Bus Crushes Okpara Varsity Student To Death In Abia -

A first year diploma student of Computer Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, was on Monday crushed to death by a bus belonging to the fleet of Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation, AKTC, in front of the university gate. The student, simply identified as Cynthia, was said to have died on the spot, prompting the students to burn the vehicle that killed her.

The driver was lucky to be alive as the students were said to have accepted the appeal of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hillary Edeoga, who intervened in time to save the driver’s life. The body of the slain student has since been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Umuahia. Public Relations Officer of the university, Mrs. Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident and regretted the death of the student. The angry students were said to have descended on the bus when they realized that their colleague was dead, especially when it was said that the drivers attached to the Akwa Ibom Transport Corporation had been warned severally to slow down whenever they approached the school gate located on the busy Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene-Uyo-Calabar narrow road.

When Vanguard visited the university yesterday, it was observed that the burnt vehicle had been removed and students going about their normal academic activities. it was observed that drivers of the Akwa Ibom Company drive very recklessly, despite the poor condition of the road. A resident said: “Drivers of this company are notorious with reckless driving. One wonders if they have value for human beings.You can never see them drive like normal drivers.

 “They don’t mind the condition of the roads they ply. When they approach this gate they hardly slow down despite the warning. Now see this one wasted the life of this young girl. “People who travel all over the country always complain about the recklessness of the drivers attached to this company.

Uchechi Sunday of Nigeria celebrates her team's fourth goal during the match between Nigeria and New Zealand

 

 

Monday, 18 August 2014

MONCTON, NB - AUGUST 17: Uchechi Sunday of Nigeria celebrates her team's fourth goal during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 Quarter Final match between Nigeria and New Zealand at Moncton Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Nigeria's super Sunday

There were seven minutes remaining of Nigeria’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 quarter-final with New Zealand on Sunday when Super Falconets’ coach Peter Dedevbo decided to freshen up his front line.
Though 2-0 up and well in control, the Africans had failed to trouble the Kiwi keeper for some time, prompting Dedevbo to look for someone to shake things up and cap his side’s impending win with a flourish. The player he turned to was the appropriately named Uchechi Sunday, and she did not disappoint.
As she explained in an interview with FIFA.com after the final whistle, the substitute made an instant impact. “I scored with my very first touch,” said the bubbly striker. “That’s football, though, isn’t it? Sometimes you play well and things don’t work out. But today I went out there and found the back of the net straightaway.”
Sunday did not finish there either. With the game moving into stoppage time, she struck again to complete a 4-1 win for Nigeria, who will now meet Korea DPR in the semi-finals.
Sunday’s brace showcased her innate finishing skills. Firing into the roof of the net from a corner to open her account, she then used her pace to score her second, bursting into the box with the ball at her feet, powering past a Kiwi defender and clipping the ball neatly over the keeper.
Laughing as he tried to describe her style of play, she said: “I suppose you could say I’m a goal specialist. I just try to get in the area so I can round moves off by putting the ball in the back of the net. That’s what I’m there for.”

Making an impact
This is not the first time Sunday has jumped off the bench to steal the show, as Sierra Leone’s U-20 side can confirm. Taking up the story, the smiling Sunday said: “We played them during the qualifiers for the World Cup and I came on in the second half in that game too. By the end of it I’d scored five goals.”
She finished the Canada 2014 qualifying competition as her side’s leading scorer with ten goals, nearly a third of the 31 they amassed in total, a figure made all the more impressive by the fact they did not concede once.
The striker has yet to start a game at the finals, however, and has found it hard so far to keep her nerves under control: “It’s impossible not to be nervous when you’re on the bench! It’s far worse than starting because you want to get out there and help your team-mates. And when they make a mistake you think: ‘Ahhhh. I would have done it this way or that way’. Sometimes, though, you just have to sit there and watch and cheer them on.

After her rapid double against New Zealand, is there a chance that Dedevbo might be tempted to give her a start against the North Koreans? Pondering that question, she replied: “I’m dreaming about that semi-final. I don’t know if I’ll start the game – that’s up to the coach – but I do know that no matter who plays, they will have to give their all because we want to be in the final.”

With that final falling on another Sunday, it is understandable why Nigeria’s super Sunday wants to be a part of it.

Apology

Am so sorry for the break

Birthday boy Ronaldo must grow up after red rag

The forward has been sent off four times for Real Madrid, most recently on Sunday, and now needs to add maturity to his talents as he celebrates turning 29 on Wednesday

 COMMENT
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

Cristiano Ronaldo was not in a good mood. The Portuguese turned up for training at Real Madrid on Monday with a steely glare etched on his face, still seething from what he believes was an unjust dismissal at Athletic Bilbao the night before.

But as he celebrates his 29th birthday on Wednesday, he must begin to take responsibility for his actions.

Ronaldo's red card in the 1-1 draw at San Mames has been widely condemned by Madrid. Coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed the decision was "a bit exaggerated", while Marcelo called it "unfair". But midfielder Xabi Alonso was probably closer to the mark when he admitted his team-mate had also been culpable for raising his hands to both Carlos Gurpegi and Ander Itturaspe. "It was not a sending-off," Alonso said. "But Cristiano shouldn't have done what he did."

It wasn't the first time, either. Ronaldo has now been dismissed on eight occasions throughout his career and four of those red cards have come at Madrid. The first came against Almeria in December, 2009; another at home to Malaga in January the following year; a third in the defeat to Atletico in the final of the Copa del Rey last May; before Sunday's display of indiscipline at Athletic.

The first of those - in Ronaldo's debut season at Madrid - was the most ridiculous of them all. The Portuguese had been desperate to score as Real came from behind to beat Almeria at the Bernabeu, but was left frustrated by a rare penalty miss. When he did finally find the net, he removed his shirt in an over-zealous celebration which brought a booking and, three minutes later, received another after lashing out at Michel with a cynical kick.

His next dismissal was perhaps even more needless. Having scored twice in a home fixture against Malaga, Ronaldo swung his elbow wildly in the direction of Danish defender Patrick Mtiliga and ended up breaking his rival's nose. The referee was left with no alternative. 

After that, more than three years passed before the Portuguese was sent off again, this time in the final of the Copa del Rey against Atletico last May. Already booked, the forward aimed a boot at Gabi's face in a retaliatory reaction to a crunching challenge by the midfielder. Real were a goal down and, with six minutes still left on the clock, Ronaldo's red ended any hopes of a late comeback.

Madrid meet Atletico again on Wednesday in the cup competition, with Cristiano in the spotlight once more following his dismissal at the weekend. And as against Almeria and Atletico, it had come when things weren't going his way.

Madrid had gone ahead in Bilbao when the Portuguese found Jese with an unselfish pass when previously he may have shot. But he subsequently saw a volley (correctly) ruled out for offside and was irked by a lack of goalscoring opportunities in the hard-fought fixture.

Nothing new there. Since picking up the Ballon d'Or last month, Ronaldo has scored just three times in seven games (which is well below his usual ratio) and signs of his irritation were apparent in his side's 1-0 win over Espanyol last Tuesday, when he also picked up a yellow card for a needless and somewhat cynical foul on Sidnei and could have seen red as he met the decision with mock applause for referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes.

When things aren't going his way, Ronaldo is much more inclined to get himself booked or even dismissed - as he did again on Sunday.

"That may be the case," former Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Paco Buyo told Goal. "But Cristiano puts up with a lot: he gets kicked, he gets provoked and sometimes he is judged differently because of who he is, because he plays for Real Madrid, because he is the Ballon d'Or [winner] and because he is the best player in the world. He is under a different spotlight."

Much of that may well be true, but provocation is a part of football and at 29 Ronaldo could still do with adding some more maturity to his tremendous talents in order to avoid retaliation and, more importantly, red cards. Madrid's success may just depend on it.

BREAKING NEWS: Ronaldo handed three-game ban

The Portugal international will miss three matches following his dismissal at the weekend, but will be available for Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Atletico

The Spanish football association (RFEF) has decided to hand Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo a three-game ban following his red card against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

The Portugal international received his marching orders in the 76th minute of Sunday's La Liga encounter after an altercation with Athletic's Ander Iturraspe and Carlos Gurpegui.

Ronaldo consequently risked a suspension that could cover anything from one game to in excess of three and the RFEF has now opted to keep him out of action for three matches.

The attacker was slapped with a one-game ban for the incident with Iturraspe, while getting an additional two games for his offensive gesture after his dismissal.

The 29-year-old will miss the Liga games at home against Villarreal (February 9) and Elche (February 23) as well as the away match versus Getafe (February 16).

However, Ronaldo will be available for both legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Ameobi, Dike, Anichebe: Who should be Keshi’s Plan B?

The Big Boss seems to be looking to include a physical presence among his World Cup-bound forwards. Dike & Ameobi are in pole position, but should Anichebe be considered instead?

ANALYSIS
By Ed Dove
Evidence over the last 18 months seems to indicate that Stephen Keshi has realised the need to incorporate a target man into his Nigeria collective.

Under the Big Boss, the Super Eagles have developed a competitive and effective approach, often with three midfielders supporting a fluid three frontmen. The likes of Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa, Victor Obinna and Ideye Brown have proved to be useful components in this mobile, speedy forward line, but Keshi appears to be aware that this may not be enough to succeed in Brazil.

Ahead of the 2013 Cup of Nations, he first indicated a desire to diversify his attacking options. Both Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike were drafted into the team and the pair made their debuts against Venezuela in a friendly in November 2012.

During that match, and the subsequent friendly against Catalonia, both men made a fine impression and could realistically have been confident about their chances of featuring in the AFCON elect. Ameobi had made an assist on his debut (for Ogenyi Onazi) while Dike scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with the star-studded Catalonians.
It was to the surprise of some that Dike was ultimately overlooked, while Ameobi didn’t take part in the triumphant tournament due to a clause in his Newcastle contract which denied him involvement.

Ameobi | In Pole Position?

It took a while for either man to return to the fold following the Cup of Nations. Neither was selected for the Confederations Cup, and it wasn’t until the Mandela Challenge match against South Africa in the middle of August that Ameobi was reintegrated into the side, with Dike following three months later.
Ameobi has featured in four of the last six games for the national side, while Dike has appeared in two of the last four, starting in friendlies against both Italy and Burkina Faso.
If we believe that Keshi is considering one of the pair as a potential ‘Plan B’, then their pattern of appearances for the Super Eagles becomes quite hard to rationalise.

In that friendly against Venezuela, one could explain Keshi’s vision; as Dike departed, Ameobi appeared. In recent fixtures, however, both men have started together (against both Italy and Burkina Faso). This is a hard one to understand; the Big Boss is highly unlikely to start both men in the World Cup—but playing them together means that neither player is truly receiving the opportunity to impress as a sole target man amidst several more mobile talents.

At this point in time, it is hard to say who has the upper hand between the two. Ameobi has featured more often, but Dike has scored more (three in his last two games compared with Ameobi’s two in two). Ameobi travelled with the squad to Addis Ababa for the first leg of the World Cup play-off against Ethiopia, while Dike stayed at home. The roles were reversed for the second leg in Calabar, as Ameobi remained in England while Dike watched on from the bench.

Dike | In danger of being squeezed out at Toronto?

I witnessed, first hand, the players’ powers against Italy in a recent friendly at Craven Cottage. Both men displayed fine, astute movement to trouble the Italian defence, Ameobi operating as more of a static target man and Dike as a wider forward on the right-hand side.
If we assume that Victor Moses will play on the left of the forward three, we are left with a battle for authority for a number of fine striking options. In truth, it’s hard to see Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa being left out for one of Dike or Ameobi. Victor Obinna should also be confident of travelling, following his fine finish in the Calabar clash with the Walias and his ability to adapt to the demands of the team.
Looking ahead over the coming months, I am inclined to suggest that Ameobi is the better placed of the two to secure a ticket to Brazil. With Papiss Cisse devoid of both confidence and quality at the moment, and the departure of Yohan Cabaye taking another key influence out of Alan Pardew’s squad, Ameobi should enjoy a prominent stage at Newcastle over the coming months.

A key criticism still levelled against the forward, however, is his dismal record in front of goal. Ameobi has qualities, certainly, and can be a fine addition to a forward line as a support forward, however, he has scored nine goals in his last 95 Premier League appearances for Newcastle…he is almost a novelty act among the elite of British football.

Dike, on the other hand, has fallen down the pecking order at Toronto FC following the club’s activity in the January window. Brazilian forward Gilberto arrived at the club from Internacional while the prolific Jermain Defoe will join the squad in February.
Despite been linked with a move to Celtic during the window, Dike stayed in Canada—it remains to be seen how many minutes he will manage between now and the World Cup.

Big Vic | Back on the scoresheet

Could West Bromwich Albion forward Victor Anichebe be an option both more deadly and more convincing than the other two?
‘Big Vic’, at 25, is younger than both Dike (27) and Ameobi (32), he has, however amassed more Super Eagles caps than the other two put together.
His relationship with the national side has been troubled, but the player’s desire to stay away from the squad are a result of a desperate injury record, and one he has been keen to overcome, rather than an indifference or an apathy towards the cause.
At 6’3, he is taller than Dike and the same height as Ameobi, but he is more mobile than either man and has also played on the right wing in the past, a versatility that might appeal to Keshi.
Finally, as his weekend goal against Liverpool proved, he is also a fine finisher when given the opportunity (i.e. not playing in support of a poacher). If he can overcome his injury woes, and it is a big 'if' considering that he has already missed a month of this season with a groin complaint, he could bring more to the table than either Ameobi or Dike.

Costa Rica 2014: Flamingoes wallop Black Maidens in friendly

The visiting team left the Ghanaian federation with many questions about their readiness for the World Cup after being thrashed by Nigeria’s female cadet team in a warm up

Nigeria U17 Women emphasized their readiness for the 2014 FIFA U17 World Cup in Costa Rica after thrashing Ghana 3-0 in an international friendly at the FIFA Goal Project Centre in Abuja on Sunday.
Goals from Mary Ologbosere, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Yakubu Aminat ensured that coach Bala Nkiyu's wards secured a gallant win over the Black Maidens.
Sensational right-back Mary Ologbosere powered home a 25-metre bullet for an opener to hand Flamingoes the lead with just three minutes into the encounter.
Despite the early lead for Nigeria, Evans Adotey's Ghanaian side posted a nice stunner, forcing Flamingoes goalkeeper Okeke Onyinyechukwu to deny Kuzagbe Vinoria early on.
Nigeria’s free-scoring lanky striker Chiwendu Ihezuo fired home the second in style after receiving a through ball from Uche Kalu to clinch her fourth goal in five matches in the 77^th minute.
However, the Ghanaians resumed the second half stronger than the first but failed to find a goal despite posing lot of threats failed to secure a breakthrough against the well composed defence of Nigeria in their chase for a comeback.
The troubled defence of the Black Maidens were left devastated after their goalkeeper hacked down Ikechukwu Vivian in the goal area, an act that handed Nigeria a penalty, which was then converted to goal by Yakubu Aminat for a Flamingoes’ victory.
The return fixture of the two-leg international friendly is scheduled for Sunday, 9^th February and would be played at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia have qualified as African representatives to the 4th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup that will take place in Costa Rica between March 15 and April 4.

Keshi: What Blatter Told Me

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has revealed that he is motivated to making the Eagles perform very well at the World Cup by the encouraging words FIFA president Sepp Blatter gave him after the finals of the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa on Saturday.

Blatter,who was a special guest at the finals had a chat with the Big Boss during the presentation of bronze medals to the Super Eagles in Cape Town last Saturday.

"I feel really motivated to work harder and make the Super Eagles a force at the World Cup. He told that I am doing a great job and that he has been following my progress as a coach and that he is happy with me,'revealed Keshi who led Nigeria to her third African Nations Cup triumph eraly last year in South Africa before qualifying Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup holding this summer in Brazil. 'He (Blatter) also expressed his joy with the performance of indigenous coaches and urged me to ensure that the Nigerian team come to Brazil as the surprise team.'

Asked to assess the performance of the team he took to CHAN, Keshi expressed satisfaction with the players adding that they may not have been the best from the domestic league but that they represented the country well.

He said that some of the players would certainly be invited to fight for places in the World Cup team but would have to do better than they did at CHAN to displace their foreign based counterparts.

Solskjaer: Man United still have aura

Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dismissed suggestions that his former club Manchester United have lost their aura as he prepares to step into the opposition manager’s dug-out at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.


Juan Mata’s high profile debut for United following his move from Chelsea may be the headline story on a night when Cardiff will look to haul themselves off the foot of the Premier League table, with Solskjaer certain to receive a rapturous reception from the supporters that worshiped him in his playing days at the club.
The Norwegian, who scored United’s dramatic winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, has admitted he will need to keep his emotions in check as he takes on United, as he believes the temperament of his players will also be tested at Old Trafford.
When asked whether he agreed with the sentiment that United has lost the psychological edge they had over their rivals for much of the last 20 years, Solskjaer offered this response: “I don’t agree,” he stated.
“To go to Old Trafford is a dream for many footballers and sometimes that can be daunting as well for teams and players. Obviously it’s going to be my job to make sure that it isn’t too daunting for my players and also myself.
“I’m not too much of an emotional guy. I’m more professional than emotional. I’ll go there and of course I’ll enjoy it, but I’m not thinking about the surroundings, I’m thinking about my team.
“I’ve had had a great relationship with them [United supporters]. When we’ve watched the United games over the years back in Norway, I’ve nudged the kids and said ‘they are still singing about your dad.’
“I’m not that emotional as I said. It’s hard to say, though. You never know, sometimes it just catches you doesn’t it? Like when you do your wedding speech. I will focus on the job on Tuesday night though.”
Solskjaer believes United will continue to support manager David Moyes as he tries to rebuild the team he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson, suggesting the stuttering nature of their displays this season were inevitable.
“It was always going to be like that, because when you come in, new ideas, even subtle changes, will take time,” said Solskjaer.
“Manchester United are a club that will give David Moyes time.”
Solskjaer went on to confirm that Cardiff are close to completing the signing of full-back Fabio from United, but he was not drawn on reports linking his club with a loan move for United winger Wilfried Zaha.

Kwambe Returns After Serving Out Suspension

Super Eagles right back, Solomon Kwambe has expressed delight over his prospect of filing out for the team in Wednesday’s semi final match of the 2014 CAF African Nations Championship in Mangaung.

The Sunshine Stars of Akure player watched from the Cape Town Stadium stands as his teammates recover from a 3-0 first half deficit to overhaul Atlas Lions of Morocco in the seven-goal thriller first quarter final match of the CHAN 2014 competition.

“It was an agonizing moment for me when we went down 3-0 in the first half.

“I felt bad because I thought my tournament was over. I felt sad because I could have played a part in the game if not for my red card in the South Africa game.

“But I give credit to my teammates who came back in the second half to cancel the goals and still won the game.

“They are wonderful and I sincerely salute them. At least I will still have to play a part in the competition”, Kwambe told Complete Sports at their Garden Court De Waal camp.

Kwambe sounded optimistic about Super Eagles chances of running home with the CHAN trophy.

“Yes, if you check the feeling of the players here you can understand we are in very high spirit about the cup.

“This is our first attempt in the competition but we are determined to make the best out of it”.
He said playing in the coming summer FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil will be a dream comes true for him.

“It’s my desire to make the Super Eagles list for the World Cup in Brazil and I’m working hard towards it because World Cup is the dream of every player and I’m no exception”.

UZOENYI: OUR TARGET IS THE TROPHY

nterview By Sab Osuji, in CapeTown:

Congrats Ejike for the semi final ticket after the 4-3 win over Morocco

Thank you

You guys were simply wonderful in the second half when everyone thought  the game was well beyond redemption, what really changed the situation?

We give glory to God for giving us the victory. We owe Him and only Him alone everything. First half was not easy for us, we did not play to our potential, we gave the ball away too quickly and the Moroccans took advantage of that to score three goals. But at half time, the Big Boss spoke to us, corrected the mistakes and told us the way we should play. We also spoke to ourselves that come, what’s happening, we should fight and redeem ourselves, our nation and our careers and I’m happy we did that.

At 3-0, didn’t you think it was all over?

I knew it was going to be difficult because I expected we should score one before half time but at the same time I believe nothing is impossible in football. I also know that football is a game of two halves and that you can win one (half) and lose the other. Morocco smiled first half but we laughed last when it mattered most.

Ejike, you have continued to excel in this tournament, what’s the secret?

You don’t know my secret Oga Sab, I know that you know my secret but in case you’ve forgotten or what, GOD is my secret, if you put your total faith in God and of course work hard, focused, determined and committed, you will do well.

Could that be reason you have been voted MVP in three consecutive games?

I thank God for His mercies upon me and the team. I just hope and believe He continues to guide us so we can take the trophy home.

Is that your target in this competition?

Yes, not only me as an individual but the team in general, it’s very important for us.

Why the emphasis on the importance of the CHAN Cup?

First, winning this cup will add value to the quality of the Nigerian League. It will convince people the more that a whole lot of talents abound in our league and it will also convince the world that Nigeria is the strongest African football nation.

You won the AFCON last year here in South Africa, now you are seeking the CHAN trophy also here in the Nelson Mandela country, are you Oliver Twist?

(Smiles) Not really but we have what it takes to win everything. Apart from winning the CHAN, we also want to go to the World Cup and win.

You’ve scored three goals in this tournament, are you also running for the top scorer’s award?

The trophy first as a team, individual honours come last but don’t forget we need to score goals to win matches. If I score goals to help my country to win nothing is sweeter than that.

How do you handle Ghana on Wednesday?

At this point we don’t fear any team; we can only respect them for reaching this stage because it’s not easy. One fact remains, nobody should expect an easy match but my belief is that having eliminated South Africa and Morocco, we can’t hope anything less than the cup.

We understand the desire to make the Super Eagles Brazil 2014 World Cup team is prime amongst factors inspiring this team’s players...

We want to win this cup and see what happens next. Everybody wants to play for his country, play at the World Cup but we need to do well here and now before the next assignment which is still several months away.

Finally, who do you dedicate your MVP award to?

To my Super Eagles teammates and all Nigerians.

Why?

Because of my teammates’ wonderful character and for Nigerians for their prayers and I thank them a lot.

Captain Rooney to steer Manchester United

Manchester United could make Wayne Rooney captain if he signs on for a new contract at Old Trafford -- plus he would be consulted on the club’s future transfer plans.

Meanwhile, United and Chelsea are about to commence a battle on two fronts with rumours swirling both clubs are interested in the same defenders and will Manchester City sign another Arsenal player?

Don’t miss the latest rumours and done deals...

Eagles Get Another N16m Offer To Beat Ghana

An extremely elated Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has made the CHAN Eagles another offer of $100,000 (about N16m) to beat G hana on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the on-going 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa.

The NSC had earlier offered the team an incentive of 100,000USD if they beat Morocco and qualify for the semi final, which they did in a dramatic manner yesterday. The minister said the team would get the money before their next match on Wednesday.

Abdullahi stated the incentives are Government’s way of motivating the players to give their best and triumph over their opponents. He added that if the “boys qualify for the final and go ahead to win the trophy, they can be confident that a grateful nation will remember for a long time to come that they, with typical Nigerian grits and determination, have extended our dominance of African football.”

The minister had earlier applauded the fighting spirit of the team against Morocco.
The Super Eagles came back from three goals down to defeat the Moroccans 4-3 in a thrilling quarter-final match in Cape Town, which went into extra time.

Abdullahi said the team showed passion, discipline and commitment, which are hallmarks of the Nigerian spirit.

“With the kind of overwhelming joy that followed the victory across our country, one cannot but feel that perhaps, these players are destined to win the trophy.”

He however urged the team not to be lulled by its present victory but to focus on the ultimate prize, which is the CHAN trophy. “I have no doubt in my mind, that with the Almighty God on our side and with the same commitment and will to succeed, the home-based Super Eagles will continue to excel.

Canada 2014: Falconets pick World Cup ticket

The Nigeria U20 women defeated South Africa 1-0 on Saturday and qualify for the World Cup with a 7-0 aggregate victory

Nigeria U20 Women have qualified for the 2014 FIFA Women U20 World Cup after a 7-0 aggregate victory against South Africa in on Saturday.

The Falconets won by a lone goal through Yetunde Adeboyejo at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday after taking a 6-0 lead from the first leg.

The home side never lost hopes for the impossible despite conceding an early goal but their rally back for a victory crashed as they failed to find the back of the net.

KESHI: MY PLAYERS GAVE ME WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY GIFT

--Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has expressed happiness over the way his boys beat Morocco to secure the semi final ticket in South Africa as he declares that his boys will be up against the Black Stars on Wednesday.

Interview By Sab Osuji, In Cape Town:


Big Boss, I must start by saying congratulations for this dramatic but important win over Morocco in the quarter final match.

Thank you my brother, I’ll salute the players, I salute all Nigerians and I salute the fans for their support.

Now you came out of this seven goals thriller after recovering from a 3-0 first half deficit, what was the turning point?

The turning point I would say was the desire of the players to preserve their identity to remain in the competition till the end and possibly go home with the cup. Yes, they don’t just want to leave the competition early, they want to stay more here in South Africa.

But they went three goals down in just seven minutes; doesn’t that run counter to what you said that they want to remain in the tournament?

We did not have a good start; we gave the Moroccans a lot of respect, a lot of time and space which they enjoyed as it lasted. When you give a good team like Morocco such luxury, surely you will be punished but thank God we were able to turn things around in the second half.

So how did it happen, I mean what was it that changed especially as regards to what sparked this come back?

Well, I told them in the dressing room at half time that look guys we’ve not played our game, the Nigerian game and there’s need for us to get our mentality back and our fighting spirit. I said we must fight and redeem ourselves and they did, I’m happy and I salute the players.

With scores at 3-0 at half time did you ever think you were going to get back into the game?

Yeah, it might not please all ears at that point but yes I did.

How? Why?

Such things do happen in football. You recall the Damman Miracle of Saudi Arabia 1989 U-20 World Cup finals when Nigeria came from 0-4 down to beat Russia. I remember when I was in Mali during the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola, in our first game against Angola, we were 4-0 down in the first half and in just 12 minutes, we scored four to even the scores. But this one (against Morocco) is something else so I’ve to salute my players, for the character and mentality they brought into the second half. It was just awesome.

You seem used to such dramatic situations...

(Cuts) like I said, it happens though not too often.

Semi final ticket in the bag, could it be a birthday gift for the Big Boss at 52?

My birthday was last Thursday (January 23) but because of the task at hand, I had to shift it. All our focus was on this match and the players promised to win it as a gift as my birthday gift and I’m happy they won. Victory in the match means the players have fulfilled their promise because it would have been bad if we had lost. I’m proud of them and I couldn’t have been happier.

Now the semi final match comes up on Wednesday against Ghana, what’s on your mind?

It’s just a part of the games, it’s now a crucial stage of the competition and we gonna face it. But we know it’s going to be very tough, whether it’s Ghana or DR Congo. But I’m happy the boys are getting their minds on it, they want to remain in the competition and possibly win and to do that, we have to win every game.

Nigeria and Ghana have that bitter rivalry in football; would you rather have them in the semi final or Congo?

It’s not a matter of preference, this is a championship and for you to win, you must be ready to face any team. We’ve known Ghana to be a strong football nation, so also is DR Congo, we respect all of them but well we are prepared to face any of them.

I’m sure you must have enjoyed Cape Town so far including their support…

They are wonderful people, we have played all our matches here and honestly I appreciate them so much.

Playing the semi final away from Cape Town won’t it affect your team?

No, I don’t think so, it’s instead another opportunity to see the other parts of South Africa and I believe it’s gonna be a kind of motivation to them.

A tactical Mata

Manchester United players won’t be doing much this weekend. Perhaps a round of golf or two, but they certainly won’t be playing in the FA Cup fourth round. This will give those at the club some time to work on a formation that includes new signing Juan Mata.

This time 20 years ago, United were thirteen points clear and playing their best football for a generation. That team’s front line was made up of Mark Hughes with Eric Cantona in a withdrawn role and Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis on the wings. When moving forward, the team shifted formation from 4-4-2 to 4-2-4, a game plan that hinged on Hughes’s ability to hold up the ball. The current line up could do with some of the same flexibility.



United need a team and a system that is capable of changing with the play and in reaction to opponents. At present, the game plan is to supply the wing and insert delivery to 18-yard box. It is unimaginative and insults the intelligence of our players. It is also too rigid with regards to adhering to 4-4-2. Mata’s presence should change all that.

If United were to field all of their best players, the front six would now look something like Mata, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Adnan Januzaj, Michael Carrick and possibly Tom Cleverley. Whilst that indicates that midfielders still need to be bought, it also shows what type of players United have. Short passers.

The footballers in that set up are a group designed to hunt rather than bludgeon. Instead of sending the ball out wide, it would be nice to see United exchanging passes in midfield a la Argentina 2006 or Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. Right now, United are too predictable, if defenders were unsure where Mata or Rooney were going to pop up next, they would live in fear.

This approach is something United have done before in the glorious 2008 season. That year, Ronaldo began as an out and out winger before his goalscoring exploits saw him move further infield. Eventually, he was given a free role and Rooney, along with Carlos Tevez, interchanged positions in a rotating carousel that was impossible to defend against. All of the pieces necessary to recreate that puzzle are now in the current squad. Unfortunately, United are seventh in the league and have their confidence on the floor.

The last time United fared this badly in the top division in January was 1990. That was one month after the infamous ‘three years of excuses and it’s still crap, ta ra fergie’ banner. That year, United finished thirteenth and Ferguson was only saved by a decent run in the FA Cup. There will be no such tonic this time out. Much is expected of the effect Juan Mata will have on this team.

Manchester United bid for Shaw

Manchester United have made a substantial offer to Southampton for their 18-year-old full-back Luke Shaw and are awaiting a response from the south coast club, a source has told ESPN.

A report in the Daily Mirror suggests United have made a 22.5 million bid for Shaw, with ESPN's source confirming that the Red Devils have made a bid that will test the will of new Saints interim chief operating officer Gareth Rogers.

Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr has gone on record to insist she will not sell any of the club’s star assets in this transfer window after assuming control of the club following the departure of executive chairman Nicola Cortese earlier this month.

That view has been echoed by Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino, but it does not appear to have deterred United from making an offer for one of the most highly rated defenders in the Premier League.
Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for Shaw over the past year, with the Blues believed to have made enquiries about his availability prior to the start of this season.

Saints officials staved off that approach as they vowed to hang onto the latest shining star to emerge from a celebrated academy set-up that has produced the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years.

However, a big money bid from United will test Southampton's resolve, as the Premier League champions look to build on the momentum created by their club record signing of Spain midfielder Juan Mata from Chelsea.

Rooney to pen new United deal - report

Wayne Rooney is close to signing a new £300,000-a-week contract at Manchester United, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

Rooney's future at Old Trafford had been cast into doubt over recent months amid increasing interest from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The striker has 18 months remaining on his current contract and United have so far refused to sell one of their main assets, having turned down two separate bids from Chelsea last summer.


Earlier this week, reports emerged that Real Madrid were eyeing up a 25 million pound swoop for Rooney, following his apparent reluctance to commit his future to United.

The striker's relationship with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson broke down in the latter months of the Scot's tenure, but new manager David Moyes has worked tirelessly throughout the new campaign to strengthen Rooney's bond with the club.


And the Daily Telegraph now claims that Rooney is ready to end speculation and is considering a U-turn on his previous plans to leave.


Meanwhile, Moyes travelled to Germany to watch Borussia Monchengladbach against Bayern Munich on Friday, He was reportedly was scouting Moenchengladbach midfielder Patrick Herrmann, as well as Bayern duo Toni Kroos and Mario Mandzukic -- the latter of whom was absent from the matchday squad.


Moyes has made one signing since taking over from Ferguson -- spending 27.5 million pounds on Marouane Fellaini -- although he is close to completing a club-record 37 million pound deal for Juan Mata.

Morocco-Nigeria Preview:

 Debutants in quarter-final showdown An age-longed rivalry in African football will be rekindled as Hassan Benabicha’s side hope to arrest Super Eagles juggernaut for a place in the CHAN semi-final.


Nigeria will hope to justify their blistering form in the African Nations Championship by caging the Atlas Lions of Morocco for a place in the last four of the biannual Africa football showpiece on Saturday evening.
As the kickoff of this cracker inches nearer, the question begging for answer is: Who will laugh last? Is it the Super Eagles that boast of a very potent attack that is capable of scoring goals aplenty or will it be the Atlas Lions that has one of the best defence in the tournament?

Don't Miss

• CHAN 2014 winners to bag $750,000
• Stage set for CHAN quarter finals

• 'CHAN Eagles must improve'- Eguavoen
• Maigari confident of winning CHAN

• Nigeria face Morocco in CHAN quarterfinal

Whichever way, 90 minutes of action-packed moments at the Cape Town Stadium will decide.
The Eagles inspired by Ejike Uzoenyi’s brace in their last group game against hosts South Africa ensured the Super Eagles booked a ticket to this stage after a dreary display against the Les Aigles of Mali in their opening fixture against Mali – a game that raised questions about Nigeria’s chances of getting to the knock-out stage.
For the north Africans, they have the Cranes of Uganda to thank for their unpardonable misses and poor defending when they squared up in Group B’s last game, otherwise Benabicha’s side would have got no business at this stage of the competition.
Nigeria face a Moroccan side that is yet to lose a game from the qualifying series of the tournament and also went unbeaten with one win and two draws from their three fixtures in Group B of the CHAN.
The northern Africans were given a stern test by Zimbabwe in their 0-0 draw at the Atlone Stadium plus a 1-1 draw against the Stallions of Burkina Faso.
Keshi will be without reliable defender Solomon Kwambe, who was sent off for a second bookable offence against Bafana Bafana. Even with this minor setback, the ‘Big Boss’ is positive that his men will emerge victorious.
Mouchine Iajour won the bronze ball at the Fifa World Club Championship and will be the man to watch out for in the Atlas Lions’ den. Apart from his flair for scoring goals, his can subvert the feather weight Nigeria backline.
In 18 appearances between these two sides, Morocco boast of eight wins against Nigeria’s six with the draw on four occasions.

Ferguson named Uefa coaching ambassador

The Scot, who retired as Manchester United manager last summer after a trophy-laden reign, will now chair meetings of the yearly forum of elite coaches

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Uefa's new coaching ambassador at the governing body's first executive committee meeting of 2014.
Ferguson announced his retirement from management in May 2013 following a 27-year-stint with Manchester United, in which he led the Old Trafford club to 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup wins and two Champions League successes.
The Scot has remained with United as both a director and a club ambassador, and will now attend meetings with other elite coaches after accepting the position with the governing body of European football.
"Sir Alex will be chairman of the forum of elite coaches that meet every year," Uefa president Michel Platini said on Friday.
"He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship."

Just as both wheels fall off the bike

what do you think will happen to this man.......
yours comments...........

Helping console a friend

Mata happy to leave Chelsea for Manchester United, says Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Juan Mata is set for a medical with Manchester United and says the Spain international is happy to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old's move to Old Trafford is expected to be completed on Friday, after a delay due to Chelsea's negotiations with Mohamed Salah and poor flying conditions, with Mata due to arrive in Manchester by helicopter.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho confirmed Mata was heading for the reigning champions and said he is happy to join David Moyes' men.

"We allowed Juan to travel and have a medical at Manchester United," he told reporters. "Sooner rather than later things will be finalised.

"I asked him when the offer came: 'Are you really happy to go?' He said 'I'm really happy to go'

"He is a fantastic player. In spite of not playing much for us, I still think he could be important for us. It's a good move for Juan, it's good for the Premier League and the offer is the right offer.

"With the two deals, Juan and Kevin de Bruyne, we put ourselves in a very good position in relation to financial fair play."

Mourinho also said he had no problem selling Mata to a domestic rival and added that he hoped the Spain international would prove to be a success at Old Trafford.

"Many clubs/managers/boards feel you don't sell to a rival club, we feel and we think different,” he added.

“We are not afraid of him doing well at Man United, we want him to be happy & do well at Man United.

"He was fantastic for Chelsea, and Chelsea were fantastic for him. When he comes back to Stamford Bridge with a Man United shirt on, for sure we will show how much we ... respect him

"We feel mixed emotions... we are all sad and I think with him it was a bit the same."

Napoli To Revive Mikel Interest

Napoli could revive their interest in Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, after missing out on him during the summer.

 The Italian giants are currently being linked with a move for Monaco's Geoffrey Kondogbia, but SportsDirect News understands that they are considering Mikel as a possible alternative.

 Napoli manager Rafael Benitez is desperate to add a new defensive midfielder to his squad this month, and has already failed in efforts to sign Etienne Capoue from Tottenham Hotspur, and Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons.

 Kondogbia now seems to be one of his main targets, though he would reportedly face stern competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for his signature.

 As such, Napoli could also try their luck with a bid for Mikel, who has not been a regular in the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge this season.

The Super Eagles star could be available now after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho added Nemanja Matic to the club’s central midfield to fight for places with Ramires and Frank Lampard.



(WIN AUTHENTIC SUPER EAGLES SHIRT & FACE-CAP: What's your opinion on the above story? Go down to the 'comments' area on this page and have your say now. Two outstanding visitors to this website will win Eagles shirt and face-cap each every month)
 

WHAT IS ROSELL ACCUSED OF AND WILL HE TESTIFY?

Rosell is accused of misappropriation of funds, an offence outlined in Article 252 of the Penal Code in Spain. The crime, if proved, can lead to imprisonment for anywhere between one and eight years.

The former Barca president has shown his willingness to give evidence. He said in a press conference on Monday: "I would ask the judge to accept the complaint and to call me to testify."

However, judge Ruz sees no need to call upon Rosell at this stage of the investigation, preferring to analyse the above-mentioned documents instead. If these prove unsatisfactory or inconclusive, though, the 49-year-old may be asked to testify at a later date.

Barca, in conjunction with Rosell, will be forced to fight the charges and the 49-year-old's resignation as club president will have little bearing on the investigation. However, Bartomeu and others may also be held accountable by Cases and could be obliged to answer questions in the case in the coming weeks and months.

The question is, if he is not guilty why quitting.....That is left for the court to say...

WHAT DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN PRESENTED BY BARCA?

So far, Barcelona have presented all of Neymar's contracts to the judge, as well as proof of the payments made in the signing of the Brazilian forward, plus financial documents for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

However, the judge and the prosecutors have requested further paperwork in order to carry out their investigation, including Fifa documentation concerning the player's transfer from Santos to Barcelona, as well as Neymar's contract with N&N that stipulated he would cede his playing rights to the company when his Santos agreement ended.

Investigators also want to see his contract with Santos and the Brazilian side's paperwork in the transfer, auditing forms from the Catalan club, independent information on the deal from finance company Deloitte and, finally, the contracts for first option on three Santos players (for which Barca paid €7.9m) and the two friendly matches between the sides (upon which the Catalan club spent an additional €9m) - both separate from the transfer itself.

WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING INVESTIGATED?

Barcelona, Neymar and the company N&N signed a contract in Sao Paulo in 2011 with a view to the forward moving to the Catalan club in 2014, when the player's contract was due to expire.

Included was payment of €10m as a loan, to be repaid when the player moved to Barca - as stipulated in the agreement. In addition, the two parties fixed a price for Neymar's playing rights at €40m (which was to include the €10m loan). A penalty clause of €40m for breach of contract was also written into the accord.

However, the two teams ultimately agreed to bring the deal forward a year and Neymar transferred to Camp Nou in the summer of 2013. Barca agreed to specific conditions with Santos and recognised that the previous contract could not now be fulfilled. They therefore were forced to pay the €40m penalty clause.

That is seen as suspicious by the judge and the prosecutor, who are now investigating whether the transfer went through not under a conventional agreement, but through a penalty clause instead. They also suspect that the €10m loan was paid as a guarantee of a future contract, something all but admitted by Barca in Neymar's unveiling in May, but which is against Fifa rules.

Due to the mismatch between the concepts outlined in the contracts (of which it has been claimed there were as many as 12 different ones), both issues could indicate contractual simulation.

HOW DID THE CASE OCCUR INITIALLY?

The complaint was lodged against Rosell by Barcelona fan and socio Jordi Cases last month, alleging misappopriation of funds and a lack of transparency over the €40m allegedly paid to the company owned by Neymar and his father.

Cases, a lifelong fan of the Catalan club, has criticised some of the side's other initiatives in recent times, such as the shirt sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways. Cases says he and other socios have a right to know how the money was spent, but claims he would not have pursued the case had he received a civil answer from Barcelona in the first place. "If they had told me there was no [specific] concept for that money, but that otherwise he wouldn't have joined, that would have been enough," he told reporters recently. "I would still think they were lying, but I just wanted a response."

And when no response was forthcoming, Cases decided to take his complaint to court.
WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING INVESTIGATED?

WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING INVESTIGATED?

How did the Neymar deal bring down Rosell?

The Blaugrana president stepped down from his post on Thursday, a day after a judge announced that the investigation into the transfer is set to continue in court

NEWS FEATURE
By Adrian Boullosa & Ben Hayward

Just one day after a judge announced that the investigation into Neymar's move from Santos to Barcelona will continue in a Spanish High Court, Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell has handed in his resignation.

Barca bought Neymar for a fee of €57.1 million in May of last year, but only €17.1m of that went to Santos, with third-party owners originally believed to have claimed the rest.

However, supermarket chain DIS say they never received their share and Barca have since admitted paying the €40m to the company co-owned by Neymar and his father, N&N.

Rosell claimed on Monday that Barcelona have "nothing to hide" over the transfer, but the Catalan club have been unable to fully explain the €40m payment and a Spanish prosecutor has now requested further documents from the current Liga leaders after claims last week that the player's contract may be 'fake'.

Barca moved quickly to deny those accusations, but prosecutors remain unconvinced by the documentation facilitated by the Catalan club and the investigation is set to continue in court. "There are sufficient grounds to carry on with the investigation," judge Pablo Ruz said on Wednesday.

And on Thursday, Barca called an emergency board meeting in which Rosell told colleagues he no longer wanted to lead the Catalan club for the remainder of his mandate, which was due to run until elections in 2016. The decision was later announced officially at a press conference at Camp Nou, with Bartomeu to take over with immediate effect.

The new man immediately vowed to defend the Catalan club against the accusations in the Neymar case, but faces a fight to clean up the club's image. Here, Omojes looks at the ins and outs of the saga, plus possible further ramifications for Rosell and Barca.

Juan Mata still in London

GMT: Mata is expected to have a medical at Manchester United tonight, but the Daily Telegraph's Mark Ogden reports that he's still in London, so there may be more anxious waiting.

Mark Ogden        
Juan Mata still in London, so Man Utd deal highly unlikely to be
 concluded tonight.






Man-U fans calm down............................

Official: Rosell quits Barcelona

Vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Javier Faus visited the president at his home on Thursday morning, when he told them of his decision to leave the Catalan club

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has tendered his resignation and hit out at "personal attacks" against him and his family following the opening of an investigation into Neymar's transfer to Camp Nou.

Rosell and Barca are currently under the scrutiny of the Spanish High Court over an alleged misappropriation of funds following the transfer of Neymar from Santos last summer.

The Liga champions bought the Brazil star for a fee of €57.1 million in May of last year, but only €17.1m of that went to Peixe, with third-party owners originally believed to have claimed the rest.
However, supermarket chain DIS say they never received their share and the Catalans have since admitted paying the €40m to the company co-owned by Neymar and his father, N&N.
Blaugrana vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Javier Faus met with Rosell at his home on Thursday morning and joined the Barca president at a meeting this evening, along with deputy president Joanjo Castillo, general director Antoni Rossich and communications director Albert Montagut.

But the reunion will be merely to discuss plans for the future, with the 49-year-old's mind made up following the release of a statement in which Rosell once again declares his innocence.

He said: "Me and my family for some time have suffered attacks that make me wonder if it's worth being president. "In recent days there have been unfair criticisms against me, coming from the national courts. I insist that everything that happened in the transfer of Neymar was correct.
"The club has always got to have an image that defends the club, there is confidentiality we have to expect, it's important.
"If we don't accept confidentiality it is damaging to the club. We don't want unfair publicity to affect the image of the club."
Rosell then reflected on his time at the club and said he was proud of the achievements of Barca during his reign.

"We've won the Champions League, two league titles, the other sports teams have also won a number of different trophies at home and abroad to show our power as a worldwide entity. "If you think back to Ronaldinho's goal in Paris, [Lionel] Messi's goals, what happened in Rome, in London.
"We've reduced the debt and regained assets.
"We have the pride of knowing some of the best players in the world play for Barca."
The president, whose current mandate runs until 2016, took charge at Camp Nou in 2010. He will be replaced by Bartomeu until the next elections.

World Cup: Ambassador lists visa conditions to proposed travellers

The new Nigerian envoy to Brazil has told Goal that only people with genuine reasons to travel to the South American country will be given visas

Newly appointed Nigeria Ambassador to Brazil Adamu Emozozo has warned anybody that has no genuine and legitimate business to do during the World Cup in Brazil not to even try applying for visas because such persons will be refused.
 The Ambassador told Goal that all arrangements have been made between Nigeria and the Brazilian Embassy to make procurement of visas easy for people that would be in the South American country legitimately.
 Emozozo who is bound to resume work in Brazil next week disclosed this during his courtesy call on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari in Abuja on Wednesday.
 “Visa procurement is at the discretion of every government. We are already discussing with the Brazilian authority via the Embassy and the modalities for ensuring that those who have legitimate business to do during the (2014) World Cup do not have to be deprived of visas to go to Brazil. That is being assured and the Presidency is on top of that,” Emozozo told Goal.
 The Ambassador also assured on spectatorship promising large turnout of Nigerians to watch Eagles matches in all the venues Nigeria would be playing.
 “We have a lot of Nigerians or Nigeria related people in Brazil who will give Nigeria whatever amount of support we need for the Eagles to triumph. I am sure that the Brazilians would be there to support [the Super Eagles]. Because they are sporting people the Brazilians will support the Eagles to the last whistle even if [Nigeria] have to beat Brazil in the competition.
 ”We will surely do our best to ensure Nigerians living in Brazil troop out in large numbers to support the Super Eagles in all the matches the team would play in Brazil,” he assured.

Rooney exit? Man United plot Cavani solution

Could Edinson Cavani replace Wayne Rooney at Manchester United?

Manchester United are reportedly planning a bold move to replace Wayne Rooney with Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani. England international Rooney is rumoured to be on his way out next summer, with the Uruguay international potentially becoming the new Old Trafford hero.

Plus Arsenal have made up their mind on the striker of choice with Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic set for loan spell at the Gunners and Tottenham are chasing young defender Jamaal Lascelles.

Stay tuned for more rumours and done deals ...

(Good News to United Fans) Chelsea Accept Manchester United’s £37m Bid For Juan Mata

Manchester United have had a bid, believed to be in the region of £37m, accepted by Chelsea for Spanish midfielder Juan Mata. The 25-year-old will have a medical on Thursday before completing a move to the Premier League champions.

 Mata is expected to sign a four-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford. The Spain international, who has won 32 caps, said goodbye to team-mates and staff at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday.

United continue to deny having made a bid for the playmaker, but it is understood they have made an offer through intermediaries working on the deal.

Manager David Moyes declined to answer questions on Juan Mata after his side’s Capital One Cup semi-final defeat by Sunderland.

Nud!ty On Display:- Open Letter To Maheeda [Must Read]

 

This guy is obviously not happy with Maheeda with the was she is disgracing

Dear Maheeda,
I am quite sure that you will find this piece of write-up not appealing but the fact is just that you need to re-check yourself and also re-structure your life. I am not preaching the gospel to you, neither am I seeking public attention. I read one of your recent interview with one of Africa biggest Newspaper where you said that you are proud of your n**e pictures. You also talked about your background which I found so rough and am very sorry for that. Nobody would have prayed for such background and I really appreciate your courage and struggle girl (Thumbs UP).

But all the same Maheeda, Ramsey Noah slept under Lagos Bridge without food. He struggled without exposing his butt or circulating his n**e pics and now he is one of the biggest Actors we see on screen in Africa.

Did you know that Mercy Johnson once lived in an uncompleted building as a young girl with a lot of dreams? She struggled and went through a lot of tribulations but now she is also one of the biggest Actress in Africa.

*You don’t have to pose n**e before you become great or before you actualize your dreams. Upcoming Acts take note of that. STOP presenting yourself has a born again Christian. Chai! Satan Punish Devil. My dear you are very much far from it. I wonder if you know the meaning of been a born again. It about having total submission to God. Been spiritually and morally okay which I don’t think you are.I can’t still believed that you were once a gospel singer. It is never to late for you to change your heart and your ways.

 You claimed that your mum and husband supports you. Who cares if they support you or not ? What matters most is for you to get back to your senses. Funny enough I can’t masturbate to your n**e pictures not to talk of deriving pleasure from staring at it. You want attention, you are an attention seeker.

That’s cool but get your attention using another means. You put n**e pics because you claimed that you are into what you call ‘showbiz’ but I call it ‘showkey’.

 Be Wise Sister Maheeda. Enough Of The Dirty Yansh Wey We Dey See.

 A Word Is Enough For The Wise. People Are Watching You. Be A Good Role Model.

Marketers Are No Longer Buying Mercy Johnson’s Movies

Movie Marketers are no longer buying her movies Since she refuses to reduce her price, sources said any movie u see mercy Johnson in is an old movie that she is presently out of jobs, Because producers have stop using her for movies, marketers would not buy,the ones that have paid her, are asking for refund…


We hope Mercy Johnson and Marketers Resolve this issue soon…
Abeg Mercy reduce your price....Nigerians love to see you on any recent movies......
Then like your career pass u..

Congrats: Genevieve Nnaji Becomes Etisalat Ambassador

Nollywood diva Genevieve Nnaji was declared an Etisalat Ambassador on January 22, 2014, Wednesday. The appropriate information appeared at various sources, including Instagram of Etisalat Nigeria:

“We officially welcome @genevievennaji as an Etisalat Ambassador for #easyflex.
 We do quality not quantity. Flex 4000, Flex 10000 and Flex 20000 are now available for our high value customers!” the post said.
 

 This message was followed by the appropriate PHOTO also available on company’s Twitter:

KOREA/JAPAN2002: NIGERIA'S SHINNING STARS AT THE WORLD CUP(3)

--Yobo emerged best Eagle but Nigeria failed to shine in the Far East

The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, saw Nigeria again qualify with optimism even though there were some rough patches along the road.

 The Liberian team inspired by George Weah proved a stubborn force and were close to truncating the Eagles aspiration of qualifying for a  third  World Cup in a row but a 2-1 loss to the Black Stars of Ghana in Monrovia tilted the advantage in Nigeria's favour.

The team eventually made it to the Mundial after a 3-0 win against perenial rivals, Ghana, at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.It was the first time an indigenous tactician will help the country achieve such feat. Shuaibu Amodu helped revive the team's aspiration which was on the decline after a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Leone Stars of Siera Leaone in Freetown. That led to the sacking of Dutchman, Johaness Bonfrere.

Things took a negative  turn for the outspoken coach the following year as Amodu himself was fired after the Eagles struggled to a bronze medal finish at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.He was replaced by Adegboye Onigbinde.

Team Captain,Sunday Oliseh, his assistant, Finidi George and a host of other first team stars were also axed from the squad.Austine Jay Jay Okocha was named the new skipper of the side and he  retained his place in the team alongside experienced stars like Nwankwo Kanu,Taribo West, Ike Shorunmu, Celestine Babayaro and Julius Aghahowa.

With a new squad and distinctive pastel green kits, the Super Eagles were expected to build on its strong performances in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups in the United States of America and France.

Nigeria were drawn into group F with powerhouses Sweden, Argentina, and England. The first game against Argentina started with a strong defence that kept the first half scoreless. In the 61st minute, Gabriel Batistuta breached the Nigerian defence to put Argentina in the lead 1–0 and win the game.

Nigeria's second game against Sweden saw them take the lead but later lose 2–1.Julius Aghahowa scored the Eagles only goal of the competition after a beautiful pull out from Joseph Yobo.  Nigeria then drew 0–0 with England and bowed out in the first round.

JOSEPH YOBO
After making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2001, Joseph Yobo played in the Super Eagles' three matchesin Japan and South Korea.He provided the assist for Nigeria's only goal of the tournament.

He received positive reviews for his impressive showing in the tournament and earned a loan move to English Premier League side, Everton Football Club  from French side, Olympic Marseille at the end of the competition.

 A £1 million fee was required to register the player, and he became the first signing of David Moyes. An option to make the move permanent was taken up and completed in 2003 after a dispute between Yobo and Marseille was settled, with Everton agreeing a fixed additional fee of £4 million.

Yobo was also part of the Nigerian squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, after which he assumed the Eagles' captaincy on the international retirement of Nwankwo Kanu.
Yobo became one of the most consistent players in the Everton squad, and was one of only seven players in the entire league to play every minute of every game throughout the 2006–07 season; his teammate, Joleon Lescott, also being an ever-present throughout the season.

JULIUS AGHAHOWA
 Known for his pace and  back-flips whenever he scores goals,Julius Aghahowa was Nigeria's  lone goal scorer at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.He was Super Eagles Eagles topscorer at the 2002 African Cup of Nations Cup earlier in the year in Mali.
No doubt,Aghahowa was one of Nigeria's shinning lights at this tournament and he proved that with a well taken strike against Sweden in Nigeria's second group game against Sweden. He delighted the world with his back slips after scoring the goal.
Aghahowa played  32 matches and scored 14 goals for the Super Eagles. He also played at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

IKE SHORUNMU
 Ike Shorunmu only made a last-minute entry into the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, a new squad under coach Adegboye Onigbide, as he was initially prompted to pull out in solidarity with the suspended older players. At the World Cup, he gave a good account of himself by his excellent performance  in the group match against Argentina, though Eagles lost 0-1. He was also in goal against Sweden in the second game, which Nigeria lost to end his international career.

It was a sweet consolation for someone who was unlucky to miss out on the train to the France '98 World Cup. Back then,the stage was set for Shorunmu to man the post at the World Cup. He even featured in the friendly game with Germany but suddenly suffered an injury while on duty for his Swiss club, thereby ending his France ’98 dream.
Though Shorunmu’s great performance could not take the Super Eagles beyond the group stage in Korea/Japan, he was full of praise for himself, saying: “The match against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup remains the most memorable game in my life.”


SUPER EAGLES SQUAD LIST TO KOREAJAPAN 2002

NR.    NAME    DATE OF BIRTH    POSITION
1    Ibrahim SHORUNMU          16/10/1967    GK
2    Joseph YOBO    06/09/1980    MF
3    Celestine BABAYARO        29/08/1978    DF
4    Nwankwo KANU    01/08/1976    FW
5    Isaac OKORONKWO    01/05/1978    DF
6    Taribo WEST    26/03/1974    DF
7    Pius IKEDIA    11/07/1980    FW
8    Mutiu ADEPOJU    22/12/1970    MF
9    Bartholomew OGBECHE    01/10/1984    FW
10    Jay Jay OKOCHA    14/08/1973    MF
11    Garba LAWAL    22/05/1974    MF
12    Austine EJIDE    08/04/1984    GK
13    Rabiu AFOLABI    18/04/1980    DF
14    Ifeanyi UDEZE    21/07/1980    DF
15    Justice CHRISTOPHER      24/12/1981    MF
16    Efetobore SODJE    05/10/1972    DF
17    Julius AGHAHOWA    12/02/1982    FW
18    Benedict AKWUEGBU    03/11/1974    FW
19    Eric EJIOFOR    21/07/1979    DF
20    James OBIORAH    24/08/1978    MF
21    John UTAKA    08/01/1982    FW
22    Vincent ENYEAMA    29/08/1982    GK
23    Femi OPABUNMI    03/03/1985    FW

Coach: Adegboye ONIGBINDE (NGA)

KOREA/JAPAN 2002 AWARD WINNERS

Winner:     Brazil
Runner-Up:     Germany
Third:     Turkey
Fourth:     Korea Republic
adidas Golden Ball:     Oliver KAHN (GER)
adidas Golden Shoe:     RONALDO (BRA)
Yashin Award for the Best
Goalkeeper:     Oliver KAHN (GER)
Best Young Player Award:     Landon DONOVAN (USA)
FIFA Fair Play award:     Belgium
FIFA Award for the Most
Entertaining Team:     Korea Republic

Mata on verge of €50m Manchester United switch as he misses Chelsea training

The champions are closing in on the Spain international, with his representatives looking to complete a transfer in the coming days

Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea, after the playmaker missed training on Wednesday.

Mata was absent from the Blues first-team training session in the morning as the clubs hold talks over a £40 million (€50m) deal for the Spain international.

The 25-year-old’s representatives are in England and United hope to agree a deal in the next few days as David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield and boost his side’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Mata is desperate for regular football having found himself out of favour at Chelsea this season, starting just 11 of Chelsea’s 22 Premier League matches.

Chelsea initially demanded £45m to sell Mata to a domestic rival but are prepared to accept an offer worth around £40m for a player who cost £23.5m when he signed from Valencia in 2011.

A deal for Mata could also improve relations between the clubs as Chelsea continue with their attempts to sign United striker Wayne Rooney, as revealed by Goal on Wednesday.

Mata is keen on a move to Old Trafford to boost his chances of playing for Spain at next summer’s World Cup, and the Premier League champions can offer a significant increase on his £70,000-a-week salary.

He has been named Chelsea’s player of the year in the last two seasons but Mourinho suggested earlier this month that the ‘door is open’ should Mata seek a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

Mata is under contract until 2016 and Chelsea would prefer to evaluate his situation at the end of the season and sell him abroad, with Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid among the player’s admirers.

But with United no longer considered a direct rival - the champions are currently seventh in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal - Chelsea are prepared to listen to big offers for the attacking midfielder this month.

It would represent a major coup for Moyes, who is under significant pressure and has yet to bolster his fragile squad in the winter window, despite having around £150m available to spend on new recruits.

Mourinho has cited Mata’s lack of defensive work as the main reason behind the Spain international’s frequent omission, with Oscar preferred in the No.10 role at Stamford Bridge.

Mata has been Chelsea’s player of the year in the last two seasons, and last term scored 12 goals and provided 12 assists in the Premier League alone.