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.

Taekwondo: Nigeria’s Otuadinma earns WTF Grand Prix Invitation

Tobi Adesina

Nigeria’s African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, has been invited by the World Taekwondo body for the prestigious WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix, which is scheduled to hold in Rabat, Morocco 27 – 28, 2017.

The WT Grand Prix Series is a G-4 ranked prestigious event exclusively for the top ranked athletes in the world who compete for ranking points and prize money.

Otuadinma’s strong performances in recent years have helped increase her world ranking. The Delta-born taekwondoin, who started Taekwondo in 2011 and become National Champion in 2012, dramatically increased her world champion when she clinched the African title in 2015 at the 2015 All African Games in Congo.

Her semi-finals loss at the hands of Africa’s number one seed in the Female +67kg cost Otuadinma an Olympic slot in Rio 2016, but the African Champion had solid performance at the 2017 World Championships and Korea Opens, which earned her vital world ranking point and returned the odds in her favour.

At the World Championships, Otuadinma defeated Swaziland’s Munave Carlos 23 – 3 before losing to 10 – 26 to 2015 World Team Cup Gold Medallist, South Korea’s An Saebom. Otudinma followed up this performance by winning a Silver medals at the WT G-2 ranked Korean International Opens in Chuncheon, South Korea, defeating South Korea, USA and Columbia before losing to China in the finals.

NTF President, Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Binga, secured the air tickets with which the official team was able to make the trip to South Korea to participate in the World Championships and Korea Opens. The team’s participation ensured they earned vital world ranking points.

Prior to Otuadinma’s invitation, Nigeria’s Chika Chukwumerije has been the only Nigerian ranked high enough to be invited to three Grand Prix series. Currently, Africa oppositions like Cote D’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, Nigeria Republic, Morocco all have highly ranked players that constantly attend the Grand Prix Series.

The WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix was introduced by the World Taekwondo Federation in 2013 to provide a homogeneous system for qualification to the Olympic taekwondo competitions with four competitions per year in each event.

ITTF heaps praises on Nigeria Open

Tobi Adesina

For successfully staging the fourth edition of an ITTF Challenge Series, the international Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has applauded the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2017 Nigeria Open with a pledge to award more world title events to Nigeria.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ITTF, Steve Dainton, aside the quality of players, the quality of organization has continued to improve annually.

“Ensuring events in all corners of the globe is extremely important for the ITTF. As the only annual ITTF event in Africa for professional players, it is extremely important for the ITTF to continue to support the Nigeria Open. Once again we are very pleased with the turnout of players which has now grown coupled with the event organisation and most importantly the fantastic local vibe that the tournament brings to table tennis and the ITTF. It shows us that we can bring more events to Nigeria and in the near future perhaps we can even bring one of the top World title events to the country,” Dainton said.

Like Dainton, Michael Brown who is ITTF Oceania and Africa Development Coordinator, described this year’s Nigeria Open as a good advertisement of table tennis in Africa.

“The Nigeria Open continues to improve in terms of organisation, this is now the fifth year in which the event has been part of the ITTF World Tour/ITTF Challenge, and with each year an improvement is made on how certain elements of the tournament are organised. As the tournament was able to attract a number of athletes from various European and Asian countries, the tournament had a stronger global following than in previous years,” Brown said.

He added: “The ITTF supports all tournaments which are part of the ITTF World Tour or ITTF Challenge. The Nigeria Open is a key event within these two products, as it is the only event within the African continent. Moving forward ITTF will be looking at further ways it can support such events to ensure a global reach is achieved. However it does take a strong Local Organising Committee (LOC) to be able to host a successful event, which has been evident in Nigeria over the past five years, and can hopefully continue moving forward. It would be exciting to see similar events in countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Kenya as well.”

On areas to improve in next edition, Brown said: “To further increase the global reach of the event, efforts could be made to attract athletes from East Asia (China, Japan and Korea), as well as the USA. These are key markets for table tennis, and could assist in further growing the brand of the Nigeria Open, which in turn will assist in attracting more sponsors.”

Please, I need a coach - Aruna Quadri

Tobi Adesina

Despite putting Nigeria on the world map at several occasions, Africa’s highest ranked table tennis player, Aruna Quadri is pleading for support for him to hire a coach prosecute the 2017 ITTF World Cup holding in Liege, Belgium later in the year.

Quadri who has consistently been inking his name in the annals of African table tennis history as the first African to make it to the quarterfinal of the Olympic Games as well as the first player from the continent to make it to the semifinal of the ITTF World Tour.

Being his second consecutive appearance at the ITTF World Cup, a pained Quadri said: “I am actually getting used to playing without a coach because I have no sponsor. Since I have no sponsor in order to have a coach, I just have to play alone. I can say that a coach is very, very important but since I have no support, I just have to keep on playing alone.”

“Actually, if I am not ready to play in the Bulgaria Open, I wouldn’t come along. But I am here because I am ready to play without a coach. If I had a coach, it would be even better of course,” he added.

Quadri attributed her victory against Japan’s Yuto Kizukuri in the round of 16 of Bulgaria Open as sheer luck.

“I think I have been really lucky in this tournament. It was my best match I was 6-3 down in the last set but luckily I won. I gained some confidence from the round of 16 match. I have something really important happening here and I am very happy,” he said.

He however, pleaded with his fans over the disappointment at Nigeria Open.

“I cannot actually say that Nigeria Open was a big disappointment for my fans but at the same time it is one of the things that normally happen in sports. For me it is meant to buckle me up. I thought it is possible to do so much better and anything can truly happen,” Quadri said.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung promised to support Aruna Quadri for the World Cup but the 2014 ITTF Star Player is still waiting on the minister to fulfill his promises.

Foreign players eager to return for Nigeria Open

Tobi Adesina

Majority of the foreign players that featured in the just concluded ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’ are looking forward to return for the next edition in 2018.

African and European players are singing same song after having a swell time in Lagos and they have all agreed that attending the next edition will part of their itinerary for 2018.

It was South Africa’s Theo Cogill who first expressed his willingness to make a return to Nigeria while others followed.

Cogill, who made it to the main draw of the men’s singles event said the atmosphere coupled with the warmness coupled with the hospitality of Lagosians are irresistible for him not to come back.

“I cannot but return to Lagos next year because I have never attended a well-organised and crowd pulling table tennis tournament like this particularly in Africa. The people are every friendly and the atmosphere in the hall was awesome. I did not expect I will go far but I made it to the first round amidst the quality of players in the competition,” the South African vice champion said.

Also, Hungary’s Berndadett Balint described her experience as memorable. “I like the tournament because people like table tennis so much. Also the African players were good because they tried their best. This is my first time in Nigeria despite being a difficult tournament, I will like to come here again because I had good memories,” the women’s doubles champion said.

French international and men’s doubles champion, Antoine Hachard said: “Playing Nigeria Open has been a wonderful experience because of the atmosphere with the sport and the connection with the public was something unbelievable. I think they (African players) are different in terms of qualities and physical attributes. Most importantly, the atmosphere here is great; it not the same in Europe as the atmosphere is Lagos is unique."

For Sarthak Ghandi, who finished as runner’s up in the men’s singles, every moment at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall was awesome. “I think I have never seen this kind of crowd that cheers the players so well like this before. They showed their understanding of the game and this most times inspires players to give their best. This is my first time in Africa and I will be willing to come back again to Lagos next year,” the Indian star said.

I am indebted to Lagos fans – Omar Assar

Tobi Adesina

 

For the support he has always enjoyed whenever he is playing in Lagos, Egypt’s Omar Assar believes the fans played a crucial role in his triumph at the ITTF Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’.

The Egyptian who made history as the first player to win the men’s singles title thrice as well as unbeaten in all his participation in the tournament is willing to return to Lagos for the competition.

To claim the title in 2017, Assar beat India’s Sarthak Gandhi in the final 4-0 (11-6, 13-11, 11-6, 11-8). With the win, Assar maintains his perfect record in Lagos, having now won the tournament on each occasion he has played.

“I feel very wonderful wining this competition again. This competition is very special for me because it being hosted in Lagos. The fans in Lagos have been very supportive in me claiming the title. So I need to ensure I play very well because many people are waiting to see me winning the title. From the start of the tournament, there have been a lot of improvements among the Nigerians and Egyptians, while I am particularly thrilled with the performance of the Indians,” said Omar Assar.

Assar, who is Aruna Quadri’s partner in men’s doubles, believes the Nigerian would return stronger following his round of 16 exit. “Aruna Quadri and others played really well. But I am always proud whenever I and Aruna Quadri play in the final of any major event because it helps to promote the sport in Africa. Aruna Quadri is a very good player and I am sure next he will make a comeback and have better competition next time,” he said.

Dina Meshref made sure Egypt doubled down on the titles, defeating Russia’s Olga Kulikova in the final of the Women’s Singles. It was a 4-0 (11-4, 16-14, 12-10, 11-6) victory for Meshref, who dropped only two games during the event. It was the Egyptian’s third attempt at the title, and it turned out to be third time’s lucky, having made the quarterfinal in 2014, and final in 2015.

As Africa’s number one player, she kept continental pride and made sure the title stayed on home soil for the first time in the event’s history.

Joel Obi sends message to Super Eagle's Coach as Torino blitz 7-1 past Trapani

Tobi Adesina

Joel Obi sends a strong message to Super Eagle's Coach Genot Rohr in Torino's Copa italia clash against Trapani.

Joel Obi got the 5th goal for Torino in the 43rd minute. A player who's career has been ravaged by injuries in the past. It is certain that Joel Obi might get a look if his recent performances remains consistent.

Nigeria currently in need of a goalscoring midfielder. As it stands, the technical crew might search no further as Obi looks to fit in perfectly.

William Troost Ekong suffers defeat

Tobi Adesina

Emmanuel Adebayo's Instanbul Basaksehir triumphed over Super Eagle's troost Ekong's Bursaspor in the first game of the season in the Turkish Super Liga.

Instanbul Basaksehir got an early lead in 21st minute which ended up being the lone goal of the match.

Mikel Agu was subbed on late in the second half for the visitors. Meanwhile Emmanuel Adebayo was rested around 89th minute.

The result sits Instanbul Basaksehir top of the table and Bursaspor rock bottom as it remains the only match to have been played.

Top Guns ignites Nigeria Open

Tobi Adesina

They were considered title contenders and this they showed in the first round of the singles event of the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’.

From local hero – Aruna Quadri to former champions, Egypt’s Omar Assar; Finland’s Benedek Olah as well as 2009 mixed doubles world champion, Qatar’s Li Ping, emphatic victories were recorded just as debutant – South Africa’s Kurt Lingeveldt worked his way into the round of 32 after an epic 4-3 win over Nigeria’s Bode Kayode.

Kurt Lingeveldt, who was featuring in his maiden ITTF Challenge, was particularly excited by the huge support from the fans.

“This is my first ITTF Challenge and it has been exciting and unbelievable for me with the huge support from the crowd coupled with the presence of top players. I was so nervous in the match and I was trying to be careful and make sure i put the ball on the corner. I was also hoping not to make the match easy for my opponent. I am happy making it to the second round because my goal initially was to qualify from the group and now I am in the round of 32. Now I am setting last 16 target for myself now,” said Kurt Lingeveldt.

Also, India’s Sanil Shetty, Scotland’s Gavin Rumgay while Egypt’s trio of Ahmed Saleh, Mohamed El-Beiali and Khaled Assar also sailed through to the second round.

However, some players suffered surprising defeats as former Commonwealth champion, Monday Meroothun was bundled out by France’s Jean Gregoire. The French star beat Merotohun 4-0 while toast of Lagos, Olajide Omotayo was eliminated by Russia’s Vasilij Filatov. Despite taking a lead twice in the game, Omotayo failed to capitalise on this to lose 4-3 to the Russian.

On Saturday August 12, the battle for supremacy in the singles and doubles event continue as the top seeds and others take to the table for the second round matches of the singles.

Aiteo Cup: Hard luck befalls Mfm as Lagos teams paired against Northern opponents

Tobi Adesina

The draw for round 64 matches of Aiteo Federation Cup have brought so many mouthwatering fixtures on the card. Spartan FC and MFM FC being the only representative from the City of Excellence will face a tough test if they are to stand any chance of qualifying to the next round.

MFM FC will do battle against last season Federation Cup runner's up, Nassarawa United. While Lagos State F.A Cup runner's up will do battle against Amar F.C

Other fixtures include;
Ngwa FC vs Galadima FC
Heartland FC vs Insurance FC
Lobi Stars vs Kastina Utd 
Kastina Utd Feeders vs Aklosendi FC
Itel FC vs Unicem Rovers 
Mighty Jets vs Sunshine Stars 
Bayelsa Utd vs FC Samara
Adamawa Utd Feeders vs Cynosure's FC
Ede Utd vs Sakaba FC
FC IfeanyiUbah feeder vs Jigawa Golden Stars
Samba FC Kano vs Wikki Tourists Feeders 
Ekiti Utd vs Dolphins FC Kaduna
Niger Tornadoes vs El-kanemi Warriors 
Rivers Utd vs FC Atete
Delta Warriors vs Ayade Babes
Fc yarmalight vs Fc IfeanyiUbah 
Taifa FC vs Akwa Utd 
Shooting Stars vs Dynamite's 
Kogi Utd vs Rangers Int'l 
Niger Tornadoes Feeders vs Fc Abuja 
Doma FC vs Adamawa Utd FC
Osun Utd vs Coal City FC
Fc Lokoja vs El-kanemi babes
Kwara Utd vs Sokoto Utd 
Wikki Tourists vs Plateau Utd 
ABS FC vs Enyimba Int'l 
Kano Pillars vs Yobe stars
Abia Warriors vs Crown F.C and 
Moyero Fc vs Akwa Starlets.

The first round game comes up on Wednesday 16th August across the 10 locations picked by the NFF in the country.

NNL waters: ABS will beat the drop - Chinedu Ajanah

 
Tobi Adesina

After week 33games in the Nigerian Professional Football League was over, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki's boys sits 16th on the log, one point above the drop zone closely followed by Katsina Utd(42points). However, ABS reliable defender, Chinedu Ajanah expressed high hopes while speaking with AIO football.

"I believe we will not get relegated come end of season. Currently, we have 5 matches to play with 3 home games before the season runs out. With this run of fixtures, I believe we will beat the drop."

Chinedu went on to express confidence in the team saying his inability to attend team training courtesy of his CHAN team call up

"Back in Kwara at our camp, we have capable players who can hold forte even in my absence from training sessions. With the squad we have on ground, I believe we will stay up this season because we play good football" he said.

ABS are back in action on Sunday 13th August away to Enyimba in Calabar.

Kelechi is fit and ready to go against Arsenal - Greg Shakespeare

Tobi Adesina

With the £25m move to Leicester City, the foxes were disappointed to see their grand summer signing pick up a knock in the friendly against Borussia mönchengladbach. However, good news awaits the foxes as Manager Greg Shakespeare in a press conference, confirmed that Kelechi is back to full training.

When asked about his team's injury update he said...

"Yes, Danny Drinkwater will be out for an additional one week with a thigh injury likewise Vincent Iborra who is nursing a groin strain and will definitely be out of Friday's encounter with Arsenal."

"And on the positive note, we have Kelechi back in training, he had full training today and will be available for Arsenal game"

"We also have Robert Huth back in full training but will play with the U-23 side on Monday, so as to gain match fitness. Pappy Mendy is also in training. So basically, we get 1 or 2 guys back and we lose 2."

Leicester open their campaign against Arsenal on Friday 11th August at the Emirates stadium.

NPFL Violence: LMC right to charge offenders in Shari'a court - Barrister

Tobi Adesina

The decision to try the matchday 33 involving Wikki Tourist of Bauchi and Rangers International of Enugu offenders in a Shari'a court was welcomed with mixed reactions. Media opinion, fans and Management of NPFL clubsides all raised eyebrows concerning the outlandish decision made by the LMC.

Speaking with a lawyer in Ibadan, Barrister Amaka made it clear that under the provisions made for the Shari'a law in the 1999 constitution, the LMC has done no wrong in the way and manner the court case was treated.

"A citizen can be charged under Shari'a law in Nigeria, in as much as he is a Muslim. The Nigeria 1999 constitution allows for a case to be taking a Shari'a court when it happens around the geographical jurisdiction of the Shari'a law in Nigeria."

"Bauchi in this case is among the 12 member States of Shari'a in Nigeria. The only practical circumstance where a Shari'a court can be bypassed is at the request of the Plaintiff"

Mohammed Isa, Hamisu Mohammed and Yola Ishaya's case have now been postponed to hear August 31st, 2017.

ITTF Nigeria Open: I wish more Nigerians can play more in South Africa - S.A Legend, Danisha Patel

Tobi Adesina

The ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open has lived up to expectations as the fans were treated to exciting matches in the preliminary round of the singles events.

The 1200 capacity venue was half filled as the players gave the spectators to cheer from the start to the end of the day one.

Apart from the scintillating performance from the participants, the return of the former Nigerian internationals – Monday Merotohun and Kazeem Nosiru added glamour to the competitions.

Even the foreigners were not left out of the excitement as South Africa’s Danisha Patel believes the quality of play confirmed why Nigeria remains among the best in the world.

An excited Patel said being her first time in Nigeria as she was amazed with the excitement and support that the presence of the fans added to the competition on the first day.

“I am surprised with the kind of support the fans have been giving the players particularly the number of them present at the venue. I was surprised that we could have that kind of number of people coming to the venue on the first day. They support good table tennis and they really understand the game. It is my first time in Nigeria and I am excited that the environment was very conducive for the players. I wish more Nigerians can play more in South Africa, as this will really boost the standard of the game in South Africa” she said.

On Thursday August 10, the fight for places in the main draw of the singles event enter final round as the qualifiers that will compete against the seeded players will know their fate.

Benzema, Rojo, others set to miss UEFA Super Cup

Tobi Adesina

With less than 24hours to the 18th UEFA Super Cup Final, we take you through a list of players who won't feature in Macedonia tonight.

While Real Madrid looks like the less unfortunate, Cristiano resumed team training after he was given an extended vacation due to his participation in the Confederations Cup. Meanwhile the injury plaqued Bale is a doubt for tonight's encounter as his future with the galacticos is gradually looking bleak with interest shown by Manchester United. Keylor Navas is also a major doubt for the galacticos while Benzema is also out nursing a hip problem.

Éric Baily and Phil Jones are out serving match ban while Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw are sidelined with injury.

José's side will have a big boost with his new signings Lukaku, Lindelof and the left-footed Matic.

The Super Cup Final will give United fans a glance of what to expect for the season, with the 54 year old expected to file out his boys in a 4-4-2 formation

2017 ITTF Nigeria Open: Cecilia Akpan ready to stop foreigners’ dominance

Tobi Adesina

With two days to the commencement of this year ITTF Nigeria Open "Lagos 2017", 31-year-old mother of one Cecilia Akpan is ready to lead the halting of foreigners’ dominance at the Africa elite tournament holding at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Akpan who is a member of the Nigeria national team said she is fully ready to battle against the foreigners in Lagos.

“For me this is another chance for us to prove that we can still rub shoulders with the world’s best. The quality of the players this year is no doubt exceptional and in the history of the competition, this is the best assembly of players we have ever had. So it is time for us Nigerian players not to allow the visitors to come and cart away all the prize money and medals. We will surely hold them in all the events,” she said.

“After returning from Morocco, I have not missed any training because I know I must be at my best if I am hoping to contest with the foreigners in the competition. Things are working well for me and I am in top form and eager to commence campaign from the preliminary which starts on August 9. "I want to take each game as they come hoping that I will make it to the main draw where anything can happen.”

Akpan, who was unbeaten during the ITTF African Club Championships in Morocco, recently lauded the organizers of the championships for attracting quality players to the competition annually as well as putting Nigeria in the world map of table tennis.

Anthony Joshua on the verge of losing his Heavyweight title

Nigeria-born British boxer Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua is on the verge of losing his unified heavyweight boxing championship belt. If this happen, it won't have anything to do with a loss inside the ring but based on him being forced to defend his belt by IBF and WBA at the same time.

The 27year-old Joshua holds the IBF and WBA titles, and both organizations were on board to allow him to defend them in a rematch against former longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko, whom Joshua stopped in dramatic fashion in the 11th round of the leading fight of the year contender on April 29 before 90,000 at Wembley Stadium in London. With the win, Joshua retained his IBF version of the title and won the vacant WBA belt.

Plans were in the works for a Joshua-Klitschko rematch to take place on Nov. 11 in Las Vegas even though 41year-old Klitschko had not fully commit to the bout for which he had a contractual right to. On Wednesday however, Klitschko surprised many when he elected to pass on the rematch and announced his retirement from boxing after a decorated 21-year career as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history.

With Klitschko out of the way, Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) is now being pressed by the two organizations  to make different mandatory defenses next, if not he would have to vacate one of the belts or be stripped unless something can be worked out.

The IBF gave its blessing to the proposed Joshua-Klitschko rematch several weeks ago but stipulated that if Joshua did not face Klitschko in his next fight, he would have to face its mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KOs), 36, of Bulgaria, whose only loss was by fourth-round stoppage to Klitschko in the 2014 knockout of the year.

On Wednesday, hours after Klitschko's retirement announcement, the WBA also chimed in. It ordered Joshua to begin negotiations with its No. 1 contender (and former interim titlist) Luis "King Kong" Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), 36, a big-punching Cuban southpaw who defected and fights out of Miami.

The WBA had previously ordered the winner of the Joshua-Klitschko to face Ortiz, but it had signed off on the rematch. With the rematch not happening, it sent both camps a letter ordering the mandatory fight and gave the Joshua and Ortiz camps 30 days to make a deal, or a purse bid will be ordered.

The WBA's letter pointed out that it had originally ordered the winner of the April 29 Joshua-Klitschko fight to face Luis Ortiz within 120 days of the fight. It had agreed to allow the rematch, but with it off the table, the WBA wrote that since the original resolution "95 days of that period have already passed and the fight should take place by Aug. 27. In light of the above, this committee is granting 30 days to negotiate beginning Aug. 3, 2017 and will close at the end of the business day Sept. 3, 2017. The fight should take place by Oct. 31, 2017."

Feelers have it that if Joshua has to pick one belt to keep, Joshua will most likely hang on to the IBF title he won in April 2016 by second-round knockout of Charles Martin and which he has defended three times against Dominic Breazeale, Eric Molina and the aforementioned Wladimir Klitschko. Also, a fight with Pulev figures to be a much easier fight than one against Ortiz, a massive puncher who has been routinely avoided by the division's best.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, has already spoken to Pulev promoter Kalle Sauerland about making the fight and is moving in the direction to finalize that match.

"When the IBF cleared the Klitschko rematch it was under the proviso that if it's not Klitschko it must be Pulev, so we've already got talks in place with Kalle Sauerland," Hearn said to a reporter.

"Part of me is quite pleased we can move forward and draw a line under this. There was always the worry with Klitschko's age that we could announce the rematch and he could get injured in camp, various bits and pieces like that."

Whatever the decision, one thing that is certain is that AJ has come to stay and hopefully will rule the heavyweight category for sometime if his antecedent is anything to go by.