampton #AVLSOU
Crystal Palace v Everton #CRYEVE
Leicester City v Swansea City #LEISWA
Liverpool v Newcastle United #LIVNEW
Manchester City v Stoke City #MCISTK
Norwich City v Watford #NORWAT
Sunderland v Arsenal #SUNARS
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion #TOTWBA
West Ham United v Manchester United #WHUMUN

30 April 2016
Arsenal v Norwich City #ARSNOR
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur #CHETOT
Everton v AFC Bournemouth #EVEBOU
Manchester United v Leicester City #MUNLEI
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace #NEWCRY
Southampton v Manchester City #SOUMCI
Stoke City v Sunderland #STKSUN
Swansea City v Liverpool #SWALIV
Watford v Aston Villa #WATAVL
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United #WBAWHU

7 May 2016
AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion #BOUWBA
Aston Villa v Newcastle United #AVLNEW
Crystal Palace v Stoke City #CRYSTK
Leicester City v Everton #LEIEVE
Liverpool v Watford #LIVWAT
Manchester City v Arsenal #MCIARS
Norwich City v Manchester United #NORMUN
Sunderland v Chelsea #SUNCHE
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton #TOTSOU
West Ham United v Swansea City #WHUSWA

15 May 2016
Arsenal v Aston Villa #ARSAVL
Chelsea v Leicester City #CHELEI
Everton v Norwich City #EVENOR
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth #MUNBOU
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur #NEWTOT
Southampton v Crystal Palace #SOUCRY
Stoke City v West Ham United #STKWHU
Swansea City v Manchester City #SWAMCI
Watford v Sunderland #WATSUN
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool #WBALIV

Nigeria U-20 Striker Taiwo Awoniyi disowns fake Twitter account

This is interesting! Nigeria U-20 and U-23 Striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has denied ownership of the twitter account @_awoniyi that has been posing as his official account.

He revealed this via hhis facebook and his Instagram account stating that the account was opened by fraudsters who pretend to be him.

''Morning pales,,NOTICE...please there is someone using this Twitter account @_awoniyi for years posting a lot n making people believing is me just want to inform everyone that I have no Twitter account,,is just a fraud pls be aware pals n kindly help in sharing this plsssss'' - Awoniyi on his facebook page.

The image below reveals his post on Instagram.

The said twitter account currently has a total of 1,032 followers at the time of reporting.

Tributes pour in for Nigerian footballer who collapsed and died in Malaysia

This is sad! I understand the fact that David Faramola Oniya is not the first player to have collapsed while playing (hunting for his daily bread) and eventually pass on. To mention a few similar incidence, Marc-Vivien Foe of Cameroun during a Confederations Cup game in 2003, and recently Belgium lost two players in similar fashion this year.

The death of this Nigerian footballer who plies his trade for T-Team, a club in Malaysia during a friendly game against Kelantan on Saturday 13th June 2015 came as a rude shock to many including his friends and Nigerians at large especially those who understand the ''hustle'' and the search for greener pasture.

I visited his Facebook page and realized that many who were sending in their condolences do not know David from Adam. Nigerians, colleagues and many others he had had contact with during his days on earth could not hold back but drop a line.

According to reports, he had barely had contact with the ball, in fact he had not played five minutes before he slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The essence of this write-up is not to join in the blame game, however, we won't delve into the blame game by his club Chief Executive CEO Syahrizan Mohd Zain who felt the player would have survived if only he had received adequate and prompt attention.

All that would not wake the dead! We can only send our prayers and that is what many of David's ''friends'' at large are doing now.

The Nigerian Football Federation via twitter ''RIP David Faramola Oniya''

Posted by @Thenff via twitter

''Our thoughts are with the family of Late David Faramola Oniya a Nigerian footballer who was with Malaysia Premier League club T-Team F.C.'' - @Thenff

Manchester United Malaysian Twitter Fan page Condolences to the family of T-Team kapten, Farmula David Aniya who died during a friendly match vs Kelantan in KB. - @MUFC_Malaysia

Nigerian defender David Oniya has died after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match between his Malaysian club T-Team and Kelantan.  ‏@NigeriaNewsdesk via Twitter

On the deceased facebook account , here are some of the heartfelt messages:

 Faith Eagle Oniya on Facebook - ''Just lost my brother, the captain of the German team, David Faramola Oniyain Germany some few minutes ago. I have not recovered from the shock.

Had a dream this morning I didn't understand... But GOD does!

THE BIBLE TELLS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING...but two requests Lord,...

Give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss....

Lord, may this STOP from now on.

Thank you

Father    

''Its very sad to see him passed away like this.. A very discipline and committed player on and off the pitch.. As a person who greet him the first day he's in training and until his last breath.. You'll be missed my brother and my captain'' -  Mohd Hazwan Zikri said on David's Facebook account.

''RIP bro, still find it difficult to belief, we love you but God love you more.'' - Akintola Olayinka via facebook.

''You were like a brother to me....Our days in Azerbaijan was filled with inspiring memories..We love you,but God loves you more....Still can't believe you are gone Brother!!! - Bello Abayomi

And from me, I say ''death! Thou hath cruel. Rest in Peace Brother.

The center back had played football for more than 10 years as a professional. He played in played in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan before moving to Malaysian this season.

Mayweather Chairs Highest-Paid Athletes, Ronaldo, Messi in Top Five

The money man as he is fondly called tops the list recently released by Forbes Magazine for the 100 highest paid athletes in the world. 

For the third time in a space of four years, Floyd Mayweather has ranked as the highest paid athlete in the world. Mayweather’s $300 million year shatters the record for athlete earnings, which was previously held by Tiger Woods, who banked $115 million in 2008 ($125 million adjusted for inflation).

Thanks to the big money fight bewteen Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao which greatly influenced their positions on the list.

The only footballers in the top ten are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who occupy 3rd and 4th respectively.

Here's the Top 10: 

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Total Earnings: $300 million

Salary/Winnings: $285 million 

Endorsements: $15 million 

2. Manny Pacquiao

Total Earnings: $160 million

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

Total Earnings: $79.6 million

4. Lionel Messi

Total Earnings: $73.8 million

5. Roger Federer

Total Earnings: $67 million

6. LeBron James

Total Earnings: $64.8 million 

7. Kevin Durant

Total Earnings: $54.1 million

8. Phil Mickelson

Total Earnings: $50.8 million 

9. Tiger Woods

Total Earnings: $50.6 million 

10. Kobe Bryant

Total Earnings: $49.5 million

See full list here 

U-20 World Cup: Germany edge Nigeria as Brazil progresses

Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been bundled out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by Germany.

The Germans secured a lone goal through Levin Oztunali’s in the first half which was enough to see them through the quarter final of the competition ahead of the Africans.

Germany will now face Mali in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Brazil played out a goalless draw against Uruguay but progressed 5-4 after penalty shootout.

Ronaldo leads, Barcelona dominates top ten goals of 2014/2015 Champions League season

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Liverpool has been adjudged the best goal of the 2014/2015 season amidst dominance by Barcelona in the top ten.

Ronaldo combined well with his teammates Pepe, benzema before feeding James Rodríguez, who played a perfect ball for the Portugal forward to half-volley in at Anfield. 

Barcelona registered five goals in the top ten, including two each from Ivan Rakitić and Lionel Messi.

Top ten goals of 2014/15 as selected by the UEFA Technical Observers

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Liverpool FC 0-3 Real Madrid CF, 22/10/14)

2 Ivan Rakitić (Juventus 1-3 FC Barcelona, 06/06/15)

3 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona 3-0 FC Bayern München, 06/05/15)

4 Luis Suárez (Paris Saint-Germain 1-3 FC Barcelona, 15/04/15)

5 Ivan Rakitić (FC Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City FC, 18/03/15) 

6 Marco Reus (Galatasaray AŞ 0-4 Borussia Dortmund, 22/10/14)

7 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid CF 5-1 FC Basel 1893, 16/09/14)

8 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 FC Barcelona, 30/09/14)

9 Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München 6-1 FC Porto, 21/04/15)

10 Vincent Aboubakar (FC Porto 4-0 FC Basel 1893, 10/03/15)

Best set-piece goals of 2014/15

1 Son Heung-Min (FC Zenit 1-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 04/11/14)

2 Aaron Ramsey (Galatasaray AŞ 1-4 Arsenal FC, 09/12/14)

3 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC 1-1 FC Basel 1893, 09/12/14)

4 Casemiro (FC Porto 4-0 FC Basel 1893, 10/03/15)

5 Andrea Pirlo (Juventus 3-2 Olympiacos FC, 04/11/14)

Click here to watch Video of the goals.

Transfer: Khedira joins Juventus

Courtesy: Juventus.com

Juventus Football Club has completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.

The German international will move to Juve on a free transfer on 1 July 2015, having agreed a four-year contract which expires on 30 June 2019.

Womens World Cup: Thrilling encounter between Nigeria and Sweden

Super Falcons of Nigeria played out a 3-3 draw against Sweden in their opening group match at the ongoing FIFA Womens World Cup in Canada.

Courtesy: fifa.com

Sweden took the lead though Desire Oparanozie's unfortunate own goal after 20' of play before long, they also netted from a poor clearance to finish the first 45 minutes 2-0.

The Falcons came out firing with some brilliance in the second half which paid off as Ngozi Okobi and Asisat Oshoala scored to level up with the Europeans.

A good build up from the Swedes saw them secure a third goal but Francisca Ordega salvaged it for the Africans as she fired home with just three minutes in the match.