Ramos: Listening to critics a waste of time

The Real Madrid defender says he is focusing on his own game and has warned his team-mates that they have no margin for error after Christmas, Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos says that listening to critics of his style of play would be a waste of time.

The 27-year-old's disciplinary record has been in the spotlight of late, having picked up the 18th red card of his career in the 2-2 draw with Osasuna. However, he insists that he never paid heed to those who criticise his style of play, insisting that he is focusing on giving his all for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Nigeria will do well at the World Cup, says Mikel

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that his country will do well at the World Cup by riding on the confidence of being reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions. The Chelsea midfielder thinks that the Super Eagles can ride on the wave of being African champions to have a successful campaign at Brazil 2014

The Super Eagles won their third African title in February and will go to Brazil 2014 as the first reigning African champions since 2002 when Cameroon held the title and also played at the World Cup.

Nigeria are drawn in Group F alongside perennial foes Argentina, Asian high flyers Iran and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“I think being African champions has given us a huge lift. I think the mentality of the team has changed in the past couple of years, we believe now that we can go into every game and win,” Mikel told www.goal.com while receiving the 2013 Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award, beating compatriots Vincent Enyeama, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Godfrey Oboabona to it.

The Super Eagles already have a foretaste of what to expect next year after this summer’s campaign in the Confederations Cup saw them win against Tahiti and lose against Uruguay and Spain. “If you look at the games we played in the Confederations we put on a very good performance in all the games. We were unlucky in the game against Uruguay, I think we should have beaten them by four or five. If you look at the game against Spain, we played really well but they just had that little bit of quality to get the goals,” he said.

With Ghana’s quarter final finish at South Africa 2010, the Super Eagles are being touted by their fans to go a place better than their neighbours in Brazil. “I think the Africa Cup of Nations has given us a lot of belief to go into the World Cup - I know we can do well,” Mikel said.

“It’s going to take a bit of time but it’s something we’re working towards. Hopefully we will start to hit our heights soon and be playing consistently well but right now I think we’re in a very good position in the Premier League and the Champions League so if we can pick the standard up even higher I think it will be a very successful year,” he said.

Suarez all the way

The Uruguayan latched onto Henderson's backheel to curl a superb third past David Marshall just before half-time and, though Jordon Mutch pulled one back for the visitors after the break, the damage was done. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brendan Rodgers made no changes to the Liverpool side that beat Tottenham 5-0 on Sunday. Suarez retained the captaincy after scoring eight goals in his previous three games.

Gattuso: Insisted he can not gamble with his life

Former AC Milan star Gennaro Gattuso says he is determined to clear his name after being dragged into a match-fixing scandal. The former Italy star is being investigated for match-fixing but says he is determined to prove his innocence, insisting he has never gambled in his life

Iheanacho up for Man City contract talks

The Golden Eaglets star has been given leave of absence to undergo trial with the English Premier League giants. Iheanacho has been training with the Nigeria squad preparing for next month's African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa. Coach Stephen Keshi released the lad after speaking to his father James Iheanacho on the telephone on Monday afternoon.

Drogba: I'm the luckiest man in the Champions League!

The Ivorian was thrilled to get the opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge once again when his Galatasaray side face Chelsea in the last 16 Didier Drogba has branded himself the "luckiest man" in the Champions League after Galatasaray were drawn against Chelsea in the last 16. The Cote d'Ivoire international - who played more than 340 games for Chelsea in a stellar career for the London club - admitted he was relishing the prospect of returning to Stamford Bridge for Roberto Mancini's men when the sides lock horns in the new year.

Mikel expects tough Champions League test against Galatasaray

Chelsea’s holding midfielder, Mikel Obi has said he expects Didier Drogba and Galatasaray to prove a hard nut to crack in the Champions League round of 16 after the draw was made in Nyon on Monday.

“They are a great team,” Mikel told his club’s official site.

Emenike: Nigeria will be stronger in Brazil

Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike has stated his ambition of achieving success with the senior national team next year. The Fenerbahce striker is confident that the Super Eagles will put up a great showing at the Fifa 2014 Brazil World Cup. The bulky player who was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa stated that the 2014 World Cup will be a great platform to prove himself as one of the best strikers in Africa..

Thiago Silva: Neymar can be our saviour

  Thiago Silva has backed Neymar to lead Brazil to World Cup glory next summer. The 21-year-old forward has become an integral part of the national team since his debut in 2010, scoring 27 goals in just 46 games, while he was also the star of the tournament at last summer's Confederations Cup.

Vincent Enyeama extends contract with Lille till 2017

Super Eagles number one, Vincent Enyeama has extended his deal with Ligue 1 side, Lille until 2017. The goalkeeper has been in tremendous form – keeping an 11th consecutive clean sheet against Marseille last Tuesday. The Super Eagles goalkeeper has been given a contract extension on the back of very impressive displays in Ligue 1

Keshi calls up Iheanacho, Alampasu and Awoniyi for CHAN squad

Three Golden Eaglets players to the just concluded Fifa U-17 World Cup - Dele Alampasu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi - are among a list of 30 players that have been called to camp to prepare for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that will take place in South Africa. Nigeria is going to the CHAN for the first time in three attempts and will be attempting to hold the Nations Cup and CHAN at the same time no country has achieved that feat yet.

Players, clubs and officials take to Twitter to express their sorrow at the death of the former South African president, who passed away on Thursday

Footballers from across the world have expressed their sorrow at Nelson Mandela's death at the age of 95 on Thursday. Players, clubs and officials take to Twitter to express their sorrow at the death of the former South African president, who passed away on Thursday

The former South African president witnessed his nation host the first-ever World Cup in Africa in 2010 and his passing will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Friday's group stage draw in Brazil. Below is a selection of messages from players, clubs, coaches and officials from across the globe for Mandela.

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Yaya, Mikel, Enyeama & Emenike in final shortlist for Caf player of the year award

The Confederation of African Football has released the shortlists for the 2013 African Player of the Year with four Nigerian player in the like of  Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa making the cut in the ten-man list that has reigning Africa’s best player Yaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire.

Neymar: I want to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldinho & Rivaldo

        Neymar is keen to emulate compatriots Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Romario at Barcelona and achieve greatness with the Catalans. The former Santos star hopes to reach the same heights as his illustrious compatriots during their time at Camp Nou.

Ronaldo: I think Messi will win Ballon d'Or

Brazil legend Ronaldo has backed Barcelona forward Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or for a fifth straight year. The Brazil legend has backed the Barcelona attacker, despite the fact he is currently the bookies' third-favourite to take home the trophy

Wenger hits out at Ballon d'Or obsession

Arsene Wenger has hit out at football's obsession with the Ballon d'Or and says he does not want anyone to win the game's most prestigious individual prize.The Arsenal boss believes the prize goes against the essence of the sport and tempts players into playing for themselves rather than the team

Ancelotti: I can not sign Messi when I've got Ronaldo?

  

     Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti claims he would turn the down chance to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi because he already has Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid boss says that he would look to strengthening other positions in the squad rather than acquiring the Barcelona star

Conte: Juventus driven to make history

The 44-year-old watched his side produce another determined display and is certain that his players' drive can help lead to success this season Antonio Conte believes it is his team’s desire "to make its mark" that is behind Juventus’s surge to the top of Serie A.

Asari Dokubo released in Benin Rep., flown to Abuja in private jet

Asari Dokubo has been released two days after he was arrested in Benin Republic. The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force was reportedly released early this morning after President Jonathan intervened on his behalf with the President of Benin Republic, Yayi Boni.

Ten-man Madrid hammer Galatasaray

Real Madrid shrugged off Sergio Ramos' first-half red card to secure a thumping 4-1 win over Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spain defender received his marching orders with the scores locked at 0-0 for tugging back Umut Bulut, but Carlo Ancelotti's side soon raced into the lead thanks to a Gareth Bale free kick.
Bulut soon leveled the scores, but Alvaro Arbeloa put the hosts back ahead just after the break, before goals from Angel Di Maria and Isco sealed a resounding victory that clinched top spot in Champions league Group B. Madrid were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, who was nonetheless the centre of attention in the build-up as the fans showed their support for the forward's bid for this year's Ballon d'Or by wearing face masks of the Portuguese superstar. Coach Carlo Ancelotti arested Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata, with Jese Rodriguez selected up front and Casemiro handed his debut in the competition.

Opposite number Roberto Mancini, who was not in charge when the Turkish side were humbled 6-1 in the reverse fixture, left Burak Yilmaz and Wesley Sneijder on the bench. Madrid should have taken the lead inside the opening four minutes when Bale was sent racing clear by Isco, but the Welshman side-footed wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Ajax 2-1 Barcelona: Ten-man hosts end Blaugrana's unbeaten run to keep qualification hopes alive

Thulani Serero opened the scoring for the hosts in the 19th minute with a composed finish from six yards out before Danny Hoesen extended Ajax's lead just before the break with a neat piece of skill inside the penalty area. Ten-man Ajax ended a run of nine straight defeats to Spanish opposition by beating Barcelona 2-1 in Champions League Group H on Tuesday night. Barcelona were gifted a way back into the game when Joel Veltman was dismissed for bringing down Neymar inside the penalty area and Xavi scored from the spot but the Liga champions were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage.

The win moves Ajax onto seven points with one game remaining and the club's hopes of progressing to the last 16 rest on beating AC Milan at San Siro, while defeat for the Blaugrana was the club's first of the season and denied coach Gerardo Martino a share of Pep Guardiola's club record of 21 games unbeaten.

The visitors made four changes, with Carles Puyol, Martin Montoya, Alex Song and Xavi all starting for Martino's men. The South Africa international ghosted into the penalty area to meet Ricardo van Rhijn's cross from the right and the 23-year-old calmly side-footed the ball past Jose Manuel Pinto.

After Lasse Schone had missed two chances, Ajax finally doubled their lead just before the break through Hoesen. Pinto saved well from Viktor Fischer and Hoesen latched onto the loose ball, lifted it past Puyol and fired into the bottom corner. The game was turned on its head four minutes after the break as Van Rhijn played a loose pass back to Veltman. Neymar pounced but he was brought down by the defender just inside the area.

Jasper Cillessen kept the hosts in the game with a good save from Neymar on the hour and a resilient Ajax defence managed to hold on for a vital win.  Despite a confident start, Ajax were lucky to survive a swift Barcelona counterattack in the 14th minute, as Veltman made a crucial block to deny Cesc Fabregas.

Basel 1-0 Chelsea: Salah strike stuns Mourinho again

Mohamed Salah's late strike gave Basel another famous Champions League win over Chelsea but could not prevent Jose Mourinho's men booking their place in the knockout stages. The Eygptian produced a clinical finish at the St. Jakob Park on Tuesday to ensure the Swiss champions leapfrogged Schalke into second place in Group E, while Chelsea qualified despite the defeat.

Basel had ended the Premier League club's 29-match home unbeaten run in the group stages of the competition back in September with a shock 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge and they repeated the dose courtesy of Salah's dramatic late winner.

Murat Yakin's side now head into their final group game against Schalke next month knowing they only need a point to progress to the last 16. Chelsea were poor on the night and failed to register a single shot on target, but Schalke's failure to beat Steaua Bucharest ensured their progress.

Willian replaced Eden Hazard in the only change to the Chelsea side that beat West Ham 3-0 at the weekend, while fit-again striker Fernando Torres was back on the bench. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, midfielder Salah and defender Ivan Ivanov all returned to the Basel starting line-up.
John Obi Mikel then cleared off the line after Ivanov got a toe to a Fabian Schar corner and Salah was twice denied by the busy Cech as Chelsea remained on the back foot.Petr Cech had to be alert to palm away a Taulant Xhaka free-kick from wide on the left after only two minutes and Chelsea failed to heed the warning when they backed off 10 minutes later and Fabian Frei's strike was saved by the Czech Republic goalkeeper. There was a blow for the visitors three minutes before half-time when Samuel Eto'o was carried off, with Torres replacing him.

. 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho warned Basel that his side were much improved since the Swiss champions' shock win at Stamford Bridge in September, but there was no evidence of that as the home side dominated the opening stages. But at last Hazard replaced the ineffective Oscar nine minutes into the second half as Chelsea struggled to get going and Basel snatched a crucial winner when Salah raced away following Schar's pass, and he kept his nerve with a clinical finish to stun Chelsea 

Rummenigge: €250m for Messi is absurd

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled out a move for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi as he believes the Argentina international would be too expensive for the Champions League holders. The Bayern supremo has insisted that they have no plans to make a move for the prolific attacker and believes Barca would never sell their star player

A recent report from Spain suggested that Bayern were ready to meet the 26-year-old's €250 million exit clause, with the club's honourary president Franz Beckenbauer further fuelling speculation last week with his comments that Messi would be a good signing for the Bundesliga champions.

However, Rummenigge has now made it clear that the Bavarians have no intention of splashing the cash on the prolific attacker. "Messi? We are talking about figures here that are simply absurd, a transfer fee that is even higher than what we spent on Javi Martinez. We won't go there," Rummenigge told Sky90.

"Plus I know Sandro Rosell. Barcelona would never sell Messi. He is a saint at Barcelona and they will not sell him. "And I think it would be in Messi's best interest to stay at Barcelona. He fits in perfectly there." The attacker has a contract with Barca until June 2018. 

 

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'Perhaps how I view beautiful football is different' - Martino defends Barcelona approach

The Argentine insists a more direct style of play can be just as appealing, and was full of praise for Andres Iniesta's contribution to the 4-0 rout of Granada Gerardo Martino insists Barcelona can be attractive to watch with a direct style of play follwing their 4-0 win against Granada on Saturday.

The Catalans fielded a makeshift side given injuries to the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Victor Valdes, though goals from Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro ensured they romped to victory. Regardless of injuries, Martino insists his side have the depth of talent to win in style in the majority of matches - although he suggested his perception of attractive football could be different to that of certain neutrals.

"It's important to have alternatives. It's good to have players who are specialists in their positions, yet adapt to others. Iniesta was the best out there tonight and when you see him, it's clear he can do anything."

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Blatter: I still have my favourite

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has reaffirmed his admiration for Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, but suggested that he still prefers Barcelona's Lionel Messi. The Fifa president has sung Cristiano Ronaldo's praises but still hinted at his preference for Lionel Messi following the recent controversy concerning the duo

The 77-year-old came under heavy criticism for voicing his preference for Messi, saying the Portuguese “spends more time at the hairdresser”, with several figures quick to condemn the remarks. Blatter has since apologised for his comments and gave a ringing endorsement of Ronaldo’s talents though he stopped short of retracting his preference for Messi. Blatter also took the opportunity to stress the organisation’s stance against racism after high-profile incidents against Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli.

“One of the main objectives of Fifa is to combat racism,” he added. “Unfortunately, racism is not a game, but a reality. Racism itself cones from our society, and not football.” “To me, he [Ronaldo] is still an outstanding player and an outstanding commander in the field,” he said. “But obviously each of us, in our heart, has our favourite.” Blatter is currently serving his fourth term as Fifa president, having held the post since 1998 and winning re-election in 2002, 2007 and 2011.
      

   
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Enyeama named best Ligue 1 player

Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has won the French Ligue 1 player of the month award for October, besting Paris Saint Germain stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to clinch the periodic accolade for outstanding performance in the premier division.

The 31-year-old, who joined the French outfit from Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2011, was promoted to first choice goalkeeper this season and has been fantastic in goal since the beginning of the campaign, keeping a clean sheet across 675 minutes already.

Enyeama raked 71% of the votes far ahead of Ibrahimovic, who scored 19% and Cavani, 10%. He will receive his trophy on Sunday before his side’s clash with Toulouse in match day 14.

The former Enyimba guardian also figures on the Confederation of African Football's (Caf’s) list of nominees for the 2013 African Footballer of the Year award.

Dani Alves Amazing Skill (Nutmeg) vs Cristiano Ronaldo HD

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Messi: I will come back stronger

Barcelona's Lionel Messi picked up his third Golden Shoe award in the Catalan capital on Wednesday and promised to come back even stronger in 2014 following his injury problems this year. The Argentine attacker picked up his third Golden Shoe award in the Catalan capital on Wednesday and vowed to take his time as he recovers from his latest injury

Messi was handed the prize after finishing as the highest league scorer in all of Europe in 2012-13, but admitted his priority now is to get fit for action and return to his very best. "My aim is to come back even stronger," the Argentine attacker told a packed audience at the old Damm brewery in Barcelona. "I am working hard to strengthen my body and I hope to be free from injury when I return."

The 26-year-old has suffered four muscle injuries this year and is now sidelined with a hamstring problem which is set to keep him out until early next year. "I haven't put any date on my return," he explained. "It depends on how things go and when the time is right, I will come back."

Messi scored 46 league goals last season to claim his latest individual prize, and added: "It's a very special prize and recognition for what the team have been doing over the last few years - I dedicate it to the people I love.

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We had too much respect for Italy

The Nigeria coach has asked his team to stay fit after playing their last game of the year in Monday’s draw against the Azzurri in London as they look forward to Brazil 2014. Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has asked his team to go on break after playing their last game of the year in Monday’s international friendly against Italy in London.

The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by the Azzurri at Craven Cottage in a very interesting match that was filled with scoring opportunities for both sides. It was Keshi’s last opportunity in the year to test his team after they secured their fifth World Cup ticket last weekend against Ethiopia in Calabar. “Maybe, we had too much of respect for [Italy] but I’m sure if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance,” Keshi was quoted by team media officer Ben Alaiya.
The coach also dismissed the boys for the year and urged them to stay fit and relevant at their clubs in order to ensure they can make the World Cup team to Brazil. “It’s time to go back and work hard for your various club sides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year.

The Nigeria Football Federation is yet to announce next year’s calendar but Keshi will take charge of the local Super Eagles ahead of January’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.
Three players from the CHAN team started Monday’s friendly against Italy. 

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Mikel's legacy rests on getting to the 2014 World Cup

John Obi Mikel this week shortlisted for BBC African Player of the Year, the Chelsea man ought to be concentrated on the weekend’s clash with Ethiopia.

Mikel’s place on the shortlist for the award, where he stands alongside Yaya Toure, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Jonathan Pitroipa, and his compatriot, Victor Moses, is just desserts for a year in which he has finally delivered on the promise that has long been associated with his name. Ever since exploding onto the scene at the U-17 World Cup in 2003, Nigerians have been waiting for Mikel to finally realise his potential.

I think that the majority of us had given up hope that he would ever blossom into the new Jay-Jay Okocha, a fluid playmaker capable of anything and everything, however, we were almost all still praying that he could emerge as more than the stodgy defensive midfielder to whom regular Premier League viewers had become accustomed.

It was at the Cup of Nations earlier this year that Mikel finally began to take matches in his stride, to dominate the midfield and to drive the team forward with his majestic touches and imperious vision. I have written extensively about the value of the emergence of Ogenyi Onazi, and the Lazio midfielder’s accomplished defensive work, as well as his remarkable maturity, which have allowed Mikel to concentrate more upon the creative side of the game.

Technically, philosophically and emotionally, it is imperative for the immediate future of the nation’s football that Keshi’s Super Eagle elect arrive at Brazil intact. Mikel’s presence will doubtless be crucial for his teammates, but Nigeria’s presence will surely be crucial for Mikel. Significant contribution at the World Cup remains the one major blank spot on his verdant CV.

Follow @theosbright 

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Aiyegbeni: The Super Eagles can go beyond the first round in Brazil

Guangzhou R&F striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is confident in the Super Eagles' chances of not just qualifying but getting past the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. The former Super Eagles striker believes that the national team can exceed expectations by making it out of the first round at the World Cup next year  “Nigeria will surely qualify for the World Cup and get to at least the second round in Brazil. “Winning the African Nations Cup, Stephen Keshi is doing very well with the national team,” the 30 year old said.

The Super Eagles hold a 2-1 advantage after a first leg victory over Ethiopia where Emmanuel Emenike bagged an invaluable brace.With Nigeria’s attention on international success, Yakubu looks back on a successful season in the Chinese Super League which saw his Canton club appoint former England and Lazio boss Sven Goran-Eriksson as manager.

The two crossed paths before at Leicester City and Yakubu has seen a huge transformation since the Swede’s arrival. “Sven brings confidence to the team and a European standard of coaching. “We are training like we would in England. The clubs training is much better than before and the team loves the sessions with him,” he said. Since Sven took over from 45 year old Brazilian Sergio Farias at the helm of the Guangzhou club there has been a definite change in mood at the club but Yakubu identifies other areas where R&F have improved.

“At Guangzhou R&F, the young number 20 Tang Miao would fit in really well in Europe,” he said when asked who he has been impressed by in the 2013 CSL season." With Yakubu due to be at R&F in 2014, what then are the aims of his club, who sit very much in the shadow of Chinese Super League winners Guangzhou Evergrande. “Evergrande are one of the best teams in the Chinese League,” he said.

The CSL is now in the off season until 2014 and Yakubu will be a keen observer of the fortunes of Nigeria and firmly motivated on more China goals in the new year.

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Manu Garba and his boys have done well so far-- Analysts

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Nigeria Defeats Mexico To Win The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup

The Nigerian Under-17 national team today defeated Mexico 3-0 to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirate. Impressive play by the Nigerian side led to an early goal inspired by a tireless player, Musa Yahaha. Another Nigerian prolific attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho scored a second goal in the 56 minute while a third goal came off the feet of Musa Muhammed through a powerful free kick at the 81 minute. This is the fourth time Nigeria will be winning the U-17 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Garba Manu must see the final as an important assignmen

The hardest thing for Coach Garba Manu and his technical team will be how to motivate his players to see the final as another very important assignment and not as a crowning ceremony and that is because the Eaglets thrashed their final opponents, Mexico, 6-1 in their opening match.

looking at five things that the Eaglets need to do to make sure that all their skill and enterprise gets the final prize.Iheanacho has not only been a scorer of goals – five at the last match, but he has also been a veritable supplier of assists – seven at the last count. The way he has set up Taiwo Awoniyi for his last three goals showed the vision that he possesses in abundance.

His pass to set up Awoniyi for the first goal against Uruguay was pinpoint and was reminiscent of Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, while the scoop pass for the first goal against Sweden was simply sublime.

But it has to be said that he drifts out of games when the ball is not supplied to him just behind the main striker. Abdulahi Alfa and Akinjide Dairo (if he is restored to the starting 11), need to look up more and give him the ball so he can continue setting up the strikers. The key for the Eaglets is to get the ball to him quickly so that he can work his magic. And if he chooses not to pass, he has a great left foot that can deliver the goals needed.

Lille's Enyeama wants to be world’s best

Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has disclosed that his target is to be the best goalkeeper in the world. the Nigeria’s first choice and stand-in captain believes he has what it takes to become the best goalkeeper in the world

The Lille OSC man revealed this after helping his club to a 1-0 victory away to Nantes over the weekend and in the process keeping his ninth clean slate in the Ligue 1. “It’s about work, work and even more hard work. I believe in hard work. I have been watching videos and looking at my mistakes. I keep striving day and night to correct them,” Enyeama told his club’s website.

“When I make a mistake, I am hard on myself….more than I could get on someone else if he made the same mistake. “That’s the way I am. I have set very high standards for myself. I believe I can be the best goalkeeper in the world,” Enyeama concluded. The former Enyimba skipper has been in blistering form since returning from a season long loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

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Barcelona won't ditch style to beat Madrid - Fabregas

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has inisisted that the side will not scrap their style to avoid Real Madrid's strengths in Saturday's Clasico encounter. this is coming ahead of the first Clasico of the season at Camp Nou, the former Arsenal midfielder insists the Catalans know where the Carlo Ancelotti's side are most dangerous

The Liga arch-rivals clash at 18:00CET at Camp Nou in the first showdown between the sides this season, with Gerardo Martino's men sitting three points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's third-placed side, with Atletico Madrid sandwiched between them.

In has been just under three years since the Blaugrana have beaten the Blancos on Catalunya turf in La Liga or the Copa del Rey, and while Fabregas is aware of how Madrid have exploited Barca's weaknesses in recent clashes, he insists his side will not look to abandon their manner of playing to compensate.

"Madrid haven't liked opponents ceding them possession and waiting," Fabregas, 26, told The Guardian, when asked if Barca are easy to play against for a team like Madrid.

"Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself with two lines of four in front of him; Gareth Bale would too. Karim Benzema's alone. What they like is teams like Rayo Vallecano; what they like is for the opposition to come forward with the ball and then lose it.

"In two passes, Madrid are at the other end. They have such powerful players going forward. In the last few Clasicos they've done that very well against us, to their great credit. They've won possession, been aggressive and made life difficult for us, mostly on the counterattack.

"Changing our style would be an option but Barca have to play like Barca. If we lose we have to lose playing like Barca and when we win we win like Barca.

"That's something I've learnt since returning. At Barca, no-one likes to lose. If you play well and lose or you play badly and lose, either way you've lost. But here people do appreciate that we do things a certain way, our way.

"Now we have another coach and sometimes he has other ideas, so let's see. But, in theory, we'll be the same Barcelona we always have been."

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Ozil crucial to Arsenal' - Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has pinpointed Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud as major threats when Borussia Dortmund face Arsenal on Tuesday. The Schwarzgelben have picked up three points from two games in the Champions League this season, following May's final defeat to Bayern Munich with a 2-1 loss to Napoli in September before bouncing back with a 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have a 100 per cent record in the European competition, including two wins over Fenerbahce in the play-off to reach the group stage and Aubameyang is under no illusions that the Gunners' squad is packed with quality. "Ozil is in great form and is crucial to Arsenal's game but they're a quality side anyway," Aubameyang told Bundesliga.com.

"Playing Arsenal won't be easy at all and we'll have to do better than we did on Saturday." Jurgen Klopp's men peppered Hannover's goal with 18 shots on Saturday but won just 1-0, thanks to an early Marco Reus penalty, with the Gabon international suggesting that the international break took affected BVB's sharpness.

"We didn't have our usual rhythm and didn't play the high tempo football we normally do. But a second goal would've killed the game." Following the continental tussle with Arsenal, Dortmund face arch-rivals Schalke this coming weekend.

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Injury claims were 'greatly exaggerated', insists Bale

Gareth Bale has described stories about a chronic back injury as "greatly exaggerated" after returning for Real Madrid against Malaga. Bale came on as a second-half substitute and won the penalty which Cristiano Ronaldo converted to seal a 2-0 win for the hosts at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Reports in the Spanish media this month had claimed Bale was suffering from a major back problem - rumours which were promptly dismissed by the club - and the Wales international has now stressed he has no concerns over his long-term fitness. "It's been greatly exaggerated about my injury," the 24-year-old was quoted as saying by AS.

"I'm over the injury I suffered. I had a small thigh issue and as a result I've not had a lot of playing time. I missed preseason and could not run or train without discomfort. "The truth is that it was not important. Everything is exaggerated enough. I'm already playing again.

"Winning was very important for us today and I think we played well throughout the match. "We deserved the win and now I'm looking forward to facing the next two games." Madrid still sit third in La Liga after their win with 22 points from nine games, but have closed the gap from Barcelona at the top to just three points ahead of next week's Clasico at Camp Nou.
 

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