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.

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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.