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,”

…
Entertainment / Sports

Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa acquires latest Range Rover Velar

Nigerian Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa has acquired the latest version of the Ranger Rover Velar currently valued at US$$65,195 (about N24m) in the US automobile market.

However, he didn’t share it on his page, it was Super Eagles right back Shehu Abdullahi who revealed the good news on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, June 12.

He shared a photo of the latest version of the Ranger Rover Velar and wrote:

“New baby arrive congrats brother @ahmedmusa718 #madman,” were the exact words of Shehu.

…

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.…

Sports

Nadal Wins 11th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal claimed an 11th French Open title on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 demolition of Dominic Thiem despite a worrying injury scare in the closing stages of the final.
The 32-year-old world number one now has 17 Grand Slam titles, just three behind great rival Roger Federer.
Nadal endured a nervy conclusion to the final, however, when he needed treatment in the fourth game of the third set for a finger injury before sealing victory on a fifth match point when Thiem fired a backhand long.
“It’s really incredible. I played a great match against a great player,” said Nadal.
“I had tough moment in the third set with cramps in my hand. I was very scared but that’s sport — it was very humid.
“To win 11 times here — it’s fantastic and not something I ever dreamed of.”
Nadal joins Australia’s Margaret Court as the only player to win 11 titles at the same major.
Victory also took Nadal’s record at Roland Garros to 86 wins and just two losses.
For Thiem, playing in his first Slam final, it was a tremendous letdown for a player who is the only man to have beaten the Spaniard on clay in the last two years.…

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.
…
News / Sports

Super Eagles Know How To Deal With Argentina, Croatia, Iceland – Rohr

Super Eagles Technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, has said the team remains focused to the task at the hand at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Having been pitted alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in a group D, Nigeria is expected to face Croatia on June 12. However, Rohr insists that they would take each game as they come before thinking about the knockout stages.
The former German defender says his wards know how to get their spring back when the whistle goes for kick-off at the Kaliningrad Arena on Saturday.
Rohr said; “We will take it one match at a time. I love this group because we know how to rise to the occasion together. Nigeria will be ready for Croatia.”
…
Sports

Fury Eases To Victory In Comeback Fight

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has won his long-awaited comeback fight in Manchester, defeating Sefer Seferi across four one-sided rounds.
The Albanian fighter’s team pulled him out of the contest before the fifth round could commence, with the 39-year-old having soaked up a number of punches.

Fury, who did not appear in prime shape after more than two years away from the ring, toyed with his opponent in the first round but landed a flurry of blows before the bell.
Seferi held onto his rival at every opportunity to buy time, but the punches that the Gypsy King landed in the fourth left him on shaky legs, sinking back onto the ropes and unable to face another round.
Fury and his promoter Frank Warren are yet to confirm who his next competitive bout will be against.
…
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.
…
Sports

French Open: Muguruza Thrashes Sharapova

Garbine Muguruza has powered into the French Open semi-finals with victory over Maria Sharapova.
Three of the last six women’s events at Roland Garros have been won by either Muguruza or Sharapova, but it was the 2016 champion who eased to a 6-2 6-1 success on Wednesday.
Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in action during her quarter-final match against Russia’s Maria Sharapova on June 6, 2018© Reuters
The Spaniard dominated all areas of the match – which lasted just 70 minutes – with a total of six breaks of serve being registered from 12 opportunities.
Sharapova had been given a walkover through to the last eight due to the withdrawal of fourth-round opponent Serena Williams but the five-time Major champion barely got a look in on Philippe-Chatrier.
Muguruza will now face Simona Halep, who overturned a deficit to register a 6-7 6-3 6-2 win over Angelique Kerber.
…
Basket Ball / Sports

D’Tigers Jet Out For 3×3 FIBA World Cup

The Senior Men’s National 3×3 Team has departed the country for the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup holding in Philippines between June 8 and 12.
The four-man team, which departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos aboard a Qatar Airways flight, was led by the Director of 3×3 Nigeria, Frank Jituboh.
The players are Azuoma Dike, David Godwin and Lucky Subel, all from Kano Pillars Basketball Club, and captain, Yahaya Abdul.
The captain expressed optimism that Nigeria, the current African Champions, can make an impression despite making their world cup debut.
Abdul said: “We have been in camp in Abuja for the last 3 weeks and we are prepared for the task ahead.
“We are in high spirit and ready to bring more honour to Nigeria.”
Abdul said the experience they garnered in Togo during the FIBA Africa 3 Championship where they defeated Congo in the finals to win the title has prepared them for the challenges ahead in Manila, Philippines.
Jituboh thanked the Nigeria Basketball Federation under the leadership of Engineer Musa Kida for total support given to the team.
He said: “Kida was the first person who saw the 3×3 vision and decided to invest in it through his AMK foundation when he was not even the President.
“I am not surprised that as the president of NBBF, he has continued to support the latest basketball format which has continued to grow.”
The team is in group D alongside Ukraine, Croatia, Jordan and Latvia.
They are expected to play two matches against Ukraine and Croatia, while on Sunday, it will be an encounter against Jordan and Latvia to determine their quarter final fate.
…
Sports

Joshua Close To Povetkin Deal

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is close to a deal to fight Alexander Povetkin – either before or after a bout with Deontay Wilder.
Joshua, 28, holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, with Povetkin in a mandatory challenger position for the WBA belt.
But talks continue for the Briton to face WBC title holder Deontay Wilder with all four titles on the line.
“We have to move because the WBA want to know what’s happening,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn says he is hoping for clarity on a Joshua-Wilder fight “this week” and the WBA would be likely to sanction the contest as long as Russian Povetkin, 38, was able to face the winner.
“We pretty much have a deal in place with Povetkin,” Hearn told Fighthype.com. “At the moment it looks like we are fighting him but that could change.
“At the moment the two options we have are we either sign for Wilder now to fight him next or we sign for Wilder now but fight him after Povetkin.
“So what fans need to know is they are getting the fight – it’s just a case of whether it’s September-October or December-February.”
No heavyweight has ever held all four recognised world titles, meaning any Joshua-Wilder bout would be a likely box office hit regardless of which side of the Atlantic Ocean it was staged.
Hearn feels the location of the bout is now one of the main stumbling blocks, with Joshua and his trainer Rob McCracken intent on fighting in the UK.
…
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.
…
Basket Ball / Sports

2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: D’Tigers To Open Camp

The national male basketball team, D’Tigers, will begin camping for their Group B qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup on June 19 in Lagos.
Afolabi Oni, the Nigeria Basketball Federation Media Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He quoted the NBBF Secretary-General, Chimezie Asiegbu, as saying the federation was intensifying efforts to ensure that the team maintained its 100 per  cent winning record in the qualification series.
Asiegbu said: “With invited players already contacted and their availability confirmed for the June window being hosted by Nigeria, the official list is expected to be released next week.”
He added that the team was initially meant to camp at Buffalo in the U.S., but after considering all indices, the team would now camp in Lagos.
He said: “We had planned to open the camp in Buffalo but good thinking has advised that we shouldn’t and that we camp in Lagos.
Ogunade explained that the federation would have wanted the team to train together for a longer period, but this would not be possible because of the players’ club engagements.
He said: “We also considered the financial implications on the federation’s finances. So, the players will stay in camp for just 10 days.
“We have a long list of players, but most of our players are in the middle of different competitions with their clubs abroad.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria are currently leading Group B, and their first match will be when they file out against Uganda on June 29.
Their second game of the window will be against Rwanda on June 30, before they face Mali on July 1.…