Tunisia beat Angola in the CHAN final in Sudan

Ousama Darragi of Esperance scored the third and final goa

Tunisia are the new holders of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown.

They won the international tournament for locally-based players with a 3-0 victory over Angola in the final in Sudan on Friday.
After a largely dull first half, Tunisia burst into life with a trio of goals in the second period.
They become the second winners of the CHAN title, following DR Congo two years ago.
Mejdi Traoui got the opening goal of the game a couple of minutes into the second half when he latched onto a powerful cross to power home.
Angola had been relying on their defence throughout the tournament and they still proved tough opponents for Tunisia, but the lead was sealed for the North Africans 15 minutes from time when Zouhaier Dhaouiadi scored on the counter attack.
And five minutes later, substitute Ousama Darragi made sure of the title for Tunisia when he made it 3-0.
The game in Omdurman was played out in front of a half-full stadium and was preceded by a spectacular and noisy closing ceremony.

Caf releases 2012 Africa Cup of Nations dates

Egypt are the reigning African champion

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea will be played between 21 January and 12 February.
The opening match will be played in Bata in Equatorial Guinea while the final will take place in Libreville.
The tournament will begin over a week later than 2010 edition in Angola which may dismay many European clubs.
Many European sides are unhappy about losing some of their best players for up to three weeks.
With several leagues taking a winter break, an earlier start to the tournament would mean many Europe-based players can compete at the finals without missing domestic matches.
Fifa laws state that clubs must release their players for the Nations Cup up for 14 days before their opening match.
Caf is yet to fix a date and venue for the draw for the 2012 Nations Cup.

Fifa to keep an eye on the Zimbabwe corruption scandal

Valcke says Fifa is keeping an eye on the 

Zimbabwe corruption scandal

Fifa general secretary, Jerome Valcke says Zimbabwe players caught up in a match-fixing scam in the Far East should not be allowed to play football.

Several players confessed in sworn statements to an official investigation that they were paid to lose matches in 2008 and 2009.
All the players are, however, still playing for their respective clubs in South Africa and in Zimbabwe.
"If someone has confessed then this person should not be playing any more," Valcke told BBC Sport
The internationals had admitted that they were paid to lose matches against Thailand, Malaysia and Syria.
The only notable casualty of the scam thus far is former Zimbabwe Football Association chief executive Henriatta Rushwaya, who was sacked when the scandal came to light in December 2009.
Zimbabwe FA vice-president Ndumiso Gumede told BBC Sport that the players and officials involved will soon discover their fate.
He also said there is evidence that the scandal could go as far back as 2007.
Valcke said players who have admitted to match-fixing should not be allowed to continue with their careers.
"I will immediately ask our legal department to give me an update."
Fifa president Sepp Blatter also promised tough action on anyone implicated in the scandal.
"I'm not fully aware of what happened with Zimbabwe but I promise Fifa will act to prevent these things happening in our sport," Blatter told BBC Sport in Khartoum.
Blatter said Fifa is committed to weeding out corruption in the game, and will not hesitate to hand out tough sanctions.

Story by BBC

Libya dropped as African Under-20 host due to unrest

Libya will no longer host the Under-20 tournament due to civil strife

Libya will no longer host the African Under-20 tournament scheduled to begin on 18 March this year.
The wave of social and political unrest sweeping across the country has forced the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to move the tournament.
South Africa or Ghana are being touted as possible replacements but no decision has been made.
A new date will be set for the tournament after a final decision has been taken by Caf.
Libya has been embroiled in civil strife for over a week with protesters asking for the country's leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to step down.

Cheating in football

Naija Made goes live on SuperSport

A new magazine programme on the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) will continue with its second episode from the HD studio of the World of Champions in Lagos on Thursday (SS9, 7.30pm).

Naija Made is the NPL highlight show that presents all of the stats, the action, the players and the behind-the-scenes action from Nigeria’s top-flight division.

The NPL highlight show also has different segments, including league game previews, as well as reviews of the performances of the 20 clubs.

There will also be a guest on the show to talk on happenings around the league venues with presenter Mozez Praiz.

Another interesting segment of the show is titled “Who Sabi?” in which two players face each other to test their knowledge on the history of the Premier League in Nigeria.

After making its debut on the World of Champions, Naija Made has received rave reviews from many, including Bukola Babes’ coach Festus Allen (pictured).

He said: “I am really impressed with the way SuperSport has started off with the programme. I believe that the programme will give players and coaches the chance to be known by Nigerians and people outside the country who follow the Nigerian Premier League.”

Naija Made is exclusive to SuperSport.

Broadcast details:

Thursday, February 24, 2011

20:30 – 21:30 SS9 Naija Made – NPL Highlight Show (live)

Norwegian club hook rising star Ehiosun

Ekigho Ehiosun made a goal-scoring Super Eagles debut earlier this month against Sierra Leo

Norwegian club Stabaek are set to offer four-year contracts to Warri Wolves striker Ekhigo Ehiosun and Heartland forward Osas Okoro, MTNFootball.com has been informed.
This season, 20-year-old Ehiosun has netted seven goals, while Okoro has four goals and both won full international caps in a recent friendly against Sierra Leone with Ehiosun scoring in a 2-0 win in Lagos.
The players’ agent, Olayiwola Odukoya, a director of Oltim Sports Marketing based in London, revealed that Stabaek Norway director, Tom Schelvan, has been following the progress of the players with keen interest most especially Ehiosun and wants them in Norway to sign contracts.
"Schelvan has been very cooperative and has agreed that both Ehiosun and Okoro now join the team after the Super Eagles US Invitational Tournament that starts in Dallas, Texas this Saturday," Odukoya told MTNFootball.com.
"The players were to have joined Stabaek this week, but the director has permitted them to take part in the US tournament after which they will join the team on March 3. You know the Eagles will return to Nigeria on March 1."
The agent added: "The Norwegian club want my players to train with them for two weeks just to ascertain their level of fitness after which we will now sign the contract papers."
An excited Ehiosun told MTNFootball.com, "I thank the Almighty God that all the good things are happening to me now. I started by scoring a hat-trick, followed by scoring the winning goal for the Eagles in a friendly against Sierra Leone.
"Also, I am US-bound with the Eagles after which I would also travel to Norway on March 3 for a two-week trial with Stabeak, who are very keen in signing me and Osas Okoro.I am very grateful to God, to coaches Samson Siasia and Simon Kalika for giving me the exposure and my Warri Wolves' technical crew and also my manager, Olayiwola Odukoya."
Okoro also confirmed the trip to Norway.
Stabaek won the Norwegian league in 2008. Last year, they finished 12th in the Tippeligaen

Source

Nigeria to beat AYC squad deadline

Terry Envoh, Flying Eagles forward a cert for next month’s African Youth Championship

Flying Eagles of Nigeria coach, John Obuh, has revealed that he will beat the March 10 deadline given by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the submission of a final squad of 21 players for the African Youth Championship in Libya.
“I will have my final squad of 21 players for the championship by March 8 ahead of the CAF deadline,” coach Obuh told MTNFootball.com.
It is widely expected that the dozen players from his team to the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup will make his final squad to Libya 2011.
The players are goalkeeper Dami Paul, skipper Ramon Azeez, Olanrewaju Kayode, Mohammed Aliyu, Kenneth Omeruo, Aigbe Oliha, Abduljaleel Ajagun, Edafe Egbedi, Deji Joel, Stanley Okoro, Terry Envoh and Omoh Ojabu.
The other hot bets for the final party are VVV Venlo striker Ahmed Musa and Kwara United defender Gbenga Arokoyo, who has replaced dropped skipper Fortune Chukwudi.
However, Sharks striker Bright Ejike, who appears to have solved the team’s goal scoring problems, has been ruled out of the tournament on account of an appendectomy, which he successfully underwent at the weekend in Turkey.
Goalkeepers Gideon Gambo from Sharks and Chinedu Udeh from Heartland are also expected to be on the final squad.
Others are Dolphin forward Chidi Osuchukwu, who scored in a friendly against Libya, and Kwara United star Philemon Daniel, who featured in the qualifying tournament for the AYC.
Nigeria are drawn with defending champions Ghana, Cameroon and The Gambia in Group B of the AYC based in troubled Benghazi with the semi-finalists guaranteed passage to the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Rising Young Stars of the NPL

MTNFootball.com's special series on five of the brightest young prospects in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) this season.
 

Chima Akas			Egbune Harrison
	Player  profile			Player profile
Team:	Shooting Stars (3SC)		Team:	Crown FC
Position:	Leftback, left midfield, left winger		Position:	Left midfielder/winger

Anthony Okemmiri			Hamzat Jamiu
	Player  profile			Player profile
Team:	Kwara United		Team:	Heartland FC
Position:	Right winger		Position:	Striker

Cletus Promise James
	Player  profile
Team:	Bukola Babes
Position:	Right fullback

Carlo Ancelotti says he will not quit Chelsea

Ancelotti won the Premier League and FA Cup double last seas

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has vowed that he will not quit the club after the defending champions' FA Cup exit.

Saturday's penalty shoot-out defeat by Everton leaves the Champions League as the Blues' only realistic hope of silverware this season.
Asked if he would consider resigning ahead of facing FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, Ancelotti said: "No, not me.
"I don't have to consider my position. It is the owner [Roman Abramovich] that has to do that, not myself."
Chelsea's last-16 European tie offers the Blues a chance to turn around another poor run of form which has seen them slip to fifth in the Premier League.
Following a 1-0 defeat to Wolves on 5 January the Blues won four out of five games, but they have failed to score a goal in normal time in the past three matches, despite the acquisition of £50m striker Fernando Torres.
Ancelotti claimed John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien are not 100% fit and admitted only John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are currently playing at the top of their game.
The team's stuttering displays mean that qualification for the Champions League next season is under threat.
A similar situation two seasons ago lead to the sacking of previous boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, but at that stage in February 2008 Chelsea were fourth in the league and still in the FA Cup and Europe.
But Ancelotti, who won a league and FA Cup double in his first season in charge last season, said that resuming their European travails could give them the jolt they needed.
"The Champions League is not easy, but it will bring a lot of motivation for every one of us," he said. "We have to have the right pressure. We have to play against Copenhagen. We have 180 minutes to win this game."
"Chelsea won't go out against Copenhagen," he added. "I think we have the possibility to win against Copenhagen."
The defeat by Everton on Saturday came after Frank Lampard had scored in extra-time, only for Leighton Baines to equalise with a free-kick.
Both Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole missed crucial penalties in the shootout with Everton captain Phil Neville scoring the decisive kick.
On Sunday former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri resigned as Roma's coach. The Italian was in charge of the Blues between 2000 and 2004 but has said recently that he would not return to the Premier League.
Story by BBC

Michael Essien's Ghana comeback uncertain

Essien is a regular for Chelsea but has not played for Ghana for a year

Michael Essien has ruled himself out of Ghana's next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and a friendly with England.

Coach Goran Stevanovic had hoped Essien would return to the Black Stars squad after more than a year's absence.
But the Chelsea midfielder says the time is not yet right for him to come back to the national team.
"I told him [Stevanovic] I will definitely return to the Ghana squad but we didn't talk about dates," Essien said on his personal website.
Essien has not played for Ghana since a forty-five minute appearance at the 2010 Nations Cup.
An injury later on in training kept him out for a almost a year before he decided to take a break from international football.
He has been a regular starter for Chelsea during the current English Premier League season.
Ghanaian football officials, including the chairman of the Ghana FA Kwesi Nyantyki, had indicated that Essien was preparing to make his return.
"I didn't tell [Stevanovic] I was available to play in March, I am not sure where those stories came from," Essien said.
"When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians would be disappointed but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries.
"Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and for me.
"I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team. I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won't be for the upcoming games."
Ghana lead Group I of Nations Cup qualifying and are due to play Congo-Brazzaville on 26 March.
They then travel to England and play a friendly at Wembley on 29 March.

SOURCE

Uche Okafor goes home

 

Uche Okafor returns to Imo in Nigeria

Funeral rites for the deceased former international Uche Okafor will begin on Thursday in his home state of Imo in eastern Nigeria.

The body of the late Uche, who died in mysterious circumstances in January, was flown home on Tuesday and will lie in state at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

A commemorative football match between an Imo All Stars team and Uche's former Super Eagles team mates will be played immediately after, before the body will be taken to his hometown of Ubomiri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia is among a high-profile list of former Super Eagles players who will attend. Others include Ben Iroha, Mutiu Adepoju, Alloy Agu, Austin Eguavoen, Daniel Amokachi, Ike Shorunmu, Alloy Agu and Victor Ikpeba.

Okocha happy with the new Eagles

Austin Okocha © Acrion Images

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has commended the performances of the league and new Europe based players in the last Wednesday international friendly between the Nigerian senior national team and their Sierra Leonean counterparts – the Leone Stars at the Teslim stadium, Lagos which Nigeria won 2-1.

The Europe based new comers in that encounter were Joel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Odibe, Peter Utaka while the impressive local lads include Chibuzor Okonkwo, Ehigho Ehiosun, Wasiu Sowemimo, Julius Ubido and Osas okoro. Quite elated at the first class performance of the young Europe based inclusions in the coach Samson Siasia Eagles, Okocha told SuperSport.com that such challenges are what the local players needed to gain confidence, while he called on Nigerians not to be in a haste to judge them.
“For all of us it is a good beginning, at least, they have given us a base to build on. I was quite pleased with the new players that came on board.
“Hopefully, they will meet up our people expectations. For me personally, I think we have got a foundation to build up on.
“And for the league players, I think this is the kind of exposure they need, some of them have not played for the national team and we do not need to be too hard on them. It is a gradual process, I think they are getting the exposure they need to make themselves a better players. They all did very well”
The one time midfield maestro has a word of advice for the players, especially the local players.
“What I can say is that this kind of opportunity does not come all the time, they should grab it now, it is up to them because if they use it well the future will be bright for them.”
On the oncoming daunting 2011 Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee member insisted that Eagles are condemned to win the encounter to keep hope alive that Nigeria will feature in the biennial football events.

© SuperSport.com

Nigeria to monitor situation in Libya ahead of friendly

Coach John Obuh and his Flying Eagles squad are on a playing tour of Libya

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is monitoring developments in Libya because its national U-20 team in the country on a two-match tour.

The Flying Eagles are currently in the second city Benghazi, where the games are being played.
But an anti-government protest by residents of the city on Wednesday has the Nigerians worried.
The Nigerian embassy in Libya has also advised the team on places the players should steer clear of.
A statement from the NFF says it is keeping a close watch on the situation.
The Flying Eagles are due to play their final game of the tour on Wednesday before flying off to Turkey for more warm-up matches.
They will then return to Libya in three weeks for the African Youth Championship which the North Africa country will stage from 18 March.
A wave of anti-government demonstrations across the region has led to the disruption of several sporting events in both Egypt and Tunisia.

Story by BBC SPORT

Didier Drogba wants 2014 World Cup shot

Drogba provided the assist for the Ivory Coast's match-winning goal against Mali

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has pledged his future to the Ivory Coast until the 2014 World Cup.

Drogba will be 36 by the time the Brazil finals arrive, which could be his third World Cup.
"I'm not in the twilight of my career with the Ivory Coast," Drogba said after reports that this week's friendly against Mali could be his last game.
"I'll also play my third World Cup in 2014 in Brazil. If I am called upon, I will answer."
"I intend to participate in the next two African Nations Cups in 2012 and 2013," he added.
Ivory Coast beat Mali 1-0 in France on Tuesday, after Elephants captain Drogba assisted in Dider Ya Konan's match-winning goal after just three minutes.
It was the Chelsea star's first match since the Ivory Coast exited the 2010 World Cup at the group stage.
"I could not leave like that," explained a man who led Ivory Coast to the 2006 Nations Cup final.
"The day I decide to retire internationally, I will take care to say goodbye to the fans. I would never creep away on tiptoes."
The two-time African Footballer of the Year made his international debut in 2002 and is approaching a half-century of goals after winning just over 70 caps.
Ivory Coast resume their qualifying campaign for the 2012 Nations Cup next month when they host Benin.
The Elephants currently lead Group H, which also includes Burundi and Rwanda, with maximum points from two games, four goals scored and none conceded.

Story by BBC Sport:

Roy Hodgson named new manager of West Brom

Hodgson is set to embark on his 20th job in football management

West Brom have appointed former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson as their new head coach.

The 63-year-old, who parted company with the Reds in January after only six months in charge, succeeds Roberto di Matteo at the Hawthorns.
Di Matteo was relieved of his duties and placed on gardening leave following Saturday's 3-0 loss at Manchester City.
Caretaker head coach Michael Appleton will remain in temporary charge for the visit of West Ham on Saturday.
"The club are now channelling all of their efforts into supporting Appleton, his assistants Keith Downing and Dean Kiely and the players as they prepare for tomorrow's vital game," said a statement.
Hodgson will attend the match on a watching brief before meeting the West Brom hierarchy to discuss his plans and facing the media next week.
The 63-year-old former Inter Milan, Blackburn and Switzerland boss has signed a contract until June 2012 and takes over a Baggies side who have lose 13 of their last 18 matches in all competitions.

HODGSON JOBS SINCE 1990 1990-92: Neuchatel Xamax 1992-95: Switzerland 1995-97: Inter Milan 1997-98: Blackburn 1999: Inter Milan 1999-2000: Grasshopper 2000-01: FC Copenhagen 2001: Udinese 2001-04: United Arab Emirates 2004-05: Viking 2006-07: Finland 2007-10: Fulham 2010-11: Liverpool

He was voted manager of the year by the League Managers' Association after guiding Fulham to the 2010 Europa League final and succeeded Rafael Benitez at Liverpool that summer.
But the Englishman was dismissed on 8 January having won just seven of 20 Premier League games, with Reds legend Kenny Dalglish immediately installed as interim boss.
Hodgson will not have to wait long to face his old club, with Liverpool due at the Hawthorns on 2 April.
A West Brom spokesman confirmed to BBC Sport that Di Matteo remains on gardening leave and relieved of his duties until any further announcement.
Chris Hughton was reportedly in pole position to replace the Italian, but it is understood there were potential hitches with the former Newcastle manager's support staff.
"Hughton would probably want to bring in his two trusted assistants from his Newcastle days, Paul Barron, who is out of work, and Colin Calderwood, who is Hibernian manager, so compensation to Hibs might complicate matters," said BBC Radio 5 live's Midlands reporter Pat Murphy on Thursday.
"And Hughton would have to agree to work alongside Dan Ashworth, the club's highly regarded sporting and technical director."
Appleton - at 35 the youngest man ever to be put in charge of a Premier League team - was also interested in the job, telling BBC WM: "I've never hidden the fact that I wanted to be a manager since retiring [in 2004].
"I spoke to the chairman [Jeremy Peace] and Dan Ashworth and ultimately they explained what had happened and was I prepared to take the role.
"It would've been foolish not to, at the end of the day. I felt it was responsible to look after the players, and at least they know me and they can trust me.
"The first thing I did was ring Roberto, Eddie [Newton] and Ade [Mafe] just to offer my support. We had a good chat, they were very philosophical about the situation, and wished me all the best."
The former Manchester United and Preston midfielder denied some newspaper stories suggesting there were disagreements brewing between Di Matteo and the players, leading to the Italian losing the dressing room.
"No, no, I don't think that is the case at all, you hear stories on that all the time," Appleton insisted. "We were just going through a poor run, the facts speak for themselves."
Appleton also responded to reports that some members of the squad found Di Matteo to be cold and aloof.
"You're going to get that at any football club, people who are out of the XI are going to moan and say stuff about this, about the coaching staff, about managers - that happens all over the country and all over the world," he added.

Story by BBC

Adebayor hails Mourinho effect

Adebayor has made a bright start to life at Real Madri

Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed the impact Jose Mourinho has had on his game since his loan move to Real Madrid.

The Manchester City striker moved to the Spanish capital last month in a deal running to the end of the season.
The La Liga giants will then have an option to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.
Adebayor, who had been pushed to the fringes of the City squad, has already scored twice for his new club, netting in wins over Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
"I'm very happy for scoring two goals," Adebayor told a press conference in Madrid.
"I will work hard every day to help win our games.
"It is very easy to work with Mourinho. He is an excellent person and he enhances my game.
"He has his own way of dealing with people. He tells you what he expects you to do."
The change of scenery looks to have sparked an upturn in the Togolese striker's fortunes, and the presence of several English-speaking team-mates has allowed him to settle.
"I want to thank my team-mates for helping me adapt so easily to this league championship.
"Granero, Ramos, Ronaldo, Pepe, Marcelo... They all speak English, so they understand me and I understand them. I am very happy to be here."
Real Madrid are seven points behind leaders Barcelona in the Spanish top flight, but Adebayor vowed: "We will fight to the end to win every title."
The 26-year-old also gave an insight into the lasting impression the deadly terrorist attack on Togo's team bus ahead of last year's African Nations Cup has had on him.
"Luckily, I still have both my legs and can play football," he said.
"I sometimes mistake loud noises for bullets, but I'm over it now and ready to work."

Ghana down Togo 4-1 in friendly

Goran Stevanovic's debut achieved the result he had wanted as Ghana strolled past neighbours, Togo, 4-1 in an Antwerp friendly Tuesday night. The new Black Stars coach says he was happy with his team's play as he craves for such performances in the future. Dominic Adiyiah, Jonathan Mensah and Samuel Inkoom all scored their debut senior goals to mark a great start to a busy footballing campaign for the national team. "I am happy with the result but more pleased with the way my team played today. Scoring four goals was a good result for us and I am satisfied," the Ghana coach said in the post game interview. Stevanovic handed Sulley Muntari a starting role and stuck to most regulars of the side with the game serving as a build up towards the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifying with an away game against Congo coming up later in March. Africa's top-ranked side, Ghana, drew first blood through Dominic Adiyiah after 10 minutes as the Black Stars headed into the break 1-0 up. But the Hawks leveled the scoring from a spot kick three minutes into the start of the second half. Substitute Jonathan Mensah scored when he headed in to restore Ghana's lead in the 60th minute. Nine minutes later, Ghana were coasting to a handsome win as Togo defender, Akpakpo, under pressure from Kwadwo Asamoah bundled the ball into his own goal. Second half substitute Samuel Inkoom sealed the game for Ghana when he scored the fourth goal. Ghana team Richard Kingson, John Paintsil,David Addy, Isaac Vorsah/Jonathan Mensah, John Mensah/John Boye, Anthony Annan/Emmanuel Agyeman Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari/Nana Kwesi Asare, Bernard Kumordzi/Derek Boateng, Dominic Adiyiah, Prince Tagoe/Samuel Inkoom

Source: Ghanafa.org

South Africa FA ponders Bafana Bafana name change

Bafana Bafana fans are likely to have a new nickname for the team 

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is considering changing the national team's Bafana Bafana nickname because of a legal tussle.The term Bafana Bafana was patented by a local businessman in 1994 which means SAFA cannot copyright it.
A three-man committee including SAFA vice president boss Danny Jordaan will investigate the possible change.
"We have agreed we need to look at the possibility of changing the name of the national team," SAFA boss Kirsten Nematandani said.
"A team has been created, headed by myself, Danny Jordaan and Alpha Mchunu (chairman of the referees committee), to engage in this process.
"We have been engaged in many legal battles on the issues of the rights over Bafana Bafana, and the association felt as a move forward that it was critical that this was looked into in the interests of the nation."
SAFA acknowledged concerns over the future of the name soon after last year's World Cup because of the copyright issue raised by the local businessman.
In 2002, South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed a SAFA motion that it had any rights over Bafana Bafana and the name, made famous at the World Cup, could now be dropped.

Adamu 'desperate' to clear name

Amos Adamu says he's prepared for a long fight in the battle to clear his name

Nigerian official Amos Adamu says he is more desperate to clear his name than to re-enter the top echelons of Fifa.

Last week, world football's governing body rejected Adamu's appeal against his three-year ban for breaching Fifa's Code of Ethics.
The 58-year-old confirmed on Monday that he will take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
"I'm desperate to prove my innocence on these corruption charges," Adamu told BBC Sport.
"I am not desperate to be in either Fifa or the Confederation of African Football (Caf)."
The former Executive Committee member was suspended by Fifa in November after claims he had asked for money in exchange for his 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes.
The Appeals Committee's announcement on Friday upheld the ban, prompting Adamu to hint that football politics lie behind the decision.
"I can't say much at the moment [for legal reasons] but I can say there is more to it than meets the eye," the Nigerian told BBC Sport.
Furthermore, Adamu claims his quotes were taken out of context by the Sunday Times, the British newspaper that conducted the investigation.
"They edited it to make it look as though I said send money to me directly," the Nigerian explained.
One of the key points of the Sunday Times' reports surrounded the claim that Adamu had asked for US$800,000 to be directed into his bank account to pay for four pitches in Nigeria.
However, Adamu says he later expressed a preference for the undercover reporters, posing as lobbyists for the United States bid, to ship grass for the pitches to Nigeria themselves - rather than transfer money to any account.
"What was pushed out to the public was heavily edited," ," says the head of the West African Football Union (Wafu).
"Of course they wanted to give me money. I said 'no, if you want to invest in pitches in Nigeria, you buy them and send them to Nigeria yourself'. They cannot put grass into my bank account.
"I'm certainly not a corrupt football administrator.
"Just look at my work with Wafu. Up till now, I still pay the salary of the workers there myself without receiving any money in return."
Adamu, who maintains his innocence, is still unclear why Fifa's Appeals Committee rejected his attempt at overturning his ban last week.
The decision means the Caf vice-president cannot re-contest his position on the Executive Committees for both Fifa and Caf when the latter holds its General Assembly on 23 February.
With his administrative career on the ropes, the Nigerian is concentrating his efforts on clearing his name.
"This is a hard time and a long process but the end will justify the means.
"Sometimes it takes a long time for the truth to come out. When the truth comes out, people will know I meant well for football."
Meanwhile, the Sunday Times has told the BBC that they stand by the story they wrote and feel vindicated by both Fifa and its Appeals Committee.

Eagles now to play Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will now tackle Sierra Leone in a friendly next week Wednesday after a proposed game with Guatemala in the United States was called off.
Chairman of the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chris Green, said the Guatemala match has been cancelled because the match organisers feared incurring a huge loss.
“The organisers were apprehensive of the goings-on in Nigeria as regards a FIFA ban after football matters were again taken back to regular courts,” Green said.
There have been huge doubts over the Guatemala game, but the NFF insisted last week that all arrangements for the encounter had been concluded.
Officials have now disclosed Sierra Leone will replace Guatemala on the FIFA friendly day window with the game likely to be played in Lagos.
Media reports suggested that the country’s top Euro-based stars have been contacted to rearrange their travel plans and now fly into Nigeria for this match.

Siasia gutted over shift in friendly

i

Samson Siasia © Shengolpix

Head coach of Nigeria, Samson Siasia, has expressed disappointment at the postponement of the international friendly match between the Super Eagles and their Guatemalan counterparts earlier billed to hold on March 9. In a telephone interview with SuperSport.com on Wednesday, the Nigerian coach said the shift from the initial date of February 9 to 29 makes nonsense of all the efforts that he and his backroom staff have put in to convince players to play for the country. “I must tell you that I am very disappointed with the way things have turned out concerning the friendly match (against Guatemala). The situation makes total nonsense of preparations we have made with the players. Especially players we have got commitments from outside of the country to play for us,” lamented the 43-year-old coach.
Siasia, however, refused to be critically of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) saying that he expects the FA to organise tune-up games for his team during free windows of the world soccer governing body, Fifa, as agreed prior to his taking up the job.
“The federation agreed to handle the organising of friendly matches for my team. That is what they promised me. So I will be waiting for such when the next Fifa free window comes up,” said Siasia.
Media officer of the Nigerian FA, Ademola Olajire, has been quoted as saying that the shift in the Guatemala friendly to the next Fifa window in March is due to fears nursed by the investors over harmful media reports surrounding football matters in the West African nation.
“We have been forced to postpone the game to the next Fifa window on March 29.
“The investors were uncomfortable about the spate of negative media reports and were not prepared to put down over $200 000 with all that uncertainty,” Olajire said.

© SuperSport.com

Eucharia is new Fifa instructor

Super Falcons Coach, Uche Eucharia has been appointed as the latest female football instructor of the world football governing body, Fifa.
Fifa’s decision to elevate the head coach of the country’s women’s national team is based on the ground breaking efforts she has made in developing and promoting the women’s game in the African continent. Uche, who led the Super Falcons to victory at the last African Women’s Championships in South Africa, has also qualified the Nigerian Women’s team for this year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Germany.
The appointment by Fifa had been done since January 2010 but was ratified recently and many say it is well deserved.
Other notable Fifa instructors on the continent are foremost South African female sports administrator, Fran Hilton Smith and the most famous African footballer, Mercy Akide-Udoh.
Reacting to the news, Uche said she was humbled and would continue to strive for excellence in her drive to take the Women’s game to the next level.
“I am pleased with the development. I thank God for this because when a body as prestigious as Fifa recognizes one for an award as hallowed as this, it is a pointer that one is on the right path and I will continue to work hard in every sphere of my personal and professional life,” She told SuperSport.com.
Uche who captained the Super Falcons during her days as a professional footballer also spoke on the preparations of the Super Falcons for the World Cup in Germany, later in the year.
“Our preparations are on track. As always, I want Nigerians to support us and pray for us. We are in a very difficult group, the group of death alongside great teams like Canada, France and the Olympic and World Champions, Germany so we need the support of all and sundry to do well at the championships.
On our own, we will continue to work very hard and keep our preparations at a high level because we know we will going toe to toe against the very best in the world.
God willing, we will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” she said. Uche’s reign as Super Falcons Coach has been hugely successful and she is yet to lose a competitive match as head of the technical crew of the team.

© SuperSport.com

Nigeria Guatemala friendly off

Nigeria's much-maligned friendly game against Guatemala is officially off, according to NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire.
It has now been rescheduled for March 29 while the NFF find an alternative, African opponent for February 9.
"We have been forced to postpone the game to the next Fifa window on March 29," NFF Chief Media Officer Ademola Olajire said.
"The investors were uncomfortable about the spate of negative media reports and were not prepared to put down over $200 000 with all that uncertainty."
The NFF announced last month it had secured a friendly with Guatemala in Miami Florida, but following a series of media reports, it emerged that no agreement had been reached with the Guatemala federation, who told various media outlets that while they were aware of interest, nothing concrete had been decided on.

© Kickoff

Tunisian coach quit

Tunisian revoluttion allows coach to quit

Benzarti claims he was pressurised into taking the job by former ruler Ben Ali

Ammar Souayah has been named as Tunisia's coach for the second time after Faouzi Benzarti stepped down less than a month after taking over.

Benzarti agreed in early January to take the job for the second time in just over a year.
But he reversed his decision in the wake of the revolt that toppled former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
In an interview with Radio France International, he said he was pressurised to take the job by Ben Ali.
"The presidency encouraged me to take the job saying I had to be nationalist and do my best for our people," Benzarti said.
"But now I feel free like the rest of the Tunisian people and we can make decisions not only for the common good but for ourselves too."
Benzarti, Tunisia's caretaker coach at the 2010 Nations Cup, said the task of qualifying for next year's finals was too hard and that the contract terms did not suit him.
Souayah takes charge of the challenging bid to qualify for next year's African Nations Cup finals, with the team having picked up only four points from three matches.
The new coach, appointed after a meeting of the Tunisia Football Federation, previously took the North Africans to the 2002 World Cup finals in Asia.
Source

Ike Uche given green light to play football again

Uche has been given the green light to play again

Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche has been told he can play football again after undergoing two knee operations.

The 27-year-old striker picked up the injury during his second league match with Spanish club Real Zaragoza in September 2009.
Uche seemed to have recovered from the injury but had a second operation in July 2010.
Now the club's doctor has given him the all-clear to resume playing.
Uche, who made his international debut for Nigeria's Super Eagles in 2007, has spent most of his career playing in Spain.
He moved to Zaragoza from another Spanish side, Getafe, on a four-year contract.
The injury cost Uche a place in the Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the subsequent World Cup in South Africa.