Eagles won't take Djibouti and Swaziland for grant, says Oliseh

Google Image: Sunday Oliseh

Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh has expressed satisfaction with  2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw held in St.Petersburg, Russia on Saturday.

Drawn bye from the first round of the African qualifiers, Nigeria begins her campaign for a place at the 2018 finals in Russia in November 2015, away to the winner of the Djibouti vs Swaziland first round playoff.

Speaking with the the federations website (thenff.com), Oliseh gave a number of reasons why he is happy with the draw 

"Of course,I am happy with the draw,"Oliseh stated.

"We are not playing the first round, which is a preliminary round and which we knew before the draw. We will also be playing the first leg of the second round away which means we have an advantage of playing the more crucial return leg at home, in front of our fans".

The coach also warned against complacency, revealing that there are a lot of dangerous teams around that could hurt if taken for granted.

"Djibouti and Swaziland need to be given the respect that they deserve and either of them that we face in the second round will not be underrated. We respect every team and we will battle anyone that emerges with our full strength.

"With the draw now concluded,we can safely say that the race to Russia has officially started. I am optimistic we will run this race very well. We will give it our very best and pray it will be good enough to get us one of the five slots available for Africa," Oliseh concluded.

Dolphins beat First Bank to claim Women's League

Dolphins are champions of the 11th Zenith Bank National Women's Basketball League after beating First Bank 77-72 points.

Details later.

Basketball: Dolphins tackle First Bank in Women's League final

Dolphins and First Bank will today clash in the final of Zenith Women's Basketball League inside the indoor sports hall of National Stadium Lagos.

Both teams were finalists last season and have been unbeaten in the league this term.

To get to the final, Dolphins thrashed IGP Queens 84-49 in the semi-finals, while First Bank beat four-time champions, First Deepwater 68-43.

Be there!

One word for this pic shared by Samuel Etoo

Just One Word: Legends

Manchester United players visit Google Headquarters

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and a few of his team mates took time out to visit the headquarters of online search engine, Google in San Francisco.

United are currently on a pre-season tour of the states but thought to learn more about the online company.

The Spanish midfielder shared via Instagram, "Thanks for an inspiring afternoon, @google. #dreambig"

United d will play French side Paris Saint Gernan on Saturday in another game as they prepare for the new seaons.

Liverpool signs Aston Villa Striker Christian Benteke

Liverpool have announced the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke for £32.5m.

The 24 year old Belgian agreed a long-term contract at Anfield and becomes their second most expensive signing.

The Reds recently lost Raheem Sterling who joined Manchester City on an £49m English record fee.

Benteke scored a 49 goals since joining Villa in 2012.

Ifeanyi Ubah, Rangers, others in Federation Cup battle

After the "big boys" have been ousted, the round of 16 matches of this year’s men’s Federation Cup competition will take place across the country on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd July 2015.

On Wednesday, FC IfeanyiUbah will tackle fellow Premier league side up FC Taraba at the Area 3 Playground in Abuja while same venue will host Kwara United and Enugu Rangers in what may be a crunchy tie.

The other all –top division clash, between Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors, is scheduled for the Oshogbo Township Stadium on Wednesday.

Nigeria National League side Remo Stars of Ogun State, who eliminated champions Enyimba FC will be up against Glo NPFL side, Lobi Stars.

In Makurdi, Heartland FC will battle BJ Foundation from Edo State, which eliminated Sportlight FC of Kaduna in the Round of 32.

Omeruo moves to Turkish club Kasimpasa

Super Eagles defender Keneth Omeruo

has joined Turkish Super Lig side, Kasimpasa on loan.

The 21year old Chelsea defender was on loan at Middlesbrough last season and has now move away 

FIBA: Nigeria U-16 lose to Mali in final

Nigeria's U-16 women’s basketball team were beaten 57-46 by three-time champions Mali in the 2015 FIBA Africa Women U-16 Championship in Madagascar.

The Nigerian went into the final after edging Mozambique 54-51 in the semi final on Saturday.

However, both Nigeria and Mali will represent Africa at the 2017 FIBA Under-17 World Championship.

In the classification games played on Sunday, Angola beat Mozambique 52-48 to claim third spot; hosts Madagascar beat Tunisia 64-57 to win fifth place; while Egypt beat Morocco 61-46 to finish seventh.

Nigeria U-23 Pip Congo in 2-1 but....

Nigeria U-23 also known as Dream Team defeated Congo 2-1 in an African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifying match played in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Junior Ajayi grabbed a brace early in the second half – the first a tap-in after Goalkeeper Chrisopher could not get a good grip of the ball off a pull-out in the 48th minute, and the second in a marvelous team goal that Ajayi finished with a brilliant header from an inviting Daniel Etor cross six minutes later.

However, Samson Siasia’s wards allowed the Congolese get into the game by scoring a goal. 

Siasia’s boys won their two away matches in the qualifying race for the All-Africa Games – for which they have qualified. They pounded Gabon 4-1 in Libreville and defeated Zambia 2-0 in Lusaka, and on the evidence of strength-in-depth, should be understandably confident going to Pointe Noire on August 2.

Messi visits Gabon, lays foundation for new Stadium

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi linked was Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba's guest of honour on Saturday to lay the first stone at a future Africa Cup of Nations venue.

Four-time World footballer of the year officially started the building process at the Port-Gentil stadium, which will host Africa Cup of Nations matches in 2017.

The ceremony took place on a wide sandy ground where the stadium will be built.

It was the Argentine forward's first visit to Gabon and he signed autographs on team jerseys worn by his fans, before proceeding with the laying of the first stone, accompanied by the president.

"When I was in Barcelona a few years ago, I met Messi who had told me that he would come to visit me in Libreville," said the Gabon president.

"It's a promise he made me. He is a man of honour who just kept his word."

The new stadium will have a capacity of 20,000 and is expected to host matches from November 2016 in the build-up to the tournament.

Port Gentil is Gabon's second city.

Source: BBC

Formula One Driver Jules Bianchi is dead

Formula One drivers Jules Bianchi has died of injuries sustained at last year's Japanese Grand Prix.

The F1 driver, who was 25, had been in a coma since crashing at Suzuka last October.

A statement released by his family said: "Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable."

Source: Skysports

New Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh's message to Nigerians and intending players at large

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh has sent out a clear message to Nigerians upon assumption of office as head coach of the nation's senior team.

During his unveiling in Abuja, Oliseh mentioned that he has come with an intention of service and not to wage war against his employers or anyone.

"I have come to serve, and the NFF has promised to give me all the support I need to succeed, he said at the media presentation.

"They are the employers and I am the employee. That distinction has to be appreciated at all times.

''I have had meetings with members of the Technical and Development Committee, led by Chief Anyansi-Agwu, very knowledgeable people all. I have met members of the Executive Committeeand the General Secretary. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be Head Coach of Nigeria.''

Regarding the issue of selecting players who will represent the country, the new man who replaced Stephen Keshi warned that players who ply their trades in lower leagues around the world have no place in his squad with exception to underaged players.

"If you are not playing  in first division in anywhere in the world and in Nigeria, you cannot play for the Super Eagles henceforth.''

''However players coming from the under-aged teams are the only exception to this rule."

Speaking further,  ''It’s a great honour to be a coach of this nation, - he said.

''First of all, I am not coming as a Messiah. I am not coming as a man who can single handedly turn Nigeria to Germany.

''I am coming in to do my best and give if possible 150% all the time.

''The state we are now in Nigeria I think we are all not happy with. Gone are the days we have individual players who can single handedly win a match for you. But we have the potentials and that is our belief and the players must know that it’s an honour to be invited to the national team.''

Real Madrid and Barcelona get clasico dates in new La Liga fixtures

Google Image: El Clasico

Fixtures for the Spanish Primera Division 2015/2016 season were released on Tuesday, with the El Clasico matches scheduled for Week 12 and 31 of the new season.

Barcelona will visit the Santiago Bernabeu to play Real Madrid on November 8th, and the Whites will travel to the Nou Camp for the return leg on 3rd April 2016.

Last season Madrid beat Barca 3-1 at the Bernabeu, while Barcelona won 2-1 at home on their way to winning La Liga.

In the season opener, Luis Enrique tutored side will begin their title defence away to Athletic Bilbao as Madrid travel to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon.

The new La Liga campaign will start on the weekend of the 22/23 August and finish on 14/15 May. On the final day of the season, Barcelona will host Granada, while Real Madrid finish the campaign against La Coruna.

Nigeria Football League body names highest Goal-scorer's award after Rasheed Yekini

Nigeria Professional Football League body LMC, has named the Highest Goal Scorer trophy in honour of Super Eagles legend Rashidi Yekini.

The League Management company Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said in a statement that the decision to name the trophy after the late striker was made by the board in order to immortalise the player who scored a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances for Nigeria.

“There is a broad plan to institute awards and honour outstanding players, officials, key stakeholders and fans in the league at the end of every season. There are a number of factors that led us to reach the decision to name one of these awards, that of the highest goal scorer, after the late Rashidi Yekini. The awards is part of strategic plans of the LMC to create commercial value and additional revenues out of the assets inherent in the league property,” Dikko said in a statement on the league’s website.

“We considered the aspiration factor, which seeks to let the players know that they too can become national heroes if they achieve excellence and make a success of their career. It says to them that they too can become legends of the game and the society will honour them as we have sought to honour the late Yekini.”

The LMC Chairman disclosed that a monetary incentive and other social benefits will be attached to the awards.

He said, “We have received a request from the Rashidi Yekini Foundation to provide additional cash support to the winner and we are studying their proposal. There are already plans to officially unveil the special trophy for this award at one of the league games.”

See Adebayor kneeling down before Children

Children showering prayers on Togolese Striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

He shared on his Instagram.

"Children are a blessing and gift from the Lord. The other day I went down on my knees and received blessings from all these children."

Humility!

NPFL: Rangers International bounce back with victory over Lobi Stars

By Busayo Olowookere

Courtesy: Busayo Olowookere

It was celebration for fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intlernational defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.It was celebration mood for Enugu fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intl defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.

The Antelopes were forced to make use of the bench even before the first 45mins elapsed as Rasaq Adegbite had to leave the field with a slight injury after chasing a ball down the line.

On resumption of the second half, the Antelopes came out flying as Christian Madu's corner kick met Etim Matthew inside the box, who beat his opponent before shooting under the arm of goalkeeper Maliea Tekar to send the nervous fans into jubilation.

As the visitors searched for an equalizer,  it was Rangers intl who got of better of their attack as Etim Matthew's through ball met Godwin Aguda who only job was to round the goalkeeper before sloting into the empty net to make it two goals for Rangers.

Things got worst for the visiting side as lack of communication between Melia Tekar and Bunde Moses let  Rangers left back Alex Emenike floated across was headed home into his own net by Bunde Moses with the goalkeeper in no man's land to get the ball.

With time seeming to be off, Lobi stars finally got a consolation goal from a well pieces of ball work combination as Obaino shot pass Itodo Akor.

Speaking after the game, Lobi Stars coach Tenger expressed his disappointment, stating that no coach will accept the defeat and that loss of concentration.

Meanwhile coach Imama Amakapabo of Rangers intl opened up that he knew Lobi stars will play a compact team and he told his boys to calm down, send the ball on errand and it paid of.

INTERVIEW: Foreign Pros disrupted our World Cup Dreams - Ifeanyi Ifeanyi

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was one of the key players in the Manu Garba led Flying Eagles team that represented the country at the African Youth Championship and the recently concluded FIFA World Youth Championship in New Zealand. The defensive midfielder in this interview with Amos Joseph shares his ''memorable experience'' and painful exit at the world stage.

Question: You were at the African Youth Championship and also made the team that went to the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand, how will you describe the experience?

It was an awesome experience I must say. Being at the African Championship alone was a great thing for me and my career, I thought it was the ultimate until i got to the world cup and realized that it's a different ball game. From the environment, pitches, weather and the teams that were involved it was just a different level.

Question: You guys lost the first match against Brazil, what was the felling like after the game considering the team's preparation towards the tournament. 

It wasn't easy at all. It was hell! Because we knew we could do better than that, we knew we were better than Brazil and we could hold our own against any opposition. We got to camp that night and could not eat, everybody was grumbling, just because we knew we could have won the match. But in football you never can tell until 90 minutes. 

Question: What motivated the victory against Korea DPR and Hungary in the last two group matches? 

Before every match, we always have pre-match meeting with the coaches. They made us believe we could do better than what we did against Brazil. They made us believe in ourselves old us they believes in us as well, we also knew we could do better and gave our best in the match against North Korea and Hungary to come out victorious.

Question: Can you tell us what you think went wrong against Germany, which saw the end to your quest?

So many things went wrong on that day. Firstly, we have never played under that very weather before. We've been playing at New Plymouth which was not in the night. The second round games were to be played in Christ Church, which was colder than our previous venue (New Plymouth). The time for the match was 7.30 in the evening, we never trained at that time. The weather was very cold so it affected us a lot. Secondly, our minds were not together. Some of the foreign-based professionals were feeling too big. Unlike the African Championship where we were all working together.

Question: In essence, are you saying that the inclusion of some of the foreign-based the professionals affected the team?

Somehow the inclusion of these players i'll say affected the team and also helped on the other hand. You could see the likes of Success, Musa Yahaya and Wilfred Ndidi against Brazil giving their best to prove their mettle as professionals. But the fitness level could not be compared to those of us who have been training together for a couple of months.

Question: In all, what was your best moment in the tournament? 

Well, my best moment in that tournament was against Hungary because we knew if we had not won that game, it would have been something else. We would have been counting our fingers waiting to be part of the best losers. But we came out strong, did our best and got the three points, we won 2-0. After the game we were all very happy. 

Question: The world cup is over, what is your vision from here or What would it mean for you to play in Europe? 

My vision is to play in Europe. That has always been my dream, to play in the Champions League someday. But I know with God all thing are possible. 

Question: Can you mention some players you look up to? 

I look up to players like Andre Pirlo, Yaha Toure and John Obi Mikel. They are players i adore in the game.

Question: What is your advise to other young ones out there who also aspire to play for the national team some day? 

For me first, is self-believe. Because you may go somewhere and the coach does not believe in you but you need to prove the coach wrong. Also hard work is very important. I train very hard, I don't joke with my training. Work like there's no tomorrow, and above all is prayer because that is the key. 

The future of Nigerian Athletics is bright - Falilat Ogunkoya Osheku

Isaac Afolabi

Former Olympic medalist Falilat Ogunkoya Osheku has expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria in track and field events.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Silver medalist gave the assurance in an interview at the third Athletic Federation of Nigeria AFN Golden League series in Akure, Ondo State.

She charged athletes in the country to make discipline, constant training their watchword to attain enviable heights in international competitions.

Winners of each event were awarded with cash prizes at the one day event which took place at the Federal University of Technology Sports Complex.

Commonwealth Gold medalist Ese Bromen emerge as winner in the Women Long Jump with 6.1 season best, Nicolas Inwebiramen came first in the 100 meters while Amosun Oluwatobiloba won the 100 meter hurdle race.

Some prominent personalties who graced the occasion include former African Long Jump record holder Yusuf Ali, Lawrence Adegbehingbe a commonwealth gold medalist among others

Enyimba ace Rasheed Olabiyi joins Houston Dynamo

Nigerian midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi has been signed by MLS side Houston Dynamo.

The club made this announcement on Thursday.

"We're pleased to welcome Rasheed to the Houston Dynamo," Dynamo vice president/general manager Matt Jordan said in a statement.

"He’s been training with us and has integrated well within our group. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow in our environment and contribute to the success of the team as we begin the second half of our season."

Olabiyi who is a central midfielder spent his entire professional career with Enyimba, one of the largest clubs in Nigeria, after joining the Aba club in 2007.

He won the Nigeria Premier League with the People's Elephant in 2010 as well as three Nigeria FA Cups (2009, 2013, 2014) and two Nigeria Super Cups (2010, 2013). Enyimba also reached the semifinals of the CAF (African) Champions League in 2011.

Siasia confident despite tough All Africa Games Draw

Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has assured Nigerians that his team will perform well despite the oppositions they have been pitched against in the All Africa Games.

Following Thursday's draw held at the CAF headquarters in Egypt which saw the Dream Team drawn in Group B with Ghana, Senegal and Egypt, Siasia, is confident ahead o the ties.

The U-23 boys are currently in Port Harcourt preparing for next weekend's African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifier against Congo, expressed surprise that the strongest teams in the tournament, pedigree -wise, ended up in the same pool.

"I can tell you for free that this group B is a tough one, for all the countries in this group can qualify for the semi finals. All I can say for now is that we are not afraid of any of them, and will know what to do when we get to that bridge."

Coach Siasia added that for now, all his concentration is on the African U-23 Championship qualifying fixture home and away to Congo, as that is of immediate importance.

Meanwhile, the Dream Team will on Friday play a friendly game against Nigeria Nation-Wide League club, Go Round FC in Port Harcourt. The encounter kicks off at 4pm.

Source: Thenff.com

Akure to host AFN Golden League

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has confirmed Akure, Ondo state capital as the next host of the Golden League series.

Google Image

Chairman of Ondo State Athletics Association, Mr Olamide George disclose this in a release in Akure.

Our correspondent Isaac Afolabi reports that the event, would hold at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Sports Complex, on Saturday, and will feature track and field events.

Two top sprinters, Nicholas Imhoaperamhe and Nkem Ezealah, who have been contending for the top sport in the 100 metres dash at the second leg of the AFN Golden League meeting in Abuja in June, would be expected to re-enact their rivalry in Akure.

 Also expected are the likes of Oluwatosin Adeloye, winner of the Women’s 400 metres in Abuja and Margaret Etim of NSCDC.

Olukayode Thomas, the AFN, Head of Media, affirmed that the Akure event had received support from various person and organisations.

Enyimba, Pillars bundled out of federations cup

Defending champions of the federation cup Enyimba and last season premier league champions have been knocked out of the federations cup.

Both teams lost to National League sides Remo Stars and Plateau United respectively in the round of 32 on Wednesday.

The matches ended in a draw after regulation time and were decided on penalty shoot-out.

Here are some other results: Ifeanyi Ubah beat Bayelsa 2-1, Heartland 1-0 Sharks FC, Lobi 1-0 Tornadoes, FC Kukuruku 0-3 Rangers, Prime beat J Atete 3-2 on penalties, Elkanemi Warriors also edged Gateway 4-3 on penalties,  Kwara United 5-3 ABU (Pen), Akwa united 3-1 Peacemakers FC

Dosu advises Stephen Keshi not to take NFF to court

Recently sacked coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi has urged to avoid taking the Nigeria Football Federation to Court of Arbitration.

The former Eagles goalkeeper told Brila FM that he expects Keshi to move on rather than take the creating further problems with may affect his future appointment as Nigerian Coach.

He also enjoins the former Togolese manager to emulate Shuaibu Amodu who has been shown the exit doors we severally but he maintained his cool and has been appointed by different NFF administration.

"If I were Keshi I would move on and not go to court, Dosu said.

" If I have the opportunity of speaking with him I will advise him to move on and think about the future." 
Dosu was a part of the Dream Team that won the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Bonfrere Jo believes Keshi has nothing more to offer Nigeria

Former Super Eagles Handler Johannes Bonfrere, has applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for sacking coach Stephen keshi stating that he does not have what it takes to lead the team to new height.

The federation terminated Keshi's contract having found out that the former Togo handler applied Ivory Coast job.

Jo, led Nigeria’s U-23 team to gold at the 1996 Olympics, said only a foreign manager can elevate the Eagles.

"I think the NFF need to hire a foreign coach to take charge of the Super Eagles,” he told Completesportsnigeria.com.

"The Super Eagles have failed to make much impact since they won the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and it has to do with the inability of the coaches to take the team to new heights.

"Personally, I don’t think Stephen Keshi has what it takes to take the team beyond where they are now.

"So the decision made by the NFF to sack him was the right one.

"The next task before them now is to carefully look for a capable foreign coach that can help improve the performance of the team."

Lars Lagerback is the last foreign coach to lead Nigeria. He was in charge of the Eagles at the 2010 World Cup.

'I am not a magician' - Coach John Obuh

Busayo Olowookere

Newly appointed head coach of Ifeanyi Ubah FC John Obuh has declared that He is not a magician after getting a win in his first official game for the club against Shooting stars of Ibadan in the week 16 fixture of the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League.

Obuh's team earned the maximum points which saw them bounce back after two straight defeats to Wikki Tourist and Heartland football club.

Speaking after the game, Obuh maintained the victory over their visitors was as a result of the efforts put in by the players and that they did better than the past few games they gave lost.

Furthermore speaking on the reactions of his players , John Obuh pointed out that the team have great players but they have a slow attitude and they are working on their attitude and psychology and give them confidence that they can do it.

Reacting to the absence of Sani Kaita from the game, John Obuh pointed out that after the game between Heartland, they were to moved immediately back to Nnewi but kaita stayed back and since them he has not reported to camp and the club might be forced to report to the League body if he fails to show up.

John obuh and his team now turn their attention to the Federation Cup game on Wednesday when they will trade tackle with Bayelsa united in the round of 32.

Sunshine Stars Suspend Kunle Odunlami over Raja Cassablanca move

The Management of Sunshine Stars International of Akure has suspended  Mr Ebenezer Kunle Odunlami indefinitely for absconding from the team to honour a transfer arrangement in Morocco.

Our correspondent in Akure, Isaac Afolabi garnered that the player abandoned the team in  Asaba, Delta State, on the way to honour a week 14 match of the Glo Premier League against Rangers of Enugu on Sunday, 28th of June, 2015 without any official permission from the club.

The Management of Sunshine Stars has also reported the involvement and activities of Mr Oluwasegun Jewel, the purported agent of Odunlami to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for his lack professionalism in handling the situation.

Also, the management of Sunshine Stars has complained against the illegal approach of the player by Raja Casablanca of Morocco to the appropriate authorities.