Category: Football

Football / Sports

Psychic pig who predicted Trump’s victory picks Nigeria, Argentina for semi-final

The psychic pig Mystic Marcus that predicted President Donald Trump’s victory has picked Nigeria, Argentina as semi-finalists for the 2018 World Cup.

The psychic pig has a history of sniffing out winners – and is hoping to continue his unbroken record for this summer’s World Cup.

Mystic Marcus has a 100 per cent track record of predicting sports results according to his owner Juliette Stevens.

The black micro pig had previously guessed the winner of the 2014 World Cup and the Wimbledon tennis finals by picking apples.

 

And the eight-year-old prophesier even predicted Brexit and that Donald Trump would win the US presidential election.

Now Mystic Marcus is putting his skills to the test once more by forecasting the semi-finalists for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

With bad news for England fans, Mystic Marcus expects Belgium, Argentina, Nigeria and Uruguay to make it through.

 

Farmer and micro pig breeder Juliette from Heage, Derbyshire, said: ‘Marcus is the seventh child of a seventh child and apparently they’re gifted with special powers so maybe that’s where it comes from.

‘A few years ago I was invited on a radio show because of Paul the octopus predicting results and they wanted to see if I had any animals that had the ability.

‘I hadn’t tried the seventh child theory out so thought I’d give it a go.

‘They used apples and oranges and Marcus predicted the football results, it was amazing.’

Juliette, 50, said after that first result they changed the method to make it more scientific.

Now Mystic Marcus, who has about 30 children and grandchildren, will pick from apples of a similar size and colour to make it as fair as possible.

 

The apples will include markers – such as pictures or flags – and Marcus will gobble down the winner.…

Football / Sports

I’m still learning how to dance Shaku Shaku – Alex Iwobi

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi, who is with the squad in Russia for the World Cup, answered some fun questions in a short BBC Africa video.

Special goal

My goal for Nigeria versus Zambia (Iwobi scored the winner against Zambia in Uyo, the goal that sealed the Super Eagles Russia 2018 World Cup ticket).

Favourite boy band

Kelechi (Iheanacho) has some low-key songs. I’d probably have (Ikechukwu) Ezenwa on the chorus or something like that.

Favourite Okocha goal

It has to be against Middlesbrough. He bent it in. I was with dad that day and it was amazing.

Best dressed: you or Aubameyang?

I believe I’m the best dressed. He’s a bit too flash. I don’t really like too much flash.

Weirdest item from camp mate

Kelechi actually brought a microwave when we were in London, of all things. But I found it useful because he was in my room and we could warm up our food.

Barcelona or Real Madrid on FIFA 18

Barcelona.

Best and worst roommates

Both have to be Kelechi. He has this tendency to be late and I don’t like to leave him behind because we’re roommates and I feel we’re in this together. But at the same time he’s fun, he’s always enjoyment. He’s the best and the worst at the same time.

Most difficult dance move

ShakuShaku. I’m still learning it and I have to learn it before the World Cup by force. I’m still learning the footwork.…

Football / Sports

Wizkid to perform at opening of Russia 2018 World Cup (details)

Viral reports say Nigerian singer, Wizkid, will be among the artistes who will perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup today.

He will reportedly be performing alongside with Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi, who will be performing the official world cup theme.

The World Cup will kick off with a Russia and Saudi Arabia match on the 14th of June.

At this year’s ceremony, the artistes will perform 30 minutes before the start of the game.

If true, then this is a big one for Wizkid as the whole world would be watching him.

…
Football / Sports

Super Eagles en route to Russia rocking matching green and white regalia

With all the rave going on about the Super Eagles world cup jersey, the Super Eagles of Nigeria make another fashion statement as they prepare to fly to Russia for the 2018 FIFA world cup tournament.

The super Eagles stepped out in a lovely green and white traditional matching attire coupled with matching shoes and fedora hats. So far so good, all the outfits worn by the team have been on point. This green and white native was first rocked by NFF Chairman, Amaju Pinnick during a FIFA summit held in Lagos.Their jerseys have been named the best for the tournament. The jerseys designed by Nike immediately sold out hours after they were launched for sale with Nike stating that they have no plans of restocking. The native attire was designed by Warri based designer, GT Stitches.

The players took to their social media spaces to flaunt their attire. Mikel shared some of the photos writing;

“Russia here we come #Naija”

Below are pictures showing the Super Eagles of Nigeria rocking the lovely outfit: 

The Super Eagles are drawn in group D alongside, Croatia, Iceland and three times champions Argentina.

Their first game will be against Croatia on Saturday.…

Football / Sports

Eagles Off To Russia Monday

The Super Eagles will fly out of their Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria to Russia on Monday for the 21st FIFA World Cup finals – their sixth appearance in seven finals since making a memorable debut in the USA in 1994.
Since emerging from an appropriately-styled “Group of Death” in the African qualifying series, becoming the first African team to reach the finals in Russia, the Eagles have played against Argentina, Poland, Serbia, DR Congo, England and Czech Republic in friendlies, winning two, drawing one and losing three.
Sweet victories over two-time world champions Argentina (finalists at the last finals in Brazil) and Poland were followed by defeat by Serbia, a draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo and losses to England and the Czech Republic.
…
Football / Sports

MFM FC Retain Lagos FA Cup

for the consecutive third time after cruising to a 3-0 win over Smart City FC at Agege Stadium on Saturday.
The Olukoya Boys had a shaky start, as Smart City FC dominated the early minutes of the first half, until Joshua Abah rounded Smart City FC goalkeeper, Timi Adeyoruju, to put the defending champions ahead in the 38th minute.
Smart City had clear cut chances to level the scoreline before the end of the first half, but squandered their chances allowing MFM FC to take their slim lead into the break.
MFM FC started brightly in the second half, scoring three minutes into the half.

Abah got his brace from a solo effort in the 48th minute as Smart City FC’s defence was all over the place.
The Olukoya Boys were in cruise control and soon got the third goal in the 68th minute, from a counter-attack, which saw Alade Balogun scoring a stunner which hit the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the net.
Speaking to newsmen after the game, MFM FC assistant coach, Alli Suleman Obinna, said the win is dedicated to the club’s media officer, Olawale Quadry, who got married same day in Lagos.
“It’s a very good feeling, winning this title once again. I dedicate this title to our media officer, Olawale Quadry, who got married today,” he said.
MFM FC will host El-Kanemi Warriors in Lagos in a Match Day 23 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Monday.
…
Football / Sports

NFF Pays Tribute To Late Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday paid tribute to the late Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, who passed away two years ago.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Keshi died on June 7, 2016 in Benin City at the age of 54 during cardiac arrest.
“Today we remember Nigeria and Africa football legend, late Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi who passed on, on this day in 2016.
“Thank you for the memories ‘The Big Boss.’ We can never forget you,’’ a tweet on the NFF’s official Twitter handle read.
Born on Jan. 23, 1964, the former Super Eagles defender represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations competitions (1984, 1988, 1992 and 1994) and played one game at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. (USA ’94)
Keshi led Togo as coach to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and also led Nigeria to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
He also won the Africa Cup of Nations title as a player in 1994.
The former Lokeren and Anderlecht star, also guided Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil equaling the country’s best ever feat of a second round berth with the team.
He played his first game for Nigeria against Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) in October, 1980 in a friendly game and later made his first competitive match against Tanzania in a World Cup qualifier in December, 1980.…

Football / Sports

Reading Completes O’Shea Capture

Reading has announced that they have completed the signing of John O’Shea from Sunderland.
The veteran defender will join up with the Royals on a free transfer when his contract with the Black Cats expires on July 1.
“John has played and won at the very highest level – he has won five Premier League titles, been part of a European Cup-winning side and earned 118 caps for his country. He will bring us fantastic levels of experience and proven leadership qualities,” Reading boss Paul Clement told the club’s official website.
“We looked very carefully at John’s recent playing statistics and he played a total of 40 games for Sunderland last season; he is still incredibly fit and a hugely motivated individual. So we look forward to him being a big contributor out on the pitch next season.”
O’Shea has signed a one-year deal at the Madejski Stadium.
…
Football / Sports

Fans Raise Alarm Over Uzoho, Super Eagles’ Defence Performance

Football fans in Ebonyi State have raised alarm over the performances of Super Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, and the entire backline as the team prepares for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
The fans were reacting to the Super Eagles’ 0-1 loss to the Czech Republic national team in an international friendly in Austria on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
Benjamin Umeh, Goalkeeper Trainer of the defunct Nitel Vasco Dagama FC of Enugu, noted that Uzoho was culpable in the lone goal scored by the Czech Republic in the first half of the encounter.
Umeh said: “Uzoho should have held the ball instead of parrying it to an opponent as he has proved vulnerable to dead ball situations in his previous Eagles appearances.
“The Eagles defence should realise that its opponents in the friendly matches are mince meats compared to more competitive opponents it would meet in the World Cup.”
Harrison Obasi, Coach of Ebonyi FA Cup Runners Up, Alter Nite FC, noted that Nigerians should not be alarmed if Uzoho falters at the World Cup in Russia.
Obasi said: “Ikechukwu Ezenwa bailed the country during the qualifiers when all goalkeeping hopes were lost following Daniel Akpeyi’s erratic performances against South Africa in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers.
“Ezenwa performed creditably in subsequent World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon, Zambia and Algeria and it is still a puzzle how (Coach Gernor) Rohr preferred Uzoho to him.”
Supporting Obasi’s assertion, Chima Ojigwe, a soccer Historian, said with the goalkeeping predicament Nigeria found itself during the World Cup qualifiers, Ezenwa could had been the best bet for the team.
…
Football / Sports

Man U Signs £17.4m Dalot

Manchester United have completed the signing of full back Diogo Dalot from Porto on a five-year deal.
The Portugal Under 21 international has joined the club for £17.4 million and has the option to stay an extra year in his contract.
United wanted a right back to compete with Antonio Valencia, who is 33 and needs constant treatment on a knee injury.
The 19-year-old can also play left back.
He broke into Porto’s first team in February in that position and played in his club’s 0-0 Champions League draw at Liverpool.
He helped Portugal win the 2016 UEFA European Under 17 Championship, scoring twice in five games in Azerbaijan including once in the final against Spain.
On signing the teenager, United manager Jose Mourinho told the club’s official website: “Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club.
…
Football / Sports

International Friendly: Rohr To Risk Ndidi Against Czech Rep

Leicester City midfielder, Wilfried Ndidi, may return action as the Super Eagles battle Czech Republic in a friendly on Wednesday ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Ndidi, who missed the DR Congo tie and the glamour friendly against England at Wembley Stadium due to an injury, is raring to go according to the Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye.
Ibitoye said: “Ndidi has resumed full training with the rest of the team. He is also ready for selection against Czech Republic.
…
Football / Sports

Breaking: Thieves Invade Super Falcons Camp In Gambia

Thieves in the early hours of Wednesday invaded the camp of the Super Falcons in Banjul, The Gambia.
The Super Falcons are due to play their Gambian counterpart for a ticket to the finals of the African Women Nations Cup.
Valuables were stolen from the camp by the invaders, including personal effects of the Nigerian players.
The second leg of the qualifying match is slated for the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos on Monday.

…
Football / Sports

World Cup: See Jersey Numbers Super Eagles Players Will Be Spotting

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have revealed their new squad numbers ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup.
The squad numbers were made known via a 59 second video on the team’s twitter handle @ngsupereagles on Monday.
Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa would adorn the number one jersey, while Spanish based Francis Uzoho has 23 leaving Daniel Akpeyi with 16 jersey as skipper Mikel Obi retains his number 10.
Newly signed Brighton and Hove Albion player, Leon Balogun, will settle for number six, while Russia based Byran Idowu will wear the number two shirt.
Portuguese based Tyronne Ebuehi will be seen in number 21, as fellow defender, Chidozie Awaziem will put on number 20 while Abdullahi Shehu holds 12.
Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is with number 17 jersey while recuperating Wilfred Ndidi will wear number four.
Forwards Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho will grace numbers 18 and 14, respectively.
Chinese based Odion Ighalo has nine; leaving newly capped Simeon Nwankwo with number 13, as Russia-based Ahmed Musa holds seven.
Chelsea’s Victor Moses stays with 11, as William Troost-Ekong has number five and Elderson Echiejile with three.
Jersey number 19 is given to John Ogu while Italy based Joel Obi has 15, leaving Oghenekaro Etebo with the number eight shirt and Kenneth Omeruo on 22.
The team continues its build up for the World cup, as it prepares to face Czech Republic on Wednesday in Austria.…

Football / News / Sports

Kanu Recovers Stolen Money

Russian police on Monday detained two baggage handlers at a Moscow airport on suspicion of taking cash worth $11,000 from former Nigerian skipper Nwankwo Kanu’s check-in luggage as he flew from London to the World Cup host country.
The world’s top soccer players and thousands of foreign fans are set to converge on Russia for the World Cup from June 14 to July 15.
Kanu, 41, who played for Arsenal, travelled to Russia to play a friendly organised by FIFA in Kaliningrad, one of the 11 host cities, alongside former England international Wes Brown and former Brazilian international Cafu.
He flew from London to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport before taking a connecting flight to Kaliningrad, the regional centre of the Russian exclave in Europe bordered by Poland and Lithuania. He reported the missing cash when he arrived at his hotel and discovered it was not in his luggage.
It was not immediately clear why he was carrying that amount in cash.
Police said they had detained two men who had handled check-in luggage for a flight from London to Moscow.
The former striker in a chat confirmed that the stolen money has been returned.
“It is true but they caught them and have returned it,” Kanu revealed.
…
Football / Sports

Russia 2018 world cup fixtures, See time and dates

Below is a list of fixtures for the Russia 2018 world cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have bee placed in group D alongside Croatia, Argentina and Iceland. Their first game will be against Croatia on the 16th of June.

The final 23 man list has been released by coach Gernot Rohr.

See the Russia 2018 world cup fixtures below.

FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 RUSSIA GROUPS

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 RUSSIA FIXTURES

THURSDAY, June 14/6/2018

1.RUSSIA vs SAUDI ARABIA (8:30pm)

FRIDAY, June 15/6/2018

2.EGYPT vs URUGUAY (5:30pm)
3.Morocco vs Iran (8:30pm)
4.Portugal vs Spain (11:30pm)

SATURDAY, June 16/6/2018

5.FRANCE vs AUSTRALIA (3:30pm)
6.ARGENTINA vs ICELAND (6:30pm)
7.PERU vs DENMARK (9:30pm)
8.CROATIA vs NIGERIA (5:30pm)

SUNDAY, June 17/6/2018

9.COSTA RICA vs SERBIA (12:30am)
10.GERMANY vs MEXICO (8:30pm)
11.BRAZIL vs SWITZERLAND (11:30pm)

MONDAY, June 18/6/2018

12.SWEDEN vs SOUTH KOREA (5:30pm
13.BELGIUM vs PANAMA 8:30pm
14.TUNISIA vs ENGLAND 11:30pm

TUESDAY, June 19/6/2018

15.POLAND vs SENEGAL (5:30pm)
16.COLOMBIA vs JAPAN (8:30pm)
17.RUSSIA vs EGYPT (11:30pm)

WEDNESDAY, June 20/6/2018

18.PORTUGAL vs MOROCCO (5:30pm)
19.URUGUAY vs SAUDI ARABIA (8:30pm)
20.IRAN vs SPAIN (11:30pm)

THURSDAY, June 21/6/2018

21.FRANCE vs PERU (5:30pm)
22.DENMARK vs AUSTRALIA (4:30pm)
23.ARGENTINA vs CROATIA (11:30pm)

FRIDAY, June 22/6/2018

24.BRAZIL vs COSTA RICA (5:30pm)
25.NIGERIA vs ICELAND (8:30pm)
26.SERBIA vs SWITZERLAND (4:30pm)

SATURDAY, June 23/62018

27.BELGIUM vs TUNISIA (5:30pm)
28.GERMANY vs SWEDEN (8:30pm)
29.SOUTH KOREA vs MEXICO (11:30pm)

SUNDAY, June 24/6/2018

30.ENGLAND vs PANAMA (5:30pm)
31.JAPAN vs SENEGAL (8:30pm)
32.POLAND vs COLOMBIA (11:30pm)

MONDAY, June 25/6/2018

33.SAUDI ARABIA vs EGYPT (7:30pm)
34.URUGUAY vs RUSSIA (8:30pm)
35.IRAN vs PORTUGAL (11:30pm)
36.SPAIN vs MOROCCO (10:30pm)

TUESDAY, June 26/6/2018
37.AUSTRALIA vs PERU (7:30pm)
38.DENMARK vs FRANCE (7:30pm)
39.NIGERIA vs ARGENTINA (11:30pm)
40.ICELAND vs CROATIA (11:30pm)

WEDNESDAY, June 27/6/2018

41.S. KOREA vs GERMANY (7:30pm)
42.MEXICO vs SWEDEN …

Football / Sports

Breaking News: Zidane Leaves Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has quit as Real Madrid manager just days after becoming the first coach to win the Champions League in three consecutive seasons.

Zidane, 45, replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2016 and despite his European success has come under pressure for winning only one La Liga title during his two and a half years in charge.

He told Real president Florentino Perez he would be leaving on Wednesday before informing captain Sergio Ramos.

“I know it is a strange moment for everyone involved,” said Zidane. “But it had to be done for everybody.

The players have nothing to do with my decision, it is about what I think.

Zinedine Zidane

“This team has to continue winning and need a change. After three years they need a new voice, a new way of saying things – possibly another way of working.

“That’s why I’ve taken that decision. I love this club, I love the president, he’s given me the chance to come as a player and a manager. I’m eternally grateful to him but today for me and for everyone we have to change.”

Zidane announced his decision on Thursday - having informed the Real Madrid president on Wednesday
Zidane announced his decision on Thursday – having informed the Real Madrid president on Wednesday

Perez said Zidane’s decision was completely unexpected after the club’s 13th Champions League title last weekend.

“It is a sad day for me and will be for the fans, the players and everyone at the club,” said Perez. “I wanted him to be next to me forever. But I know it is his final decision.

“I would have liked to convince him to stay on but I know what he is like.”

View image on Twitter
Sergio Ramos

✔@SergioRamos

As a player and coach you decided to say goodbye at the top. Thank you for two and a half incredible years. Your legacy will never be erased, one of the most successful chapters in the history of our beloved @realmadrid

Zidane opted to rest Ronaldo more in his final season in charge, while Bale became frustrated with limited first-team opportunities.

“I had the …

Football / Sports

Nigerian World Cup Jersey Voted Best Among 32 Nations In The Tournament

Seems like Nigeria is already winning even before the start of the FIFA world cup in Russia. The Nigerian jersey has been voted the best jersey out of the 32 nations participating in this year’s world cup.

In a poll conducted by Sky Sports, the Nigerian shirt garnered over 40,000 votes to beat world champions Germany to second place with 21,000 votes.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nike who are their official kits sponsor unveiled the official 2018 World Cup kits for the Super Eagles in London on February 7, 2018 to much fanfare.

Speaking on the jersey, Nike said:

“With a culture as vibrant as Nigeria’s, the collection had a lot to live up to.

“The central design theme is an abstract feather pattern inspired by the team’s “Super Eagles” nickname. Last seen during Nigeria’s 1994 appearance on the world stage, the design has been enlivened to capture the energy of the 2018 team.”

The home kit pays subtle homage to Nigeria’s ‘94 shirt, worn by Nigeria’s first team to qualify.

It carries a familiar badge modelled after the 1996 gold medal-winning Dream Team while honouring the 1994 shirt won by the national team.

Nike’s Football Design Director, Dan Farron said in designing Nigeria’s kit, the goal was to tap into the attitude of the nation while keeping in mind the full identities of players.

The American kit maker revealed that demand for the lively jersey had hit over three million worldwide before it officially hit the shelves last week.

…

Football / Sports

Arsenal Hire Unai Emery As Manager

Unai Emery is to become our new head coach. He joins the club after completing a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he recently landed the treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue.

Unai, 46, previously spent three seasons with Sevilla, leading them to an unprecedented three consecutive Europa League titles, establishing the club as a major force in the Spanish league.

Announcing the appointment, chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly. His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.

“We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted. All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.”

 

Unai Emery

Majority owner Stan Kroenke said: “We’re delighted to welcome Unai to Arsenal. He’s a proven winner. We’re confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want.

“Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game. His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive. He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsène Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success.”

Unai said: “I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game. Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I’m very excited

…
Football / Sports

Stoke City Sack Paul Lambert

 

Manager Paul Lambert has left relegated Stoke City four months after joining the club to replace Mark Hughes.

Stoke ended a decade in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Swansea on Sunday, but Lambert managed only two wins from his 15 games in charge.

“Whilst he was unable to guide us to safety, it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort, professionalism and dedication,” a Stoke statement said.

The Potters added that they plan to name a new boss “as soon as possible”.

Last week, the club’s owners said they would continue to give managers time “to prove themselves”.

However, the departure of the ex-Aston Villa and Norwich boss leaves Stoke looking for a third manager in a year.

“The club would like to thank Paul for his work over the past four months and wish him well for the future,” the club statement said.

“Paul would like to thank the board, players and staff for the opportunity and their support. He would also like to thank the fans for their unwavering support. Whilst looking forward to his next challenge, he would like to wish the club every success next season.”…