EPL: Wenger hopes Arsenal play catch-up in title race

According to Arsenal’s meeting with Southampton on Saturday marks the start of important run of six games in 18 days as Arsene Wenger’s side play catch-up in the Premier League.

The new league campaign is only three games old but Arsenal already lie five points behind Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, who have all made perfect starts to the campaign.

And while Gunners boss Wenger is far too experienced to be overly concerned by the early league table, he knows the value of developing momentum in the title race before turning his attention to the club’s opening Champions League game at Paris Saint Germain next week.

The visit of Southampton offers Arsenal the chance to get off the mark on home turf after they lost their opening league game at the Emirates Stadium against Liverpool.

And Wenger will have a much more comfortable afternoon if Chile forward Alexis Sanchez can live up to his claim he is now ready to be compared with Lionel Messi and, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I have reached a level where I can compete with great players,” Sanchez said.

“I do not feel inferior to anybody. I liken my qualities to Messi and Ronaldo. I have the same abilities as them.”

Wenger is able to call on Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez, who both arrived shortly before the end of last month’s transfer window.

But anything less than victory will turn the focus on Wenger’s failure to once again bring in more world-class recruits, as well as the Frenchman’s long-term future at the club, just days after Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was linked as his successor.

Mustafi, the Germany defender signed from Valencia, is likely to come straight into the team, but Perez, a Spanish forward from Valencia, may start on the bench.

Nacho Monreal, the Arsenal left-back, believes Mustafi will have no problem settling in.

– Tough to beat –

“He will find it easy to adapt to the club,” Monreal said. “He has already lived abroad, he speaks the language and he knows Mesut Ozil.

“All those elements will lessen the impact of changing environments. Luckily for him, he will feel at home from the very first day.

“Mustafi is a player I like. He is experienced and really tough to beat, which makes him very suitable for the Premier League’s style.

“We really needed to bring a centre back to the club considering Per Mertesacker and Gabriel’s injuries, as well as Calum Chambers’ departure on loan.

“I hope he feels happy here from the very beginning so he can do for us what he does best.”

Alex Iwobi is set to return after recovering from the hip injury he suffered against Liverpool, but Aaron Ramsey is expected to again miss out with a hamstring problem.

Claude Puel is still looking for his first league win since taking charge at Southampton and is hoping it comes against Wenger — his former manager at Monaco.

“It’s the first time that we can play one against one as I haven’t met him in an international game or Champions League game so far,” Puel said.

“It’s the first time we can compete against each other and it’s a pleasure of course because he was a very important person for me and he’s a great manager.

“Arsene is an example for all the coaches because for so many years he’s done really well in the Premier League, with Champions League secured every season.

“People don’t sometimes realise how good his work with Arsenal has been, and I really think he’s a good example for all the other trainers.”

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FIFA World Cup: Flamingos daze South Africa

Nigeria’s national under-17 women football team, the Flamingos, on Saturday in Abuja overran their South African counterparts 6-0 in the qualifiers for the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The final round first leg match was played at the National Stadium, with the Flamingos dominating from the onset.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored four goals while a brace from Yetunde Fajobi, all in the first half, ensured the Flamingos take a commanding lead to the second leg game.

The Bantwana came into the game, looking like a team with the aspiration of at least keeping a clean sheet, but they were unable to curtail the Nigerian girls’ firepower.

Fajobi began the rout as early as in the second minute before Ajibade doubled the lead some minutes later.

Ajibade went on to score her second and third goals in the 28th and 32nd minutes respectively.

Fajobi scored her second and the game’s fourth in the 36th minute.

Ajibade completed her hat-trick two minutes later before adding another with a lovely strike in the 41st minute to potentially end the dreams of the South Africans.

The second half of the game saw no goal being scored as the South Africans strived thereafter to ensure minimal damage ahead of the second leg in a fortnight’s time.

Nigeria has participated in all previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final competitions, from New Zealand 2008 to Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Azerbaijan 2012 and Costa Rica 2014.

The team reached the quarter finals in the last three editions.

Africa has three tickets at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.

The other qualifiers to be decided within the weekend will see Ghana facing Morocco, and Cameroon taking on Egypt.

Source: http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/03/fifa-world-cup-flamingos-daze-south-africa/

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Video: Chelsea striker Diego Costa bite Gareth Barry after spitting at FA Cup referee?(Must Watch)

The Question is "Did Diego Costa bite Gareth Barry after spitting at FA Cup referee?"

Diego Costa appeared to bite Everton’s Gareth Barry at Goodison Park

He was sent off after clashing with the midfielder in the FA Cup quarter-final

Costa also seemed to direct a crude hand gesture towards Everton fans

In 2011, Luis Suarez was suspended for a similar incident away at Fulham

Everton won the Cup tie 2-0 and have made it to the competition’s last four

The Chelsea forward endured a torrid first half at Goodison Park in the Blues' FA Cup quarter-final with Everton.

The Spaniard was denied what appeared to be a clear penalty halfway through the first period and the frustration was clearly getting to the 27-year-old.

After a series of clashes with Everton's Gareth Barry, referee Michael Oliver cautioned the striker without booking Barry.

The game threatened to over boil as Costa remonstrated with the referee.

In footage which has since been shared multiple times on Twitter, the controversial striker appears to react to the decision by spitting in the direction of the referee.

The footage is far from conclusive, and Oliver did not respond to Costa's bizarre action.

The 27-year-old again clashed with Barry after the visitors had fallen behind to two goals from former Blue, Romelu Lukaku.

The pair clashed heads before footage appeared to show Costa biting the former England midfielder.

After another brief fracas, the duelling players were separated and Costa was duly given his marching orders.

Despite a number of high profile incidents during his time at Chelsea, this was the first time Costa has received a red card since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2013.

Watch Video Below:

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Transfer Reports: Mikel Obi Rejects Chelsea's New deal

Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has refused to sign a contract extension with Chelsea amid interest from three Chinese clubs.

Mikel Obi's agent, John Shittu, says the midfielder has told the club to wait till the summer before he makes a decision on his future. Shittu said: “Chelsea approached him for an extension of his contract but he said after the season he will decide. “He has so many teams interested in him, almost three Chinese clubs want him.”  

GET for FREE: Get the latest sports news on Dsportstech

Since the arrival of the new manager Guus Hiddink, the Nigerian international has been a regular figure in the starting 11 of the team. 

Mikel has been able to break into last season’s regular partnership of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas since Hiddink arrived. The Olympic silver medalist will become a free agent in 2017 and the club is keen for him to sign a new deal but he has refused to talk till the end of the season. 

The 28-year-old is in his 10th season with Chelsea and promised to see out his contract before Mourinho was shown the door owing to his poor run of form. *Report sent in by Akan Anwankwo

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Rooney, Drogba, To Play In Yobo’s Testimonial Match

Manchester United and England captain, Wayne Rooney and Chelsea’s former striker, Didier Drogba are among the stars from across the world scheduled to participate in Joseph Yobo’s centenary and testimonial game billed to hold in Port Harcourt on May 27 2016 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Joseph Yobo, former captain of the Super Eagles who remains Nigeria’s highest capped player with 100 appearances, three World Cup appearances and six African Cup of Nations appearances said that requests by players all over the world to be part of the testimonial was frightening.

Speaking during the unveiling of the programme for the testimonial match, Yobo, who captained Nigeria to its third African Nations Cup triumph in 2013, disclosed that many of the stars who played with and against him during his over 15 years sojourn in European football have indicated interest in coming to Nigeria for the game.

"I keep asking if we can contain the number of players who want to come here,’’ he said Tuesday at the Eko Hotels where he set another record, drawing 16 ex-internationals, four former coaches of the Eagles and six former captains of the Super Eagles to attend his testimonial Press Conference. Though Yobo could not speculate on names, he said that the scramble to part of his testimonial was huge but noted that his former coach at Everton, David Moyes would come with a team. ‘’Moyes coming with a team to me is huge. 

Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Samuel Eto Fils are all confirmed for the match in Port Harcourt.’’

Yobo played for over six years for Everton with Moyes as his manager when Rooney was just cutting his teeth as a player in the Liverpool-based club’s first team.

Yobo revealed that the match, which was early scheduled to hold in Lagos, was moved to Port Harcourt when the foreign players kicked against the artificial turf of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Earlier, chairman of the event, John Masteroudes, a former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) executive committee member, congratulated Yobo for being among the progressive elements in the development of the country’s football.

He said, “it is very difficult for anybody to play up to a 100 matches for the national team and I am happy that Yobo’s contributions to the national team is being appreciated.

Among the former Super Eagles’ coaches and players at the event were Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West, Ifeanyi Udeze, Peter Rufai, Augustine Eguavoen, Christian Chukwu, Amodu Shaibu, Fanny Amun, Henry Nwosu, Victor Ikpeba and Tajudeen Disu.

“I am glad that Oliseh decided to leave, not because he is not a good coach, because his presence was very divisive to the team.

“I hope that with Siasia we will have a united team with no more divisions because that is the only way we can think of getting a good team,” he said.

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Adebayor Rejets Togo Call-up

Emmanuel Adebayor has rejected a call-up to the Togo national team, ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Tunisia this month.

In January Adebayor who signed for Crystal Palace, is still fighting to regain full fitness and said that he prefers to focus on club football for now.

Read Also: Super Eagles improve on FIFA ranking

“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for having me selected for the matches against Tunisia,” the 32-year-old wrote on his Facebook page.

“This is an honor to play for my country. However, I don’t think this is the opportune r right moment. Indeed, probably as you know, I just signed for a new team in London and I am doing everything I can to be at 100 % physically and mentally.

“I’m practicing very hard with crystal palace [sic] in order to ensure the best results for the team during the rest of the season. And unfortunately I do not wish to interrupt this training because it would affect me physically and mentally. And I have to decline your offer to be part of the team for these games.

“I wish you all a great success for these matches and I will follow as your biggest fan.”

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Elegant enforcer Mikel steadies Chelsea

As we all know that Chelsea’s steady return to form under interim manager, Guus Hiddink has something to do with the assuming figure of holding midfielder John Mikel Obi.

Having started with just two of Chelsea’s final 16 Premier League games under Jose Mourinho, Mikel has started with nine out of 12 under Guus Hiddink in the only notable non-enforced personnel change that the Dutchman has made to the starting XI.

As well as being unbeaten in their 12 league games to date under Hiddink, Chelsea’s average number of goals conceded per game has dropped from 1.625 to 1, and Mikel’s defensive nous has been an important factor. “He’s the ideal player to bring balance to the team,” Hiddink said earlier this year. “He knows where the strength of the opponent is and he knows exactly how to cope with that. “He doesn’t do it in a very brutal way he’s very, very elegant. What I like to see very much is not just a quality player, but a player who can defend so smoothly. 

It’s beautiful to see.”Whereas Mourinho habitually paired Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, Hiddink has used Mikel, 28, alongside Matic  another leggy enforcer — and moved Fabregas upfield. This is a configuration which have helped Chelsea climb to 10th in the league, kindling hope that they may yet succeed in overturning a 2-1 deficit in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at home to Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel missed the two previous Champions League ties with PSG over the last two seasons. An unused substitute in both legs of the quarter-final in 2013-14, 

Recovering from knee surgery last season, he has already made his mark on this season’s last 16 tie, having been the source of two goals in the first leg at Parc des Princes. ‘I never get upset’. The Nigeria international conceded the free-kick from which Zlatan Ibrahimovic put PSG ahead, the Swede’s shot deflecting in off his foot, before slamming home from close range to earn Chelsea a precious away goal. Mikel has scored only six goals in a Chelsea career spanning almost 10 years, but he becomes a more expansive player when he pulls on the green number 10 shirt of his country, with whom he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. 

It was for his playmaking qualities that an 18-year-old Mikel was awarded the Silver Ball at the 2005 World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, losing out on the top individual award to a young Argentine forward called Lionel Messi. Those abilities prompted an extraordinary transfer tug-of-war between Chelsea, Manchester United and Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, his then employers, in 2005. Chelsea eventually agreed to pay £12 million ($17.1 million, 15.5 million euros) to United and £4 million to Lyn for his contract, but not before he had appeared at a press conference wearing a red United shirt with ‘MIKEL 21’ stamped on the back. Eleven years on, he has become part of the Chelsea furniture and is one of only two survivors — along with captain John Terry — from Mourinho’s first stint at the club between 2004 and 2007. While it was Mourinho who made him a Chelsea player, Mikel has made no secret of his relief over Hiddink’s arrival as a replacement for the caustic Portuguese. “Guus has come in again and settled things down,” he said recently. “Players feel free to play and free to take responsibility and thrive on that, but he’s done it in a very relaxed way, which is sometimes what players need. It feels great to be back in the side.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo will not leave Madrid — Zidane

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said there is no chance Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club while he is still in charge.

Three-time World Player of the Year, who opened the scoring in the first leg against Roma to take his tally in the Champions League to 12 in just seven games this season, was jeered by his own fans early in the second half against Celta at the weekend before exploding with four goals in 28 minutes. 

“I am the coach and I want Cristiano,” said the Frenchman, who also played for Madrid between 2001 and 2006. “They whistled me and everyone else. It is not about questioning the player, it is a fan base that always wants more from their players and that is good for the players to improve and always do well. 

“In the end, the fans will love the players and that is the most important thing. I always see a full stadium and that says a lot.” Ronaldo is expected to be joined in attack by Gareth Bale on Tuesday after the Welshman came off bench to score against Celta in his first appearance in six weeks after a calf injury. Bale wore socks with holes ripped out around his calves in an attempt to ease the pressure on his muscles after suffering a slew of injuries during his three years at Madrid. 

“I’m very happy after a few difficult weeks. It is great to win in this way, to come back, play and score,” said Bale. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Marcelo are also expected to return to the starting line-up after injury as all three featured in training on Monday. French international Karim Benzema remains sidelined by a thigh injury, so Jese Rodriguez who scored the crucial second goal in Rome and looks set to deputise alongside Ronaldo and Bale. Roma are without Daniele De Rossi and German defender Antonio Ruediger, who are both sidelined due to injury.

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Leicester City Renew Bid For Ahmed Musa

Leading English Premier League contenders, Leicester City, have renewed their interest in the race to sign Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, from Russian club, CSKA Moscow in the summer.

After unsuccessful attempts to get the Nigerian attacking winger in the January transfer window, officials of the foxes are reported to be in Russia to tie up a deal with the Moscow side for their number one target.

Leicester city are ready to put around £18 million on the table to for the 23-year-old former Kano Pillars striker.

There are indications that CSKA Moscow would likely hold out for the £23 million release clause in the contract of Musa when discussions resume with Leicester in the coming week.

Ahmed Musa had also attracted the attention of other leading English Premier League teams.

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Poor Marseille held to home draw by Toulouse

Marseille’s hopes of qualifying for Europe look all but over after they were held to an entertaining 1-1 draw by struggling Toulouse at the Velodrome on Sunday.

Marseille missed a host of good chances, and Wissam Ben Yedder ran clear to slot Toulouse ahead in the 55th minute.

But in Pascal Dupraz’s first game in charge, the away defence imploded as they have done all season, as Somalia put through his own net with 16 minutes to play.

Coach Michel has come under increased pressure in recent weeks, but Marseille would have expected to end an 11-match streak without a home win in the league against relegation-threatened Toulouse.

But instead they were held and stay seven points off the top three, and with Lyon playing later on Sunday that gap could quickly become eight.

Toulouse remain second-from-bottom in the table and nine points from safety.

The hosts desperately needed all three points to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, and they started brightly with plenty of early crosses being sent in the direction of Steven Fletcher.

The Scot set up a decent chance for Remy Cabella, but his powerful strike was beaten clear by Toulouse goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

The 17-year-old had to be alert again soon after, getting down quickly to keep out a low effort from Michy Batshuayi.

The best chance of the first half fell to Marseille full-back Mauricio Isla, but the Chilean was denied by the right boot of Lafont at point-blank range.

But Michel’s side were punished for their profligacy in front of goal when Ben Yedder raced through to give Toulouse an unlikely lead.

The home defence were caught sleeping and the 25-year-old forward took advantage with a cool finish for his tenth league goal of the season.

Toulouse were hanging on desperately as they looked to end a 10-match run without a win, and for just a fourth league clean sheet of the season.

But they shot themselves in the foot as Lafont spilled the ball straight to Fletcher, whose deflected effort was miskicked into his own net by Somalia.

Yann Bodiger almost restored Toulouse’s advantage, but Steve Mandanda produced an excellent flying save from the substitute’s rising drive.

Suddenly Marseille were struggling, but they were indebted to their keeper again as Mandanda brilliantly kept out Oscar Trejo with a one-handed stop.

Martin Braithwaite also had a glorious opportunity to win the game for Toulouse, but the Dane blazed over when he should have scored.

Source: Ngrguardiannews.com

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Barca Transfer News: Latest on Lionel Messi and Neymar Contract Rumours

Barcelona reportedly have plans in place to keep Lionel Messiat the club "well into his thirties," and the club will look to tie down his loyalties once fellow Camp Nou star Neymar has agreed new terms.

Lionel Messi and Neymar

Barcelona's president Jose Maria Bartomeu appears to have great faith in the Argentinian's longevity, considering Messi will turn 35 in June 2022 and, at that point, is sure to be far past his peak.

An extract from Llorens' report stated that Messi's commitment will also play a role in the club's plans to renovate the Camp Nou:

Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona are planning to offer Leo Messi an improvement on his current deal with the club. According to the story on the paper’s front page, the Argentine front man’s continued presence at the Camp Nou features heavily in the top brass’ plans to renovate the stadium. The Catalan sports daily alleges that the new deal will run until 2022, by which time the mega star will be 35 years of age.

Each player represents huge value to the reigning champions of Spain and Europe, but securing the long-term loyalties of Messi, 28, is undoubtedly the highest priority on the club's wishlist.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has established possibly the greatest silverware collection in football history during his 12 years in Barca's senior ranks, per Bet365, and it's only now the player may be entering his prime:

Messi has attracted transfer interest in the past and will continue to do so until he hangs up his boots, with David Beckham's emerging Major League Soccer franchise the latest club linked with a move for the player, per the Mirror's Paul Gorst.

However, a United States retirement party now looks unlikely for Messi, as his current club prepare to invest in his long-term ability and potentially see him end his playing days at the Camp Nou.

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Man United Lead Arsenal In Race For Ighalo

Manchester United have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Watford striker Odion Ighalo, the Sunday People has reported.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also reportedly keen on the Nigerian who looks likely to be the subject of a summer tug-of-war.

The Super Eagles striker has had an excellent season, bagging 15 goals this season but has failed to score in his last six games.

The Sunday People claim United plan on moving for the £20m valued forward regardless of who is in charge next season.

Ighalo joined from Granada in 2014 and, having helped guide them into the top flight and started the campaign so well, admitted joining United would be “a dream”.

Unfortunately, the 26-year-old failed to score when he had the chance to on three occasions in Watford’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United last week at Old Trafford.

Watford meanwhile are said to be already lining up his replacement​.

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FIFA Agrees To Video Replays For Referees: Trials To Begin This Year

FIFA agrees to video replays – After years of continuously rejecting it, football-governing body FIFA has finally approved in-game video replays for referee.

New FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the decision on Friday, calling it “a historic day for football.”

“What I would like to do is act in a responsible and modern way,” Infantino said on Friday in the Welsh capital Cardiff.

“It’s important of course to protect the traditions and football is such a successful sport because some wise people have protected it. But we cannot close our eyes to progress as well. We have to look forward and test it.”

According to Infantino, video replays would only be consulted in cases of goal decisions, and awarding of red cards and penalties.

- See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2016/03/06/fifa-agrees-video-replays-referees-trials-begin-year/#sthash.fTfhJ666.dpuf

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FOOTBAL RUMOURS: Liverpool ready to spend £100m in summer transfer window

The Anfield outfit are ready to go on a massive spending spree at the end of the season as they look to give Jurgen Klopp the resources to turn them into title challengers

Liverpool are set to give Jurgen Klopp a budget of £100 million ahead of next season as they look to mount a challenge for the Premier League title, according to The Sun.

The Reds currently sit ninth in the English top flight and are looking to regain their status as a Premier League and European powerhouse and have backed Klopp to replicate at Anfield what he did at Borussia Dortmund and take them back to the top.

And the club are set to hand the German coach a massive war chest ahead of the new campaign, with Klopp looking to sign a British goalkeeper, the tabloid reports, with Jack Butland and Fraser Forster his main targets, while a top striker is also on the list.

Source: Goal.com

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Super Eagles improve on FIFA ranking

Super Eagles of Nigeria has moved up a place in the FIFA's latest rankings released on Thursday.

Former African champions are now ranked 62nd in the world and 11th in Africa.

In January rankings, the three-time African champions occupied 63rd spot in the world and 12th in the continent before the one step movement on Thursday afternoon.

In Africa, Cape Verde toppled Cote d’ Ivoire from the summit of African football, though are 31st in the global rankings.

Côte d’ Ivoire is now second in Africa and 36th in the world while Algeria is third and 37th in the world.

Other Top-ranked Africans in that order include; 

Ghana (41), 

Tunisia (47), 

Senegal (48), 

Egypt (53), 

Congo DR (58), 

Republic of Congo (59), 

Cameroun (61) and 

Nigeria (62).

In the global ranking level, Belgium is still dictating the pace as the world’s best football nation, while Argentina, Spain, Germany, Chile, Brazil and Portugal followed in that order.

The trio of Colombia, England and Austria completed the top best 10 teams in the world.

The next FIFA world rankings will come up again, April 7, 2016.

AFRICA’S Top 11 Ranked Countries

1. Cape Verde (36), 

2. Côte D’ Ivoire (36), 

3. Algeria (37), 

4. Ghana (41), 

5. Tunisia (47), 

6. Senegal (48), 

7. Egypt (53), 

8. Congo DR (58), 

9. Congo (59), 

10. Cameroun (61), 

11. Nigeria (62)

WORLD’S Top 10 Ranked Countries

1. Belgium, 

2. Argentina, 

3. Spain, 

4. Germany, 

5. Chile, 

6. Brazil, 

7. Portugal, 

8. Colombia, 

9. England, 

10. Austria.

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NFF Officials to inspect Ahmadu Bello Stadium of Nigeria, Egypt AFCON qualifier

Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) says it will undertake a tour of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna to inspect the facility for the Super Eagles qualifier for the 2017 African Nations Cup (AFCON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles will take on the Pharaohs of Egypt in the first leg of the qualifiers for Gabon 2017 AFCON on March 23.

The return leg of the encounter will be played in Egypt five days later.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, told NAN on Tuesday on telephone that NFF is doing everything possible to ensure a hitch-free match against the Egyptians.

“We at NFF and the Director of Sports Facilities, National Sport Commission, in conjunction with the Kaduna State Government will tour the stadium on Thursday to assess the facility.

“We will sit down to assess the area and where they need to put in proper shape and the government will work towards improving on it.

“The list of the players will soon be released by the head coach in readiness for the match,’’ he told NAN on telephone.

Olajire, however, said that the football house would not comment on Oliseh’s outburst after the dismal outing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda, noting that the coach was on leave.

Nigeria is in second place behind Group G leaders, Egypt with four points from two previous matches, including a home win against Chad at the same Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The Eagles had drawn 0-0 with Tanzania, while Egypt have six points.

NAN reports that the choice of Kaduna as the home ground for the Eagles had in the past generated controversies, especially from the former Eagles Skipper, Vincent Enyeama.

The coach of the Eagles, Sunday Oliseh also expressed the same reservation about the choice of Kaduna Stadium as other people, citing mainly security issues.

But in spite of the criticisms about the choice of Kaduna, the NFF insists on the stadium as the preferred ground for the home matches of Eagles against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Source: http://guardian.ng/sport/officials-to-inspect-ahmadu-bello-stadium-for-nigeria-egypt-afcon-qualifier/

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Emenike vows Not to Return to Eagles

Super Eagles former strongman, Emmanuel Emenike, has ruled out the possibility of returning to the squad.

The striker, who is on loan at West Ham United from Fenerbache, has also predicted that the team will beat the Pharaohs of Egypt in their Afcon qualifier in Kaduna later this month. There were rumours he could be recalled in the wake of Sunday Oliseh’s shock resignation and the return of coach Samson Siasia, who first capped him for Nigeria.

On a conversation with Mtnfootball.com, Emenike said: “With due respect to the fans and every patriotic football lovers across the World who still wants to see me play for the Eagles, my decision is very simple in the sense that I will give room for other players in the team.

“I don’t mean to hurt anybody especially my fans who want to see me back for Nigeria. I know the fans are always supportive whenever I played for the country. I can’t turn back on the Super Eagles even though I am not going to be there again.

“The players also have been wonderful, they are my friends and I always motivate some of them to get better and lift the team. “I don’t want to look disrespectful to the fans, who have always believed in me and the team.”

On March 25, Nigeria to take on group leaders Egypt with a return match fixed for March 29 as the AFCON 2017 qualifying campaign gathers momentum. Emenike said he remains a big fan of the Super Eagles.

“Irrespective of my decision not to play for the team anymore, I am still a very big fan of my beloved country, which I have been even before I got the chance to play for the team.

“And even without me, Nigeria will beat Egypt with the talented stars from across the world in the team with the fans always there to ginger and support the team to victory.
“I believe Nigeria will beat Egypt and nothing will stop them from getting to the Nations Cup.”

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Barca to Establish Football Academy in Lagos

Barcelona to create its first Academy in Africa by concluding plans to establish its football academy in Lagos.

Yesterday, During a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode at the State House, Alausa, Director of Social Area, Pau Vilanova, said that Barca has finalised their decision on the establishment of the academy in lagos, Nigeria.

Leader of the delegation, Vilanova has revealed that the club had special interest in the city of lagos considering its population and other laudable achievement recorded by the State.

Barcelona's Head of Academy, Oscar Grao, said they wanted to be in the city because of its status as the fastest growing megacity, saying “We have 17 football Academies across the world. We have in countries like; America, China Canada and others. But there was none in Africa.”

“For us, it is an honour to be here. The establishment of such school in this part of Africa is very important. I think we have a special philosophy about the game that is how we defend and attack.

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Bayern to spend big to Retain Lewandowski

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller are closing in on the Bundesliga's record goal-haul for a partnership with the Bavarians reportedly set to spend big to keep the duo together.

Mueller netted twice and Lewandowski scored their third in Saturday's 3-1 comeback win at home to Darmstadt for the runaway league leaders.

It was Bayern's last game before Tuesday's crunch Champions League last 16, first-leg clash at last season's finalists Juventus.

Lewandowski is the German league's top scorer with 22 goals, from 21 games, with Mueller on 17.

It leaves the pair with 39 Bundesliga goals between them and 56 in all competitions this season.

They are chasing Grafite and Edin Dzeko's league record of 54 league goals in the 2008/09 season when Wolfsburg won the title.

Of course, both Bayern stars already have lucrative long-term contracts.

Lewandowski's deal until 2019 currently pays him around nine million euros ($10 million) per season, while last December Mueller signed a bumper extension until 2021 – worth a reported 15 million euros per year.

But Bayern want to offer Lewandowski a two-year extension – and would need to raise his pay to around the 18 million euros Real Madrid reportedly wanted to pay him.

With the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also said to be chasing him, Bayern need to ensure their star is happy – and at least as well paid as his teammate.

German magazine Sport Bild say the first round of contract talks took place in early February when Lewandowski's advisors Maik Barthel and Cezary Kucharski met club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and financial director Christian Dreesen.

Kucharski had stirred things up by saying there was "something in" rumours that Real were trying to sign Lewandowski.

However, the Spanish giants now appear to have given up the chase.

Marca journalist Carlos Carpio tweeted on Friday that chasing Lewandowski's signature is no longer "considered a priority" by Real, because "he is close to renewing with Bayern".

Source: Supersport.com

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FA Cup Live: Chelsea vs Man City

FA Cup fifth round: Chelsea vs Manchester City

Venue: Stamford bridge

Date: Sunday, 21 February

Kick-off: 17:00

Scores: 3-1

Diego Costa (Chelsea)  Assisted by Eden Hazard 35 mins

David Faupala (Manchester City) 37 mins

Half Time

 Willian (Chelsea) Assisted by Eden Hazard 48 mins

Gary Cahill (Chelsea) 53 mins

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea captain John Terry will miss Sunday's FA Cup tie because of the hamstring injury he suffered against Newcastle last weekend.

Oscar returned from a calf injury in midweek and could start, but Alexandre Pato is still short of match fitness.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he will rest several senior players, so youngsters such as Bersant Celina and Manu Garcia could feature.

Bacary Sagna is back in training and may return from a knee problem.

Chelsea

• 13Courtois
• 28Azpilicueta
• 24Cahill
• 2Ivanovic
• 6Baba
• 4Fàbregas
• 12Mikel
• 17Pedro
• 22Willian
• 10Hazard
• 19Diego Costa

Substitutes

• 1Begovic
• 8Oscar
• 14Traore
• 18Remy
• 20Miazga
• 21Matic
• 36Loftus-Cheek

Man City

• 13Caballero
• 5Zabaleta
• 53Adarabioyo
• 26Demichelis
• 11Kolarov
• 76Garcia Alonso
• 75García Serrano
• 6Fernando
• 59Celina
• 72Iheanacho
• 51Faupala

Substitutes

• 1Hart
• 4Kompany
• 7Sterling
• 22Clichy
• 25Fernandinho
• 62Barker
• 77Humphreys-Grant

Referee:

Andre Marriner

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