Football

France are World Champions!

France have emerged World Champions after defeating Croatia 4-2 at the Final of the Russia 2018 World Cup in Moscow on Sunday.

An own goal by Mario Mandzukic gave France a  19-minute lead.

READ OTHER STORIES

Antoine Griezmann’s ball-in was superb, left-footed and flat, Varane was close to winning it but instead it was England’s nemesis, Mario Mandzukic, who flicked a header into the top corner of his own net.

On 29th minute Croatia equalised through Ivan Perisic, a well deserved goal.

There was a free-kick and was nodded down, it bounced around just inside the area and Perisic then took a composed right-footed touch to bring the ball into his arc and then battered home left-footed, via a slight deflection.

France took the lead on 38 minute through a penalty, thanks to VAR. Griezmann easily converted the kick.

France made it 3-1 after Paul Pogba’s super strike on 59 minutes.

Pogba started it with a brilliant ball forwards into the run of Kylian Mbappe, he carried it downfield, and found Griezmann who then teed up Pogba. His shot was blocked but the ball came back to him, and Pogba clipped home left-footed past an unsighted goalkeeper.

Kylian Mbappe made it 4-1 for France on 65 minutes. With the goal, Mbappe becomes only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after the great Pele.

Again, Danijel Subasic did not cover himself in glory in the Croatian goal, he took a step to his left and Mbappe drilled into the other corner from about 22 yards.

Mandzukic reduced the tally for Croatia on 69 minutes. Hugo Lloris was to blame. The Spurs keeper got a back-pass, tried to take a touch around Mandzukic and he tackled him and put the ball into an empty net.…

Football / Sports

Chelsea Sack Antonio Conte

Chelsea have announced that head coach Antonio Conte has been sacked.

The Italian leaves after two seasons in charge, a spell in which he won the Premier League and FA Cup with the west London club.

Chelsea the winners of the FA Cup have released the following statement: “During Antonio’s time at the club, we won our sixth league title and eighth FA Cup.

“In the title winning season, the club set a then-record 30 wins in a 38-game Premier League season, as well as a club-record 13 consecutive league victories.

“We wish Antonio every success in his future career.”

 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Wednesday that the deal is almost done, saying: “Sarri is close to being new Chelsea manager. My lawyers are in talks with his lawyers to finalise everything.”…

Football / Sports

Papastathopoulos Completes Arsenal Switch

Arsenal has completed the signing of Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
The Gunners have announced that the experienced defender has signed a “long-term contract” after joining for “an undisclosed fee”.
The 30-year-old, who won two league titles and one German cup with Dortmund, will wear the number 5 shirt for Arsenal.
Sokratis’s previous clubs include Werder Bremen, AC Milan, Genoa and AEK Athens, and he also has 79 caps from the Greek national team.
New Arsenal boss Unai Emery previously already added experience to his backline with the signing of Swiss veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner from Italian giants Juventus.
…
Football / Sports

Sack Of Pinnick: Nigeria Risks FIFA Ban – Keyamo

The Solicitor to the Nigeria Football Federation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has declared that Nigeria risks FIFA ban should his clients be sacked from office.
Keyamo spoke in response to a statement by the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, directing his client, Amaju Pinnick, and members of the NFF Board under him to vacate office.
He said the directive that Ambassador Chris Giwa and his board members should take office does not have any locus standi.
Dalung had in a statement on Monday said the NFF should respect the order of the Supreme Court.
He said this was based on the position of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
But Keyamo said in response to the development: “The attention of our clients have been drawn to a statement purportedly issued at the behest of the Minister of Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung directing the NFF to comply with certain court orders effecting a change of leadership in the NFF.
“Our clients wish to alert the general public and the authorities in Nigeria that the so-called directive by the Minister of Sports is null, void and of no effect for the following reasons.
“Whilst our clients respect the sanctity of court orders, unfortunately the said court orders are not binding on FIFA, the World Football Governing Body. The NFF is an affiliate of FIFA. It should be noted that FIFA has consistently maintained that this same matter has been taken to the highest Court of Sports Arbitration in Switzerland by these same individuals and they have lost. FIFA is only bound by the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sports AND DOES NOT ENTERTAIN OR TOLERATE decisions by local courts in footballing nations worldwide. Hence, FIFA has since upheld the decision of the Court of Arbitration on this matter and recognized the NFF Board led by Amaju Pinnick. Nigeria has a duty to comply with that decision. In addition, for the indiscretion of those individuals like Chris Giwa to approach the local courts, FIFA has since
…
Football / Sports

Sampaoli To Quit Argentina

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli will reportedly leave his current post after his side failed to advance to the quarter finals of the World Cup.
The South Americans scored three goals against France on Saturday, but were undone by Les Bleus striker Kylian Mbappe, whose double helped the 1998 champions to a 4-3 victory in Kazan.
According to reports, Sampaoli made the decision after a meeting with Argentine president Chiqui Tapia following Saturday’s defeat.
The report says that assistant coach Sebastian Beccacece will also leave his role, as the country’s FA looks to replenish the coaching setup ahead of the next major tournament.
Argentina scraped through to the last 16 thanks to a late Marcos Rojo goal against Nigeria.
…
Football / Sports

Uruguay’s Cavani Has Swollen Calf Not Tear

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has a painful calf swelling but not a muscle tear, the country’s football federation (FCF) said on Monday at Nizhny Novgorod in Russia.
The federation said this piece of news has increased the player’s chances of being fit for Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match with France.
Cavani scored two brilliant goals against Portugal in Uruguay’s 2-1 last 16 victory on Saturday, before limping off with the assistance of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now he is fighting for a full recovery so he can again lead the line with Luis Suarez against France in Nizhny Novgorod.
A scan showed swelling in Cavani’s left calf muscle but no torn fibres, the FCF said in a statement.
“The player remains in pain. He will continue to do individual work and rehabilitation. His evolution is being monitored. The rest of the squad is fine.”
Reuters/NAN.
…
Football / Sports

Ex-Super Eagles player, Wilson Oruma finally Speaks on loss of N2 billion to fraudsters

For the first time, former Golden Eaglets captain and Super Eagles midfielder, Wilson Oghenekevwe Oruma, has opened up on his travail in the hands of fraudsters, who duped him about N2 billion in his bid to establish himself after retiring from active football.

Speaking about it for the first time with the Guardian, he confirmed the sad incident and revealed some of his relations were involved in the deal that saw him lose close to N2 billion.

“This is my first time of speaking with any journalist on this,’ he said.

“It is true that I lost all my savings to some people, who turned out to be fraudsters. I have read several stories in the media since then. Those stories did not emanate from me. They quoted different amount, which is not correct. I lost close to N2 billion.”

“The most painful aspect of it all was the fact that some of my relations were involved in the deal. You can imagine losing such huge amount of money to people you trusted. I pray for them to have a human heart and return my money, even if it is part of it. That is my prayer every day, and I know that one day, the hand of God will torch their hearts,”he added.

…
Football / Sports

Police rescue Mikel Obi’s kidnapped father

The Police Command in Enugu State says it has rescued Pa Michael Obi, father of Mikel Obi, Captain of the Super Eagles, from the kidnappers’ den in a community in the state.

The Command’s Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday evening in Enugu.

Amaraizu said the feat was achieved by the command’s operatives from the 9 Mile Division on Monday at about 2.30 p.m.

He said that the police operatives through a well-coordinated operation, rescued Pa Obi and his driver, one Ishaya John, unhurt in Egede axis of Udi Forest of Enugu State along Old Egede Affa road in the state.

The police spokesman said that the operatives also recovered Pa Obi’s Toyota Prado jeep.

“It was gathered that Pa Michael Obi and his driver were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu Road on June 29 in the afternoon on his way from Jos in his grey-coloured Toyota Prado jeep with registration number: MUS 604 CG and taken to an unknown destination through the thick forest part of the area.

“It was further gathered that the abductors started calling to demand a ransom of N10 million before police operatives acted on intelligence information and swooped on them.

“In the process of the rescue, a gun duel ensued between police operatives and the kidnappers which forced the hoodlums to abandon their victims inside the forest and they were promptly rescued,’’ he said.

Amaraizu said that Pa Obi extolled the efforts of the police which led to their rescue.

He said that Mikel’s father thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammad Danmallam, and the operatives for their efforts, saying: “I am happy with the police operatives’ performance’’.

“I am alive and healthy. I thank the commissioner of police and the police operatives for their efforts which led to our rescue,’’ Amaraizu quoted Pa Obi as saying.

The police spokesman said that a team of doctors from the police medical unit conducted medical check-up on Pa Obi and confirmed that “he is hale and hearty’’.

“The command is appealing to …

Football / Sports

Salah Signs New Long-Term Liverpool Deal

Mohamed Salah has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the Premier League club have confirmed.
According to multiple reports, the deal runs until 2023 and contains no release clause.
Despite only joining from Roma just over a year ago, Liverpool have rewarded Salah following a sensational debut season on Merseyside that saw him finish with 44 goals in 52 appearances.
The Egypt international secured the Premier League Golden Boot, finding the net 32 times to finish ahead of Tottenham’s Harry Kane with a new competition record for goals in a 38-game season.
Salah was also a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad in Europe, helping them reach the Champions League final.
However, the 26-year-old’s involvement in the showpiece event was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered in a first-half challenge with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, as Liverpool lost 3-1 in Kiev.
…
Football / Sports

FG Orders NFF To Comply With Supreme Court Order On Leadership Tussle

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports development has directed the Nigeria Football Federation, a parastatal under it, to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on April 27, 2018, which restored the orders of the Federal High Court setting aside the purported election into the Executive Committee of the NFF held on September 30, 2014.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, said in a statement that the directive followed a written notification signed for the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, requesting the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure compliance.
The notification stated: “I have been directed to notify you of the Orders dated June 5th 2018 made by Honorable Justice M. H. Kurya sitting at the Federal High Court Jos in respect of the above mentioned suit between Yahaya Adama Vs Alhaji Aminu Maigari which states that the election of the NFF held on August 26, 2014 under the leadership of Amb Chris Giwa be given recognition pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this case and that the purported ban of the Executive Committee elected on August 26, 2014 from football activities of the NFF is unconstitutional, null and void.
“It is trite law that court orders are sacrosanct and any acts of disobedience to it constitutes threat to the rule of law. Consequent upon the above, you are hereby advised to comply with the orders of court made therein which for now, is the valid and binding order of court, in the absence of any other subsisting order or judgment to the contrary.”
Owing to this, Dalung directed the parties involved to comply with the court order.
The Minister said: “This is a court order and not from Dalung. I will not want to go to Kuje prison because of disobedience of court orders. Therefore, I hereby comply with the court orders of June 5th 2018, while Mr Amaju Pinnick and others are also directed to comply with same.”
The order …

Football / Sports

Nigeria lost to Argentina through Victor Moses’ wing – Kenneth Omeruo

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo has commented on Nigeria’s exit from the 2018 World Cup.

He said the 2-1 loss to Argentina in their last group game on Tuesday in St. Petersburg was because the Jorge Sampaoli’s men made Victor Moses ineffective.

The Super Eagles were some minutes away from reaching the knockout stage of the tournament with a Victor Moses penalty cancelling out Messi’s opener but Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo volleyed home the winner.

”I felt bad, the team came from a situation losing the first game, the second game we fought well and won the game,” Omeruo explained to TVC Nigeria.

”We knew we needed that last game to seal it up, the support we got after winning the second game was amazing.

”We really wanted to do it especially for our families and for Nigerians but we were unlucky.”

The central defender added, ”They were attacking a lot, they blocked our wing, they knew we were better from the Victor Moses wing because he is one of our best players, they knew this.

”They pressed on us, we defended well until the last four minutes.’…

Football / Sports

Rooney Joins DC United

Wayne Rooney’s dream return to boyhood club Everton is over after one season following the 32-year-old’s move to Major League Soccer side DC United.
England’s record goalscorer rejoined the Toffees after 13 years at Manchester United, where he is also the all-time leading scorer, last summer but has left just 12 months later for a new challenge in the United States.
The move has been in the pipeline for several weeks and new Everton manager Marco Silva admitted last month he would not stand in the striker’s way if he wanted to leave.
“It is fantastic to be joining DC United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks,” said Rooney, who flew out to America on Thursday and has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.
“Moving to America and MLS fulfils another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give DC 100 per cent – as I have always done for every team I have ever played for.
“When I visited earlier this summer I was really impressed with everyone I met connected with the club, and of course the new Audi Field.
“Now I can’t wait to get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new teammates to bring success to this club.”

Rooney, who turns 33 in October, will occupy a designated player spot on the club’s roster and he will be officially added to the squad when the transfer window reopens on July 10, pending receipt of international clearance.
“This is a seminal moment for our fans and organisation,” said DC United’s managing general partner and CEO Jason Levien.
“Wayne is a global soccer icon and his presence at DC United will elevate our product on the pitch and soccer as a whole in our city and in this country.
“Wayne has thrived when competing at the most elite levels of soccer and we’re thrilled to have his leadership as we enter this
…
Football / Sports

FIFA punishes Maradona for raising middle fingers at Nigerian fans

Diego Maradona will no longer be paid as an ambassador of world soccer governing body, FIFA.

This is following the Argentina legend’s failure to control his emotions during their 2-1 win over Nigeria in the World Cup last Group D game on Tuesday.

The football icon celebrated Marcos Rojo’s winning goal for Argentina by raising his middle finger at fans.

FIFA termed his behaviour as embarrassing and provocative hence he will no longer receive the £10,000 he was receiving from the world soccer governing body, according to OwnGoal.

Maradona also ignored doctors advice not to watch the final minutes of the clash thereby putting his health in danger.

FIFA has also warned him to be of good conduct in the remaining games he will attend at the World Cup.

A possible stadium ban await the former Napoli forward if he acts in same manner like he did against Nigeria.…

Entertainment / Football

Timi Dakolo And Son Pictured With Vikings As Musa Vows To Score Today (Photos)

Singer, Timi Dakolo and his son, Alexander are on outreach winning souls for the Super Eagles with their awesome father son chemistry which came into play when the national team trounced Iceland 2-0 in their second match.

The duo stole a few hearts for the national team including two Vikings fan who posed with the music star despite losing the match.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles hero, Ahmed Musa is basking in confidence to score again for Nigeria ahead of tonight’s crunch clash against Argentina at the ongoing World Cup in Russia.

Super Eagles star, Ahmed Musa became ‘Lionel Musa’ on social media in Argentina last Friday after his two goals against Iceland which not only put Nigerians back on course for a last 16 place, but also restored the World Cup hopes of the South Americans, Reuters reports.

Musa has warned his new-found hero status in Argentina is likely to end abruptly on Tuesday night when the two countries meet in a decisive Group D game in St. Petersburg.

“Whenever I play against Argentina, or whenever (Lionel) Messi is playing against me, I score.

“Four years ago, in Brazil when Messi was playing against me, I scored two goals,” said Musa, referring to the 3-2 win for Argentina over Nigeria in a group game in Porto Alegre where Messi also netted twice.

“When I transferred to Leicester City and we played against Barcelona and Messi was in the pitch too, I scored another two goals, so I think in the next game anything can happen. Possibly, I’m going to score another two goals.”

Musa’s brace for Leicester came in a pre-season friendly in Stockholm shortly after he had signed for the then English champions from CSKA Moscow in 2016.

The 25-year-old is now the first Nigerian to score at different World Cups and with four goals the country’s all-time record scorer in the finals.

“I’m very good at breaking records and I’m happy now to be the top scorer at the World Cup for Nigeria. It’s not easy but I have …

Football / Sports

Leno Completes Arsenal Move

Bernd Leno has finalised a move to Arsenal from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
The German club announced via Twitter that the transfer has been agreed, which makes the goalkeeper Unai Emery’s second signing as manager.
The arrival of the German international, who missed out on a spot in the World Cup squad, calls into question Petr Cech’s position at the Emirates.
The former Chelsea stopper was recently handed the number one jersey, but Leno will aim to be first choice at the North London outfit.
German publication Kicker recently reported that the fee agreed was around £21.9 million, but the figure has not yet been revealed by either club.
Leno spent seven years at Leverkusen, but did not win a trophy during that entire time.
…
Football / Sports

Senegal Fans Tidy Up The Stadium To Celebrate Victory Against Poland

The Senegalese fans have been hailed after cleaning up the stadium 40 minutes after their game against Poland. The fans showed their civil side by cleaning up the stadium joyfully as they celebrated Senegal’s 2-1 win over Poland in their opening game of Russia 2018 World cup. Senegal recorded Africa’s first win at the ongoing tournament.

Coached by Alou Cisse, the captain of the Senegalese side which shocked France 1-0 on their road to the quarter finals of the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, the Teranga Lions of Senegal scored in both half to record an impressive win.

Led by Liverpool’s Saido Mane, the West African country which is the highest ranked African nation in the FIFA rankings opened their World Cup account through an own goal by Brazil-born defender, Thiago Cionek on 37 minutes.

Senegal, in only their second World Cup appearance since their 2002 impressive debut, however, held on to record an impressive win over the shell-shocked Europeans, and will look to take control of Group H when they meet Japan, who earlier recorded a surprise 2-1 win Colombia, on 24 June.…

Football / Sports

Nigeria Are No Walkover – Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has warned that Nigeria “will be no walkover” at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Albiceleste have defeated the West Africans in all their previous meetings at the tournament, but in November they went down 4-2 to Gernot Rohr’s side in a friendly tie.
They lock horns with the Super Eagles in their last group game at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium after ties with other group D rivals Iceland and Croatia.
And the Barcelona star is certain that the encounter with Gernot Rohr’s side will be a tough one.
“Croatia is a good team with players in the big European leagues and that makes them dangerous,” Messi told the Express.
“We don’t know so much about Nigeria but the African teams are normally compact, tough and strong. So it will be no walkover.”
…
Football / Sports

Breaking: English Premier League 2018-2019 Season Fixtures Out + Full Fixtures

Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defence against Arsenal on August 11.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who won the 2017-18 title in record-breaking fashion, will start the new campaign at the Emirates Stadium in what will be Unai Emery’s first competitive match at the helm of the Gunners.
City will then take on Huddersfield Town in their first home game of the season, before rounding off August with a trip to newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Indeed, the champions will face all of the three promoted teams in their opening six games before a difficult August sees them take on Liverpool, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom finished in the top seven last season.
The first Manchester derby of the season is scheduled for November 10 at the Etihad Stadium, and the reverse will take place on March 16 at Old Trafford.
Guardiola’s side will also face a mouth-watering New Year’s Day fixture against Liverpool before taking on London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea at home in back-to-back matches at the beginning of February.
An away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion will round off City’s 2018-19 campaign, with the champions also facing Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Leicester City in their final five games.…

Football / Sports

FIFA Picks Referees For Friday Matches

The referees’ appointment arm of world football governing body FIFA at the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Wednesday released names of officials for matches billed for Friday.
Three matches are slated for the day, with Egypt taking on Uruguay in Ekaterinburg in Group A.
In Group B, Portugal face Spain in Sochi, while Morocco take on Iran at Saint Petersburg.
The Egypt-Uruguay match will be officiated by 45-year-old Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers who is participating in his second FIFA World Cup.
Kuipers’ numerous high-profile assignments include two UEFA Europa League Finals (2013 and 2018), and one UEFA Champions League Final (2014).
At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, he took charge of three games and he replicated that at UEFA Euro 2016, his second European championship.
He will be assisted by compatriots Sander van Roekel and Erwin Zeinstra as AR1 and AR2.
Milorad Mazic and Milovan Ristic, both of Serbia, will be the Fourth Official and Reserve Assistant Referee.
Italy’s Gianluca Rocchi, who will turn 45 in August, will handle the second match of Group B between Portugal and Spain.
Rocchi took charge of his first Serie A match in 2004 and became a FIFA referee in 2008, making his debut in the UEFA Cup in the same year.
He was included in the referee pool for the Olympic Football Tournament at London in 2012 and officiated Mexico-Japan in the semi-finals.
The Italian will be assisted by compatriots Elenito di Liberatore and Mauro Tonolini as AR1 and AR2.
Ryuji Sato and Toru Sagara of Japan will be the Fourth Official and Reserve Assistant Referee.
The Morocco-Iran game has been assigned to Cüneyt Cakir, a 42-year-old Turk who has been a FIFA referee since 2006.
He took part in the last two European Championships (2012, 2016), among other competitions.
In 2014, he was allocated three FIFA World Cup fixtures in Brazil and was in charge of the semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina.
The Turk, who returned to Brazil two years later for the Olympic Football Tournament 2016, has …

Football / Sports

I Used to Hawk Grondnut and wash Windscreens — Wilfred Ndidi

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that he sold groundnut and washed windscreens in Lagos before he became a professional footballer.

Ndidi is a key component of Gernot Rohr’s team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup as he played a crucial role for the Super Eagles in the qualification series.

The 21-year-old has also been a top performer for Leicester City in the Premier League

In an interview with ESPN, Ndidi revealed that his path to success was not an easy one as he had to go through difficult jobs for sustenance in Lagos.

He said, “Sometime ago, I was a jack of all trade while my mum was selling, I’ll go and hawk for her. I sold different types of fruits and not even only fruit; I sold peppers, tomatoes, I sold groundnuts. Sometimes, they call me ‘omo elepa’. That is groundnut boy.

“And then sometimes, when I finish selling, I go to do a quick one for myself. I go for wiping glass of cars, cleaning and If I see I’m not making money, I can quickly go to buy pure water and start selling there.

Asides the selling of foodstuffs Ndidi did other jobs while hawking in traffic and revealed that it was to purchase a new pair of boots.

He said, “My best, I would say was making N3000. I finished selling so quick. I went to do the wiping thing for myself, just four different things I did in a day.

“I was so happy going home because I was saving to buy my football shoes.”

Ndidi has come along way since his formative years and is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the World Cup, and will be expected to play a key role for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“I was really doing so many things but it was okay,”

…