Yobo's future may have to wait a little longer

Joseph Yobo's future may have to wait a little longer before it is sorted out as talks with Everton have stalled.

Talks between the Nigerian international and Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, have "broken down irreparably," according to a source close to the player.

SuperSport.com can report that Kenwright made it clear to Yobo that Everton have received offers from other English clubs.

The Nigerian defender responded that he has no problem with offers from English clubs as long as they are willing to match the wages he commands at Fenerbahce.

Reports that Yobo might move for £2 million to Fenerbahce, where he has played in the past two seasons on loan spells, looks doubtful at the moment.

The Toffees are holding on to Yobo, who still has about two years left on his deal and are keen to force up the transfer fee to around £3 million which the Turkish club have baulked at after an earlier £1 million bid was rejected.

"Talks between the (Everton) chairman and him (Yobo) has broken down irreparably.

"Everton want to hold out till it is too late and he may miss pre-season with Fenerbahce. In the long run, miss out on an opportunity to play in the Champions League," SuperSport.com was informed.

Yobo has already made it clear that he wants out at Everton and prefers a move to Fenerbahce on a permanent basis.

This is in spite of interests from Leicester City and Norwich City for the 31-year-old centre-half.

“Moving to Fenerbahce was the best thing in my career. I joined them because I was eager to win silverware. The 2011 Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup justified that.

"I hope my permanent move to Fenerbahce is concluded soon," the Nigerian captain said.

Mbachu promises seventh Falcon title

Super Falcons' right winger, Stella Mbachu is emphatic her side will defend successfully the AWC title in Equatorial Guinea in November.

Falcons won their sixth African title in South Africa in 2010.

The petite winger led her side to play an uninspiring goalless draw against Olympic bound South Africa's Banyana Banyana in the reversed fixture of the two-leg friendly match in Lagos on Saturday.

Mbachu told SuperSport.com that the barren draw did not diminish Falcons' status as Africa's best team.

"Yes, I strongly believe we'll retain the AWC trophy in Equatorial Guinea.

"There is nothing wrong with us playing barren draw with Banyana Banyana. It's football either you win, lose or draw.

"There are not a bad side, they're an Olympic team, they assembled and presented the best squad.

"Yes, I'm satisfied with the result, not at all disappointed.

"There are new players in our midst the coaches want to see, so ours is not a competition squad but build-up team.

"At the time for the AWC we'll have a squad that'll defend the title, I'm certain about it," she said.

The veteran Rivers Angels' forward would want to see more improved South African side if they must make impact at the Olympics.

"The South Africans are good but they won't go far at the Olympics if what they presented against us is their best.

"Although there is luck in football, they may go there and surprise people but I believe there are rooms for improvement.

"They must intensify their preparations as well as raise the game to make their presence at the Olympics counts," she said.

© SuperSport.com

Didier Drogba may ditches Shanghai for Barcelona

Didier Drogba is at the heart of speculation linking him with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Ivorian striker has signed a contract with Shangha Shenhua, but according to reports on Twitter he could now be set to join the Copa Del Rey champions.

Drogba looked set to finish his career in China following his Chelsea exit but reports have claimed that he is expected to arrive in Barcelona this afternoon to meet with club directors.

According to Spanish football correspondent Guillem Balague, a clause in Drogba's deal with Shanghai allows him to join Barcelona for free.

He said: "In Spain it is being reported that Didier Drogba is arriving tomorrow to Barcelona to sign for FC Barcelona.

"Drogba has got a clause that allows him to leave Shangai Shenhua for free if Barcelona came calling. He will meet the Spanish club tomorrow. Despite the meeting tomorrow, Barcelona club sources say they won't sign Drogba, wages too high."

Just days ago Drogba commented on his move to China.

"I can inform you that I have signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for a two and a half year deal," said Drogba. "I will fly out to join up with the squad in July.

"I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but I feel that Shanghai Shenhua is the right move for me at this time."

Drogba ended his eight-year stay at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Malian troops harass Sunshine Stars

Players and officials of Nigeria’s Caf Champions League representatives, Sunshine Stars on Thursday got a surprise visit from Malian army officials.

Members of the Mali government army forces stormed the Hotel Columbus lodgings of the Nigerians and searched their rooms.

Goalkeeper Segun Oluwaniyi said the soldiers knocked at the door of his hotel at around 2am local time (3am Nigerian time), leaving him shaken with fear.

“I have never experience such in my lifetime,” Oluwaniyi said.

“They knocked at around 2am and I asked who was at the door. I was scared but one of the (officers) who spoke English said they are here because of the situation of the country and just wanted to know who I was."

“They checked the bathroom, wardrope. I told them we are still in Bamako because we missed our flight because of the situation of the country, he asked me how many are we and I told him we are 10 that are trapped in the hotel and I told him to go to other rooms for him to know that we are not rebels that we are footballers and after checking they left my room and told me to be calm and I shouldn’t be worried,” Oluwaniyi said.

Six players and two officials of Sunshine Stars as well as two Nigerian journalists have been trapped in Bamako since drawing 1-1 against Djoliba AC in a Caf Champions League game on Sunday.

© SuperSport.com

Keshi Okays Friendly With Egypt

Chief Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has described the proposal by the Egypt Football Federation to play an international friendly match against Nigeria as a good development.

The Egyptian football authority wants the Eagles to engage the Pharaohs in a friendly tie on 12 April in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a proposal which its Nigerian counterpart, NFF says is under consideration.

If Nigeria sanctions the friendly encounter, Keshi believes it would help his team prepare for the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup qualifying matches in June this year.

“This friendly game is coming at a good time for us to keep the players busy ahead of a busy month we’ll have in June,” said the former Nigerian international.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, will take a decision on the invitation from Egypt next week.

A member of NFF, Shehu Adamu, said the body will uncover its plans for the friendly matches lined up for the senior national team soon.

“By next week, we’ll clear all issues concerning friendly matches for the national team. Apart from Egypy, we have other matches in the pipeline for the Eagles,” Adamu said.

3SC axe coach Festus Allen

Festus Allen has been suspended as coach of Nigeria Premier League side Shooting Stars after a third straight loss Sunday.

MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that Allen has been formally asked to step aside after 3SC lost their third straight game on Sunday at Kaduna United.

3SC lost 2-0 in Kaduna and in midweek fell 3-0 at Kano Pillars. They also lost 1-0 at Heartland to make it three losses on the trot.

‘The Oluyole Warriors’, who fought against relegation in the last two seasons, are second from bottom of the NPL table with 17 points from 15 matches.

The former coach of Bukola Babes (now ABS FC) Allen, who took over from Fatai Amoo at the start of this season, will now be replaced by his assistants Tunde Odubola and Busari Akeem.

They will therefore take charge of the team for Thursday's home game against Kwara United.

Last week, Oyo State top official Dapo Lam Adesina warned that changes in the team were imminent following the indifferent performances of the Ibadan club.

Allen’s suspension will spark off another round of massive clear-out at the club, officials have now hinted.

The coach would have been suspended hours before the Kaduna United match after club manager Mutiu Adepoju travelled down to join the team armed with his suspension letter.

However, MTNFootball.com gathered it was later decided that the letter be given to the embattled coach only after the game.

He is not expected to return to his duty post, top officials informed MTNFootball.com and one of Nigeria’s top traditional clubs are expected to begin a search for a capable replacement.

Flamingoes book World Cup ticket

Nigeria's Flamingoes on Saturday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta booked their place in the 2012 Fifa Under17 Women's World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Nigeria's ticket came off a well-rounded victory from the nation's campaigners against their Zambian counterparts, Junior She-Polopolo whom they hit 5-0 in the final fixture of the global event.

The coach Peter Dedevbo tutored side completed the routing of the Southern Africans on 7-1 aggregate after first leg ended 2-1 in favour of the Nigerians in Lusaka.

The goal feast was served off by free scoring goal queen, Patience Okaeme followed by Halimatu Ayinde's second which closed the first term.

On resumption of play, the rush for goals continued in a virtually one-sided game.

Chidinma Edeji up the goals to three and later grabbed the fourth through a well taken penalty after an on rushing Zambian player handled the ball in the penalty box.

Mabel Effiom Michael scored the fifth goal to round off the goal harvest.

Coach of the Nigerians, Peter Dedevbo expressed delight at his players' performance while promising a greater outing at the World Cup.

"The scoreline is okay and that showed the better of both sides. We're going to the World Cup to do Nigeria and Africa proud," he told SuperSport.com.

However, his opposite, Beauty Mwamba while she praised her players for a good game, she complained that the Nigerian players are women.

"I am proud of my girls, they've done their part, I'm not disappointed. We presented young girls unlike the Nigerian players who are clearly women," she said.

Ghana joined Nigeria in the Azerbaijan's party remaining one country to complete the Africa's trio.

© SuperSport.com

Eagles snub 'pained' Joseph Akpala

Club Brugge striker Joseph Akpala has revealed he is “pained” that he has been overlooked by Nigeria despite scoring 21 goals this season.

Akpala has scored 14 goals in the Belgian league and he is also credited with seven in the UEFA Europa League.

However, the 25-year-old striker, who was first capped in 2008, has been overlooked most recently by the Super Eagles even though he has proved to be one of the country’s most prolific marksmen in Europe.

“Well, it is painful not getting called up for the Eagles when it is obvious that I am doing well,” said the striker who has scored two goals in seven appearances for Nigeria.

“But I can’t force it. I have not let that weigh me down and that was why I keep doing well. I am sure I will get the chance soonest.

“I have been overlooked in the past but still got the call and I thank God I did not disappoint anytime I am in Eagles. I am optimistic I will get my chance under coach Stephen Keshi soon.”

Akpala also told MTNFootball.com that he has received “a lot” of offers to leave Brugge, but he still has a season left on his contract with the top Belgian club and he will have to wait till the summer to decide on his future.

He equally spoke about his goals this season and his hopes in the Belgian championship playoffs after the regular season ended on Wednesday.

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Senegalese ref for Female Under 17 tie

Highly respected Senegalese Fifa women's referee Fadouma Dia will be at the centre during Saturday's 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup African final qualifying match between Nigeria and Zambia, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Dia will be supported by compatriots Die Alse Sylla (First Assistant), Adua Issue Cisse (Second Assistant) and Amina Fall (Fourth Official). The Match Commissioner is Hilda Addah from Ghana.

Nigeria's Flamingoes won the first leg 2-1 in Lusaka with second half goals by Patience Okaeme and Halimat Ayinde, to be in pole position for one of Africa's three tickets to this year's World Cup.

In other matches, Gambia will fly to Tunis to take on Tunisia while South Africa, who could only force the Ghanaian Princesses to a 0-0 in Johannesburg, are in for a tough duel in Accra.

Nigeria participated at the only two previous editions of the U-17 Women's World Cup (New Zealand 2008 and Trinidad and Tobago 2010).

Meanwhile, Zambia's 26-person delegation to the match in Abeokuta will fly into Nigeria at noon on Thursday. The delegation will be immediately driven to Abeokuta in a well-secured convoy.

 

Blackout for Flamingoes camp

Nigeria Under17 women's team, the Flamingoes have been barred from making use of their phones in camp.

The Flamingoes have a crucial date against their Zambian opposites, the Junior She-Polopolo in the final race for the Fifa Under17 Women's World Cup coming up later in the year in Azerbaijan.

The Nigerians will enter the final fixture with a 2-1 advantage grabbed off the Southern Africans in Lusaka a fortnight ago.

SuperSport.com learnt that the phones were taken away from the players on Wednesday, temporarily handed back to them during dinner but retrieved shortly after the dinner.

SuperSport.com gathered from an official of the team that the measure will continue until after the make or break encounter on Saturday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

The official informed SuperSport.com that the coaches took the measure to ensure that the players are not distracted but concentrate on the task ahead.

"The coaches do not want any lapses, the match is crucial and everything is being done to ensure we win the game and qualify Nigeria for the World Cup.

"We're not gagging the players but want to ensure that the players pay undivided attention to the match.

"We won 2-1 in the first leg in Lusaka, Zambia will not be coming here for a jamboree, they want to be at the World Cup, we should not give them the chance," he said.

The winner of the clash will pick one of Africa's three slots for the global football fiesta.

The officials for the game are Senegalese Fifa referee, Fadouma Dia, Die Aise Syila, Adua Cisse and Amina Fall while match commissioner is Hilda Addah from Ghana.

© SuperSport.com

 

NFF has 'foreign expert' syndrome - Marawa

SuperSport television presenter, Robert Marawa has criticized the football authorities in Nigeria for not showing confidence in local coaches with regards to the Super Eagles.

Adegboyega Onigbinde remains the only local coach to have coached the Super Eagles at a Fifa World Cup and Marawa is quick to identify that as one of the reasons Nigeria fail to achieve their full potentials at the international stage.

“Super Eagles have been very quick to use local coaches to do all the dirty work of the qualifiers then once they have succeeded in that then they shove them aside for European coaches who will ransack the (NFF’s) coffers and run afterwards.

“Stability is needed and less politics (is required),” Marawa told SuperSport.com.

The award-winning television presenter also took some time to comment on the state of domestic football in Nigeria while attempting to draw parallels with the South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“The South African PSL is very strong financially but has a long way to go on the field of play given that not much has been gained by any club since 1995 when Orlando Pirates won the Champions League. So it would basically be learning about structures and how to maximise on sponsorship money and TV rights,” he said.

Marawa was the latest guest on the live chat Q&A on SuperSport.com.

© SuperSport.com

Samuel Eto'o is the Africa Highest paid Footballer

TOP EARNERS

1) £27.5m
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

2) £26.2m

David Beckham (LA Galaxy)

3) £24.3m
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

4) £19.4m
Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi)

5) £17.2m
Wayne Rooney (Man United)

6) £15.7m
Sergio Aguero (Man City)

7) £14.7m
Yaya Toure (Man City)

8) £13.9m
Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

9) £12.9m
Kaka (Real Madrid)

10) £11.9m
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

World's highest-paid footballer

Argentina's Lionel Messi is the world's highest-paid footballer, followed by David Beckham of England and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, according to France Football magazine.

Barcelona talisman Messi earns some €33 million ($43.5 million) a year with a €10.5-million salary, €1.5 million in bonuses and €21 million in advertising and other contracts.

Former Manchester United midfielder Beckham, now at LA Galaxy, takes home €31.5 million, largely due to his €26 million worth of advertising and endorsement contracts.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo earns €29.2 million, from a €13-million annual salary and €15.5 million from off-the-pitch revenue, France Football said in an article to be published on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's coach at the Camp Nou, Portugal's Jose Mourinho, topped the list of highest-earning managers with €14.8 million a year, followed by Paris Saint-Germain's Carlo Ancelotti (€13.5 million)

© Sapa - AFP

Arsenal To Face Dolphin FC At Liberation Stadium In The Summer

Barclays English Premier League side, Arsenal will face Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Dolphins when the London club visit Nigeria in July 2012.

Arsene Wenger’s Gunners are due in Nigeria for a playing tour ahead of the start of the 2012/2013 EPL season.

SuperSport.com understands that the Londoners are billed to play against several Nigerian clubs while in the country.

General Manager of the club, Dumbor Awanem, said: “A lot of other states are trying to lure the Arsenal team to their states but they have said they want to see a club that can actually give them stiff opposition and Dolphins fit that bill.

“With this I can confirm to you that Arsenal will come to Port Harcourt to play against Dolphins’ in the summer.”

Dolphins are currently representing Nigeria in the Caf Champions League and will face Cameroun’s Cotonsport in the next round of the competition.

© SuperSport.com

Onigbinde faults Nigeria peace resolution

A member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Adegboye Onigbinde has raised concerns over the manner of the peaceful resolution in the nation's football.

Onigbinde believes that the peaceful resolution between the nation's football federation and the aggrieved duo of Dr Sam Sam Jaja and Barrister Ray Nnaji is tainted with defects.

The Caf instructor questioned the reason of the football house rewarding both men with positions and compensation as part of the peaceful resolution.

He added that the resolution of compensating Jaja and Nnaji negates the statutes of the world football governing body, Fifa of taking matters of the game to a law court.

"It is good that a move for the peaceful resolution of the crisis that has engulfed our football in the nation has been embraced. But my worry is the way and manner by which they went about resolving it.

"If you say someone has done something wrong by going against the statutes of the game and you resolve your differences by compensating them with positions and cash then something is wrong and we should be worried.

"This is a bad precedence for the game as it is capable of haunting the game in future because we have decided to leave the door open for other aggrieved persons to also come out and do same in order to be compensated," Onigbinde said to SuperSport.com.

On Tuesday, the NFF agreed to make Jaja a honourary member of the nation's football federation as well as reverse his disqualification from the 2010 Nigeria Premier League election.

The football federation also assured it will issue "a letter of unreserved apology" to Jaja for the hurt caused by the disqualification.

On the other hand, Jaja promised to discontinue the enforcement of the court judgement with suit number FHC/ABJ/CBS/170/10 of January 20, 2012 that declared the NFF and NPL illegal bodies on the grounds that the federation keeps its own bargain of the terms of the peaceful resolution.

Nnaji also agreed to end his legal tussle with the football house after the NFF said it will lift his ban from football activities in the country and publicize it.

The NFF also agreed to pay "reasonable compensation" to Nnaji and "pay his outstanding referee allowance, subject to verification."

Fifa happy with Nigeria

The world soccer governing body, Fifa on Thursday expressed happiness with the peaceful resolution of the crisis that has rocked Nigerian football in the past months.

A Nigerian delegation was led by the nation's supervising sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to hold talks with top officials of the world football governing body including its president, Sepp Blatter, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Fifa president, Blatter, said during the meeting: “Nigeria is a very important country to us. In fact, one of the most important countries, so what happens in Nigerian football has great significance for us in Fifa.”

Blatter also extolled Abdullahi for his role in resolving the impasse between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Dr Sam Sam Jaja as well as Barrister Ray Nnaji, who instituted court cases against the federation.

The Fifa boss described the sports minister as "a young man with great wisdom."

"We have had this issue on our desk for a long time. Therefore, I cannot thank you enough, Honourable Minister for resolving this problem. Football cannot grow in an atmosphere of instability. We are happy that this is resolved and now we can focus on the business of football development in Nigeria," Blatter said.

However, when informed that the Nigerian government gives the nation's football federation an annual subvention of $20 million, Blatter was stunned and harped on accountability and transparency.

"You guys (NFF) are lucky. We are only not happy when we have reasons to believe that government wants to take control of the NFF that has been duly elected or sacks a federation with fiat," Blatter remarked.

"And even we in FIFA are reviewing our statutes as part of our reform process so as to allow for greater accountability and transparency."

Abdullahi briefed the Fifa team in Zurich about plans to work towards the speedy passage of the NFF Bill at the National House of Assembly in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that on Tuesday, the Nigerian sports minister and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim played roles in ending the disagreement between the NFF and Jaja and Nnaji on one hand.

Jaja and Nnaji have agreed to stop their legal battles against the NFF.

However, Nanf president, Harrison Jalla rubbished the peaceful resolution on Wednesday.

Jalla said there is still a court case with suit number FHC/L/CS/49/12 filed at the Federal High Court of Lagos to compel the sports minister and Attorney General of the Federation to give effect to the NFA Act 2004 since the NFF has been declared illegal in a court ruling on January 20.

Nanf, one of the two footballers unions in Nigeria, is not foreclosing enforcing the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja of January 20 that declared the NFF and Nigeria Premier League (NPL) illegal.

© SuperSport.com

Mikel thrilled by Chelsea fightback

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has hailed his club’s fight back in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, saying they are now back to their best.

‘The Blues’ fought back from a 3-1 defeat at Napoli of Italy to win 4-1 at Stamford Bridge after extra time and qualify for the last eight of the lucrative clubs’ competition.

It was only the fourth time in the modern era of the Champions League that a club had overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

"Our victory over Napoli was a deserved one. We wanted to win the game and proceed to the next stage and that was exactly what we did,” said Mikel, who was an unused substitute against Napoli.

“I am happy with the way we play now and I am sure we are back to our best form. The team really fought like a warrior.

“We are now looking forward to our next league game before thinking of getting to the semi-finals of the Champions League."

Chelsea, who are under the temporary charge of Roberto di Matteo after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas, are the only English club left in the annual competition.

The draw for the quarterfinals and semi-finals will be conducted Friday.

Ex-Nigeria international Shittu passes on

Former Nigeria international Amusa Shittu died in Lagos on Tuesday at the age of 75 after failing to recover from stroke.

Shittu, who was called 'The Bulldozer' in his playing days, was one of the greatest players to come out of Nigeria.

Born in 1937 in Jos, Plateau State of Yoruba parentage, Shittu began his career with Plateau and Northern Region XI.

He got his first international call-up to the then Red Devils in 1959, alongside great talents like Teslim Balogun, Dejo Fayemi, Olu Onagoruwa, Jide Johnson, Monday Sinclair, Cyril Nwajei, Godwin Etemeke, Asuquo Ekpe and Peter Amaechina.

Such was the talent in the squad that he only made his debut a year later, on 10 September 1960, when he played in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Ghana in a World Cup qualifier. He scored his first international goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 victory against Port Guinea, now Guinea Bissau in October 1960.

Shittu scored the only goal in an Olympic qualifier in Nigeria against Sudan on 5 November 1967, and also scored two goals in the reverse fixture on 17 November in Khartoum.

He was also a member of the Green Eagles squad that played against the visiting German Olympic team in 1971 at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

At club level, Shittu was in the team that won the FA Cup for the Western Region in 1961 when he became the first player to score an FA Cup final goal outside of Onikan Stadium in the 1961 decider between his team and UAC, Broad Street Millionaires, at the Old National Stadium, the site of the present National Stadium.

Shittu’s greatest moment was in 1970 when he propelled ECN (NEPA) to their third F.A Cup title against his former club, Highlanders of Jos. The game had ended 1-1 apiece before Shittu, a coach/player, came on to rescue his team by scoring the winning goal for ECN.

He is survived by three children.

Keshi tasks Eaglets' coaches

Super Eagles’ manager, Stephen Keshi has charged the Golden Eaglets coaching crew to give the job their best shot.

Keshi said it is imperative that he rub minds with the coaches because of the importance attached to their assignment.

"I must confess to you that I really like the combination of coaches for the Golden Eaglets because they all played football locally and at the international level.

"It is important that we all work together to help the present poor situation of Nigerian football.

"The Under17 level is the foundation for the national team and having this crop of coaches here means that our young players would be exposed to many things at this level.

"I would equally be involved with the age groups and it is essential that we all work together."

Manu Garba is the Eaglets' head coach while Emmanuel Amuneke, Nduka Ugbade and Emeka Amadi are his assistants.

The former Nigerian captain called on Nigerians to rally round the Golden Eaglets for the good of the game in the country.

"The Under17 level is about development and we should not put the coaches under undue pressure just because we want them to win.

"The main goal is not to win rather, it should be about development.

"I’m quite impressed that they have given everybody equal opportunity during the screening and we should give them maximum support because the work that is given to them is not an easy one," Keshi stated.

© SuperSport.com

Brazil Reject Teslim Balogun Stadium

The ex world and South American champions will play against the Super eagles in an international friendly later this year.

Reports reaching us states that Lagos fans won't see the match live at the Teslim Balogun stadium (TBS) because the playing turf is artificial.

The Brazilians said they would prefer to play on a natural grass. The maintenance culture of stadia in Nigeria hasn't been encouraging and that has made artificial turf popular in the country. The match will be played at the National stadium Abuja.

The Brazilians will get $1.5m for appearance fee, they will be lodged in a 5 star hotel and they will enjoy first class flight.

NPL Top 4 Teams After Week 14

After week 14 and 13 matches played, teams are beginning to distinguish themselfs.

Enugu Rangers tops the list of NPL clubs in the top four after 13 matches. The flying Antelop have been in the steering sit for 3 weeks now and are still waxing stronger going by the 4:0 victory over visiting Ocean Boys.

Enyimba International show what there are made of, when they grabbed a 2:3 away win in the week 13 encounter in owerri against Heartland FC. The Aba Elephant is sitting in the second position with 23 point from 13 matches.

Kano Pillars are third on the league having gathered 22 points from 13 matches. Kano Pillars sparked Sharks FC of Port Harcourt 4:0 at the Sani Abacha stadium yesterday to take home the maximum points.

Last seasons NNL Super Four champions, and NNL 2010/2011 Champion, Wikki Tourist is the suprise team in the NPL this season. Wikki Tourist are fourth on the NPL League table.

NFF eyes vacant CAF seat

The troubled Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to converge in Abuja in an emergency meeting to deliberate on the vacant seat of the Caf executive committee.

SuperSport.com has been informed that the emergency meeting of the NFF executive committee was summoned by the president of the body, Aminu Maigari at the weekend.

Maigari, it was learned, has indicated interest in the vacant executive committee seat at Caf.

The Caf executive committee is vacant following the three-year suspension of Fifa on Dr Amos Adamu after his alleged involvement in the cash-for-vote scandal.

Adamfu's appeal at Cas was thrown out and Fifa's three-year suspension upheld with part of the statement saying the punishment from the world soccer governing body was "relatively mild given the seriousness of the offence."

However, SuperSport.com learned that former secretary-general of Nigeria's football governing body, Sani Toro, is interested in vying for the vacant seat at Caf.

Also, the NFF will discuss the impending visit of the nation's sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, who doubles as head of the Nigerian National Sports Commission.

Abdullahi is expected to meet with Fifa president, Sepp Blatter this month in Zurich, Switzerland to discuss how to bring an end to the crisis rocking his nation's football at administrative level.

The NFF executive committee will also decide on the recommendation made by the technical committee on the roles of the technical director, Super Falcons' head coach and coach of the Under20 men's team, the Flying Eagles.

The NFF technical committee has already recommended Belgian Tom Saintfiet for the director's job while Kadiri Ikhana and Fatai Amoo are in line for the head coach jobs of the Super Falcons and Flying Eagles respectively.

© SuperSport.com

Abuja to host Nigeria v Brazil in September friendly

Nigeria's Super Eagles will battle five-time Fifa World Cup champions, Brazil in an international friendly in September this year.

The match, SuperSport.com has been informed by an NFF source, will hold at the National Stadium in Abuja.

However, the exact date is yet to be confirmed as the game is expected to hold in one of Fifa's free windows for international matches.

It was also gathered that the match is the annual 'Guinness The Match' tournament.

The NFF source said: "Arrangement for the game is near conclusion for the friendly match between the Super Eagles and Brazil. The match will hold in Abuja in September this year. And the agreement is that the two nations will parade their best players during the match. "The exact date of the friendly is yet to be confirmed but will be made official very soon. The friendly is the annual 'Guinness The Match' tournament where the winner will be handed a trophy."

Last year, the Super Eagles faced Argentina on June 1 in Abuja and defeated the South Americans by 4-1 in a game tagged 'Guinness The Match.'

It is expected that the Brazilians coached by Mano Menezes will hit the Nigerian capital with a strong of Daniel Alves, Ramires, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Ganzo, Neymar and Hulk among others.

Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have kept mum on this development are expected to officially announce the match in a matter of days.

The last time Nigeria played hosts to their Brazilian counterparts was in a friendly game in 2003 and they lost 0-3 in Abuja.

© SuperSport.com

Lionel Messi: An Inspiration

Lionel Messi 

Lionel Messi is a delight to watch playing football. Messi plays for Barcelona FC. He is a three-time Fifa World Player of the Year. Five days ago, he scored five times (a Champions League record and also a personal record). Yesterday he scored another two goals. Messi scored 53 goals in 55 matches for his club last season. He already has 50 in 43 matches so far this campaign. Many people believe he is one of the greatest football players the world has even seen.

But Messi has not always been successful.
At age ten , Messi faced a major threat to his future footballing career- a growth hormone deficiency. This would limit his ability to cope with the physical demands of football.

Messi needed growth hormones or he would have stopped growing at 4ft 7in. His father’s health insurance was limited and couldn’t cover the expensive treatment.

The story changed when Barcelona offered to pay for the hormone treatment in return for Messi signing for them aged just 13. Today, Messi is scoring, Barca is winning and both Messi and Barca are happy and successful.
Few lessons.

1. Employers need to see the gold in their staff. In that physically- retarded boy with health challenges was a star of the future. Invest in your staff

2. Your health challenge could seem to be a huge problem, but help is on its way.

3. Nothing limits you. Till date, Messi is relatively smaller than his mates, could be weak but he is still playing excellent footbal. You have no excuse

4. God compensates for your weaknesses. Messi is short. As a result he has a low center of gravity. This makes it difficult for him to fall down easily. Messi has short legs, but they are fast too

5 Finally, don’t make judgement based on today, consider the future. While Messi was playing as a kid, he looked 2 years younger than his mates. If Barca had judged him based on that, they would have lost gold.

Week 13 NPL Table

NPL Fixtures Today

Heartland FC vs Enyimba Int’l FC

Lobi Stars FC vs Rising Stars FC

ABS vs Kano Pillars

Sunshine Stars FC vs Kaduna Utd FC

Jigawa Golden Stars FC vs Wikki Tourists FC

Ocean Boys vs Gombe Utd

Akwa Utd FC vs 3SC

Warri Wolves FC vs Dolphins FC

Nigeria female U17s beat Zambia

Nigeria’s female U17 team, The Flamingoes, defeated hosts Baby She-Polopolo of Zambia 2-1 in a 2012 FIFA World Cup qualifying first leg match in Lusaka Saturday.

Two-goal heroine from the match against Kenya in Nairobi in the previous round, Patience Okaeme, and dazzling playmaker, Halimat Ayinde, scored for Nigeria early in the second half.

The Zambians, 7-1 winners over Botswana in the earlier round, got a consolation goal through Mukuka Mupela.

The Flamingoes dominated this clash at the Nkoloma Stadium despite a scoreless first half after the game suffered a 30 minute kick-off delay due to a heavy downpour.

Baby Shepolopolo were lucky not to have been 2-0 down before the first half hour when goalkeeper Susan Nalwamba kept out two certain goals from Chidima Ledfyi in the 20th and 29th minutes.

Head coach Peter Dedevbo said at the end: “Yes, I am happy that we won, but it could have been by a much bigger margin. All the same, we savour the victory and now look ahead to the second leg in Nigeria.”

The win ensures the Nigerian girls put one leg firmly in Azerbaijan for their third consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals, with earlier outings in New Zealand 2008 and Trinidad and Tobago 2010.

The return leg comes up at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Saturday, March 24.

Kadiri Ikhana agrees Falcons offer of 2.5Million Naira

Ikhana

Former Nigeria international Kadiri Ikhana is to earn 2.5 million Naira (about $16,000) a month as new coach of the country’s women’s team.

The former Kano Pillars and Kwara United coach agreed this pay with the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at his interview Thursday in Abuja.

The board of the NFF are expected to announce Ikhana's appointment next week.

MTNFootball.com specially gathered that the salary was improved from an earlier offer of 2 million Naira.

Ikhana has not handled a female team, but he insisted that this would not be a drawback in his new challenge because it is still football.

“There is no special skill in coaching a female team,” Ikhana told MTNFootball.com

“There is really not much difference in male and female football because they operate on the same rules and regulations.

“All I have got to do is instil discipline in the team and ensure they are fit and play according to instructions.”

The likes of Paul Hamilton and Godwin Izilien made a success of their stints with the female national team despite lacking previous experience in women's football.

The experienced coach also promised that the Falcons will resume their dominance of African football after the recent slips to Ghana and Cameroon.

“I can assure you that the Falcons will be back dominating African football as was the case before,” he said.

The African champions are set to defend their crown at the African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea later this year.

'Jay Jay' Okocha casts doubts on India comeback

Former Nigeria World Cup skipper Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has cast doubts on a comeback in a new lucrative league in India.

The 38-year-old midfielder has been lined up as one of the top stars in the I-League, but he has now said he will have to consider his family and business commitments before he decides on whether he will lace his boots again.

“My going back to India depends on my health because I'm not growing any younger, I have to consider my family and businesses as well,” Okocha said in Abuja.

“But I'm not ruling out the possibilities of playing in India again.”

Okocha has featured for several top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Fenerbache and Bolton Wanderers.

He last starred for Hull City in England in 2008.

‘Jay Jay’ is to earn about $550,000 for two months of work in India, reports said.

He has been listed under the club Durgapur and will work with former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia.

However, the proposed league, which will also draw other top football stars like Hernan Crespo, Fabio Cannavaro and Robert Pires has suffered several postponements and hitches.

Uche Nwofor dreams Champions League

Former Nigeria youth international Uche Nwofor has revealed he is looking forward to feature in the glamorous UEFA Champions League.
 

The ex-Rangers striker, who was the top scorer at last year’s Africa U20 Championship, said he was excited watching his former team mate at VVV Venlo Ahmed Musa in action for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League against Real Madrid and now craves for such soon.
 
“I was breathless watching on television, and thought 'I want that too'. I can get to that level. I just need to work hard and then the clubs themselves will come,” Nwofor told Voetbal International Magazine.
 
The VVV Venlo ace is reported to now be courted by the Russian army team, but he said one of his biggest wishes is to play for Chelsea even though he is a Manchester United fan.
 
“My favourite club is Manchester United, but many great black players have played for Chelsea. I want to follow their footsteps,” said the 20-year-old striker, who has scored three goals this season for his struggling Dutch club.

NFF to name Ikhana as Falcons coach

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may well settle for former Kwara United coach Kadiri Ikhana as the new coach of the country’s female team because they do not have the cash to pay a foreign coach.

The NFF technical committee have recommended former France and China coach Elizabeth Loisel for the Falcons top post, but top officials have now informed MTNFootball.com the federation cannot meet her financial demands.

The French woman has been recommended to take charge of the Falcons, who are getting set to begin the defence of the African Women’s Championship soon.

This year’s AWC will be staged in Equatorial Guinea.

The executive committee of the NFF are to meet next week to appoint a technical director for the country as well as coach for the Falcons.

“We just have to wait and see how the board will tackle this issue because the foreign coach is asking for a lot of money and presently the NFF are not in a position to guarantee such a contract,” an official said.

In the meantime, former international Kadiri Ikhana is the latest name to be linked with the Falcons top post.

“The new name being linked with the Falcons job is Kadiri Ikhana,” another top official disclosed.

“He is known to be a very strict disciplinarian even though he has yet to handle a women’s team.”

The outspoken former Nigeria international guided Kano Pillars to win the 2008 Nigeria Premier League crown.

He quit coaching in the NPL at the end of last season.

Fatai Amoo takes over F/Eagles

Former Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amoo is set to be named the new coach of Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles.

MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that the former Super Eagles assistant coach is heavily favoured to take over from John Sam Obuh, who guided the team to win the 2011 African Youth Championship in South Africa.

The executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will meet next week in Abuja to announce Amoo’s appointment.

Amoo has worked at several top Nigerian clubs including First Bank FC of Lagos, Enyimba and Sunshine Stars.

He has a penchant for discovering and working with young players like Gbolahan Salami, who he spotted playing for a Lagos secondary school.

This season, ‘Arsena’ was replaced at 3SC by Festus Allen after he refused a reduced offer by the Ibadan club.

His immediate assignment would be in July, when he battles the overall winners of the AYC match-up between Sudan and Tanzania for the right to advance in the qualifying series for the biennial competition to be staged next year in Algeria.

The FIFA U20 World Cup will be hosted by Turkey from June 2013.

Dolphins defeat Sony Ela Nguema 3-0 in CAF Champions League

The Nigerians go through to the next round of the Caf Champions League

The Nigeria champions hammer the Equatorial Guinea side in Port Harcourt to book a place in the latter stages of Africa’s elite football competition

Players of Nigeria Premier League champions Dolphins defeated Sony de Ela Nguema 3-0 in the second leg of the African Champions League preliminary round to edge the tie 6-0 on aggregate.

Coach Stanley Eguma did not take chances as he fielded a strong team, even after beating the Equatorial Guinea side with the same score line as in the first leg in Malabo.

As early as the second minute of the match, Isiaka Olawale scored the first goal after a good combination with Ifeanyi Egwim and Chidi Osuchukwu.

Egwim would thereafter score the second goal in the 35th minute when defenders of Nguema could not cope with his mazy runs.

Osuchukwu sealed the game for Dolphins in the 67th minute to take the Port-Harcourt side into the next round of the Champions League.

Eguma said after the game that they will start preparation for the next match of the competition.

"I am excited with the victory, but preparation for the next game starts immediately," Eguma told

Eaglets ready to soar - Amuneke

Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has said that team would be ready to take on Niger Republic in the first round fixture of the 10th African Under17 Championship to be held in Morocco in 2013.

SuperSport.com learnt that Caf released fixtures of the tournament Saturday with the Golden Eaglets going for the away game on the weekend of September 7 and 9, 2012 while the reverse home fixture comes up at the weekend of September 21 and 23.

"It is an interesting fixture for us because Niger are our neighbours and they have shown in recent times that they are a force to be reckoned with but we are going to be ready for them.

"This indeed is an interesting fixture giving the fact that both Nigeria and Niger failed to qualify for the last two editions of the African Under17 Championship," Amuneke said.

Amuneke reckons that the work of the Eaglets’ coaching crew is already cut out.

While the Eaglets were eliminated from the 2009 Championship held in Algeria and were taken out of the 2011 by Congo following a 1-3 aggregate loss, Niger met their end in 2011 when they were disqualified from the tournament in Rwanda for fielding an over-aged player.

"We have to respect Niger because every team wants to appear at a tournament and playing against us would fire them up but we will be ready for them.

"Our philosophy is that we are going to take one game at a time.

"Our first priority is to raise a very good team and that is why we are taking a painstaking effort in screening of the players.

"We have seen some good players but football is not played on the pages of newspapers, it is instructive that we prepare our boys very well because this is the first time they would be having the opportunity to play an international match.

"The truth is that many of the countries that so many people no longer considered to be strong are creating waves across the continent.

"The fact that Niger were at the last African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea is an indication that we have to take them seriously.

"We would do our best and pray that God bless all our collective efforts,” added Amuneke, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.

Meanwhile, Caf has already drawn Guinea bye to the second round to meet the winner of the first round fixture between Nigeria and Niger.

The tournament would be rounded off with the third round fixtures in December.

© SuperSport.com

Chelsea sack Mikel Obi coach Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas's tortured spell as Chelsea manager came to an end on Sunday when the Premier League club sacked the Portuguese after less than nine months in charge.

The London club handed over first-team duties to assistant manager Roberto di Matteo for the remainder of a season that is in danger of becoming the worst since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.

Speculation over the future of Villas Boas, at 34 the youngest manager in the league this season, had been swirling in the British media for weeks after a series of poor results and reports of rifts with senior players.

The dismissal of the man often referred to simply by his initials "AVB" came after Saturday's 1-0 league loss to West Bromwich Albion, their seventh league defeat of the season and a dreadful performance all round.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season," the London club said in a statement on their website (www.chelseafc.com).

The Stamford Bridge outfit have won three of their last 12 Premier League games and are in danger of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since Russian billionaire Abramovich bought the club.

They are trailing 3-1 in their round-of-16 Champions League tie against Napoli ahead of the March 14 second leg, while they sit fifth in the Premier League table with 46 points from 27 games.

"The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts," the statement said.

"With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time."

UNDER SCRUTINY

While former Chelsea midfielder Di Matteo has been put in charge in the interim, the departure of Villas-Boas will do nothing to quieten fans' calls for Jose Mourinho to make a return to the club he led to back-to-back Premier League titles.

The self-anointed "Special One", currently manager of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, has featured in British newspapers in recent days, with photographs showing him in London and reportedly looking for a new house.

Mourinho told reporters on Saturday that he would be visiting London again on Monday but declined to give any details, saying: "I don't have to explain my private life to anyone."

Villas-Boas had said this week that Mourniho's shadow hung over the club, while his relationship with players from his compatriot's golden era has also been under scrutiny.

Vice-captain Frank Lampard said last month that his relationship with Villas-Boas had "not been ideal" but the Portuguese had dismissed any notion of unrest saying the only reason for an unhappy dressing room was their league position.

Major cracks, however, appeared this week when Villas-Boas said in an interview with Portugal's TSF radio that he was unsure if he still had the backing of Abramovich.

As if predicting what might be around the corner, he pointed to the owner's notorious lack of patience with managers who did not deliver silverware and in particular the coveted Champions League trophy.

"The pattern of behaviour of the owner has led to a downfall (of coaches) in similar situations or even 'better' situations," he said.

"What will be the reaction? It will be one of the two, a continuation of the project and full support or just the cultural pattern that has happened before."

He now has his answer as the seventh manager of the Abramovich era has been shown the door, following men such as Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Felipe Scolari who did not deliver what was required.

Villas-Boas was appointed on June 22, 2011, on a three-year deal and Chelsea had to pay £13.3 million to trigger an escape clause in his contract at Porto, the club he led to a Europa League, domestic league and cup treble.

FACTBOX: Andre Villas-Boas

Born Oct. 17, 1977 in Porto, Portugal.

EARLY CAREER
* Played at amateur level in regional leagues, and according to one of his coaches was a busy midfielder who showed an early interest in tactics. Never played professionally, opting instead to take coaching courses while he completed a university degree in humanities.
* As a 16-year-old Porto fan, Villas-Boas contacted the club's then manager Bobby Robson and questioned his team selection. The former England coach was impressed with the teenager's passion, helped him to take coaching courses and introduced him to his assistant Jose Mourinho.
* He stayed at Porto after Robson moved to Barcelona and coached at youth level until taking a job as coach of the British Virgin Islands national team in 2000.
* He returned to Porto in 2001 and became a scout under new head coach Mourinho in 2002.
* He followed Mourinho to Chelsea in 2004, working as an opposition scout at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups under Mourinho.
* Villas-Boas then followed Mourinho to Inter Milan, where he stayed for one season, in which they won the Serie A title, before leaving in 2009.

COACHING CAREER
* He joined Portuguese club Academica as head coach in October 2009 with the club bottom of the Portuguese championship and without a win.
* He helped Academica to climb away from the relegation zone to finish 11th.
* He joined Porto as head coach in June 2010 on a two-year deal and signed a one-year contract extension in December 2010 that included a 15-million-euro release clause.
* He made a winning start by beating champions Benfica 2-0 to win the Portuguese Supercup.
* Combining defensive solidity, midfield possession and creative flair in attack, Porto became the first team since 1978 to finish the season undefeated.
* Villas-Boas became the youngest coach to win a Uefa competition when Porto defeated Braga 1-0 to clinch the Europa League and he completed a treble by winning the Portuguese championship and cup.

CHELSEA
* Villas-Boas left Porto to become manager at Chelsea in June 22, 2011.
* The London club paid £13.3 million to trigger the escape clause in his contract and make him the seventh Chelsea manager since Russian owner Roman Abramovic bought the club in 2003.
* He faced a daunting task in replacing Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who had won the Premier League and FA Cup in his first season in charge, and in rejuvenating an ageing squad who had ended the previous season trophyless.
* The Portuguese came under increasing scrutiny as Chelsea's form slumped while media reported a rift with several senior players.
* He was heavily criticised for leaving out established first-teamers Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole as Chelsea suffered a 3-1 defeat to Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
* A 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers the following weekend bought him a brief stay of execution but his demise was assured when Chelsea lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

© Reuters

Troubles at Ilorin Township Stadium

Saturday’s NPL match between Kwara United and Sunshine Stars at the Ilorin Township Stadium was abandoned with a couple minutes left on the clock.

The match was still at 1-1 when the pandemonium broke down after Sunshine team manager allegedly ran on to the pitch and accused the Ilorin fans of attacking him.

Narrating the ordeal, Kwara media officer, Olusola Ajide told MTNFootball.com that ‘The Afonja Warriors’ suspected foul play when the centre referee was changed from Rev.Eze to Sani Mohammed form Kaduna.

Ajide said the referee was biased form the beginning of the match which makes them believe that he was brought for a mission in Ilorin.

He said the referee should be held responsible for the pandemonium that brought the game to an abrupt end when he gave Bolaji Shakin a yellow card when he was hacked down by Sunshine Stars defender in the 18-yard box instead of awarding a penalty.

“Our match with Sunshine was inconclusive, and I can tell you categorically that the centre referee Sani Mohammed from Kaduna caused it all,” charged Ajide.

“We suspected foul play when we discovered that the centre referee for the match was changed from Rev. Eze to Sani Mohammed, but we did not challenge him. He was completely biased with his handling of the match.

“We scored first through Anthony Okemiri in the 45th minute and when they equalised in the 84th minute, we did not react because it was a good goal.

"But what caused problem was when Bolaji Shakin was hacked down in the Sunshine 18-yard box in the 87th minute and instead for him to award a penalty, he yellow carded him. We were not happy with this the next thing we saw was Sunshine team manager running on to the pitch claiming he was attacked by our fans.”

In Ibadan, angry fans also held match officials hostage after they accused them of bias officiating.

The fans alleged that centre referee Patrick Ishaya from Kaduna State for biased officiating and accused the match commissioner for failing  to call Ishaya to order.
 
Some of the fans said that the referee caused them the victory.

''We had three legitimate penalty claims against Warri Wolves but the referee ignored two and gave us one,'' said Taiwo Usman, one of the fans.

Ekigho Ehiosun shines in Turkey

Nigeria international striker Ekigho Ehiosun scored his seventh goal as his Turkish club staged a late fight to avoid relegation.

However, Samsunspor remain second from bottom on the Turkish league table with 29 points from 29 matches.

Ehiosun scored Samsunspor’s second goal in a 2-0 victory away to Antalyaspor.

The forward, who is on loan from Warri Wolves, struck in the 88th minute to take his goals’ haul to seven.

He said they will keep doing their best to see that the rigour out of the drop zone.

“It was a sweet victory for us, we needed it after losing home fixture last week, I thank God I scored to contribute to the victory,” Ehiosun told MTNFootball.com

 “We have to keep doing our best to see that we move away from our current position. It is very hard but it is very possible to escape the drop. The result is not about me but the team. I hope we keep up this performance.”

Source: MTNFOOTBALL

Ahmed Musa rescues CSKA Moscow

Nigeria international Ahmed Musa salvaged a 2-2 draw for CSKA Moscow in a Russian championship playoff against Zenith Saint Petersburg Saturday.

Ahmed Musa, who featured for Nigeria in a goalless draw with Rwanda in a 2013 AFCON qualifier Wednesday, hit the target for the army team in the 68th minute to end the match 2-2 with his team trailing 2-1.

He is delighted to get his first goal in the Russian league and promised to score more for his club in their quest to win the championship.

"I am happy that I scored the equaliser. We did our best as a team to win this very tough match. I am looking forward to scoring more goals for CSKA in our quest to win the championship," said the former Kano Pillars star.

Edwin Okon invites 29 Falconets

Head Coach of the Under-20 Women national team Edwin Okon has called to camp 29 players for the second round of the African qualifying series for 2012 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup against the winner of the fixture between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The Falconets, who scaled through to the second round without kicking a ball following the withdrawal of Sierra Leone, will host the first leg of the second round fixture in Nigeria on March 31.

Zimbabwe thrashed the largely inexperienced Mozambique side 4-0 in the first leg in Harare and is tipped to complete the demolition job when the two teams clash in Maputo next week.

Nigeria has participated in every edition of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup since the inaugural event in Canada in 2002. At the last championship in Germany, the Falconets stunned the world by reaching the Final, where they lost 2-0 to hosts Germany.

THE FULL LIST:

Ugochi Okafor (Pelican Stars), Ebubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels), Stella Henry (Pelican Stars), Eucharia Okafor (Delta Queens), Lola Phillips (Confluence Queens), Gloria Ofoegbu (Rivers Angels), Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels), Fasilat Adeyemo (Confluence Queens), Rose Usman (Osun Babes), Francesca Ordega (Rivers Angels), Asisat Olushola (FC Robo), Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels), (Uchechi Sunday (Rivers Angels), Ebere Orji (Rivers Angels), Charity Adule (Bayelsa Queens), Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons), Cecilia Nku (Bayelsa Queens), Foluke Osundele (Sunshine Queens), Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars), Eno Umoh (Ibom Queens), Aminat Yakubu (FC Robo), Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens), Esther Sunday (Sunshine Queens), Damilola Akano (Sunshine Queens), Jane David (Delta Queens), Desire Oparanozie (Delta Queens), Blessing Echelpu (Benue Queens), Chioma Nwankwo (Nasarawa Amazons), Akhere Idemudia (Inneh Queens).

Osaze Odemwingie win EPL Player of the month

Peter Odemwingie is the player of the month

West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie has won the Premier League player of the month award.
The Nigerian scored five goals in February, including a hat-trick in the 5-1 Black Country derby win over Wolves at Molineux.
Odemwingie added two more in last weekend's 4-0 win over Sunderland to win the prize for the third time.
After 15 Premier League goals last term, Odemwingie made a slow start this season, scoring five times in 21 games.

But he has doubled that tally in the space of just two matches.

WEEK 12 NPL PREVIEW

Enugu Rangers have the chance to remain table-toppers of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) as Dolphins will busy on the continent.

The bottom two is likely to look unchanged after Matchday 12. Here's a full preview:

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Kwara United v Sunshine Stars (Ilorin Township Stadium)

Last season this game produced five goals with Kwara United edging it 3-2. But they will not have Isiaka Olawale, now at Dolphins, who scored twice in that game. The Afonja Warriors are enjoying their best start in the top flight in recent seasons while Sunshine Stars are struggling to find last season's form. Also, the Akure Gunners head to Ilorin with no points in their last three visits.

But the Akure club could have back captain Godfrey Oboabona in their squad while Barnabas Imenger is expected to combine with pacy Anthony Okemmiri to pile more misery on under fire coach, Gbenga Ogunbote.

Our prediction: 2-1

Wikki Tourists v Sharks (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)

This is the 11th clash between both clubs since 2003. It is four wins apiece for both side and two draws. The last time the Tourists and the Blue Angels met in this corresponding fixture in 2009 it ended 1-1.

Bright Ejike remains Sharks' mainstay for goals this term and Wikki will have to keep him quiet if they must win the points in this one.

Our prediction: 1-0

Kano Pillars v Akwa United (Sani Abacha Stadium)

Kano Pillars are gradually hitting their best form and will want to build on their 2-0 win in mid-week over Enyimba when Akwa United face them this Saturday. The last time The Promise Keepers visited Kano, they lost 1-2 in April 2009.

Expect Solomon Jabason to feature in this for Akwa United while Solomon Ogbeide's men will need to keep watch on Mannir Ubale, Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali and Victor Namo as Pillars are primed to earn the points.

Our prediction: 1-0

3SC v Warri Wolves (Obafemi Awolowo Stadium; live on SuperSport 9)

This is our pick of the matchday as Festus Allen and his men come under the spotlight again and this time against Warri Wolves. Maurice Cooreman will want to avoid defeat in his first game as Wolves' manager, as the Warri club have managed just a draw in last four visits to Ibadan.

Surprisingly Wolves have let Efe Yarhere and Oghogho Oduokpe join Rangers but they have Jude Aneke, Uruemu Egbeta and Akeem Yakubu from Rangers for this tie. 3SC look good enough for their fourth win of the season.

Our prediction: 2-1

Rising Stars v Ocean Boys (Dipo Dina Stadium)

It is difficult to see Ocean Boys climb out of the bottom four after their game at Rising Stars. Sunday Erelesusi's team are favourites to win this first-ever top flight match against Ocean Boys.

Kayode Agboola will shoulder most of the Stars' attacking threat as Samson Unuanel will line out his side with an attack of a fake number nine as the Divine Warriors' goal-scoring problem persists.

Our prediction: 2-1

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Enugu Rangers v Lobi Stars (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)

It looks certain Rangers will remain top of the standings for the second week after this game. Last season Rangers won 3-2 against Lobi in this game and for Lobi they have managed just a draw in seven visits to Enugu since March 2003.

Ejike Uzoenyi is doubtful after returning from international duty with a knock on his right knee but Okey Emordi has Rasaq Adegbite, Chikeluba Ofoedu and Emeka Eze - all capable of hurting Dominic Iorfa's Lobi Stars.

Our prediction: 2-0

Enyimba v Jigawa Golden Stars (Enyimba Sports Stadium)
The Peoples Elephant are expected to show no mercy in this game by trampling on Jigawa Stars. The Golden Stars' last two games at Enyimba in 2008 and 2003 have ended in defeats.

Abdul Pele will have defender Chigozie Maurice back from suspension after he missed the mid-week game at Dolphins. Captain Josiah Maduabuchi, Kalu Uche, Nzube Anazemba, Gbolahan Salami and Uche Agbo are expected to be dressed for the hosts while Nnaemeka Anyanwu remains a doubt.

Our prediction: 3-0

Kaduna United v ABS FC (Kaduna Township Stadium)

Kabir Sulaiman Dogo again resumes as interim head coach for the trip to Kaduna. Both sides are in struggling forms. Kaduna United have not won in their last three games and ABS have gone one better than United on that 'winless' streak.

Last season, Samson Auta's goal earned Kaduna United the points in this game and the hosts will win this as Saraki Boys will remain bottom in spite of a change in guard in the leadership of their coaching crew.

Our prediction: 2-1

Gombe United v Heartland (Pantami Stadium)
It will be the 17th head-to-head meeting when both sides clash at the Pantami Stadium. Cup holders, Heartland have won eight of the previous 16 meetings against Gombe United's seven with a draw in between. The Naze Millionaires have not picked a point at Gombe in nine years and last won an away game in the top flight in 2009.

The hosts will have a full strength squad including leading scorers, Mustapha Babadidi and Sanusi Sani. Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Obinna Nwachukwu could be back in time for Heartland after international duty but it's tough to see the Cup holders win this one.

Our prediction: 0-0

*The Predictor notched up FOUR correct scores including TWO actual results on Matchday 11.

© SuperSport.com