OAU Battles ABU, Others At Olumide Oyedeji Intercollegiate Basketball Championship

All is set for the Eight-Team Olumide Oyedeji Intercollegiate Basketball Championship billed scheduled for Mobolaji Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, from 19 to 27 September.


Four top teams selected from the last Nigeria University Games are: Ahmadu Bello University, University of Lagos, Federal University of Technology, Minna and Obafemi Awolowo University; while top two teams at the last Nigeria Polytechnic Games: Lagos State Polytechnic and Auchi Polytechnic; and the top two teams at the last Nigeria Colleges of Education Games: Niger State College of Education and Federal College of Education, Technical, Gombe.

After the draw, which was held in Lagos on Tuesday, OAU, ABU, Niger COE, and LASPOTECH were drawn in Group A, while FUT Minna, UNILAG, FCOE Gombe and Auchi Poly were drawn in Group B.


According to the Technical Director of the championship, Biola Shomala, after the first round, the top two teams in Group A would play the top two teams in Group B in a crisscross format to produce the finalists.

Oyedeji, a former captain of D’Tigers, told journalists at the draw that the championship, which he initiated, was aimed at promoting education and basketball.

The former Orlando Magic player said the championship would be another platform for promoting basketball in Nigeria, apart from the annual Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp, which would be held between August 31 and September 5.

The championship will be sponsored by the Olumide Oyedeji Foundation in partnership with Honeywell Flour Mill.


Source: Nigerian Bulletin

Oliseh Officially Unveiled As New Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF has today officially unveiled former player, Sunday Oliseh as the new national football team head coach after signing a new contract in Abuja.

Oliseh takes over from the much embattled and sacked coach, Stephen Keshi.

Super Falcons Ranked 29th In The World

After their first round exit at the just concluded 2015 FIFA women's world cup in Canada, Nigeria's super falcons have stepped up the ladder in global ranking.

In the recent ranking released on Friday, the African champions made a landmark by climbing four places up to occupy the 29th place in the world.
Continentally, the super falcons got a total of 1633 in the month of March till date and remained the best in Africa while the indomitable lioness of Cameroon overtook Ghana in second spot rising up 10 places to 43.

Furthermore, the black Queens of Ghana are presently 3rd on the continental log unmoved in 52nd and Equitorial Guinea remain fourth in number 55 while South Africa moved a place up to 59 in fifth spot and Cote d'ivoire remain 67th in the world.

The next FIFA ranking for women will be published on 19th December, 2015.

Wimbledon: Serena Williams Wins 21st Grand Slam Title

Serena Williams has defeated Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 6-4 to win her 6th Wimbledon Championship and her 21st Grand Slam title.

Congratulations!

Bribery Scandal: Sepp Blatter Resigns As FIFA President

Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president of football's governing body Fifa amid a corruption scandal.

In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old Swiss has called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.

Blatter was re-elected last week, despite seven top Fifa officials being arrested two days before the vote as part of a US prosecution.

But he said: "My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody."
Fifa was rocked last week by the arrests on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering as part of a US prosecution that also indicted 14 people.

A separate criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated is also under way.

"I am very much linked to Fifa and its interests. Those interests are dear to me and this is why I am taking this decision," added Blatter.

"What counts most to me is the institute of Fifa and football around the world."


Source

Floyd Mayweather Wins Manny Pacquiao In The Richest Fight In Boxing History

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was money once again in the richest fight ever.

Mayweather used his reach and his jab Saturday night to frustrate Manny Pacquiao, piling up enough points to win a unanimous decision in their welterweight title bout. Mayweather remained unbeaten in 48 fights with a win that cemented his legacy as the best of his generation.

Pacquiao did what he wanted to do, chasing Mayweather around the ring most of the fight. But he was never able to land a sustained volume of punches, often looking frustrated as Mayweather worked his defensive wizardry once again.

Two ringside judges scored the fight 116-112, while the third had it 118-110. The Associated Press had Mayweather ahead 115-113.

"I take my hat off to Manny Pacquiao. I see now why he is at the pinnacle of boxing," Mayweather said. "I knew he was going to push me, win some rounds. I wasn't being hit with a lot of shots until I sit in a pocket and he landed a lot of shots."

Both fought cautiously
The richest fight in boxing history — a bout that made Mayweather at least $180 million — wasn't the best. Far from it, with long periods where both fighters fought cautiously, looking for an edge.

There were no knockdowns, and neither fighter seemed terribly hurt at any time. Pacquiao landed probably the biggest punch in the fight in the fourth round — a left hand that sent Mayweather into the ropes — but he wasn't able to consistently land against the elusive champion.

The fight was a chess match, with Mayweather using his jab to keep Pacquiao away most of the fight. Pacquiao tried to force the action, but Mayweather was often out of his reach by the time he found his way inside.

"I thought I won the fight, he didn't do anything," Pacquiao said. "I got him many times with a lot of punches."

Punches never landed
A sellout crowd at the MGM Grand arena roared every time Pacquiao threw a punch, but a good percentage of what he threw never landed. Mayweather often came back with straight right hands, then moved away before Pacquiao could respond.

Ringside punch stats showed Mayweather landing 148 punches of 435, while Pacquiao landed 81 of 429. The volume of punches for Pacquiao was a lot lower than the 600-700 he usually throws in a fight as he tried to measure his aggression against an opponent who was hard to trap.

Mayweather fought confidently in the late rounds, winning the last two rounds on all three scorecards. In the final seconds of the fight he raised his right hand in victory and after the bell rang stood on the ropes, pounding his heart with his gloves.

"You're tough," he said to Pacquiao, hugging him in the ring.

Five years in the making, the richest fight ever unfolded before a glittering crowd of celebrities, high rollers and people who had enough money to pay for ringside seats going for $40,000 and up. Before it did, though, it was delayed about a half hour because cable and satellite systems were having trouble keeping up with the pay-per-view demand.

They paid big money to watch two superstars fight for their legacies — and in Pacquiao's case his country — in addition to the staggering paydays for both.

Pacquiao had vowed to take the fight to Mayweather and force him into a war. His camp thought Mayweather's 38-year-old legs weren't what they once were, and that he couldn't be on the move the entire fight.

"He is moving around, not easy to throw punches when people moving around," Pacquiao said. " When he stayed, I threw a lot of punches. That's a fight."

But Mayweather proved them wrong, moving well and taking pot shots at Pacquiao. His only real moment of trouble came in the fourth round when Pacquiao landed his left hand and then flurried to Mayweather's head on the ropes, but he escaped and shook his head at Pacquiao as if to say you didn't hurt me.

In the corner between rounds, Mayweather's father, Floyd Sr. kept yelling at his son to do more. But Mayweather was content to stick with what was working and not take a risk that could cost him the fight.

"I'm a calculated fighter, he is a tough competitor," Mayweather said. "My dad wanted me to do more but Pacquiao is an awkward fighter."

Mayweather said that his fight in September against a yet-to-be-determined opponent would be his last before retirement.

The fight was expected to make Mayweather some $180 million and Pacquiao $120 million, depending on pay-per-view sales. The live gate alone was more than $70 million, and the bout was expected to easily smash the pay-per-view record of 2.48 million buys set in 2007 when Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya.


Source

CAF Champions League: Eyimba Trash Buffles, To Meet Smouha

The People's Elephant qualified to the next round of the Champions League where they will face the North Africans

Enyimba will face Smouha Sporting Club of Egypt in the first round of the Caf Champions League after seeing off Buffles de Borgou of Benin Republic 4-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round fixture concluded on Sunday evening in Cotonou.

The Aba Millionaires had already beaten Buffles 3-0 in the first leg played in Aba two weeks ago but the threat from the Beninois side that they would overturn the deficit meant that Enyimba went into the return leg with anxiety at the Stade de l'Amitie de Kouhounou in Cotonou.

The hosts had the better of the early exchanges in the first half and in fact Enyimba had to rely on the good reflexes of their goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu to deter Buffles from scoring an early goal but things changed for the better for the visitors in the second half.

Kadiri Ikhana's boys were able to soak the pressure in the first half but in the second half they capitalized on the loopholes in the Buffles team to net the only goal of the match in the 50th minute after Andrew Abalogu struck through a powerful header.

Buffles surged forward in numbers to make the scores respectable but Enyimba were resolute and held on.

The hosts however resorted to bad tackles when they became aware that there was nothing they could do to salvage even a draw and in the process Enyimba midfielder and national U23 player, Bobby Sokari was injured.

Enyimba stood their ground and they got a famous win in Cotonou. It was the club’s first away win since March 9, 2014 when they secured an inconsequential 1-0 victory in Bamako, Mali but still lost out to Real de Bamako in the first round of the same competition.

The People’s Elephant will battle the 2013/14 Egyptian Premier League runners-up, Smouha Sporting Club next in the first round with the first leg coming up in Aba on March 15 before the return leg in Cairo on the weekend of April 3-5.



Source

Ivory Coast Are 2015 AFCON Champions

With both sides battling to a stalemate in the final, spot kicks were needed to decide the clash and Black Stars goalkeeper Brimah saw his decisive effort saved

Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry was the hero for his side as they defeated Ghana 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Barry - who appeared to be struck down by cramp on two occasions during the shootout - was only selected because Sylvain Gbohouo picked up an injury in Cote d'Ivoire's semi-final.

He saved the spot-kick of opposite number Brimah Razak, before stepping up himself to convert the winning kick as the Ivorians lifted the trophy for the second time.

Cote d'Ivoire's only previous triumph in this tournament also came against the Black Stars, courtesy of an epic 11-10 shootout success in Senegal in 1992, and history was to repeat itself at the Estadio de Bata on Sunday.

It was also a repeat success for their coach Herve Renard, who lifted the trophy in 2012 when his Zambia side defeated his current employers, also on penalties.

All three of Cote d'Ivoire's previous final appearances had ended goalless, and it was the same story in Bata as the two sides could not separated after two hours of scoreless action.

For Ghana coach Avram Grant, it was yet more penalty heartache after his Chelsea side lost out to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final.

Ghana looked the more likely to find a winner throughout normal time, both Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew striking the woodwork, but otherwise goalmouth action was scarce.

Both sides were fortunate to finish the game with 11 men on the field. Serey Die was booked for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Wakaso Mubarak - which could have resulted in a red - before the Stuttgart midfielder escaped unpunished for a subsequent cynical foul on Atsu.

Returning Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan trod on the foot of Eric Bailly off the ball in the first half in an incident that went unseen, before his team-mate John Boye was lucky to get away with a headbutt on the same opponent after the interval.

Both sides made one change following their semi-final victories as Barry replaced Gbohouo, while Ghana welcomed back Gyan in place of Jordan Ayew.

The first effort of note saw Yaya Toure bring a simple save out of Razak with a free kick in the 14th minute, before Die was perhaps fortunate to receive only a yellow card for a high boot which caught Mubarak in a sensitive area.

Max Gradel fired off target from a difficult angle in the 16th minute, and Gyan was lucky that referee Bakary Gassama did not spot an off-the-ball stamp on Bailly.

Atsu went agonisingly close to an opener when his thumping drive got the better of Barry but rebounded off the right-hand upright and away to safety 25 minutes in.

Die, having already been cautioned for his earlier transgression, was extremely lucky not to be shown a second yellow card when he scythed down Atsu a minute later.

Ghana hit the woodwork again nine minutes prior to the interval, as Andre Ayew sliced his attempted cut-back off the left-hand post.

There was little let-up in the feisty nature of the encounter after the break when Boye appeared to headbutt Bailly after the pair grappled while waiting for a free kick, but once again there was no action from Gassama.

Boye headed wide of the target midway through the second half as Ghana continued to look the most likely to make a breakthrough.

In the final minute of normal time, Serge Aurier broke free down the right and saw his dangerous cross parried by Razak, but Jonathan Mensah was on hand to hack the ball away before substitute Seydou Doumbia could provide the finish.

After extra-time proved uneventful, Ghana looked in control of the shootout when Wilfried Bony and Junior Tallo missed the first two kicks for Cote d'Ivoire.

However, Afriyie Acquah and Frank Acheampong also erred for Ghana, and as the shootout reached its 11th round, Barry saved from Razak.

The Cote d'Ivoire shot-stopper, who had gone down with cramp earlier during the kicks, fell to the ground again but, after receiving treatment, picked himself up and successfully converted the winning penalty to spark scenes of jubilation among his team-mates.


Reported by Goal.com

OAU Premier League: Angolan Scores Last Minute Goal To Gain First Point

OAU Premier League continued yesterday with the Fajuyians getting a draw from their game against the Angolans at the home of the latter. The first goal in the match came from the host through an Angolan by the alias Alfa, the Fajuyians equalized when the Angolan Keeper made a mistake that cost them a goal.

The Fajuyians eventually took the lead when their star player Aji saw the back of the net, a feat which the Angolans responded to a few minutes later. Aji then took the Fajuyians up the scoreline once again when he scored a free kick which raised a little controversy as the Angolans claimed that the referee had not blown the whistle when he played the spot kick. The goal was later counted and the game resumed.

Just as the Angolans were about giving up, their goal finally came in the last minute when the Angolan highest goal scorer, Clinton, headed in a goal for the host.


The league continues this weekend as the Angolans will once again face the Fajuyians at the dreaded Fajuyi hall stadium while the Awo machines would go to ETF to show the stuff they are made of.

In the other game, Aguero's hatrick for the Awoites was more than sufficient to dismantle the visiting team from ETF Hall as the game ended 6-0.

Awoites Disrupt OAU Premier League Match As Hall Edged Past Angola

The OAU premier league continued on Tuesday with the Angolans losing to the machines of Awo hall in a match played at the Awo Wembley and best described as half football, half combat.

The match was a very interesting one as one particular Awo machine who proved to be more than machine and more of a transformer bagged a hatrick against the Angolans. Another machine also cheated the Angolans with his height, nodding a throw in to give the machines a total of four goals which was enough for them to win the match. The transformer who was definitely the man of the match nicknamed after the Manchester City star; Sergio Aguero was definitely a beauty to behold with the ball and he definitely gave the Angola Defenders something to go home with.

On the other hand, the Angolans who had a rough first half suffering a 2-0 defeat in the half (courtesy of Aguero) brought their game on in the second half after making some substitutions. Their first goal happened a few minutes into the second half when an Angolan referred to as Alfa launched a shot from outside the box, an Angolan by the name Clinton also contributed to the score line giving the Angolans their second goal and the third goal was scored by a ruthless Angolan striker whom the machines later fouled to earn their second red card of the game after a machine had earlier been sent off on picking up his second yellow card.

The red cards caused controversies which later led to a couple of fights breaking out interrupting the match for several minutes. The Awoites of blocks 2 and 3 also contributed to the event by pouring scarce water on players and fans of both sides. The match finally resumed after the unofficial “break in transmission” with the efforts of the Angolans leading to no avail. The game eventually ended 4-3 in favour of the Awo Machines.

Also at ETF Stadium, the Gentlemen of ETF hall also taught the Fajuyians a few things in a 3-1 defeat. The league continues on Saturday

Awolowo Hall, Angola Hall Lose As OAU Premier League Kicks Off

It was a cheering moment in Fajuyi hall today as the home team defeated the Machines of Awolowo hall in an opening fixture of the 2013/2014 OAU Premier League. Awolowo Hall settled for a 4-2 loss in a game that was dominated by the Fajuyians. Alji, who was the talisman for the Fajuyian team troubled the defense line of the Awoites and found the back of the net 3 times leaving the visitors with an herculean task of overturning the defeat in the return leg.

Also, in the dusty and sandy pitch of Angola hall, ETF hall team controversially whitewashed the home team 6-4 making them the team that has scored most goals in the tournament.

There were massive turnouts at the venues of the two games played today as fans came out in their numbers to support their various teams.
The OAU Premier League is tournament organized by office of  the Director of Sports, Students' Union. The four male Halls of Residence are involved in the competiton; Fajuyi hall, Awolowo hall, Angola hall, and ETF hall.

In a very similar sporting atmosphere, Campus Journalists of Obafemi Awolowo University converged earlier today for a Sport Fiesta. The event which took place at Fajuyi Hall pitch witnessed members of the campus press coming together to engage themselves via various sporting activities amongst which were Football and Draft game. The Sport Fiesta was put together by the executive members of the Association of Campus Journalists(ACJ) for the purpose of bringing all campus journalists together which was achieved after all. Members of the Red Cross Society were also on ground to take care of any unforeseen accident.

Photo Credit: Mr Deejay (ACJ)

Christiano Ronaldo Wins FIFA Ballon d'or

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2014 Fifa Ballon d'Or ahead of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, scooping up the prestigious individual award for the third time in his career.

Ronaldo enjoyed a hugely successful 2014, in which he guided Madrid to Champions League glory by netting a record 17 goals in one campaign, and earned 37.66 per cent of the votes.

Additionally, the prolific attacker played an integral part in the Santiago Bernabeu side's Copa del Rey win by netting three goals in six appearances, even if he missed the final against Barcelona due to injury.

On an individual level, the 29-year-old won the Liga top scorer award by scoring 31 goals in 30 appearances, which also saw him crowned joint-winner of the European Golden Shoe together with Luis Suarez.

Ronaldo becomes the seventh player in history to successfully defend his Ballon d'Or title after Johan Cruyff, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten and Messi.

The Portugal international was first voted the world's best in 2008, when he pipped Messi and Fernando Torres to the coveted trophy. He then had to settle for second spot in 2009, 2011 and 2012 before winning the award a second time in 2013, this time ahead of Messi and Franck Ribery.

The former Manchester United star has moved level with Cruyff, Platini and Van Basten on three wins, with only Messi ahead of him on four Ballon d'Or trophies.

"I want to thank my mother, my family. I would like to thank all those who voted for me, my coach, my fellow players, the president of the club," Ronaldo commented while collecting the award.

"It has been an unforgettable year. To win this trophy, a trophy of this kind, is something unique, and like I say, I want to continue working as I have so far, trying to go on and win more titles both individually and as a team, for my mother, for my father who is up there looking at me, my son, and to become better.

"I would like to say to the Portuguese: I never thought I would win this trophy on three separate occasions. Of course it is something that is always with me - I want to become one of the greatest players of all time and I hope to get there. I want to thank you all," concluded the Madrid star before leaving the stage with a loud roar.

Messi, meanwhile, made it to the podium for the seventh time in succession after he was crowned all-time top goalscorer of La Liga and the Champions League in 2014, and amassed 15.76% of the final vote.

Neuer missed out on the chance to become the first goalkeeper to win the award since Lev Yashin in 1963 after guiding Germany to World Cup glory and winning the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal with Bayern. He earned 15.72% of the vote.


Source

Blessing Okagbare Finally Ties The Knot

 

Nigerian track and field athlete and Olympic and World Championships gold medalist Blessing Okagbare, 26, is getting married as you read this. Her traditional wedding to Otegheri Jude Igho is happening right now in Sapele, Delta state in the presence of family and friends.

Their white wedding will hold tomorrow, November 8th, at St Patrick Catholic Church Sapele. A big congratulations to them.

NFF Axe Keshi, Reappoint Shaibu Amodu

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the early hours of Thursday have announced the contract termination of Coach Stephen Keshi as the Super Eagles head coach.


After a long hours meeting of the Executive board members held at the Transcrop hilton hotel in Abuja the board unanimously agreed to part away with the Big Boss and his technical crew.

Speaking with cross section of the press shortly after the meeting at 1am Nigeria time on Thursday, first vice President of the Federation, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi said the Federation appreciated Keshi and will give due support to him and his technical crew.
“You could recall Keshi and his technical crew
contract expired after the World cup, and the federation have decided not to renew their contract,” Akinwunmi revealed.

“The Federation appreciated his effort for the success he achieved and the development of our football.
“We have decided to sponsor him and his technical crew (Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shoromu) to any choice of their coaching school to acquire for more knowledge in the game at our expenses,” Akinwunmi said.
Former Niger Tornadoes player, Shaibu Amodu returns as the team interim coach to be assisted with three coaches from the Glo Premier League.
“We have two more important matches in the
qualifiers which we hope to secure full points, and qualify for the Nations Cup.

“Coach Amodu will take over of the team as interim coach, to be assisted by Salisu Yusuf (El Kanemi Warriors) and Gbenga Ogunbote (Sharks FC) while former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Alloy Agu will be the goalkeeper trainer,” the NFF official divulge.

Super Eagles will travel next month to face
Congo and host South Africa in Nigeria in the last phase of the qualifiers.


Photo Credit: Vanguard
Source

Amaju Pinnick Emerges New NFF President

At the end of the second round of voting, Delta FC chairman Amaju Pinnick has been elected as the new president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In the first round, Pinnick took the lead with 25 votes, while Taiwo Ogunjobi from Osun polled 9 votes. Dominic Iorfa from Benue State was able to get 6 votes. while Shehu Diko from Kaduna had 4 votes.




Amanze Uchegbulam, Imo and Mike Umeh Anambra had no vote.

Pinnick, Iorfa and Ogunjobi then went head-to-head in the second round, to determine the winner of the election via simple majority.

After the second round, Pinnick polled 32 votes, Iorfa got 8 votes, while Ogunjobi had 4 votes.


Source: DailyPost

Nigerian Professional Football League Week 27 Round Up

Three of the premier league teams whipped their opponents silly in Match Day 27 which produced 27 goals in matches decided on Sunday where the home teams enjoyed 100 percent wins


ENUGU RANGERS 1-0 WARRI WOLVES

The Flying Antelopes celebrated their second consecutive with another narrow win over the Seasiders at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday evening with Christian Obiozor scoring the only goal of the tie in the 20th minute from the spot. It was his second goal in the last two games - the match winner against Dolphins at the same stadium during the mid week.

The triumph took Rangers’ points haul to 37 from 27 games and they have left the relegation zone to a much safer haven on the log while Wolves are still on 40. The Coal City side would wish to extend their winning streak in Umuahia where they are travelling to for the mid week match while Warri Wolves will seek redemption at home to Dolphins.

SUNSHINE STARS 3-1 ABIA WARRIORS

The Akure Gunners returned to winning ways again after their close loss to Warri Wolves last Wednesday with a comfortable 3-1 home win over Abia Warriors. Goals from Dele Olorundare, Tunde Adeniji and Musa Newman in the fourth, 32nd and 68th minutes sent Sunshine to 40 points from 27 games. Abia Warriors however got a consolation goal through their highest scorer, Peter Onyekachi who benefitted from a slopping defence to nod his side only goal in the 81st minute. Both clubs have 40 points from 27 points but the Akure sides are lower by virtue of inferior goals difference to the Umuahia team.

Sunshine will have a mountain to climb when they visit FC Taraba in Jalingo while Abia Warriors will want to return to winning ways at home to Enugu Rangers on Wednesday.

GIWA FC 2-0 FC TARABA

Two goals from the penalty spot converted by the Jos Elephant’s leading scorer, Ibrahim Shuaibu handed Giwa FC all points at the expense of the Jalingo Boys in Jos’ Rwang Pam Stadium on Sunday.

FC Taraba came all out to put behind them their unimpressive results since the Week 22 tie that they defeated Kaduna United, they have played five games thereafter without a win. They are owed four months’ salary among other bonuses. The loss has plunged them into the relegation zone. They must dust themselves up on Wednesday if they want to get their first win in six games against Sunshine Stars in Jalingo while Giwa FC will also hope for the best when they visit Uyo as guests of Akwa United.

Giwa have 41 points to stay in the top five from 27 matches while FC Taraba’s loss has taken them into the bottom four with 33 points from 27 matches.

KANO PILLARS 1-0 AKWA UNITED

The Sai Masu Gida notched up another crucial home win to keep alive their hope of winning the league for a third consecutive season. They pinned stubborn Promise Keepers by a lone goal at the Kano Pillars Stadium on Sunday evening.

Pillars maintained their three points’ cushion at the top with 47 points from 27 matches and are unbeaten in the last three games both home and away. Akwa United’s 39 points from 27 matches is only good enough for the mid table placement. Pillars will go in search of more away points against wounded Bayelsa United in Benin City while Akwa United are at home to Giwa FC.

ENYIMBA FC 4-0 BAYELSA UNITED

The People’s Elephant put up one of their best performances of the season to defeat hapless Bayelsa United 4-0 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Sunday.

The Aba Millionaires’ players didn’t click into the game early but when they eventually gathered their thoughts they became unstoppable with their fans urging them up at the stands.


Enyimba started the avalanche of goals in the 44th minute through Amanfor Chimezie whose shot was adjudged to have gone in before desperate Restoration Boys’ defender cleared to safety. The goal angered Bayelsa United’s players and they refused to continue play for some time. The time wasted by the visitors over their protest of the Enyimba’s opening would later haunt them because the home team increased the lead during the first half stoppage time. The referee added seven minutes.

Further goals by Anaezemba Nzube and Emeka Nwana in the 55th and 90th minutes were the icing on the cake for Enyimba. The Aba giants are still third with 43 points from 27 games after the top two: Kano Pilars and Nasarawa United bagged maximum points in their own home games. Enyimba visit very unfriendly environment at katsina Ala against Lobi Stars while Bayelsa United will be doing themselves and their current conquerors a lot of good if they are able to pin Kano Pillars in Benin.

NEMBE CITY 2-1 LOBI STARS

The Yenagoa side scooped another important win at their adoptive home in Omoku when they beat Lobi Stars 2-1 at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium on Sunday.

Lobi’s Farouk Umar’s goal almost on the dot of the halftime was a merely consolation as the Makurdi side failed to recoup the lost points at home to El Kanemi Warriors. Nembe have 27 points from 27 games to prod the league table while Lobi are still on 38 points from as many matches. Nembe will come to Owerri as guests of Heartland while Lobi will welcome Enyimba to Katsina Ala on Wednesday.

EL KANEMI WARRIORS 2-1 HEARTLAND FC

It was the first of the double header played on Sunday in Kano with the Sai Masu Gida’s tie with Akwa United the second. The Borno Army were able to hold on to beat the Naze Millionaires. They were able to curtail the spirited effort of Heartland till the final blast of the referee’s whistle.

El Kanemi are presently on 39 points from 27 matches. They have been able to overcome their slow start to the season and the point earned away to Lobi-the second in two seasons has helped to take the Maiduguri to the mid table. Heartland will aim for maximum points at home to Nembe City where they will hope to improve on their 37 points from 27 games. El Kanemi will travel to Ibadan as guests of wounded Crown FC.

KADUNA UNITED 5-0 CROWN FC

The Crocodile Boys thumped their direct relegation zone opponents 5-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Zaria on Sunday to move them a bit clear of relegation zone. Siman Yusuf’s hat trick aided the club’s biggest win of the season after the Ajilete Boys were totally outclassed by Garuba Lawal inspired Kaduna United.

They have 33 points from 27 matches and they are out of the bottom four for the first time in recent times. Crown’s problem got deepened by the emphatic loss as they still second from bottom with 30 points from as many games. Crown must not only beat El Kanemi Warriors but also must win well to equalize their scandalous away loss to Kaduna United. Kaduna United will pay Sharks a visit in Port Harcourt. Both games come up on Wednesday.

NASARAWA UNITED 2-0 SHARKS FC

The Solid Miners huffed and puffed but they still got the job done at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday with a 2-0 home win over the Blue Angels. The Port Harcourt team sized up their hosts but it couldn’t prevent them from going down 0-1 at halftime before Tony Edjomariegwe netted the insurance goal to hand maximum points to Nasarawa United and also kept the side’s second spot on the log with 44 points.


It was another disappointing outing for Sharks who fast fading after a promising season under Gbenga Ogunbote. Sharks have 38 points from 27 games and they will be at home to Kaduna United on Wednesday. Nasarawa United have a date with Gombe United who are condemned to win at home if they do not want to continue to flirt with relegation zone.

DOLPHINS 2-0 GOMBE UNITED

The Port Harcourt Dwellers had the penalty of Chizoba Ahamefula and the individual brilliance of Emem Eduok to thank for their maximum points victory over the Desert Scorpions. Gombe United matched them toe for toe till the final 20 minutes when they were reduced to 10 men after Austin Ekpoma was showna red card for dissent. Not long after the home team got a penalty which was converted by Ahamefula before the goal of Eduok sealed maximum points.

Gombe United are back in the relegation zone yet again after their back to back losses and they must beat visiting Nasarawa United on Wednesday to start their operation stay in the elite division campaign. They have 32 points from 27 matches while Dolphins are fourth with 42 points from 27 games. Dolphins will tackle Warri Wolves on Wednesday in one of the star matches of the mid week games.



Source: Goal.com

2014/15 UEFA Champions League Draw

2014/15 UEFA Champions League Draw

GROUP A

Atletico Madrid
Juventus
Olympiakos
Malmo

GROUP B

Real Madrid
FC Basel
Liverpool FC
Ludogrets

GROUP C

Benfica
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
AS Monaco

GROUP D

Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund
Galatasary
Anderlecht

GROUP E

Bayern Munchen
Manchester City
Cska Moscow
AS Roma

GROUP F

Barcelona
Paris Saint Germain PSG
AFC Ajax
APOEL Nicosia

GROUP G

Chelsea
FC Schalke 04
Sporting CP
NK Maribor

GROUP H

FC Porto
Shakhtar Donetsk
Athletic Bilbao
FC Bate Boeisov

Ronaldo Named UEFA Best Player In Europe

Christiano Ronaldo has been named as UEFA's Best Player in Europe for his Champions League-winning heroics with Real Madrid in 2013-14.


The Portuguese, 29, scored a remarkable 17 goals in 11 European games as Carlo Ancelotti's stormed to the Decima and struck three times en route to Copa del Rey glory as Madrid completed the cup double.

Though the Santiago Bernabeu side were less successful in La Liga, Ronaldo still averaged more than a goal a game (31 efforts in 30 matches) as they finished third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

The former Manchester United forward was voted as the best player ahead of Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben, who starred as Pep Guardiola's men lifted four of a possible six trophies last season.

"I'm really, really happy," Ronaldo said upon being presented the award following the draw for the 2014-15 Champions League group stage on Thursday.

"I have to say thank you to my team-mates, to my family, my friends. I don't have this trophy in my museum - I'll put it there straight away."

Ronaldo has already begun the new campaign in superb fashion, scoring three goals in four games including his double as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla to win the Uefa Super Cup earlier in August.


Goal.com

Falconets Tear Korea DPR Apart To Reach FIFA U-20 World Cup FInal

Asisat Oshoala scored four times as Nigeria reached the final with a thumping 6-2 victory over Korea DPR in the highest-scoring semi-final ever seen at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Oshoala also laid on two more goals in a win that leaves the Super Falconets to face either France or Germany on Sunday at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, and the North Koreans to play for third place at the same venue.

Nigeria have had a tendency to score quick goals during their time at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, and Courtney Dike continued that trend with a goal barely more than a minute after kick-off. Oshoala set the tone by setting it up, releasing Dike in behind Korea DPR’s captain Choe Sol-Gyong before the No8 expertly picked her spot just inside the far post. At the half-way point of the first period, Oshoala doubled Nigeria’s lead, capitalising on a poor touch from centre-half Song Kyong-Hui before rounding the keeper and passing into an open goal.

Less than ten minutes later, Ri Un-Sim – arguably the North Koreans’ most dangerous attacker throughout the tournament – pulled one back with a great bit of individual skill after receiving a long ball from midfield. Ri beat two defenders on the cutback and finished past Sandra Chiichii with a powerful shot into the top corner. From there, Korea DPR looked inspired in search of an equaliser but the score remained 2-1 at half-time before Nigeria swiftly put the game out of reach within minutes of the restart.

In similar fashion to her appearance and goal in the quarter-finals against New Zealand, Uchechi Sunday came on as a substitute and within a minute scored to restore her team's two-goal lead. Oshoala then put the game out of reach on the hour mark when she hit a stunning shot from 20 yards out that left Kim with no chance as it flew into the top corner.

Korea DPR had one last glimmer of hope two minutes later when Ugo Njoku handled the ball in her own area, allowing Jon So-Yon to score from the penalty spot. However, Oshoala’s quality shone through yet again in the 68th minute when she completed her hat-trick, beating Song and winning a foot race with Kim to once more fire into an empty net.

Nigeria were not finished there, though, and with five minutes from time the No4 matched the number on her jersey. The goal came as a result of another North Korean defensive miscue less than six yards from goal, resulting in a simple tap-in.

Oshoala had taken the wind out of the Korean sails far earlier in the match and when the final whistle sounded, her Nigerian team-mates surrounded her in celebration, while Hwang Yong-Bong's side trudged off disconsolately.


Source: FIFA

EPL: Arsenal, Chelsea, LIverpool Win Opener As United Looses

The English Premier League hardly starts a season without a stunner. Manchester United was at the receiving end as they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of the low rated Swansea City in their first week game for the 2014/2015 league season. Rooney's equalizer later in the game was not sufficient to earn the Red Devil a point at least as a second goal from Swansea's Ki Yung-Seung was enough to give the visiting side the deserved win.

Elsewhere, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all opened the season's campaign on a winning note.

Here are the results of the Week One games

Saturday, August 16
Man United 1 Final Swansea City 2	West Brom 2 Final Sunderland 2
Stoke City 0 Final Aston Villa 1	Leicester City 2 Final Everton 2
QPR 0 Final Hull City 1	West Ham 0 Final Tottenham 1
Arsenal 2 Final Crystal Palace 1
Sunday, August 17
Liverpool 2 Final Southampton 1	Newcastle 0 Final Man City 2
Monday, August 18
Burnley FC 1 Final Chelsea 3