Algeria & Nigeria set for Africa U23 final showdown in Dakar

Nigeria face Algeria in the final of the 2015 Africa U23 Championship in Senegal billed for the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar the Dream Team piped hosts Senegal 1-0 in the first semi-final with Etebo Oghenekaro converting from the penalty spot. Les Fennecs on their own part brushed aside South Africa 2-0 in the second semis to reach their first Olympics for the first time in 35 years. Oussama Darfalou and Mohammed Benkhemassa scored in either half to book a place at next year’s multisport event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil alongside Nigeria. It was a well deserving win for the north Africans who made the best of their positive start with an early goal after eight minutes. A long ball from Riyad Keniche, found Darfalou, who beat an offside trap before lobbying over South African goalie Jody February for the opener.

Nigeria rise to 53rd in August Fifa ranking

Nigeria rose up four spots to 53rd place in the FIFA rankings released on Thursday, though Nigeria is now the tenth-ranked African side. The Super Eagles have moved four places up in the grading released by the world football ruling body, but remain tenth in Africa. In July’s grading, the Super Eagles dropped 14 places to 57th – their poorest drop in 2015. One the continent, they are ranked Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, Congo, Cape Verde Island and Egypt. Copa America champions, Chile entered the top ten at the expense of the Netherlands who that two places to 12th in the world.

Debate: Is it the right time for John Obi Mikel to leave Chelsea?

Nigeria's John Obi Mikel has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer. The Nigeria midfielder has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge; should he cut his losses and try his chances away from West London, or remain with Jose Mourinho? The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Turkish champions Fenerbahce, but United Arab Emirates heavyweights Al Ain appear favourites for the player's signature. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, who currently features for the reigning UAE Pro-League champions, has expressed his conviction that the Nigerian will definitely be heading to Abu Dhabi this summer. Following an indifferent season, in which the midfielder claimed his second Premier League title, but only made six starts in the top flight, the Super Eagle may have come to the end of the road at Stamford Bridge.

Enyeama snubs NFF disciplinary committee

Vincent Enyeama failed to appear before the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday,  June 23, 2015 and may be sanctioned. The goalkeeper failed to appear before the NFF disciplinary body on Tuesday for his comment on the choice of Kaduna for Eagles game versus Chad. The Lille goalkeeper came under barrage of criticisms for his remark against the NFF’s choice of Ahmadu Stadium, Kaduna for Eagles Afcon qualifier against Chad played on June 13,2015. Not satisfied with his apology, the Super Eagles captain was summoned to a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday in Abuja, but the former Enyimba player turned down the invite. “In the case of Enyeama, we want this matter dealt with internally, in-house and quietly; the noise that this thing has generated is uncalled for,” Green told the media.  Meanwhile, Chris Green who is a member of the NFF said [Enyeama’s] case will be treated with caution as those in the disciplinary committee will be allowed to do their job then the appropriate actions will be taken. “Situations where people will pre-judge even before the persons have appeared did not even help matters.

Critical Thinking and Sports IQ – How to take Nigerian football to the next level

In sports, we expect good players to have a high level of intelligence – football IQ, basketball IQ. Sports IQ is something you can develop just like academic IQ, but you must be trained in how to get it. You look at the raw materials for developing academic IQ and see that there is no difference in what is needed in having a good sports IQ. or anyone that has attended college or university classes in the US, these words will be very familiar – critical thinking. Critical thinking is base of all university courses. It is what helps individual students develop academic intelligence. The base is to be able to problem solve, be creative, make sound decisions, think strategically, have organizational planning and be open. Nigerian athletes have a very high deficiency of good or adequate sports IQ. I use the word athlete to cover all our sports persons in every sporting endeavor we participate in. Let me dwell on our just ousted U20 football team from the World Cup. This team is considered a golden generation – they won the U17 World Cup in 2013 and paraded the best player in the tournament.

Guardiola: I can't win the treble every year

The Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has been criticised for the Bavarians' exit from the Champions League semi-finals at the hands of Barcelona and being knocked out of the DFB-Pokal on penalties at the same stage by Borussia Dortmund.  Pep Guardiola says it's unrealistic for people to expect him to win the treble with Bayern Munich and repeated his desire to stay at the club. "If Bayern Munich are looking for a coach that has to win the treble every year then I'm not the one they want," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday. "I'm not good enough to do that. "I've learnt that people talk too much here, my advice to my critics is to calm down. They should have more respect for the German champions.

Van Praag pulls out of Fifa presidency campaign

Fifa presidential candidate Michael van Praag has stood down from his election campaign to support Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein's attempt to oust Sepp Blatter. The Dutch FA president has thrown his support behind fellow candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, not incumbent Sepp Blatter "Michael van Praag has decided, after long consideration with stakeholeders and third parties that he withdraw his candidacy for the Fifa presidency," the KNVB said in a statement. "He will support the bid of Prince Ali Al Hussein now. Eight days before May 29's election, the Dutch FA (KNVB) chief has chosen to back out of the race to run world football's governing body, and he is expected to elaborate on his decision at a press conference on Thursday.

Luis Enrique: PSG can beat Barcelona without Ibrahimovic

The two sides were drawn in the same group and PSG defeated Barca 3-2 in the French capital only to ultimately miss out on a top seeding for the knockout stage after being beaten 3-1 in their return clash at Camp Nou. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique does not believe that the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic will hinder Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's Champions League showdown at the Parc des Prince, pointing out that the Ligue 1 titleholders have already proven that they can beat the Catalans without their star striker. Luis Enrique thus believes it foolish to read too much into the fact that PSG will be without the suspended Ibrahimovic and a number of injured players for their quarter-final, first-leg clash.

Stephen Keshi begs for forgiveness over Afcon 2015 miss

Coach Stephen Keshi has offered apology to the country after failing to qualify the Super Eagles for the Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup of Nations staged earlier this year. The former Mali and Togo handler has been in the news of recent with speculations rife that he might be given a second chance of handling the country despite failing to reach the 2015 Afcon as well as having scores to settle with some top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation. "Keshi has always related well with Amaju as a brother and as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission before now. The chairman’s passion and achievements over the years bear eloquent testimony to what he is capable of replicating in his new job at the NFF,” Ado told media. In a chat with journalists, his media aide Emmanuel Ado described the relationship between the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and Stephen Keshi as of mutual respect and insists differences between them will be resolved amicably in the interest of the game.

Best football is played in Bundesliga, but Premier League is more physical - Subotic

Neven Suboti  a Borussia Dortmund defender had said that "The best football is played in the Bundesliga, which has established itself in internationally very well," he told Kicker. "It is as much on a high as the DAX [the German equivalent of the FTSE 100]. Subotic has been a key player for Dortmund for the last seven years, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the 2013 Champions League final, but has been unable to prevent Jurgen Klopp's men from enduring a dramatic slump this season. "I can still imagine playing in a league someday which rates physical football. The game in England is tougher, more aggressive and more physical, in a sportsmanlike sense. As a centre-back I don't always want to fear just touching an opponent.

Morocco's Afcon sanctions overturned by CAS

An appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), and that appeal has been upheld by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), meaning the national team will take their place in qualifying for the next edition, while their fine of €900,000 has been reduced . Morocco will have the chance to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations after having their ban overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). After withdrawing from hosting the 2015 tournament due to concerns over the spread of Ebola, Morocco were banned from the next two editions of the competition by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).  . "The CAS Panel has upheld the appeal in a large proportion," a statement read. "The sanctions imposed by the CAF on the FRMF have been set aside, with the exception of the fine, which is however reduced to $50,000 (€45,000). "The disqualification of the Moroccan team from the CAN 2015 is final."

Super Eagles lack maturity and character – Garba Lawal

Former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal has attributed the mixed results in recent international outings on lack of maturity and character on the part of the players. He noted that “Football is about winning. We defeated South Africa easily both home and away in international matches especially in qualifiers but that has changed as we now play a draw with them. Anyway, If Uganda could secure a win in Nigeria, then playing a draw against Bafana Bafana means we were very lucky and I don’t really know where we are going," He lamented the inability of Daniel Amokachi’s men to beat Bafana Bafana despite going a goal up with less than five minutes to the end of the game, insisting that the country’s senior national team is far from super.

SA coach Mashaba warned players of Ahmed Musa’s threat

South Africa coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba said he warned his side of the danger posed by Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa ahead of Sunday’s friendly match in Nelspruit. The Bafana Bafana coach has spoken highly of the CSKA Moscow forward who captained the Super Eagles and scored their only goal in Sunday’s draw. The CSKA Moscow striker sent the visitors ahead against the run of play in the second half before Bongani Zungu equalized deep into added time. Musa, 22, who captained the Super Eagles in the absence of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana. bBafana coach Mashaba said he warned his players about the Nigerian forward who ended up punishing them with a superb curling shot outside of the box which left goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune glued to his spot.

Wenger: Arsenal gunning for Manchester City

Arsene Wenger has his sights set on chasing down second-placed Manchester City and believes Arsenal can leapfrog the champions if they improve their consistency. The Gunners moved up to third place in the Premier League table after beating Everton 2-0 on Saturday and now lie just four points behind Manuel Pellegrini’s men after City lost to Liverpool. The French boss has not given up hope of overhauling the champions, while midfielder Aaron Ramsey returns to the squad to face QPR on Wednesday. With 11 matches left to play this season, Wenger has not given up hope of finishing as runners-up – a feat the north Londoners have not managed since the 2004-05 season - though he admits they are "nowhere near" to winning the title.

Benedito suspects Barcelona board wanted to sell Messi

The Catalans' current president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has claimed he hopes the Argentine attacker will remain at Camp Nou for many years to come, but Benedito says the mixed messages coming from the Barca board show they cannot necessarily be believed or trusted. Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito suspects the club's current boards have seriously contemplated selling star player Lionel Messi.   Messi's relationship with the current board is known to be somewhat strained and came to a head when economic vice-president Javier Faus upset the four-time Ballon d'Or winner in 2013 by saying there was "no need" to give the club's all-time top goalscorer a new contract. "Sometimes they say things and then their actions go in the opposite direction. I hope in Messi's case that their words and their actions correspond."Barca face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and, despite difficulties with Financial Fair Play, the Premier League champions are one of the teams monitoring Messi's situation at Camp Nou, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.  

Fifa insists on arbitration panel for NFF election dispute

Fifa has recommended that an arbitration panel should be set up by the Nigeria Football Federation to resolve the disputes arising from the September 30 elections in Warri. In a letter signed by Fifa's Director of Legal Affairs Marco Villiger and Head of Corporate Legal Oliver Jaberg respectively, it acknowledged the receipt of letter from Ike Igbogwe over the NFF's rejection of its request for an arbitration panel. The world football ruling body has recommended the establishment of an arbitration panel to solve the disputes engulfing the Nigeria football house. Fifa said it has no authority to resolve the crisis insisting it was an internal affairs and resolved to accept in entity the verdict of a 'competent body' set-up to rule over the appeals' verdict against seeking redress at a regular court. "We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 12 January 2015, and have duly taken note of its content," its statement which was also copied to the NFF on Monday, January 19, the letter read.

Liverpool need a goalkeeper - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on bringing a new goalkeeper to Anfield in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old Danny Ward has made the step up from Liverpool's reserve team to provide back-up to Mignolet - dropped by Rodgers in December after a string of poor outings - as Jones battles a thigh injury. With Simon Mignolet woefully out of form and the injured Brad Jones's contract expiring in June, Rodgers has few options to choose from between the posts. Mignolet's abilities were once again put in the spotlight as his inability to handle a high ball helped AFC Wimbledon draw level in Liverpool's FA Cup third-round trip to Kingsmeadow and Rodgers accepts he needs to bolster his options. "I think we need a goalkeeper of some sort; it's just depending on how long Brad Jones is going to be out injured," he told reporters.  Rodgers believes that the source of Mignolet's lack of confidence is a struggle with the demands placed upon him to contribute to Liverpool's possession-based game. Previous first-choice Pepe Reina was regarded as one of the Premier League's finest distributors, with the Belgian unable to fill the Spaniard's shoes fully so far.

Siasia requests for training tour of Turkey on return from US vacation

Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia returned to the country on Friday night from his vacation in the United States of America with request for a training tour of Turkey. The U23 coach has returned to Abuja following the Christmas and New Year holidays with hopes of securing a camping tour of Europe to prepare for the AAG qualifiers. The coach was expected to hit town on Tuesday but couldn’t make it as a result of flight hitches due to poor weather conditions.Siasia had submitted his programs to the Nigeria Football Federation and strongly requested for a training tour possibly in Turkey where he can concentrate fully and work on the players he had already picked for the All African Games qualifying match against Gabon in February. “This will also make it possible for the invited foreign-based players to join us without experiencing the rigors of having to travel down to Abuja. But everything depends on the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Siasia disclosed. “We need to camp in a place where the team will not be distracted and will be able to face our programs fully without any hindrances and hitches.

Signing Messi 'impossible' for Chelsea

Chelsea assistant coach Steven Holland believes it is "impossible" for the club to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. Messi's future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he hinted back in November that he could leave Camp Nou, amid reported tensions with boss Luis Enrique and the Barcelona hierarchy. The Argentine superstar is reportedly unhappy at Barcelona, but Blues assistant coach Steve Holland is adamant that Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations prevent any deal. The Argentina superstar appeared to fan the flames this week by following Chelsea on Instagram, but Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has since reiterated the club's desire to keep their all-time record goalscorer. Last month Jose Mourinho played down any talk of a potential transfer, insistiing that Chelsea are incapable of meeting the €250 million release clause in the 27-year-old's contract as a result of Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations.

Yaya Toure is African Player of the Year 2014

Manchester City's Yaya Toure has been named the African Player of the Year 2014 by the Confederation of African Football at an awards ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday evening.  The Ivoirian has been named the best player from the continent for a fourth straight time after beating local favourite Enyeama and Aubameyang at a ceremony in Lagos. The Ivoirian won the title for a fourth straight time beating off competition from local favourite Vincent Enyeama and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the title. However, it was the Ivoirian Toure who was called up to the podium again winning the award for a record fourth time after previous sucesses  in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Toure told media that he felt 'lucky' to win it considering the size of the competition. In the ceremony, Nigeria produced the African Women Player award, Africa Youth Player of the Year as well as the National Team of the Year. In the other awards given on the evening, Firmin Ndombe Mubele won the award for best African player based on the continent.  Two Nigerians, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa also made it into CAF Team of the Year.

Barcelona 5-0 Elche: Messi, Neymar and Suarez all on target in Blaugrana romp

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all found the back of the net as Barcelona destroyed Elche 5-0 in the first-leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie. The breakthrough came on 34 minutes when Neymar side-footed home from close range and they turned on the style as Suarez and a Messi penalty made it 3-0 at half-time. Jordi Alba made it four early in the second half before Neymar added his second in the 59th minute to complete the scoring. The victory eases the pressure on coach Luis Enrique, who came in for criticism after dropping Messi to the bench as the Catalans were beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday. The Brazilian wasn't do be denied, though and finished off a neat passing move by passing the ball into the back of the net from a matter of yards out. Suarez was the man to assist - squaring for the Brazilian to break the deadlock and open his Copa account for the season. Barca started brightly on Tuesday night as the Argentine, swiftly restored to the starting XI, jinked through the Elche defence and fired straight at Przemyslaw Tyton after 10 minutes. Dani Alves then went close with a long-range effort after Titon elected to punch Messi's inswinging free-kick, while Neymar dinked his team-mate's lofted pass wide of the visiting goal before the half-hour mark.

Inter and Bayern agree deal for Xherdan Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri is set to join Inter, the club have confirmed, after they reached an agreement with Bayern Munich on Thursday. The Switzerland international has agreed a move to the Italian giants, with a four-year contract just requiring his signature after the clubs settled on a fee. The Nerazzurri have agreed to sign the Switzerland international on loan until the end of the season for €2 million, and will then be obliged to pay €12m at the end of the season to make the deal permanent. An extra payment will be made if Inter qualify for the 2015-16 Champions League. Inter announced the transfer is almost complete on their television channel, claiming the highly-rated 23-year-old attacker just needs to put pen-to-paper on the verbally agreed contract to seal the deal.

Oshoala dreams Glo/Caf AWPOTY award

The Rivers Angels forward will battle with compatriot Desire Oparanozie and Cameroonian star Annette Ngo Ndom of the female version of Africa’s best player. The Super Falcons player has said that winning the continent’s top prize for women will have a positive impact on her careerSuper Falcons’ prodigy Asisat Oshoala has revealed her target of winning the 2014 Glo/Caf African Women Player of the Year to be announced on Thursday. The 20-year-old prodigy, who won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award with seven goals at the Fifa U20 Women's World Cup in Canada expressed her delight making the top three of the award and is hoping to go a step further winning the crown. "It means a lot to my career and it’s a very good thing to me as an individual,” Oshoala reported

Barca elections to be held in 2015

Incumbent Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has announced the club will hold an election at the end of the current season. An election was due to be held in 2016 but Bartomeu has decided to bring it forward to due to pressure on the club, as issues on and off the pitch have mounted this season. The elections have been brought forward to ease the crisis at the Catalan club, with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta sacked this week and assistant Carles Puyol departing. After turning up an hour late for Wednesday’s press conference, Bartomeu said: “Sorry for the delay. I have called this press conference to communicate we have decided to call elections at the end of the season. “The elections have been called to ease the pressure around the club. Its undue pressure as this club works well socially and economically.” Bartomeu, who confirmed he would stand, added: “I ask all candidates to use fair play during the campaign as they talk to socios who will vote.

Vincent Enyeama wins Goal Nigeria Player of the Year

The Lille and Super Eagles goalkeeper led the field that included illustrious compatriots Ahmed Musa, Obafemi Martins, Mfon Udoh and Ikechukwu Uche with an overwhelming 55 percent of votes cast between December 1-5, 2014. Vincent Enyeama has been voted as the Goal Nigeria Player of the Year 2014, winning the award courtesy of overwhelming votes from readers of the website. A joyful Enyeama, 32, accepted the award at his club in France on Monday morning. “I’m happy, really happy,” he enthused. “I want to thank my teammates at Lille, the Nigeria national team, my coaches, my wife, my fans, everybody who voted for me, who scream for me during matches to encourage me. And the journalists, without which nothing will be possible.” Enyeama is only the second player to win the Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award following John Obi Mikel’s dominance in the past two years.