The Match that broke the Myth

A Brazilian born Roberto Firmino 99th minute goal broke the jinx for the reds at the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup final in Doha.

For over three decades, South American clubs have been a torn in Liverpool FC flesh when it come to tournament such as this.

In the Intercontinental Cup final that was played in December 1981, Zico led Flamengo side defeated the Liverpool team that had Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish and co, and was managed by Bob Paisley.

Zico was the player with the magic in that team as the game was practically sealed after the Brazilian side raced to a 3-nil upfront within 40 minutes of the first-half.

The reason for flamengo's superiority in the game was their quality, as Nunez scored a brace and Adilio's goal put a gloss on the scoreline. 

Liverpool had refused to participate in the Intercontinental Cup after winning the European titles in 1977 & 1978, worried about the potential brutality on the part of the South Americans.

In 1984 an Argentinian side, Independiente beat Liverpool by a lone goal to win the Intercontinental cup. And in 2005, Sao Paulo defeated the merseyside giant in the newly found FIFA Club World Cup.

Now in 2019, the current European club champion got a win that has so far eluded them for decades. After going through 90 minutes of regular football without a goal on either side against the Copa Libertadores champion Flamengo, their Brazilian import scored in the first-half of extra time to claim the title for them. 

The title win is their third trophy in six months and made them the first English club to hold the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup at the same time.

On  the European scene, Liverpool have won 6 UEFA Champions League titles (1977 ,1978, 1981, 1984, 2005, 2019); with only Real Madrid and AC Milan having won more.

Congratulations to the latest World Champion in club football.

Fabiyi Ridwan

Sports Writer and Analyst

The Championship of the Champions

In 2005, the Intercontinental Cup was merged with the FIFA Club World Championship, and it was renamed as FIFA Club World Cup in 2006.

This competition was founded in the year 2000 (19 years ago). 7 teams usually participate in the tournament annually from 6 continents namely - Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and the Oceania region.

Any team that wins her confederation championship is eligible to compete in the FIFA club world cup.

Value of the Competition

The winner of the club world cup receives the trophy, a FIFA world Champions certificate, and 5 million euros while the runner-up receives 4 million euros.

Stats of Competition

Auckland City FC has played the most games - 15 in 9 different editions.

Mohamed Aboutrika, Hossam Ashour and Wael Gomaa (all played for Al-Ahly of Egypt) have the most appearances - 11 games apiece

All-time Top scorer - Cristiano Ronaldo (7 goals)

Most goals scored - 32 goals by Real Madrid

Most Decorated player

Toni kroos has won the the tournament 5 times - 1 title with Bayern Munich (2013) and 4 titles with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018).

Most Successful club

Real Madrid  with 4 titles and 7 club world championship in total (1960, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017 & 2018).

Real Madrid won the 2018 edition, to become the first team ever to win it three years in a row and 4 times in the competition history.

The final of this year FIFA club world cup will involve UEFA Champions League Liverpool and Copa Libertadores champion Flamengo .

Which team will win this 2019 edition?

Fabiyi Ridwan

Sports Writer and Analyst 

The League of the Century

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2019/20 season began in a grand style with a lot of surprises.

The League Management Company (LMC) just signed a multi-million Naira agreement with a foreign company for television coverage of matches,but presently the games are not on air.

After 9 rounds of games Plateau united is leading the NPFL table with 18 points - a ratio of 2 points per game by a former champion. Plateau won this title in 2016, can they emerge champions again this season?

The Stats

Games played so far - 70 

Home wins - 41

Away wins -10

Games drawn - 19 

Goals scored -139

Top scorers 

Isreal Abia (Sunshine Stars) - 7 goals

Victor Mbaoma (Enyimba Intl.) - 5 goals

Fabiyi Ridwan

Sports Writer and Analyst

The Transformation and Transition of the Etihad Faithfuls

Manchester City on Wednesday evening breezed past Oxford City to the semi- final of the 2019/2020 EFL Cup - a title they have won back-to-back in the past two seasons - where they will meet local rival Manchester United.

In light of these recent successes that is being recorded by the Cityzens, let's take a quick look at how it all began for the Etihad faithfuls.

In 2008 Manchester City was bought by the mega rich, Abu Dhabi United Group.

Under the Sheik Mansour's leadership, 5 different managers have tutored the team; Mark Hughes (2008 - 2010), Roberto Mancini (2010 - 2013) Brian Kidd ( interim basis 2013), Manuel Pellegrini (2013 - 2016) and Pep Guardiola (2016 till date).

Transfers 

Since 2008, the Blue side of Manchester have spent a whooping amount of over 1.5 billion pounds in the transfer market on players like Robinho, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Kun Aguero, Yaya Toure, Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez to name but a few.

Stats

In the last one decade, Man City have played 379 games with 250 wins, 65 draws, and 64 losses. Scoring a total of 841 goals and 502 goals difference - 129 goals more than the nearest rival Chelsea.

Trophies

FA Cup - 2 titles

English League Cup - 4  titles

FA Community Shields- 3 titles

English premier league - 4-times champion

Conclusion

Manchester City is the most successful English team of the decade on the domestic scene.  Although in European continental competitions, only one semi- final ( in 2016) and two quarter-final appearances can be shown for their spending spree.

Ridwan Fabiyi

Sports Writer and Analyst 

THINGS FALL APART

Arsenal lost 3-nil at home to champion Manchester City on Sunday in a very embarrassing manner.

It is Arsenal FC worst run in 42 years (since 1977). They are currently 10th on the English Premier League log - 7 points above the relegation zone.

In their next 4 games the die may be cast - with mouthwatering ties like Everton, Bournemouth, Chelsea & Manchester United line-up on the trot. The gunners are sleep walking to relegation.

   

Arsenal has conceded first goal in their last 6 games in the league, which is the longest run in the competition's history.

The causes of the Gunners poor form can be attributed to these factors

    

Absence of owner

Stan kroenke's priorities lies with the L.A Rams and his sofi stadium project in Inglewood, which will be the most expensive stadium ever built.

To Kroenke, Arsenal is a mere cash cow. He has never put any of his own money into the club, yet the worth of his revenue is increasing by hundreds of millions of pounds every season.

When Stan Kroenke joined Arsenal in 2007, the club had just been in the UEFA Champions League final - 12 years after, the team's European ambitions are bleak.

 

Other causes of this dampening in form are;

Lack of leadership in the team

Arsenal's previous captains are rebels.

Contracts mismanagement and a spiralling wage bills

Some great players left the club with lesser transfer fees.

Wasted millions and poor squad management

Some players have yet to live up to expectations, while some didn't at all.

Ridwan Fabiyi

Sports Writer and Analyst

FINA WORLD CUP: Nwora invites 15 Players for last window of Qualifiers

Oni Afolabi

D’Tigers Head Coach, Alex Nwora has invited 15 players for the last window of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup qualifiers taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire starting on the 18th of February

The team is dominated by players who missed out of the last phase of the qualifiers campaign hosted in Lagos.

Jekiri Tonye will likely make his debut for D’Tigers after missing out of action in the last window due to administrative reasons while Christopher Obekpa, Obinna Emegano and Efevhera Michael will also be making a return.

Ekene Ibekwe whose last appearance was at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and 34 year old Michael Umeh (2015 Afrobasket) with Italian serie A side Virtus Bologna have both been recalled to the fold.

Team captain and Sichuan Blue Whales player, Ike Diogu alongside, Stanley Okoye, Alade Aminu, Iroegbu Ike, Ike Nwamu, Ayodeji Akindele, Mbamalu Bryant, Zana Talib and Braxton Ogbueze complete the list of players invited

Nigeria will battle host- Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic and second placed Senegal with 16 points.

Currently ranked 33 in the world and first in Africa, the D’Tigers on a 9 match unbeaten run according to Nwora will hope to finish the campaign on a high a boost the team’s rating before the World Cup draws.

Alex Nwora said the preparation for the 2019 World Cup in China has started in earnest and it was imperative to give more quality players equal opportunity to fight for shirts.

“We were the first country in the world to qualify for the World Cup and it is very important that we start our preparation early.”

“The journey to get the team ready for the World Cup is a long one, but I am happy with the progress we have made so far.”

According to the Secretary General of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Chimezie Asiegbu, players and Technical crew are expected to fly straight to Abidjan from the clubs for logistics reasons.

INVITED PLAYERS

Iroegbu Ike (Science City Jena, Germany)

Michael Umeh (Twarde Pieniki, Poland)

Ike Nwamu (Wisconsin Herd, USA)

Ekene Ibekwe (Levallois Metropolitan, France)

Efevhera Michael (Homemtmen Basketball Club, Lebanon)

Stanley Okoye (Tecynconta Zaragoza, Spain)

Diogu Ike (Sichuan Blue Whales, China)

Alade Aminu (Hapoel SP Tel Aviv, Israel)

Christopher Obekpa (Al Riyadh, Lebanon)

Ayodeji Akindele (Fuerza Regia Basquetbol, Lebanon)

Jekiri Tonye (Gaziantep, Turkey)

Obinna Emegano (Rouen Basket, France)

Mabamalu Bryant (CD Vildivia, Chile)

Zana Talib (Montakit Fuenlabrada, Spain)

Braxton Ogbueze (Basquet Coruna, Spain)

Julen Lopetegui sacked by Real Madrid

Real Madrid have sacked Julen Lopetegui as manager of the club after four and a half months in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is the second time Lopetegui has been sacked this year having been dismissed by Spain two days before the World Cup.

The Spaniard succeeded Zinedine Zidane in June but the crushing 5-1 El-Clasico defeat by Barcelona on Sunday - their fifth loss in six games - put the final nail on the coffin.

They have amassed a meagre 14 out of a possible 30 points in the league this season and have taken only one from their past five matches - their worst run since they went pointless in the final five games of 2008-09 season under Juande Ramos.

They are currently six points above the relegation places in La Liga and seven behind leaders Barcelona.
The three-times back-to-back Champions League winners are ninth on the La Liga table, and enduring their worst start to a league season since 2001-02.

The 52-year-old is provisionally replaced by former Argentina and Real's player, Santiago Solari who is the coach of the Castilla.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | 2018-10-29

The Real Madrid C.F. board of directors, which met today, 29 October 2018, has made the decision to terminate Julen Lopetegui's contract as the club's coach.

This decision, which was taken with the utmost responsibility, seeks to bring about a turnaround in the first-team's fortunes at a time when all of this season's targets are still achievable.
 
The board considers there to be a large disparity between the quality within the Real Madrid squad, which boasts eight nominees for the next Ballon d'Or award - an unprecedented number in the club's history - and the team's results to date.
 
The club places on record its thanks to Julen Lopetegui and all of his coaching staff for their efforts and work and wishes them all the best in their future careers.
 
Santiago Solari will take temporary charge of the team, assuming his role as first-team coach from tomorrow (today) , Tuesday.

Gernot Rohr Unveils the Eagles that will fly over South Africa in AFCON 2019 Qualifier

Nigeria football national team Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has called up 23 players for next month’s crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg.
The same set of players will prosecute the friendly encounter against the Cranes of Uganda few days later.

Former U-17 World Cup star forward Victor Osimhen returns after a long time out, with another U-17 World Cup left-footed dazzler Samuel Chukwueze earning his first call-up to the senior squad.
Midfielder Mikel Agu, also gets a recall as well as a surprise call-up for home-based defender Adeleye Olamilekan Aniyikaye.

Nigeria tops her group with nine points, one ahead of second –placed South Africa, their foe in the upcoming game at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday, 17th November.

The Super Eagles will fly from Johannesburg to Asaba on 18th November for the friendly with the Cranes on 20th November.

All the invited players are expected to report directly to Asaba, Delta state from Monday, 12th of November.

THE 23-MAN LIST IN FULL:

GOALKEEPERS
Francis Uzoho (Elche FC, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)

DEFENDERS
Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Adeleye Aniyikaye (FC IfeanyiUbah); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)

MIDFIELDERS
Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal FC, Portugal)

FORWARDS
Ahmed Musa (Al Nasr FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux FC, France); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)

STANDBY
Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); Nyima Nwagua (Kano Pillars FC); Sunday Adetunji (Enyimba FC); Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars FC)

AWCON CAMP UPDATE: Thomas Dennerby cut out some players from the Super Falcons Camp

Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby has cut the number of home-based professionals who have been training at the impressive Jubilee Chalets & Resort Epe, Lagos for the 11^th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals holding in Ghana.

The Swede, who graciously allowed the players to feature for their respective clubs in the Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) at the weekend recalled a handful of those he feels can give the invited overseas-based professional players good fight for places in the final squad.

Among those retained in camp for the second phase camping which will commence immediately are four goalkeepers- Toochukwu Oluehi, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Christy Ohiaeriaku and Onyinyechukwu Okeke.

Others are Anam Imo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Peace Efih, Glory Ogbonna, Chioma Wogu, Alice Ogebe, Amarachi Okoronkwo and Chidinma Okeke. Also retained are Ugochi Emenayo, Sarah Nnodim and Nneka Julius.

The Super Falcons are the defending champion of the Africa Women Nations Cup, a tournament they have won for a record eight times.

Accreditation for 2018 AITEO Cup Grand Finale

NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

This is to respectfully call on Editors/Managers of the nation’s sporting media to send in requests for media accreditation for the 2018 AITEO Cup Men’s Final holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Wednesday, 24th October 2018.

The Men’s Final will see Rangers International FC of Enugu tackle Kano Pillars FC.

Also, please be informed that the 2018 AITEO Cup Women’s Final will hold at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa on Tuesday, 23rd October 2018. Applicants should indicate which of the two venues they intend to be, or if they intend to attend both matches.

Please be informed that in consideration of the size of the Media Gallery at the venue, no media organization shall be accorded more than one slot for Press and Photo –Journalist.

Media organizations are to send in their request to this email between 5pm on Friday, 19th October and 5pm on Sunday, 21st October 2018. No request will be entertained after 5pm on Sunday, 21st October 2018.

Accreditation cards will be issued at each of the venues four hours before each match.

Kindly accept the very warm sporting regards of the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, and sincere appreciation for your usual support, understanding and co-operation.

Send your accreditation here ademola.olajire68@gmail.com

SportBetting: How to win football bets across the four major leagues

Tobi Adesina

Unlike casino & virtual bets; football or soccer (like the Americans call it) comes with some level of certainty. To a higher degree, risk could be measured via antecedents leading up to the game.

98% of my bet money goes into football. Within a calendar year; i spend a little above 500ground in staking bets. For someone who stakes that high on sportbetting, it is important you monitor 'your teams' week in week out so as to keep tabs on their form and performance.
Note: "Your teams" are those clubsides whose present form is consistently yielding profit.

For that reason alone, i select games ONLY from the four major leagues (EPL, LaLIGA, SERIE A, Bundesliga). Every sunday night, i make sure to get replays, highlights & stats of 'my teams' regardless of the outcome.

STEPS...
1. Bet early.
2. Don't select games through your bookmakers platform.
3. Have numerous bet account with various Bet companies.

Bet early: Always bet 3-4days before the game KO. Odds drop as KO time approaches. This act by bookmakers lure Punters into ACCUMULATING several games in a single ticket.
Remember, "the longer your ticket -the farther your pay-day".

Don't select games through your bookmaker's platform: This is where psychology come to play in betting. The Bet companies will always try to mess with your thinking by projecting "funny" cheap odds. If you fall prey, all your selection will be based on odds and third-party opinion. Instead, you select games from livescore portals and other fixture portal you have. Afterwards, login to your preferred Bet portal/Bet shop and play the games regardless of the odds.

Have numerous bet account with various Bet companies: With this, you can easily compare and contrast which bet company is offering you the highest return for the exact same event.

Bet Advice: Don't accumulate more than 2event, each of 2odds[max]. Total shouldn't be more than 4-5 odds combined. Revise your bet slip if you have more than.

How many people to watch Russia 2018 World Cup

Tobi Adesina

 

According to the final figures from FIFA, over one billion people tuned in to watch the final match of the 2014 edition. A total of 3.2billion people gained access to view the summer competition via in-house tv. The figure is expected to increase by 20% this summer.

Meanwhile, an estimated 280million people stream-live the world cup final from the internet.

This year (2018), it is expected that 4.1billion people will gain access to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, internet live stream is expected to skyrocket to a staggering 350million views.

9 Paris Saint Germain Players make the Top 10 of the Highest Paid Players in French Ligue 1

Tobi Adesina

Arab millionaires as most call them have gone a step further in flaunting their spending prowess. Away from acquiring the most expensive player in the world (Neymar Jr.), PSG now boast of 90% top-ten highest paid players in the French Ligue 1; with only Monaco’s Radamel Falcao making the top ten.

The figures below are based on gross weekly earnings for these players;

1.      Neymar Jr.: Who else could sit comfortably at top spot if not the man who shattered the most expensive record previously set by Welshman, Gareth Bale. Neymar moved from Barcelona for a record transfer fee of 200m pounds. He is on a weekly wages of 708k euro, placing him at par with the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

2.      Edinson Cavani: After being unsettled by the arrival of Neymar Jr., Cavani keeps racking up goals while earning 355k euro, a figure that appears to be half his Brazilian colleague.

3.      Kylian Mbappe:  Here comes the man that completes the deadly attacking trio of the “unstoppable” PSG attack. The 18year-old attacker switched from Monaco after an impressive season; earning 346k euro on weekly basis.

4.      Thiago Silva: The rock solid defender earns 300k euro a week. Being the captain of this star-studded team, the Brazilian central defender’s position in this order is justified.

5.      Angel Di Maria: The Argentine earns €258k every week at the capital. Having switched from Manchester United after a rather disappointing season, he currently sits as 5th highest earner in the French league.

6.      Marquinhos: The Brazilian defender ties with Angel Di Maria at 5th position. He also earns €258k per week at the Parc des Princes.

7.      Thiago Motta: The Brazil-born Italian international and a constant selection in the PSG midfield when fit also earns €202k per week.

8.      Javier Pastore: Been devoid of playing time is something no footballer wish for leading up to a world cup year. But Pastore has well adjusted to his place on the sidelines after the arrival of Mbappe and Neymar. The Argentine earns €178k a week.

9.      Radamel Falcao: The only player not plying his trade for the Paris outfit club, Falcao left Manchester united after a rather poor season going by his lofty standards. He currently earns €173k at Monaco and well justifying that figure with over 20goals per season.

10.    Dani Alves: The older the wine –the sweeter. In truth, Alves had his best performance wearing the Barcelona shirt but nothing has changed over the years for the adventurous right-back player. Left Barcelona for Juventus; played a pivotal role to the Scudeto winning side. He currently earns €162k a week at PSG.

SUPER FALCONS: NFF release names of 35 Players for WAFU CUP

Thirty five players have been invited to the camp of the Super Falcons ahead of the upcoming WAFU Women Cup of Nations taking place in Cote d’Ivoire, 10^th– 24^th February 2018.

The list, which also has veterans Joy Jegede and Mariam Ibrahim as well as junior internationals Gift Monday, Anam Imo and Mary Ologbosere, was released less than 24 hours after the unveiling in Abuja of new Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby.

The WAFU Women Cup of Nations provides a first opportunity for Dennerby and assistant Jorgen Petersson, alongside their Nigerian assistants Oni Olanrewaju Wemimo, Maureen Mmadu, Taiwo Omobolanle Tundun and Precious Dede to bond with the players they will be working with going forward.

Eight –time African champions Nigeria will tackle Benin Republic, Senegal and Togo in Group B of the WAFU Women Cup of Nations, with host Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic to battle it out in Group A.

All the players have been advised to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuse, Abuja on Thursday, 1^st February 2018 with their international passports.

THE FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS

GOALKEEPERS
Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Inneh Queens); Rita Akarekoh (Delta Queens); Chioma Nwankwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels); Oluwaseun Bello (Police Machine)

DEFENDERS
Ayomide Ojo (Police Machine); Kemi Famuditi (Confluence Queens); Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Opeyemi Aiyeniberu (Sunshine Queens); Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels); Sarah Ilodubah (Osun Babes); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Lilian Tule (Bayelsa Queens); Uju Okafor (Delta Queens)

MIDFIELDERS
Osas Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Ihuoma Onyebuchi (Sunshine Queens); Oluwakemi Toriola (Police Machine); Ogechi Ukwuoma (Delta Queens); Folashade Ijamilusi (WAFA League); Peace Efih (Inneh Queens)

FORWARDS
Mary Anjor (Osun Babes); Mercy Amanze (Rivers Angels); Juliet Sunday (Sunshine Queens); Aminat Yakubu (Bayelsa Queens); Chinaza Uchendu (Rivers Angels); Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Mariam Aluko (Confluence Queens); Rofiat Suleiman (Rivers Angels); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Precious Edewor (Ibom Angels); Chioma Wogu (Rivers Angels)

Ronaldo admits he's only Human

Isaac Williams

There are no doubting Ronaldo's credentials - his achievements are staggering; there is no doubting his passion for the game and there is no doubting his love for the mirror also.

This time the doubts come from Ronaldo himself, whose initial plan of playing football at top level till 41 seems like no picnic for the Portuguese star. Ronaldo speaking on his retirement plan says: “Now my plan to retire at 41 will probably be a bit more difficult to achieve and now we live in the moment”. 

Though a legend in his business; Ronaldo in his statement has identified with his frailties. Of course Ronaldo’s doubts over how much longer he can cope with the physical demands of the game are reasonable.  It's hard to imagine a 32 year old player keeping this sort of fitness level for another decade. 

Whether Ronaldo’s employers are interested in keeping him is yet to be known as there has been no commitment of any kind from the Real Madrid owners coupled with rumours of Real Madrid’s supposed interest in Neymar, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane. This brings us to another question: “would Real Madrid be interested in keeping Ronaldo any longer than his current contract which runs out in 2020?”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has made his intentions to stay at Real Madrid clear, he’s quoted as saying: “Of course I want to stay at Real Madrid, I love this club, and I love the weather and the people. I've lived in this city since 2009. It’s close to Portugal and you can get there by car – Spain is a great country. I love it."

It’s not hard to imagine Ronaldo taking road trips from Madrid to Portugal often nor would it be hard to predict he'll take more in the nearest future – at least till the end of his current contract. One thing is certain, at the moment; we have not seen the last of record breaking Ronaldo.

[Editor: Tobi Adesina]

The Nigerian Sports Award 2017

Segun Odunayo

Last night, major stakeholders in the Sports industry gathered at Eko hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos to honour sportsmen, sportswomen and journalists who have performed wonderfully well their duty of representing the country at major tournaments and media men who have given excellent reportage of sports to the public. It was a gathering of the 'who is who' in Nigerian sports.

Below are the list of some winners and their category:

Footballer of the year (Men)

Victor Moses

Footballer of the year (Women)

Asisat Oshoala

Journalist of the year (Television)

Promise Efoghe

Journalist of the year (Radio)

Tony Bekedeemo

Journalist of the year (Print)

Olalekan Okusan

Coach of the year

Akun Purity

Sportswoman of the year

Odunayo Adekuroye

Sportsman of the year

Aruna Quadri

One part of the program that got me was when Odunayo Adekuroye asked if she could sing a song after mounting the stage to pick her award. While singing, she couldn't resist the tears as they came pouring from her eyes. She went on to acknowledge certain individuals  especially Dr. D. K Olukoya of the MFM ministries (Why wouldn't she, he single handedly sponsored her to the wrestling championship in Paris when everyone abandoned her including the Ondo State government:

https://www.aclsports.com/2017-senior-world-wrestling-championship-adekuoroye-laments-ondo-state-neglect/

On her baby looking beautiful face, joy was expressly written all over.

The ever jovial, friendly and nice Asisat Oshoala was busy catching fun, taking pictures with everyone that cared, greeting old friends and making new friends too, she's the proper definition of humility.

It was great seeing and chatting with my brother and friend, Shina Oludare (Editor, goal.com, Nigeria) who was nominated for the best print journalist of the year award which was eventually won by my 'Oga' Mr. Lekan Okusan (The Nation Newspaper). My brother and friend,  Jerry Akpelohai also got nominated for the best radio journalist of the year  too hoping to succeed another brother Olawale Adigun, however, it was not to be.

Amaju Pinnick was quick to praise his vice presidents  for the success of his regime and even invited them to the podium after he received his award. From his speech, it's clear he's still basking in the euphoria of the Super Eagles victory over Argentina in Kransnoder.

Oooops, it's turning into an epistle already, let me stop here. I'll end by giving a big shout out to #TeamNaijaFootball,  #TeamSportsTonic, #TeamBreakfastSports and #TeamTopSportsOnThursdays.

Adios!

Gernot Right name 24 Players for Algeria and Argentina Clash

Captain Mikel John Obi, forward Ahmed Musa and midfielder Ogenyi Onazi top the list of 24 players that Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has invited for next week’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match away to Algeria, and the prestige friendly with Argentina in Russia four days later.

Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi also made the cut, as well as defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo.

There is a first call for impressive Deportivo La Coruna of Spain safe hands Francis Uzoho, as well as former U17 World Cup winner Chidiebere Nwakali. Russia -based Brian Idowu has been placed on standby only for the friendly with Argentina.

2013 AFCON winner Kenneth Omeruo is on standby for both matches, alongside former junior international Alhassan Ibrahim, who now plays in Austria.

All invited players are expected to arrive in a camp in Morocco on Monday, 6th November, before the delegation flies to Constantine on Thursday, 9thNovember.

On Saturday, 11th November, a 45 –seater chartered aircraft will fly the Super Eagles from Constantine to Krasnodar, the Russian city that will host the international friendly against Argentina on Tuesday, 14th November.

THE FULL LIST

GOALKEEPERS
Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah, Nigeria); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain)

DEFENDERS
William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

MIDFIELDERS
Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidiebere Nwakali (Sogndal FC, Norway)

FORWARDS
Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Henry Onyekuru (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

STANDBY
Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Alhassan Ibrahim (FK Austria Wien, Austria); Brian Idowu (Amka Perm, Russia)

Russia 2018: The Super Eagles are coming

Segun Odunayo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the sixth time in her history. After first appearing at the tournament in the United States of America in 1994, France in 1998 and Korea Japan in 2002, Nigeria failed to qualify for Germany 2006 but returned to the most glamorous football competition hosted in Africa (South Africa) for the first time in 2010 and the win against Zambia today books a spot for the most populous black country on earth in Russia next summer. Nigeria becomes the eleventh country to qualify and the first African country to make it to the competition. This is the second time the country will be qualifying for the World Cup with a qualifier to spare after doing same in 1997.

After getting football power houses, Cameroon and Algeria including Zambia in the draws for the tournament, many envisaged a herculean task which may prove difficult to surmount especially knowing that only the top team qualifies.

However, the Super Eagles picked up four points from a double header against African champions Cameroon but have defeated Zambia and Algeria before that. The brilliant display from the Gernot Rohr led team attracted much accolades from far and wide especially after demolishing Cameroon at home and getting a draw away. Knowing fully well that a win today will secure a place at next year's tournament, the team secured three points after Alex Iwobi came off the bench to score the needed goal.

Now, proper preparation must begin in earnest if the team don't just want to complete the numbers in the eastern European country next summer. If Nigeria is to make it beyond its farthest point (the second round) ever, plans must be put in place to ensure that the coaching crew and players are properly prepared for battle against the best footballing countries in the world.

In the meantime, the Nigeria Football Federation led by Amaju Pinnick, the team, coaching crew, fans and Nigerians are general can role out the drums as they celebrate the moment. Congratulations Super Eagles, congratulations NIGERIANS.

Segun Odunayo is a sports analyst and writer with many years experience

NPFL 16/17: The Review

Segun Odunayo

When the Nigeria Professional Football League ended last season, MFM FC's management, staff and fans were celebrating their narrow escape from relegation while Plateau United were few points off the drop zone finishing 12th on the log table.

Fast forward to this season, both teams are second and first respectively and their fans are celebrating the wonderful performances of their clubs. While MFM has the record of having the highest number of wins in the league this season, they weren't able to make the zenith because they struggled to get points away from the Agege Stadium popularly known as the 'Soccer Temple'.

While Kennedy Boboye's have not gotten the highest number of wins, they have gotten the necessary number of points to win the league. Plateau United have gotten more away points than other clubs in the league. Just like the saying goes - Top teams win games they are meant to draw and draw those they are meant to lose. This they have done efficiently and that's why they are winning the Nigeria Professional Football League for the first time in their history and what better place than at the Rwang Pam fifteen thousand capacity home stadium to the delight of their fans and against last season's champions. As for MFM FC, they have the consolation of grabbing the second available slot for the CAF Champions League and that will be an avenue to showcase their talent and skill for the world to see.

However, while fans of the two clubs above are celebrating the excellent performances of their teams, those of Remo stars, Gombe United are gnashing their teeth after a woeful performance from their clubs got them relegated. Remo stars is the only team in the league that didn't make 30 points, they failed to win games at home and away more than ten times this season, the longest stretch for any club this season. ABS FC and Shooting stars complete the list of clubs that will be playing in the Nigeria National League after a shambolic season in home and away games got them relegated too.

Gbenga Ogunbote and his men have something to cheer after getting the last slot to the continent with wonderful performances in the very end of the league. An away draw against Rangers in Enugu and a home win today gave them the needed one point shoot above Akwa United who will have no place in Africa despite their wonderful display in the season. Special kudos must still be given to the Uyo based side for their perseverance and courageous season.

After dominating the scene for a longer part of the season, Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun of MFM FC seemed to be rivalled by Anthony Okpotu and Kingsley Eduwo of Lobi stars towards the end of the season. With ten assists (Sikiru Olatunbosun) and eighteen goals (Stephen Odey) the duo impressed the football world but Anthony Okpotu came solidly from behind to equal that tally and surpass it by adding one more goal in his final game of the season (he didn't end the game though as he got a red card in the closing minutes) while his partner Kingsley Eduwo scored important goals for club and country as well. 

The biased refereeing this season cannot be overlooked too, the beauty of the game is when twenty two men play the round leather without bias from the man in the middle. The many unwarranted and controversial decisions from referee Folusho Ajayi and other referees in the league brought mockery to our football, we hope the referee association will look deeply into this and ensure better performances from their men next season. Crowd violence is also another unfortunate characteristics of our league, the League Management Company should continue to properly punish defaulters - footballers, fans and officials alike who bring the game into disrepute.

With the deal between the League Management Company and Nigeria Television Authority signed recently, we're hopeful of seeing all games on our screens next season.

Sport Betting: Earn N1million monthly from Winners Golden Bet company

Tobi Adesina

With over 70million registered sport Bettors in Nigeria, one can only imagine how lucrative the business must be for Bookmakers. In today's edition of Bet review, we give you a breakdown on how to outsmart your Bookmaker in this fresh season.

Selecting a decent odd is not much of a task, giving the large pool of games to pick from every week. The daunting task faced by Bettors is therefore deciphering a profitable event from the lot. During the transfer window, some average teams made huge acquisition by reinforcing 'grade A' players. Such Teams include but not limited to AC Milan of Italy, Swansea City of England and Torino of Italy. Bet Companies upload Odds of such teams based on intuition rather than on facts and current form, thereby placing high odds on such teams. This is the best time to take full advantage and capitalise on the Sport Bet Companies. Mind you, two months into the season —Bookmakers will tweak all odds and make adjustments where necessary.

Let's take for instance you start your bet year on a low budget of N1,000. Sport Bet Companies offer odds as high as 16/2 for some of this "average" sides. Bet Companies such as Winners Golden Bet, Bet9ja and NairaBet offer as much as 24/1 for outright wins of these Teams. Each of this Teams play an average of four matches monthly. With a stake as low as N1,000 a bettor is likely to cash home profit as high as N25,000.00 at the end of each week. Save up N5,000 and stake the following week with N20,000. Good luck to you!

Wait no more bettors, hurry and stake early in the season before odds drop.

We believe this piece will help bettors make informed decisions rather than following intuition which could be highly risky.

Make it a date with us next week as we bring you up to speed with happenings in the Sport Betting world.