COMPLETE FOOTBALL

Presents Nigeria Vs Brazil 1996 Olympic Games Semi-Finals. Nigeria wins by 4 goals to 3.

2012-08-03T09:17:00.002-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WPU-8LIi9Q&feature=player_embedded#t=0s

Malouda Insists He's Staying at Chelsea

2012-05-24T17:35:00.004-07:00

French midfielder, Florent Malouda answers questions during a press conference

AFP

Chelsea's French international winger Florent Malouda admitted on Thursday that he would like to stay with the London club next season amid talk of a move away from Stamford Bridge, reports AFP.

Having won the Champions League in a penalty shoot-out against Bayern Munich last weekend, Chelsea will face Europa League winners Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup in August and will also participate in the Club World Cup at the end of the year.

Malouda admitted that the possibility of taking part in these tournaments is an extra incentive for him stay put.

"The European Super Cup and the Club World Cup are two competitions close to my heart," he told reporters at France's pre-Euro 2012 training camp in Clairefontaine.

"In five years at Chelsea, I have won five trophies, the ones that I came here to try and win.

"During the last two transfer windows, the club have said that I was not available for transfer."

When asked directly if that meant he still saw his future with Chelsea, Malouda replied: "Yes, and Chelsea know it."

The former Lyon player, who turns 32 in June, has been used only sparingly by his club since Roberto Di Matteo replaced the sacked Andre Villas-Boas but he insisted that did not worry him.

"I knew at the beginning of the season I would not play all that often," he said.

"This season has reminded of my first season at Chelsea. You have to accept it. I finished the previous campaign as Chelsea's leading scorer in the league and I started the next season on the bench.

"But I have had to prove myself in the past and always managed to impose myself."

UEFA Announces Champions League Referee

2012-05-18T00:36:00.001-07:00

Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca will take charge of this weekend's Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich, UEFA announced

AFP

Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca will take charge of this weekend's Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich, UEFA announced on Thursday.

Proenca, 41, made his international debut in 2003 and has now officiated in more than 65 UEFA matches. This year he has officiated in five Champions League games, including the round of 16 return leg between Inter Milan and Marseille, reports AFP.

He also refereed two Europa League matches, including the first leg of the quarter final between FC Schalke 04 and beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao

Bertino Miranda and Ricardo Santos, also from Portugal, will run the lines in Munich on Saturday, while the fourth official will be Carlos Velasco Carballo from Spain.

Tags: Sports, World, UEFA, Champions League

Liverpool Eye Wigan Coach, Martinez

2012-05-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Wigan Athletic’s coach, Roberto Martinez

AFP

Liverpool were given permission by Wigan Athletic on Thursday to talk to coach Roberto Martinez about becoming the next manager at Anfield, a day after Kenny Dalglish was sacked.

"He's going there with an open mind," Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"We would love to keep Roberto, he's a great manager. But there are two or three clubs looking for a new manager and Roberto is on the list for all of them. If Liverpool are serious, then we may lose him."

The 38-year-old Martinez left Swansea City to take over at Wigan in 2009 and has been widely praised for keeping the modest Lancashire club in the Premier League, reports AFP.

Wigan stayed in the top flight this season after wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United in their final eight games helped them to a respectable 15th in the league -- seven points clear of relegation.

Dalglish, who had returned for a second stint as manager at Anfield in January last year, paid the price for a dismal season that saw Liverpool finish 37 points behind champions Manchester City.

The Merseyside club's American owners the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) had given Dalglish more than £100 million ($159m) to spend in the transfer market since he took over from the sacked Roy Hodgson in 2011.

But expensive signings such as Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson largely flopped and Liverpool's eighth-place finish was their worst season-ending position for nearly two decades, with their lowest points tally since 1954.

They defeated second-tier Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final but lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup final earlier this month.

Earlier on Thursday, the 61-year-old Dalglish told the Liverpool Echo that fans needed to show support to the club's American owners.

Tags: Sports, World, Liverpool, WIGAN, coach, Martinez

Keshi Names 11 Euro Stars for Jumbo June Qualifiers

2012-05-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

John Obi Mikel was excluded from the Super Eagles SA 2013 and Brazil 2014 qualifiers

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi on Thursday named Skipper Joseph Yobo and 10 other overseas-based professionals for the three 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches coming up next month.

Yobo, who stars for Fenerbahce of Turkey, is one of only three defenders, with Israel-based Efe Ambrose and Portugal-based Elderson Echiejile the other names.

Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide are called, as well as midfielders Victor Moses and Fegor Ogude, and strikers Omatsone Aluko, Ikechukwu Uche, Ahmed Musa and John Utaka.

Keshi explained at the press conference in Abuja that the overseas contingent will be joined by 18 of the 22 players who will travel to Lima for the international friendly against Peru taking place on May 23.

THE FULL LIST:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France), Austin Ejide (Hapoel) Petah Tikva (Israel)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod MS, Israel)

Midfielders: Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, England), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga, Norway)

Strikers: Omatsone Aluko (Rangers, Scotland), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Ikechukwu Uche (Granada, Spain), John Utaka (Montpellier, France)

Tags: Sports, Nigeria, Featured, KESHI, List, QUALIFIERS

Champions League - German view: Chelsea's last chance

2012-05-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have been written off consistently in the English press this season and told their ageing squad wield too much power.

Premier League - The day money in football got out of hand

2012-05-17T23:44:00.003-07:00

Forget talk of Manchester City buying the Premier League title - the day money in football got out of hand occurred 84 years ago in the bar of a North London hotel.

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm better than Messi

2012-05-17T23:02:00.001-07:00

Ronaldo's high point winning title in Madrid

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo talks to CNN's Pedro Pinto
He has won the Spanish title, scoring 46 goals, a record for him
He says that he believes he is better than Messi
Believes Jose Mourinho is the best coach in the world

(CNN) -- It's not a phrase that usually gets said out loud, but you have to feel sorry for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Real Madrid player has just finished the season of his life, winning Spain's La Liga whilst vanquishing their hated Catalan foes Barcelona.

He scored more goals than he ever has before too, 46 in the league to be precise, and 60 overall. Yet even though Madrid finished nine points clear of second place, it is Barca's Lionel Messi that still gets all the attention.

"Some people say I'm better, other people say it's him, but at the end of the day, they're going to decide who is the best player," Ronaldo told CNN in an exclusive interview before this weekend's Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea at Munich's Allianz Arena.

"At the moment ... I think it is me," he laughs.

Road to the Champions League final

Messi wins third straight Ballon D'or

"Sometimes (the comparisons with Messi) makes me tired ...for him too because they compare us together all the time.

Messi breaks Barcelona's all-time scoring record

"You cannot compare a Ferrari with a Porsche because it's a different engine. You cannot compare them. He does the best things for Barcelona, I do the best things for Madrid.

"I think we push each other sometimes in the competition, this is why the competition is so high. This is why Madrid and Barcelona are the best teams in the world because everyone pushes each other, not just me and Messi but other players."

Good cop/bad cop

Perhaps Ronaldo is right. The world needs the "good cop/bad cop" routine of Messi and Ronaldo to bring the best out of both them. It might be the reason why neither has set the world alight on the international stage.

But whilst Messi is hailed as a secular saint, Ronaldo is derided for his self confidence, some would say over confidence. How does he cope with the vitriol he provokes in opposition fans?

"Sometimes, you have to put on a mask. You cannot smile every time for all the people. It's impossible, I cannot do that," he says.

"This is not my type of personality. And people really don't know me. And I do it for that because I don't want every person to know me, just close friends...you know, my friends, teammates. These people know me very well. Other people, to be honest, I really don't care about that."

You cannot compare a Ferrari with a Porsche because it's a different engine
Ronaldo on Messi

Still, such has been Madrid's dominance in the league Ronaldo is entitled to feel, if not exactly sycophantic praise, then at least recognition of his and his team's achievements.

"My high point (in my career) is to win the title here in Madrid, La Liga," he explains.

Clasico win gives Real the edge over rivals

"(It) was my first time, so I was so happy because it's my best moment here in Madrid, the most important trophy. In terms of individual, it was great for me, the goals that I scored, to break my own record...to do 100 points in the Spanish league which is a record too. It's phenomenal.

"For me this is the most difficult league in the world. To compete with Barcelona, as everyone knows is very complicated and we beat them. Nine points ahead...so it was an amazing year."

In Barca's shadow?

Barcelona. It is the shadow that follows not just Ronaldo, but also Jose Mourinho, who has also had a remarkable season in Spain. You could argue it is a shadow that follows the city of Madrid around too.

"The points speak for themselves," Ronaldo replies when asked about the rivalry.

"Nine points separated Madrid and Barcelona; it's a lot here in Spain. We played better than them this year, I'm sure about that. I remember we went there one month ago and we won 2-1...nobody can do that, it's very difficult so we deserve to win the league. We are better than them at the moment, but we have to respect them because they are a great team too."

Now there has never been a better time for Real Madrid to break the spell of Barcelona. With Pep Guardiola gone and questions being raised about the age of the Barca squad, Ronaldo believes that Madrid could go on to do something special, with the Special One at the helm.

Drained Guardiola quits Barca

"As a person (Jose Mourinho's) a humble guy...he's very simple. We joke all the time, with funny stories all the time. It's great...in terms of coaching, he's completely different. He's so serious, so professional."

For Ronaldo, Mourinho has proven himself to be the best coach in the world.

Most people think that Bayern is going to win easily. I don't think so
Ronaldo on the Champions League final

"This is why he wins the titles that he won. Because for me, not just because I work with him, but he's the best because of what he does: the tactics, everything around the players, the motivation...and you know, the titles speak for themselves. He won in every country that he's passed, so I think that's great. I think nobody...two or three coaches do that in their lives, so we have to appreciate that."

The worst day

Yet the season has not been without its disappointments. It may well have delivered the greatest single triumph in Ronaldo's career so far, but it also delivered its nadir.

"To be honest, it was one of the worst days in my career so far," he admits.

Ronaldo, Real Madrid suffer heartache

"It's always tough when you lose something, when you lose on penalties. But I'm not really worried about that because if I didn't score the two goals most of the players aren't going to shoot the penalties, so I have to appreciate what I did in the Champions League, what I did for the club."

The dream Madrid-Barcelona final didn't happen. Instead we have a final that no one could predict. On the one hand a Bayern Munich side that unexpectedly fought back to knock out Madrid. On the other hand a Chelsea side that shocked Barcelona, the world, and one suspects, even themselves. Who does Ronaldo think will win?

"Most people think that Bayern is going to win easily. I don't think so," he says, perhaps remembering the battles he would have with Chelsea whilst playing for Manchester United in the English Premier League.

"Don't forget that Chelsea beat Barcelona which is very, very tough. It will be an interesting game. I don't know which team is going to win. I'm not going to bet on anything because Chelsea is very strong. They defend well, they have a good counterattack. Bayern is a fantastic team too, so it will be a good game.

In twelve months time he will hope to realign the order of things and play in the 2013 Champions League final. For now he'll have to make do with being the best player in the best league with the best manager in the world.

Should you feel sorry for Cristiano Ronaldo? So far everything seems to be going just fine.

Spanish banks have credit ratings cut by Moody's

2012-05-17T14:47:00.003-07:00

Bankia shares have fallen 50% in May

Ratings agency Moody's has cut the credit ratings of 16 Spanish banks, a further blow to a country that is struggling to deal with the bad debts of its banking sector.

It also cut the debt rating on Santander UK, a subsidiary of the Spanish banking giant.
It comes after shares in struggling lender Bankia fell another 14%. They have almost halved in value this month.
Fears about losses at Spanish banks has hit shares across Europe.
The banks include Banco Santander and BBVA, the biggest banks in Spain. Ten of the 17 banks were also put on negative credit watch, meaning that further downgrades are possible.
In cutting the ratings, Moody's cited the "adverse operating conditions, characterised by the renewed recession, the ongoing real-estate crisis and persistent high levels of unemployment".
It also said that the Spanish government, due to its borrowing difficulties, has had its ability to provide support to the banks "reduced".
The Spanish government also had to pay higher rates of interest to borrow money on the markets, which leads some to believe it will need a bailout.
Moody's also cut the ratings of four of Spain's regions - Catalonia, Murcia, Andalucia and Extremadura - of whom it said there is only a "low probability that the regional governments will be able to meet the 2012 deficit target".
'Basically normal' Bankia was forced to deny a report customers had taken 1bn euros ($1.3bn; £800m) out of the bank, which is set to be part-nationalised, in the past week.

“Start Quote

It's not true that there is an exit of deposits at this moment from Bankia”

End Quote Fernando Jimenez Latorre Spanish economy minister

In depth: Euro crisis

Spain's economy minister denied reports of a surge in withdrawals from Bankia in recent days.

"It's not true that there is an exit of deposits at this moment from Bankia," said Fernando Jimenez Latorre.
Later, the bank's chief executive said volumes had been "basically normal".
Bankia, which holds 32bn euros (£25.7bn) in distressed property assets, was partly nationalised this month. On Wednesday, it said it was delaying the release of its first-quarter results.
It has the industry's largest exposure to the property market, which burst spectacularly and has saddled its banks with bad debt.
"Markets are worried about eurozone bank deposit runs and an escalating banking crisis," said VTB Capital economist Neil MacKinnon.
Alberto Gallo, head of credit research at Royal Bank of Scotland, told the BBC: "The problem is Spanish banks are too large for the government to bear all of their weight.
"You [the Spanish government] need to make a choice and just protect stronger banks, otherwise Spain will go the way of Ireland - having to do a lot of austerity and potentially incurring losses for bank bondholders."
Earlier, the Spanish government raised 2.5bn euros through issuing a number of different types of bonds.
On bonds due to be paid back in January 2015, it had to pay an interest rate of 4.373%, up from 2.89% in April. Governments have to pay higher returns to investors, or yields, as lenders become more concerned about a country's ability to pay the money back.
On Wednesday, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned that borrowing costs could become "astronomical" as fears about the weakness of its banks persist.

Lagos Backs Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp

2012-05-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Former Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu

The Lagos State Government has affirmed its support to the first annual Greenspring/Kanu Football Camp scheduled for July.

The state Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Waheed Enitan-Oshodi gave this affirmation Tuesday morning during an official visit to the Lekki Campus of Greensprings School that the government will not relent in its support for grassroots sports development.

"We are impressed with Greensprings School for taking the initiative to support and promote school sports and this is what the Governor Babatunde Fashola administration will continue to back in its entirety and we hope that the Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp will be another avenue to discover the athletes in schools,” Oshodi said.

The commissioner, who was impressed with the facilities at the Lekki Campus of the school, lauded the management of the school for its efforts to revive sports in schools, while assuring them of the state's support.

He, however, disclosed that the state will sponsor some students from public schools to be part of the camp, while teachers will also be supported to be part of the train the trainers’ programme during the one-week camp in July.

“I am indeed impressed with the facilities that the school have because the facilities in place will make the work easier for the school. We believe that sports is the best setting to start sports and I am happy that schools like Greensprings is taking the lead in this and we hope that others will take a cue from this.

"The camp will give the children the opportunities to start sports early. As long as we believe that sports must be encouraged in schools, we also want to say that education and sports must go together because it is not everybody that will take to sports professionally. So for us to ensure that these students become useful we must encourage them to take education seriously,” he said.

The Director, Greensprings School, Mrs. Lai Koiki said the school decided to stage the camp in order to contribute to the resuscitation of school sports in the country.

“I want to commend the Lagos State Government especially Governor Babatunde Fashola for his efforts to develop sports in the state. He has shown himself as a good role model for the youths with his efforts to better the lives of the youths. At Greensprings, we are a child-centred institution and we believe developing our children in totality should be part of our responsibilities. We are also using the medium to seek the support of the state government to sponsor some students from public school to be part of the camp. For us, we will give opportunities to 20 students from public schools to be part of the camp on our own bill and we believe the government will also support more to be part of the programme in July,” Koiki said.

The camp is the brainchild of Greensprings School, Lagos in collaboration with former captain of the Super Eagles, Nwankwo Kanu with support from the West Africa School Sports Union (WASSU).

Over 350 students from private and public schools are expected to be part of the camp with top coaches from England handling proceedings at the one-week clinic holding between July 1 and 7 in Lekki.

MTN Football Scholar: 30 Kids to Enjoy Scholarship in America

2012-05-16T06:59:00.004-07:00

Joe Erico, is one of the coaches at the programme

About 30 school kids between the ages of 15 and 18 years will be selected for educational scholarship and football career in the US at the on-going MTN Football Scholar tournament among secondary schools in the country.

Speaking with journalists at the Kwara Stadium, venue of the Ilorin zone of the selection of kids at the weekend, its Programme Coordinator, Mr. Tom Demaio, an American football expert, said the kids would have the chance to study in American universities or private football academy.

He further confirmed that the programme was designed to recruit young Nigerians and to also further help develop the game in America.

Also speaking at the event, the Technical Director of the programme sponsored by the MTN, Kunle Raji, said the event was taking place in seven zones of Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Benin, Akure, Abuja and Enugu.

“Five students are to be picked from the Ilorin zone and it is part of the overall objective to make them all-round footballers with good educational background.

"It is because of the lack of what the programme is trying to achieve now that most of our best footballers without sound educational background do not make headway in their career. The game and schooling from JSS through the SSS classes must go along side for a better tomorrow," stressed Raji.

The technical director revealed that some Nigerian coaches like Joe Erico, Amusa Adisa and Emmanuel Tetteh were involved in the selection of the players.

He hinted that some American coaches would arrive the country at the end of the programme in October to be involved in the final selection of the player that would travel to the US. Selected students are to be camped in Lagos and be made to undergo football training and academic classes that would prepare them for the SAT examination to enter US universities.

‘Age Cheating, Bane of Nigerian Football’

2012-05-15T15:31:00.002-07:00

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, has blamed the country's dwindling performance in sporting activities particularly football on age cheating.

Speaking through his representative, Rear Admiral J.B Oladimeji, while declaring open the ongoing Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, 14th Chief of the Naval Staff U-14 boys and U-17 girls Football Championship at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State last Saturday, Ibrahim said administrators of football should rise to the challenge of putting an end to age falsification.

According to the Naval boss the country has been portrayed in a bad light in the recent past among football playing nations and therefore enjoined all hands to be on deck at laying a good foundation for the upcoming children in order to rid the country off corruption.

He commended Governor Godswill Akpabio for accepting to host this year's edition of the championship and urged other state governments, corporate entities and well to do individuals to emulate the kind gesture of the governor.

Meanwhile, in some of the matches decided in the group stages, in the boys' category, host, Akwa Ibom State trounced the Navy Secondary School team 5-0 while Osun State lost 1-0 to the Air Force School team. Other results are Enugu 2-0 Bauchi , Abia 2-2 Delta, Kaduna 0-1 Bayelsa and Edo 0-0 Anambra.

Arsenal Nigeria Tour : Malta Guinness Teams Up With Gunners

2012-05-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Arsenal players celebrating

In response to the growing demand from consumers in Nigeria for Grade ‘A’ football matches, Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced that Arsenal Football Club has chosen Malta Guinness to be the Official Malt Drink of the club in Nigeria for the next three years.

As part of the partnership, new Malta Guinness Low Sugar will be the Official Malt Drink of the Arsenal FC tour in Nigeria in August this year.

Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Devlin Hainsworth revealed at the weekend that Malta Guinness is proud to partner with Arsenal FC in Nigeria and for new Malta Guinness Low Sugar to be the Official Malt Drink for Arsenal’s Tour.

“Arsenal's great history and exciting style of play is set to energise and inspire Nigerians when they tour here in August whether they be fans of the club, fans of football or simply fans of the good things in life. We look forward to giving them a great reception on their first ever visit to Nigeria and also show them the passion we have for our football as well as the vitality and energy of Nigeria and its people,” Hainsworth said..

The Gunners’ will be playing their first ever game on Nigerian soil at the 60,000 capacity Abuja National Stadium on Sunday, August 5. As the team demonstrates their vibrancy and skill, Malta Guinness Low Sugar will be right by their side.

Arsenal’s Head of Global Partnerships, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We have a huge following in Africa, and Nigeria in particular. We are looking forward to working with Malta Guinness and Guinness Nigeria to connect with our many millions of fans in the region during the tour and beyond.”

As part of the tour, Malta Guinness and Arsenal FC will be providing malt drink lovers across the country with a variety of opportunities to interact and get involved.

Hainsworth also spoke on the new product saying: “We know that an increasing number of people in Nigeria are becoming more conscious of their health and want the same top of the world goodness of their favourite malt drink, Malta Guinness, but with a lower sugar content. We are delighted to be able to offer new Malta Guinness Low Sugar to meet their demands.”

‘Appiah Died Thinking of 3SC Job Loss’

2012-05-15T15:25:00.004-07:00

Joe Appiah

Wife of Joe Appiah, the deceased defender of the defunct IICC Shooting Stars, Juliet Monday revealed that her husband died thinking of his loss of the technical crew job of the 3SC feeder team.

Appiah was relieved of the job in the shake-up carried out in the team November last year.

The late defender, who was the last of the great Ghanaian players who plied their skills with the Oluyole Warriors, died on Saturday morning in a private hospital in Ibadan aged 62 years.

Juliet who spoke with THISDAY amidst tears at the Oke-Bola residence of the Appiahs, said that her husband’s illness became worse following the loss of his job.

Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dapo Lam-Adesina, sacked the entire technical crew of the 3SC feeder team where Appiah was an assistant coach.

He joined the defunct IICC in 1972 in the company of Phillip Boamah, Sam Ashante, and Sam Saka Abose who were all brought into the country by the late Lekan Salami.
Appiah is survived by his wife, Juliet and four children Nana, (13 years), Douglas {11 years}, Isaac (9 years) and Daniel (8 years).

He was part of the squad that won the maiden continental trophy for the country in 1976. The team captained by Sam Ojebode won the African Cup Winners Cup. He was voted by CAF as best Right full back in Africa the same year IICC won the African Cup of Winners.

Late Appiah won the laurel alongside the likes of Samuel Ojebode, Philip Boamah, Segun Odegbami, Folorunso Gambari, Idowu Otubusen, Best Ogedegbe, Muda Lawal, Moses Otolorin, and Nathaniel Adewole among others.

Desperate to ensure that Appiah survived the ailment, the management of the 3SC about three weeks ago visited him on his sick bed and gave him a cash donation of N500,000 to alleviate his medical bill.

According to Juliet, the defender was diagnosed with typhoid fever when he was first admitted in the hospital on January 19 and ever since he had been battling with his survival until the time he gave up the ghost early on Saturday.

He was re-admitted at the same hospital on February 8, 2012 when his condition worsen. Since then, his family has been struggling to keep him alive.

His wife who was been left to cater for the four children the defender left behind has cried out to government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the family, saying her petty business had been ruined since the bread winner of the family had been bedridden in the past five months before he eventually passed on.

3SC General Manager, Mutiu Adepoju expressed shock and sadness at the exit of Appiah which he said was coming barely a week after the death of striker, Rashidi Yekini.

Amaechi Red-Hot for Calabar Athletics Championships

2012-05-15T15:21:00.002-07:00

Amaechi Morton

Stanford University, USA undergraduate student, Amaechi Morton ran a blistering 48.95 seconds in the 400m hurdles at the weekend to win his first Pac-12 Championships title at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon and threw down the gauntlet as the athlete to watch-out for next month in Calabar at the 66th Cross River State/AFN All Nigeria Open Athletics Championships.

Morton's time was just a hundredth of a second off his own school record and the sixth fastest time in the World this year.

He is one of just eight runners in the World under 49 seconds so far this season and already has the Olympic `A' Standard.

A member of Nigeria's 4x400m relay team at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin, Germany in 2009, Morton, who changed allegiance to Nigeria that same year after coach Pat Itanyi convinced him to run for his country of origin instead of country of birth (USA) is seen by local athletics watchers as the athlete who could spring a medal surprise for Nigeria at the London Olympics later this summer.

A delighted coach Tony Osheku said Monday from his temporary base in Tunisia that Morton could be the athlete the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) needs to make the men's 4x400m team strong and qualify for the Olympics.

“Amaechi has always proved to be a very talented athlete and I want to advice the AFN to settle whatever differences it has with the athlete so that Nigeria can produce a formidable 1600 relay team at the Olympics as well as a potential 400m hurdles finalist. Remember he is the second fastest Nigerian so far in the 400m flat (46.12) behind Biola Onakoya who ran 46.08 seconds over the weekend'', said Osheku.

Morton is seen by many local watchers of the sport as the athlete who can break the 25 year-old 48.50 seconds national 400m hurdles record held by Henry Amike.

Meanwhile another American-Nigerian Itanyi has convinced to switch allegiance to her country of origin, Chinwe Okoro could derail 13th time national shot put queen, Vivian Chukwuemeka's comeback bid at the Calabar championships.

Chukwuemeka will be staging a comeback to the championships after serving her two-year doping ban but Okoro, who won the title last year is currently the national leader in the event with her throw of 17.39m.

Puyol Set to Miss Euro 2012 with Knee Injury

2012-05-08T12:34:00.004-07:00

Carles Puyol

Barcelona's Spanish international defender Carles Puyol could be ruled out of Euro 2012 after being told he requires an operation, reports BBC
The 34-year-old captain was sidelined for three months earlier this year with knee trouble and Barca confirmed he is now expected to be out for six weeks.
"After tests were conducted it was decided he would have arthroscopic surgery on May 12," the club said.
Spain's first game of Euro 2012 is against Italy on 10 June.
Vicente Del Bosque, who coaches reigning European champions Spain, will announce a provisional squad on 15 May, which will be whittled down to a final squad on 27 May.
Puyol experienced discomfort in his knee during Saturday's La Liga home victory over Espanyol.
He will miss Barca's final game of the La Liga season at Real Betis and Pep Guardiola's last game as coach, the Copa del Rey final on 25 May against Athletic Bilbao.
The powerful defender has been a reliable presence in the Spanish back line for more than a decade and has made 99 appearances for the world and European champions, scoring the winning goal in Spain's 1-0 semi-final victory against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.

World Cup Venues Will be Ready, Brazil Tells FIFA

2012-05-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

Some way to go for Brazil's best-known stadium: Rio's Maracana to be ready

FIFA, football's world governing body, has no reason to worry about preparations for the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo has told the BBC.
Rebelo was speaking ahead of a meeting at Fifa headquarters in Zurich.
FIFA officials are concerned that some venues in Brazil will not be ready in time for the Confederations Cup in 2013.
That event is seen as a key rehearsal for hosting the World Cup.
Brazil has spent billions refurbishing old stadiums and building new venues for the biggest sporting event in the country's history.
Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo insists there are no delays in the building schedule
But analysts say the work is running behind schedule.
Brazil's biggest and best-known stadium, Maracana, may not be finished in time to host the closing match of the Confederations Cup on June 30, 2013.
The two-week tournament gathers eight of the top teams in world football. Brazil, who qualify as hosts, will face the champions of FIFA's regional confederations, including Spain, Uruguay, Mexico and Japan.
FIFA regulations say all venues must be ready by February 2013, four months before the tournament takes place.
Ahead of the meeting in Zurich, Rebelo told BBC Brasil: "There is no delay and the building schedule is going ahead according to plan."
Now, a major corruption scandal involving some of Brazil's top politicians, may also get in the way.
A building company contracted to do one third of the work, Delta, is facing a congressional investigation after being caught up in the bribery allegations.
As a result, Delta is no longer involved in the Maracana project.
Rebelo said FIFA's concern is natural, "but we will show them all venues will be ready in time".
Jerome Valcke's remarks angered many Brazilians
Relations between the Brazilian government and FIFA were strained earlier this year after controversial comments made by FIFA's Secretary-General, Jerome Valcke.
Valcke said that that Brazil needed a "kick up the backside" and appeared more concerned with winning the World Cup than organising it.
He later apologised in a letter to Rebelo.
Rebelo told the BBC that relations had "neither improved nor deteriorated" since he took office as sports minister last October.
The Brazilian government has always said it is determined to deliver a successful World Cup as well as a lasting legacy.
The 2014 World Cup will be the first in South America since Argentina hosted the tournament in 1978 and the first in Brazil since 1950.

EPL: Wigan Send Rovers to Championship

2012-05-08T12:28:00.001-07:00

Blackburn Rovers manager, Steve Kean

Blackburn have been relegated to the Championship after losing at home to Wigan, whose Premier League status is secure for next season.

Antolin Alcaraz headed the Latics to victory from a corner late in a rainy and rancorous night at Ewood Park, reports the BBC.

Only a win would have given Rovers a chance of avoiding the drop but they were sloppy and shot-shy.

The visitors were lively in the first half, less so in the second, but took their chance to claim another big win.

It is a remarkable sixth win in eight games for the Latics and leaves them five points clear of the relegation zone with just one game left to play.

The result brings about a disastrous end to what has been a turbulent season for Blackburn and their manager Steve Kean.

The Scot has regularly been the focal point for abuse from frustrated Rovers fans, unhappy with his management and the way the club is being run by the owners, Indian poultry firm Venky's.

This continued Monday night in the form of mass chanting throughout, a lone fan invading the pitch at the start of the second half and, presumably, the reason why a chicken draped in a Blackburn flag appeared in the Wigan box five minutes into the game and had to be caught by Latics keeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Blackburn are the only former Premier League champions that have been relegated. They have suffered this fate twice. In 1999, they made the descent to the second tier, where they stayed for two seasons before returning to the top flight in 2001-2002.

The goal heightened calls for Kean's sacking and the exit of Venky's, which only increased when the final whistle blew to confirm Rovers' fate.

Six weeks ago, Venky's looked set to be rewarded for sticking with Kean when he led them six points clear of the drop zone following a win over Sunderland on March 20, but a disastrous run of seven defeats in eight games since then has cost the club.

The Latics success is testimony to their manager Roberto Martinez, who has stuck to his passing principles, and owner Dave Whelan, who never waivered in his loyalty to the Spaniard despite the threat of relegation.

Bayern Must Break Losing Streak, Demands Mueller

2012-05-08T12:24:00.001-07:00

Bayern Munich's Thomas Mueller (right) celebrates scoring with teammate Arjen Robben during the Bundesliga match against 1. FC Cologne in Cologne on Saturday

Germany star Thomas Mueller has said Bayern Munich must break their four-match losing streak at the hands of German champions Borussia Dortmund when the teams meet in Saturday's German Cup final.

Bayern face the first of consecutive cup finals this Saturday when they take on Dortmund for the German Cup at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, then face Chelsea at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 19 in the Champions League final.

The Bavarian giants have a score to settle with Dortmund having lost to them in their last four league meetings both home and away, while Borussia have never won the league and cup double, reports AFP.

They lifted the Bundesliga shield for the second consecutive season on Saturday after their 4-0 hammering of Freiburg, with second-placed Bayern trailing by eight points in the league table.

"When you lose four times, there is a certain anger," Mueller told German daily Bild. "We want to show them that this isn't how it's going to be for the next five years."

Mueller is not the only Bayern star itching to break the losing streak.

"We all have a burning desire, we want to win," said Munich's Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

Dortmund will travel to Berlin in confident mood: they are undefeated in their last 28 games and broke Bayern's record for the most points collected in a single German league season with their tally of 81.

"We want the double! It's never been done before in the 103-year history of Borussia Dortmund," said Dortmund wing Kevin Grosskreutz.

Loew Names Uncapped Pair in German Euro 2012 Squad

2012-05-08T12:21:00.004-07:00

Germany's head coach Joachim Loew (L) talks with his players during a training session

Germany coach, Joachim Loew on Monday named uncapped teenage midfielder Julian Draxler and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in his provisional squad for Euro 2012.

The two surprises in Loew's initial 27-man squad are Schalke 04's 18-year-old Draxler and Moenchengladbach's shot-stopper ter Stegen, 20, for the European Championships to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine, reports AFP.

Loew has named four goalkeepers and 13 midfielders in his provisional group but must cut four names by May 29 before taking a 23-man squad to Euro 2012 which kicks off on June 8 with the final in Kiev on July 1.

"Julian Draxler has not played for us yet, but he has enormous potential, especially with his speed in one-on-one situations," explained Loew.

With just one appearance for Germany, another surprise is the call up of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, one of five players from German champions Borussia Dortmund, while eight Bayern Munich players have been selected.

Twins Lars and Sven Bender, of Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund, have both been included.

With Dortmund and Bayern both in Saturday's German cup final in Berlin, Loew will take the bulk of his squad to a training camp in Sardinia on Friday before the second camp in the south of France begins on May 19.

Bayern's stars will join up with the Germany squad after the Champions League final in Munich against Chelsea the same day.

Germany has Euro 2012 warm-up games against Switzerland, in Basel on Saturday May 26, then face Israel, in Leipzig on Thursday May 31.

Having been drawn in Group B, Germany play all their games in the Ukraine when they face Portugal in Lviv on June 9, the Netherlands on May 13 and Denmark on May 17, both in Kharkiv.

Germany squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover 96)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm (all Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal/ENG), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielder: Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira (both Real Madrid/ESP), Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, Bastian Schweinsteiger (all Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Mario Goetze, Ilkay Gundogan, Sven Bender (all Borussia Dortmund), Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Schalke 04), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)

Forwards: Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio Rome/ITA)

EPL Scout Sad over Yekini’s Burial Site

2012-05-08T12:12:00.004-07:00

Rashidi Yekini

English Premiership League scout, Latif Alnasaar has expressed dismay over the last resting place of the late national striker, Rasidi Yekini.

Alnassar, who was among the mourners at Yekini's country home in Irra, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State remarked that the choice of burial site for the goal poacher lowered his international esteem.

The EPL scout, who is presently in Ibadan with FRENAGE-Progression International Soccer Academy (FPISA), fumed over how one of Africa’s greatest players was buried arguing that his resting place should be a monument site where visitors and coming generations will be visiting.

The former Los Angeles Galaxy player said the body of other great players of Yekini’s repute who died in western world were preserved in a monumental-like burial site, where it easy and accessible for anyone to visit and pay homage.

“This man was a respectable football icon throughout the world based on what he had done in African soccer scene while alive, so I think he deserved more befitting burial than this. And this place he was buried is damned too remote,” said the UEFA licensed coach who was in Nigeria to head technical crew of FPISA

He however, called on Nigerian football authority to do something about the burial ground of the man who helped Super Eagles win the 1994 African Nations Cup, where he also topped the goal charts.

Meanwhile, the financier of the last youth side Yekini trained with before his terminal exit, Janata FC, Hakeem Sanni expressed his team’s sincere appreciation to the 1993 African Footballer of the Year.

Sanni said Yekini was a God-sent to his club that recently won the All Eastern FA Cup which is organised annually in Ibadan by an Igbo group.

“It was Rashidi Yekini’s gesture that motivated our boys to win this first major laurel in the ten-year history of the team.”

Yekini on many occasions, according to the youth club financier, had registered youth clubs for local competitions so that they can measure their level of improvement but always warned them not to publicize any assistance he rendered to them.

A sports loving politician, Seyi Makinde in the interim, has described the death of Yekini as horrific and tragic and charged the federal government to name a national monument after the former African footballer of the year.

Makinde explained that it is high time Nigerian leaders from local, state and federal levels set aside trust fund managed by men of proven integrity to cater for Nigerians who have served this country with patriotism and courageously. ‘It is difficult to believe that despite the much publicized traumatized life Yekini lived before his tragic end, no government not even the Nigeria Football Federation showed interest or came to rescue the gangling striker from the strange ailment.

Meanwhile, former West Africa Football Union (WAFU) President and member of the Nigeria Football Association, Chief Jonathan Ogufere, has described Rashidi Yekini’s “exploits as yet unmatched in the annals of Nigeria football”

Chief Ogufere who is president of Association of Sports Veterans, Nigeria was speaking in Lagos in reaction to the passing away of one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers.

Eaglets Land in Calabar

2012-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke

The camp of the Under-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets opened Monday in Calabar, Cross River State.

Director of Technical of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, said 40 players were invited for the second camping exercise following the one-week screening programme in Abuja that ended some weeks ago.

“We are indeed very grateful to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, for the grace granted the NFF for all-expense-paid, one month camping exercise in Calabar for the Golden Eaglets.

“The Cross River State government of Governor Liyel Imoke have always been there for the NFF and Nigeria football. The administration hosted the African Nations Championship qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana in 2009 as well as the African Nations Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Madagascar in September 2010.

“Calabar was also one of the best centres during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009.

“Governor Imoke has underscored his love for the development of the Nigeria game by now accepting the Golden Eaglets, as they prepare for the qualifying series for the 2013 African Junior Championship in Morocco,” said Ikpeme.

The Golden Eaglets have been drawn to play Niger in September, in the first leg of a three-round qualifying series for the African Junior Championship Morocco 2013.

After Bamako Sad Experience: Mimiko Hosts Sunshine Stars

2012-05-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, on Sunday hosted players and officials of the Sunshine Stars to a dinner in Akure after the sad experience of been trapped in crisis-ridden Bamako, Mali last week.

The governor who was full of praises to God for sparing the lives of the players and officials urged Sunshine Stars not to be deterred by the experience but strive to win the CAF Champions League title for the country.

“Don’t be discouraged with what happened in Mali. You have to re-double your effort and go for the trophy. God has reason for sparing your lives in Mali at this stage of the competition. What you need now is determination and confidence. God will surely see us through to the final,” observed the sports loving governor at the Rev Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi Hall in the Ondo capital city.

Earlier, the Chairman of the state football agency, Segun Adagunodo, who was in the second batch of the contingent that was trapped in Bamako, recounted the ordeal.

“We saw hell in Bamako because what we went through was like a war situation,” Adagunodo told governor and the audience.

“We were trapped in the hotel and we were hearing gun shots as if it was music. There was a particular day the soldiers stormed our hotel in search of ‘enemies’. It was a traumatic experience for us. We thank God we came back alive.

“But I must say that the Nigerian Ambassador to Mali did not do well. While the crisis was on, I put several calls across to him, but he refused to respond. I thought the ambassadors were posted to foreign countries because of things like this.

“He was with us during the match and even in the hotel after we drew, but to my greatest surprise, he abandoned us at the time we needed him most.”

Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars won the 2012 Ondo State FC Cup, beating Rising Stars on penalties.

AFN/NDDC League: Police Dominate Third Leg

2012-05-08T12:06:00.004-07:00

Nigerian athletes

Police athlete, Ademola Akomolafe, at the weekend won the 100m event of the 3rd leg of the 2012 AFN/NDDC Golden League in Akure to make it almost impossible for any of the sprinters to lay claim to the jackpot prize.

But before Akomolafe posted his 10.62 against a head wind, the 100m final was not without its usual drama at the sports complex of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Abia sprinter, Jonathan Mmaju who placed second in the Port Harcourt leg in 10.38 behind Bamidele Taiwo beat the starter’s gun and so got disqualified.

Just like Usain Bolt at the last World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Mmaju lost the chance of picking the N30,000 at stake and the chance to also push for a share of the jackpot prize at the final.

Another police athlete, Tamuno Briggs (10.65) picked the silver while Chukwuma Onyeakwu (10.69) of the Customs club settled for the bronze. Both Bamidele Taiwo who won the event in Port Harcourt skipped the Akure leg while favourites, Elvis Ukale of Delta State was clearly off form and failed to place in the final.

“I am glad that I have proved here that I merited my invitation to the second phased national camp in Port Harcourt. This is my state and I know this track because I train here,” gushed the police athlete, who admitted missing the inspirational support of late Technical Director of the AFN, Sunday Bada.

In the women version, Delta sprinter, Margaret Benson, easily won the race in 11.71 while Peace Uko (11.75) of Ondo and Susan Obehi Akene (11.77) of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) placed second and third respectively.

Benson who won the 100m, 200m and the 4x100 events gold of this year’s Nigeria Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA) at the Federal Poly, Ede, swept past all, including, Josephine Omaka many had hoped would challenge her for the top prize.

“I almost lost the race because I slept on the blocks. The 11.71 I ran in this final is not as good as my PB of 11.58 in the heat,” observed the Otefe Polytechnic Business Administration major.

In the women long jump, Chinasom Amadi who won the first and second leg added this third leg to make her one of the sure bets for the jackpot prize.

Although the Civil Defence Academy jumper was unable to reproduce the 6.44m she opened her season with at the Shagamu All Comers, Amadi leapt 6.15m to clinch this third leg in Akure.

As it happened in both Port Harcourt and Nsukka, Mary Otoaruoh (5.96) of Mega Rocks and Adewunmi Ademuwagun (5.90) of the Police placed second and third respectively.

Another athlete in the fray for a share of the jackpot prize is Benue State middle distance, Agber Shiminenge. She also won this third leg in 2.11;52 mins. NSCDC runner, Philo Ihekandu (2.12;34) was second while the bronze went to Tobi Ashamu (2.14;14) of Oyo State .

Warri is to host the fourth leg of the Golden League on May 19 before the final leg slated for the main-bowl of the National Stadium in Abuja.

Yekini: Keshi Leads Coaches, Officials to Sign Condolence Register

2012-05-08T12:04:00.002-07:00

Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles technical crew and backroom staff on Tuesday evening took time off their schedule and on behalf of the players signed the condolence register of legendary striker, Rashidi Yekini, who died in Ibadan last Friday and has since been buried according to Muslim rites.

National team Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi led the team to the NFF Glass House in Abuja and was accompanied by assistant, Dan ‘the bull’ Amokachi, Sylvanus Okpala, Houandonou Valere and goalkeeper’s trainer, Ike Shorunmi.

Other officials who were there are team psychologist Robinson Okosun, scribe of the team, Dayo Enebi Achor, equipment manager, Chidi Ngoka, team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, physiotherapist, Wale Oladejo and Media Officer, Ben Alaiya.

The team was received by the NFF Scribe, Musa Amadu and afterwards headed back to camp to start preparation for training on Tuesday morning.

Below is some of what the coaches wrote on the condolence register:

Stephen Keshi: A wonderful person, a great player that our youths need to emulate. Sweet Sleep Yekini.

Dan Amokachi: A great loss to the football world. You would be missed the legendary goalscorer.

Sylvanus Okpala: A hero is gone, may his sould rest in Peace.

Houadonou Valere: A wonderful person, a great football titan.

Ike Shorunmu: Gangling, Rest In Peace

COMPLETE FOOTBALL

Presents Nigeria Vs Brazil 1996 Olympic Games Semi-Finals. Nigeria wins by 4 goals to 3.

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After Bamako Sad Experience: Mimiko Hosts Sunshine Stars

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Yekini: Keshi Leads Coaches, Officials to Sign Condolence Register

COMPLETE FOOTBALL

Presents Nige­ria Vs Brazil 1996 Olympic Games Se­mi-​Fi­nals. Nige­ria wins by 4 goals to 3.

Malouda Insists He's Staying at Chelsea

UEFA Announces Champions League Referee

Liverpool Eye Wigan Coach, Martinez

Keshi Names 11 Euro Stars for Jumbo June Qualifiers

Champions League - German view: Chelsea's last chance

Related links

Premier League - The day money in football got out of hand

Related links

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm better than Messi

Spanish banks have credit ratings cut by Moody's

“Start Quote

Lagos Backs Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp

MTN Football Scholar: 30 Kids to Enjoy Scholarship in America

‘Age Cheating, Bane of Nigerian Football’

Arsenal Nigeria Tour : Malta Guinness Teams Up With Gunners

‘Appiah Died Thinking of 3SC Job Loss’

Amaechi Red-Hot for Calabar Athletics Championships

Puyol Set to Miss Euro 2012 with Knee Injury

World Cup Venues Will be Ready, Brazil Tells FIFA

EPL: Wigan Send Rovers to Championship

Bayern Must Break Losing Streak, Demands Mueller

Loew Names Uncapped Pair in German Euro 2012 Squad

EPL Scout Sad over Yekini’s Burial Site

Eaglets Land in Calabar

After Bamako Sad Experience: Mimiko Hosts Sunshine Stars

AFN/NDDC League: Police Dominate Third Leg

Yekini: Keshi Leads Coaches, Officials to Sign Condolence Register

Presents Nigeria Vs Brazil 1996 Olympic Games Semi-Finals. Nigeria wins by 4 goals to 3.