Jay Jay Okocha deflect ball skills

Weekend English Premiership League Fixture Saturday 1st March 2014

Everton     vs    West Ham

Fulham      vs       Chelsea

Hull           vs       Newcastle

Stock       vs       Arsenal

Southampton  vs     Liverpool



Sunday 2nd March 2014

Aston Villa    vs     Norwich

Swansea      vs    Crystal Palace

Tottenham    vs         Cardiff




Saturday 8th March 2014



West Brom     vs     Man Utd


Cardiff            vs      Fulham

 

Nicolas Anelka banned and fined £80,000 for 'quenelle' gesture

It is a hand gesture devised by French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala  above left with Anelka.


West Bromwich Albion have suspended striker Nicolas Anelka  after he was banned for five matches and fine £80,000 for his "quenelle" gesture.

He has also been ordered to complete a compulsory education course , following a two - day Football Association hearing.

West Brom have suspended him until the outcome of any appeal and the club inquiry.

Anelka is considering weather to appeal against the FA's ruling if he does , his five  - match ban and fine would be put on hold pending the outcome.

Franz Beckenbauer backs Libya as 2017 Nations Cup hosts

Football icon and German former International Franz Beckenbauer will be an ambassador for Libya as the hosts of the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The 68 - year - old , who won the World Cup as a player and a coach , agreed to the role while in Tripoli

Football icon  Beckenbauer promised he will do whatever he can to help Libya make this event something special, Libya FA member Mabrouk ALMisrati told BBC Sport.

Nigeria's Dike will miss World Cup 2014 in Brazil

Nigerian International and Toronto striker Bright Dike has been ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup squad after surgery on an Achilles injury.

Dike tore his Achilles tendon for the second time in three years during a training session two weeks ago.

Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi said of the 27 - year old " Ifelt terribly bad for him when i first heard , unfortunately injury is part of football.

"Luckily he has had a successful surgery , but will miss the World Cup he worked extremely hard to be part of the team"

Emmanuel Adebayor thanks Spurs boss Tim Sherwood for bringing him back into Form

Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed the influence of Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood after his recent run of goalscoring form. He is now a new man under Tim Sherwood , after being locked out in the cold by former boss Andre Villas - Boas during the portuguese managers time as Tottenham boss.

Tim Sherwood Spurs manager has urged his players to display the same character showed in the Europa League win against FC Dinpro in the quest for the Champions League qualification.

Tottenham were 2- 0  behind in the last 32 tie before scoring three second half goals to progress over two legs.

Tim Sherwood said " We need to play with more character , more spirit, on a consistent basis"

Spurs dominated the game but were a goal down from Roman Zozulya header while Spurs pull a goal back from Midfielder Christan Eriksen , before Zozulya was send off for headbutting Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen.

The number advantage allowed the north London side to take control and in form striker Emmanuel Adebayo scored two goals to set up a last 16 clash against Portuguese League leaders Benfica next month.

Barcelona suffer shock defeat at Real Sociedad

                                           Real Sociedad 3 - 1 Barcelona

Barcelona lost ground on arch rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish title race after a deserved loss at Real Sociedad.

Needing victory to move level with Real, who won earlier in the day, Barca trailed when Alex Song headed into his own goal shortly after the half hour.
The visitors levelled within four minutes as Lionel Messi fired a precise 18-yard shot into the bottom corner.
Antoine Griezmann slid Sociedad ahead again after the break before turning provider for David Zurutuza to prod in.
It was a disappointing display by defending champions Barca, who started the weekend on top of La Liga with a superior goal difference over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Mamelodi Sundowns agree deal for Nigeria's Ejike Uzoenyi

 

South Africa Club side Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Super Eagles winger Ejike Uzoenyi.

Ejike Uzoenyi was voted the Most Valuable Player at the recent 2014 African Nation Championship (CHAN) in South Africa. He has signed a four - year contract with the South African Club side Mamelodi Sundowns. However Ejike will be loan back to his former club side Enugu  Rangers of Nigeria, before linking up with new club in June.

Ejike on the official club website says " joining a club like Sundowns is a great deal for me because their ambitions to conquer Africa are in line with my career objective as a player"

Saturday 22nd February 2014 English Premiership League Result

Chelsea 1 - 0 Everton

Arsenal 4 - 1 Sunderland

Cardiff 0 - 4 Hull

Man City 1 - 0 Stoke

West Brom 1 - 1 Fulham

West Ham 3 - 1 Southampton

Crystal Palace 0 - 2 Man Utd

Uche returns for Villarreal

Ikechukwu Uche has overcome his injury problems and should be available for selection when Villarreal travel to face Espanyol on Monday.

The 30 - year - old was substituted in the first half of Villarreal 's 3 - 1 win over Osasuna two weeks ago, after picking up a minor hamstring injury.

The two game that Uche did not play , Villarreal lose 4 - 2 to Real Madrid. Before going on to suffer an embarrassing 2 - 0 home loss to Celta Vigo last weekend

 

Uche was picture training with the rest of his teammates in images published by the club on their official website. The return of their top scorer Marcelino Garcia 's has boosted the team and hope to reverse their fortunes this weekend, having already slipped down to fifth place on the Primeria Liga table

Arsenal red card 'killed the game', says boss Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the referee "killed the game" after he send off goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny during the first leg of their last - 16 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich.

The referee Nicola Rizzoli showed Szczesny a straight red card after he tripped Bayern Arjen Robben in the first half of Wednesday's 2 -0 defeat at home to the Champions League holders.

Bayern's David Alaba hit the post from the resulting penalty but the German side were able to take complete control of the game as they took advantage of the extra man , eventually winning the match through Kross and Thomas Muller goals.

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal stronger since Bayern Munich loss

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side are a stronger team since their Champions League loss to Bayern Munich last year.

Arsenal lost the tie against Bayern Munich last year on away goal losing 3 - 1 in the first leg of their previous last 16 clash . Tonight Arsenal face the German and European Champion once again in the last 16 this time the first leg again at the Emirates.

Aluko clinging to World Cup hopes

Nigerian international and Hull City forward Sone Aluko is now fit and insists he has not given up hope of going to the World Cup in Brazil with Nigeria.

The former England youth international switched allegiances five years ago and made his Super Eagles debut in 2009.

Aluko now 25 has not played for his country National team since June 2012 and has been over looked for next month's friendly against Mexico in Atlanta , Georgia.

More so, Aluko is hoping the fact he is back playing for Hull City could help his chance of playing for Nigeria Super Eagles in the World Cup.

Aluko told bbc spot "I believe I do have a chance of making the World Cup squad, even though I have been out of the squad for a long time"

Guinea reappoint Michel Dussuyer as coach

Frenchman Michel Dussuyer has been reappointed as Guinea coach , just two months after his contract with the Guinean National team expired.

The 54 - year - old had been in charge of Guinea National team since 2010, but was told Guinea would explore other options when his deal ran out at the end of last year.

In 2006, he was an assistant coach to Henri Michel for the Cote d 'Ivoire National football team   

Babangida gets new deal

The former Nigeria international footballer Tijani Babangida has been handed a two year contract extension as the chairman of FC Taraba.

The Taraba state government decided to extend Babangida 's contract at the helm of the club after he successfully lead the club to earn promotion to  the Glo Premier League.

Tijani Babangida's contracted expired last year , but the former winger remained in the club while he awaits the renewal of his contract.

Tijania Babangida is currently getting his team ready for the New Premier League season which commences on March 7th.

FC Taraba will be hosting neihgouring Nassarawa United in the opening fixture of the Glo Premier League season 2014, the match will take place at the Jalingo City Stadium.

Champions League: Barcelona wary despite beating Man City

Manchester City's Champions League ambitions look all but extinguished after Lionel Messi and Dani Alves gave Barcelona victory in the last 16 first lege at Etihad stadium.

The deadlock was broken by Lionel Messi in the 54th minute , he was fouled by Mnachester City defender Martin Demichelis , who was send off for the challenge that was initially made outside the penalty area.

And despite a good response from Manchester City , Alves  delivered what is surely the decisive blow when he exchanged passes with Neymar before sliding a cool finish under City keeper Joe Hart in the final minute.

Manchester City now have a difficult second leg in the Nou Camp

Nigerian Bright Dike suffers World Cup blow

Bright Dike Nigeria striker has suffered an injury that may rule him out of the World Cup in Rio, Brazil.

The player tore his Achilles tendon during a training session with his club Toronto FC and  these is the second time in three years he has had these kind of injury.

 Dike , who was set to play for Nigeria against Mexico in a friendly on 5 March , wrote on Twitter that Monday was the "worst day of my life"

His club MLS club Toronto FC issued a statement on Dike's status on Monday evening saying he "sustained a leg injury on Monday morning while practicing with the team in Orlando , Florida. He will return to Toronto on Tuesday for further evaluation by the team medical staff"

M

Man City better than Man Utd - Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says his side have become the dominant force in the city of Manchester this season, as they prepare to take on Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Chilean acknowledged Manchester United's United record, but said "if we only consider this season, there is one club in Manchester and it is ours". He added " We are aiming to keep growing by winning many trophies - not just national but international trophies."

City are third in the Premier League and trail Chelsea by three points with a game in hand . They have reached the final of the Capital One Cup, are in the last eight of the FA Cup and including their Champions League quest , are challenging for four trophies this season.

Meanwhile 20 - times  League Champion United are seventh in the League and face Olympiakos in the last 16 of the Champions League, but have been knocked out of both the domestic cup competitions.

Yaya Toure from Bare Feet to Global SuperStar

Yaya Toure current African Football of the year always had the ability and ambition he needed to make his journey from a barefooted boy footballer playing in the street corner to one of the best in the world according to people who know him best.

jean - Marc Guillou former France international was the coach that brought Yaya Toure to Europe from Ivory Coast. He saw him age 12 playing for ASEC Mimosas , and the huge potential he had .

Today Yaya Toure is among the best players in the world , he will play a big part in Manchester City mouth watering Champions League clash with his former club Barcelona this week

Igesund keeps South Africa job

Gordon Igesund has been given the backing of South Africa Football Association to Continue as coach of the national football team.

There had been talks in the media that he would be sacked following a poor performance at the recent African Nations Championship.

South African sport minster Fikile Mbalula branded the team " a bunch of losers" after the team failed to reach the second round of the African Nation Championship which South Africa was the host Nation.

Chelsea are Favourites says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Premier League title is now "Chelsea's to lose".

Chelsea hold a one- point advantage over the gunners , with Manchester City a further two points back albeit with a game in hand.
Arsene Wenger says Chelsea's slender lead means they are title favorites.

Cesc Fabregas 'flattered' by Man Utd interest

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he was "flattered " by Manchester United interest last summer.

The 26 - year - old was the subject of two close - season bids from Manchester United  but chose to stay at Nou Camp.

Fabregas says " I do follow the Premier League a lot and it's always flattering when a club like Manchester United talks very well about you and you can see they want you" the Spaniard told Football Focus.

Lazio Respond to False Age claims of Teenager

Lazio have threatened legal action against those who have questioned the legitimacy of the age of their 17 year old Cameroonian player Joseph Minala.

Lazio stated that his birth certificate is "absolutely legitimate"

Joseph Minala also issued a statement via the club's website denying he told an African website he was 41 year old.

He said " I have read the alleged statements posted on a website senego.net in which it says I confessed my real age which was different to what was stated in my official documents.

"They are false statements that have been attributed to me by people who do not know"

World Cup 2014: Joseph Yobo recalled to Nigeria for Mexico

Nigeria have recalled Norwich City's Joseph Yobo to their squad for a friendly with Mexico in USA on 5 March.
The 33 year old has not played for Nigeria since they won the African Cup of Nation in South Africa last year.
Yobo is Nigeria's most capped player with 93 appearances.

17-year-old Lazio player (who looks much older) quits social media after abuse

Joseph Minala , the 17 year old plays for Lazio , has now shut his social media accounts following abuse over his age. The pictures of the teenage midfielder shown on social media has a lot of people suggesting he is over 17 .
The Cameroonian has now blocked photos on his instagram account , deleted his Facebook profile and filtered over Twitter picture of himself.

He did , however. tweet the following message, which has been translated

"Envy is the weakness of a man, and those with poor soul hurt others when you are in Seria A. Love you!
Forza Lazio"

Lazio also released a separate statement confirming the paperwork on his birth is "absolutely legitimate" and registered with the football federation .

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Botswana appoint's Englishman Peter Butler as New coach

Peter Butler was unveiled as the new Botswana coach on Wednesday. The former player who had played for both West Ham and West Brom in his playing days is believed to have signed a two - years  deal and will fill the position left vacant since Stanley Tshosane was sacked last October

He told BBC Sport " i am really excited and looking forward to the challenge.

David Moyes says Manchester United need better luck

The following  picture leaked  below is David Moye's tactics board for tonight match with Arsenal. is all out attack you  judge it for your self .

                                                                           "Not Real"


David Moye's tactics have come under serious scrutiny following Manchester United's poor form this season so tonight match at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal is vital.

The manager says Manchester United need their luck to change to turn round their faltering season.

West Brom 1-1 Chelsea:

Chelsea miss the chance to go four point clear of the English Premier League. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his side "couldn't cope" with West Brom.

Branislav Ivanovic looked to have secured the three point for Chelsea and send them four point of the Premier League but Baggies substitute Victor Anichebe scored an 87th minute equalizer to earn West Brom share of the point 1 - 1 draw.

Franck Ribery to miss Arsenal First leg

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery will miss the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie with Arsenal following buttock surgery.

Ribery 30 years old, France international had an operation on 6th February to repair a burst blood vessel.

English Football Association will take no action against Yaya Toure

African football of the year 2013 and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will not face any disciplinary action over an incident with Norwich City Richy Van Wolfswinkel in Saturday's 0 - 0 draw.

The Football Association panel of three  ex - referees ruled that he should not be charged with any violent conduct, which could have seen him face a three - match ban.

However Van Wolfswinkel Tweeted  " Good to see Toure not getting suspended players like him belong on the pitch"

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants ban for Man City's Toure

Jose Mourinho says Manchester City's player Yaya Toure should be banned after appearing to kick Norwich's Van Wolfswinkel. The incident which was not seen my the referee Jon Moss's during the match but now the Football Association (FA) are waiting for the referee match report before taking a decision.

Mourinho says " if Yaya Toure is not suspended the message is clear - you can do what you want "

Barcelona Return top of La Liga

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Sevilla to return to the top of La Liga . The first goal of the match was scored by Sevilla Moreno, Barcelona came from a goal down to win 4 -1 the first goal was scored by Sanchez while Argentina forward Messi scored two goals and the victory was sealed by Cesc Fabregas

Man Utd hurt after Fulham draw

Manchester United players are disappointed after the 2 - 2 home draw with Fulham but still remains confident of turning the season around to finish in the top spot.

United are currently nine points short of fourth- place Liverpool after the late goal from Fulham Darren Bent's that snatched a point for the premier League 's bottom club

Emmanuel Adebayor struck to sink Everton

Tottenham  striker Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal in the win over Everton and give toottenham an important three point in the race for a place in next season's Champions League.

Tottenham has not lost a premier League game from a winning position this season and have won every league match in which Emmanuel Adebayor has scored.

Real Madrid Beat Villarreal with out Suspended Cristiano Ronaldo

The Welsh star Gareth Bale scored the opening goal as Real Madrid beat Villarreal to go top of La Liga
 4 -2 .  Real Madrid , who were without  suspended world footballer of the year 2013 Cristiano Ronaldo are now unbeaten in 23 games in all competitions.

                 Real Madrid   4   -  2 Villarreal
                 Bale 7                     Perez Martinez 43
                 Benzema  25, 79      dos Santos 69
                 Jese 64

AC Milan Lose 3 - 1 to Napoli

AC Milan who were unbeaten in the league under new boss Clerance Seedof gave debuts to Morocco midfielder Taarabt , on loan from QPR and Ghanaian International Michael Essien signed from Chelsea.

Adel Taarabt scored on his AC Milan debut but ended up on the losing side as Nopoli came from a goal down to win 3 - 1.

Emmanuel Adebayor Reveals Andre Villas-Boas Row

Emmanuel Adebayor has disclose the main reason for his fall out with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas - Boas. The Togolese international revealed that he criticised former manager in front of team - mates during the team poor run of form.

Adebayor made his point during a training session, after his complain he never played for Tottenham Hutspur first team again under former manager Andre Villas -  Boas .

Liverpool Score 5 Goals Against Premiership Leaders Arsenal

Liverpool Martin Skrtel and Raheem Sterling both scored twice while Daniel Sterling scored one.
Arteta converted from the spot for Arsenal,  after Steven Gerrard had brought down Alex Oxlade - Chamberlain.

Liverpool have moved to within five point of top spot of the English Premier League

Adam Johnson and Manuel Pellegrini Win January Awards

                                               
                                                               Adam Johnson

                                                            Manuel Pellgrini


Sunderland FC player Adam Johnson has won the English Premiership Barclays player of the Month award for January.

Adam Johnson scored five goals in four league games including the first hat - trick of his career during the 4 - 1 away victory at Fulham.

Manchester City FC boss Manuel Pellegrini won the English Premiership Barclays Manager of the month award. Manchester City FC scored 14 times as they won all four of their league matches in January and they also in the final of the League Cup and the fifth round of the FA Cup

2014 World Cup: Nigeria Supporters Club need N800 million Naira

   

The president of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club Rafiu Ladipo has revealed that the supporters club will need N800 million Naira to cover the travel expenses of at least 800 member of the supporters club to Brazil to cheer the Super Eagles at the World Cup.

The president of the Nigeria supporters Club says, they will need a minimum of N800 million Naira , which means N1 million Naira per person to go to Brazil. This include the air fee , feeding, accommodation and match tickets.   

Cristiano Ronaldo Loses His Appeal against a Three Match Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo loses his appeal against  a three matched  ban he received after being send off in Real Madrid  1 - 1 draw at Athletic Bilbao last week.

The Spanish Football Federation confirm they have upheld the red card. Ronaldo will Saturday game with Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will also be missing games against Getafe and Elche.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Gareth Bale will start in Ronaldo's place after recovering from injury.

Nigeria & Ivory Coast to play World Cup warm-up event in the United State

The Nigeria Super Eagle and the Elephants of Ivory Coast will play a series of World Cup warm up games in the United States that will also include Spain World Cup Champions.

The warm up matches will be played across North American between 27th May and 10 June, The countries that will be taking part are Greece, Honduras ,  Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bolivia and El Salvador who are not going to the World Cup are also involved. 

Michael Laudrup considers legal action over sacking by Swansea FC

Michael Laudrup now says he is seeking legal action  after being sacked as the manager of Swansea City FC on Tuesday  4th February 2014.

The legendary former Denmark striker who led Swansea City to League Cup success last year , says he was not even allowed to say goodbye to his staff. He has written to the League Mangers Association (LMA) to look into the way he was sack before taking legal action.

Nemanja Vidic to exit Manchester United at end of season

Nemanja vidic will leave Manchester United at the end of the season when his current contract expires. The 32 years old Serbia defender says that he will be moving out of England as he can not play for any premiership club after winning 15 trophies with Manchester United.

Vidic who was bought to Manchester United by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson for £7 million from Spartak Moscow on Christmas Day 2005 , have spend eight successful years in Manchester United FC now says he want a new challenge.

 

Legend Super Eagles Team of 1994 FIFA World Cup in USA

1:   GK Peter Rufai
2:   DF Augustine Eguavoen
3 :  DF Benedict Iroha
4:   DF Stephen Keshi
5:   DF Uche Okechukwu
6:   DF Chidi Nwanu
7:   FW Finidi George
8:   MD Oliha Thompson
9:   FW Rashidi Yekini
10: MD  Augustine Okocha
11: FW Emmanuel Amunike
12: MD Samson Siasia
13: DF Emeka Ezeugo
14: FW Daniel Amokachi
15: MD Sunday Oliseh
16: GK Alloysius Agu
17: FW Victor Ikeba
18: FW Efan Ekoku
19: DF Michael Emenalo
20:  FW Uche Okafor
21: FW Mutiu Adepoju
22: GK Wilfred Agbonavbare


Coach: Clemens Westerhof


The greatest Nigeria team ever and where are these guys now?

English Premier League weekend Fixtures

                  Saturday 8 February 2014  English Premier League Fixtures      Time 

 Liverpool        vs    Arsenal       12:45

 Aston Villa     vs     West Ham       15:00

 Chelsea         vs     Newcastle        15:00

Crystal Palace vs  West Brom        15: 00

Norwich          vs     Man city         15:00

Southampton     vs      Stoke           15:00

Sunderland        vs          Hull          15:00

Swansea           vs      Cardiff         15:00

Sunday 9 February 2014

Tottenham        vs        Everton      13:10

Man United       vs       Fulham       16:00

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Cardiff         vs       Aston Villa        19:45

Hull           vs       Southampton       19:45

West Ham seek legal route over Andy Carroll red card

West Ham United FC are now taking legal action after failing in their appeal to reverse the red card Andy Carroll received during there match with Swansea , which  West Ham win 2 -0 and Andy Carroll set up the two goals before he was send off .

The co - chairman of West Ham United FC  says the club has no alternative but to seek legal action to reverse the decision of the FA.

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