Obafemi Martins Quits Super Eagles

In a recent interview with Italian newspaperp La Gazzetta dello Sport, Obafemi Martins says he is done playing for the Super Eagles.

The ex-Inter Milan player said: "I am done with my national team, I will not go there any more. I do not have good relationships with some companions. If they do not want me anymore, patience. I love my country, I have given so much. But there are problems and although I am called up, I do not go." Hey, this was translated from Italian by some reporter. CHOI! The guy just scatter am! lol

NFF Bye-election to Hold on December 11

The Nigeria Football Federation Electoral Appeals Committee has ordered for fresh election into four executive positions of the NFF to take place on December 11.

Chairman of the committee, Barrister Okechukwu Ajunwa announced this after a three-hour ruling at a press conference held at Area 11, Abuja on Thursday after the annulment of the September 30 election held in Warri that brought in Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick and Seyi Akinwumi were consequently directed to stop parading themselves as NFF president and vice president respectively.

After declaring the election that produced Pinnick "invalid", Ajunwa said all aspirants that participated in the both disputed elections of August 26 in Abuja and September 30 in Warri will be eligible to contest in the rescheduled election. The fresh election is to take place in Abuja.

It was gathered that four contestants – Muazu Suleyman, Sani Fema, Shehu Dikko and Ike Igbokwe, had filed separate appeals which necessitated the annulment of the September 30 election.

The positions to be filled in the bye-election are President, First Vice President, board member South East and Board member North West.

The Nigeria Football Federation Electoral Appeals Committee also insisted that all cleared candidates willing to re-contest must withdraw their legal matters in court and at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in order to participate in the rescheduled election.

Upon the verdict of the committee, Anyansi and Inuwa have been disqualified from contesting the bye-election.

Nations Cup 2015: NFF Takes Blame for Nigeria's Exit

Following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with visiting South Africa in Uyo, the African champions finished third in Group A which led to their exit from the 2015 Nations Cup. But the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said it accepts the blame for the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick said it was a time for sober reflection rather than looking for scapegoats.

"The NFF takes full responsibility for what has happened.

"It is a tragedy for us to come so near and yet fail to reach the finals.

"We made so much effort and sacrifice in Congo to achieve the victory we needed there on Saturday and really had no business bungling it here," Pinnick continued.

"However, our commitment is to build a sustainable football culture in the country and nothing has changed.

"This is a disappointment but for us, we gave it our best shot and supported the team fully," he added.

Pinnick, who had sanctioned the appointment of a foreign coach before a presidential order led to Keshi's return, said Wednesday's failure could turn out to be blessing in disguise.

"This has happened but we believe it will work together for us to toil hard and achieve a renaissance that will take Nigeria football to much higher heights than it has ever been," Pinnick said.

On his part, Coach Stephen Keshi admits his players underestimated the South Africans, who have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture since 1993.

"Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this." said Keshi.

AFCON: Equatorial Guinea to Replace Morocco as Hosts of 2015 Finals

Equatorial Guinea will replace Morocco as the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015. This announcemeeent was made by the Confederation of African Football.

Morocco requested the tournament be postponed over fears of the spread of Ebola visus.

The completion will take place in January and February next year without Morocco.

In 2012, Equatorial Guinea hosted the 2012 finals with neighbours Gabon.

Morocco wanted the tournament postponed but CAF refused and on Tuesday stripped the north African country of the hosting rights.

The new hosts will be able to play in the tournament, despite being disqualified from the preliminaries by CAF for fielding an ineligible player.

According to CAF in a statement: "Following fraternal and fruitful discussions, the head of state of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.

"The national team of Equatorial Guinea qualify for the final tournament as host country."

The matches will take place in four venues and the draw for the finals will take place on December 3 in the country's capital, Malabo.

FIFA Confirms Morocco as Club World Cup Hosts

Crd: DailyMail

Last week, Morocco declined to host the African Nations Cup in January over fears of Ebola. But, according to FIFA, Morocco will host the Club World Cup next month as planned.

"The #ClubWC 2014 will take place in Morocco and all preparations continue as planned," FIFA said on Twitter.

The tournament, which also took place in Morocco last year, is held annually and features the champion clubs of each continent.

Western Sydney Wanderers (Asia), Auckland City (Oceania), Cruz Azul (CONCACAF), Real Madrid (Europe), San Lorenzo (South America) and Entente Seitif (Africa) will take part, plus Moghreb Athletic, who qualified as champions of hosts Morocco.

Morocco pulled out of hosting the Nations Cup because it believes thousands of travelling supporters from west Africa pose a risk and wanted a postponement of at least six months while the fight against Ebola intensified.

Morocco had asked for a postponement of the Nations Cup but CAF said the tournament must go ahead in January and February as scheduled, and said it would name a new host in the next few days.

Morocco Out of AFCON 2015

Morocco declined to host the tournament as earlier scheduled due to fears over the Ebola pandemic that broke out in some of the West African countries some weeks ago, and because to this has been banned from participating in the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

Morocco had requested that the Confederation of African Football postpone the competition from the original scheduled period of January-February 2015 due to worries that the Ebola virus may be transferred to the region by fans and players of West Africa. CAF rejected the request after its officials met and decided instead to hold the tournament on the scheduled dates in another African country.

CAF later released a statement which reads: "Following the refusal of the Moroccan party, the executive committee decides that the national team of Morocco is automatically disqualified and will not take part in the 30th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in 2015."

CAF has not yet releaved the countries currently vying to replace Morocco.

Onyewu Agrees Short Term Deal With Charlton

Charlton Athletic has announced the signing of USA international Oguchi Onyewu on a short-term contract.

The English Championship side made the disclosure through the official webpage on Friday, stating that the central defender will remain at the club until January.

The 32-year-old was eligible to make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, which took place at the Valley on Saturday.

Oguchi Onyewu previously had spells with teams in England, including Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.

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Man United Defeated In Derby

United was reduced to a 10-man squad in the first half when Chris Smalling was sent off after two bookings in the space of eight minutes.

After seeing three penalty claims turned down, Aguero grabbed the crucial breakthrough for Manchester City. United threw everything at City in the closing stages with Di Maria seeing a shot superbly saved by Joe Hart and Marouane Fellaini wasting a good opening as the home side were forced to hang on against the 10 men of United.

City did make their numerical advantage count with Aguero breaking the deadlock with his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

Toure unlocked the United defence with a fine through-ball for Clichy down the left and he superbly pulled the ball back for Aguero to slam his left-footed shot high into the net past De Gea.

United went close to an equaliser on the 70th min when out of nothing Van Persie beat Martin Demichelis and Clichy down the left and fired in a shot which Hart kept out with his legs at his near post.

City was inches away from doubling the lead 15 minutes from time when Toure picked out Navas' run into the box, but under pressure from Shaw he drilled his shot against the post.

Despite being down to ten men, United almost grabbed a leveller on the 77th min when Wayne Rooney burst through the middle and beat a couple of City defenders before going down in the box and the loose ball dropped to Di Maria who fired in a right-footed shot which was brilliantly saved by Hart low down to his right.

The win left the home side in third place with 20 points, six points behind leaders Chelsea and United in ninth position with 13 points.

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I'm Not Jealous Of Man City Squad - Van Gaal

Louis Van Gaal has claimed his Manchester United team is ready to tilt the balance of power back towards Old Trafford when they meet neighbours City in Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Van Gaal claims his team is good enough.

Asked to compare the two squads on Friday, the Man United manager said: "I am not jealous of the squad of Manchester City.

"I am proud of my players and that is the most important thing and when we play like a team then we have a big chance to win. Our goal is to win this game. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves, I think.

"What we have seen of Manchester City in the last matches was not so good. But that was also the case last year, Ryan Giggs has warned me. So you never know."

With Wayne Rooney back for United on Sunday and City missing playmaker David Silva for a month after damaging knee ligaments in midweek, the visitors would appear to have a chance against a team who have not won for three games.

City defender Pablo Zabaleta said: "We need to do much better than we have done in the last three games. It is just about three points and winning that game. It means we can get the confidence back and it’s something we need at the moment. We cannot drop points because of the race with Chelsea. It’s a really important day for both teams."

Van Gaal urged his players to take the emotion out of the game and avoid red cards.

Zidane Cleared To Coach In Spain

Zinedine Zidane has been cleared to continue coaching Real Madrid’s reserve side while the Spanish Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) considers his club's appeal against a three-month ban, Real said on Friday.

On Monday, Zidane was banned for three months for not having the necessary qualifications to coach in Spain.

Real appealed the decision and now the France legend, the two-goal hero of their World Cup final victory over Brazil on home soil in 1998, has been allowed to continue in his role.

Zidane's assistant Santiago Sanchez, who was also sanctioned by the Spanish Federation (RFEF), has been likewise cleared to continue his duties.

"The TAD acquiesced to the club's request for a provisional suspension (of the ban) which allows… the coaches of Real Madrid Castilla, Santiago Sanchez and Zinedine Zidane, to perform their professional activities until such time as a decision is taken on Real Madrid’s appeal against the decision taken by the (RFEF) appeal committee," said Real in a statement.

Sanchez Is Arsenal's Suarez - Wenger

Wenger believes Sanchez shares many of the same attributes as the Barcelona forward.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that there are plenty of similarities between Alexis Sanchez and Luis Suarez.

The Chile international has put in a number of impressive performances since his arrival in north London from Barcelona for €41 million in the summer, finding the net on eight occasions.

And Wenger, who tried to sign Suarez from Liverpool in 2013, believes the pair share plenty of the same attributes.

"It is natural to him [Alexis]," he told reporters.
"Every day he wants to go out, wants the ball. He doesn’t walk out, he runs out.

"He has a natural level of energy that is unbelievable. You would love everyone to have it but it does not work like that.

"I said many times: when you see where he comes from, where he was born, and you think he finishes at Barcelona and Arsenal, you need something special, or it does not work.

"There are similarities. Suarez sometimes gave the ball to the opponent but he wins it back straightaway. Sanchez is the same. There is no time between offence and defence. They are very quick as well."

I hope Sanchez doesn't bite :-)

Congo Lists 35 For Eagles Clash

A preliminary list of 35 players has been unveiiled by Congo's coach Claude Leroy for the two decisive games against the Nigerian and Sudan teams next month.

The French-born tactician handed surprise call-ups to the quartet of Delarge Dzon, Chris Malonga, Ulrich Kapolongo and Fabrice Nguessi Ondama for the crucial encounter against the Super Eagles.

Congo is currently second in group A with seven points, one point adrift leaders South Africa and three ahead of Nigeria who visit Pointe Noire on the 15th of November.

THE SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Chansel Mohikola (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Christoffer Mafoumbi (Le Pontet), Pavhel Ndzila (Etoile du Congo), Samba Junior (Olympique de Marseille).

Défenders: Moubhio Ngounga (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Magnokélé Bissiki (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Baudry Tony (SC Amiens), Francis Nganga (Charleroi), Igor Nganga (FC Aarau), Sagesse Babélé (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Bouka Moutou (SC Angers), Bernard Onanga (FC Platanias) Mael Lepicier (Royal Antwerp), Mamic Itoua (FC Kondzo).

Midfielders: Hardy Alain Samarange Binguila (Diables noirs), Delvin Chancel Ndinga (Olympiakos), Prince Oniangué (Reims), Sidney Gandzé (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Junior Mouzita (AC Léopards de Dolisie), Hermelin Boukama-Kaya (Recreativo Libolo), Malonga Ntsayi (Lausanne sport).

Forwards: Doré Ferebory (CFR Cluj), Nguessi Ondama, Thievy Bifouma (UD Alméria), Ganvoula Mboussy (Raja de Casablanca), Georges Bidimbou (AC Léopards), Lorry Edgo Nkolo (Diables noirs), Dominique Malonga (Hibermian), Saira Issambet (CNFF), Yannick Loemba (Mons), Ladislas Douniama (EA Guimgamp), Franci Litsingi (FK Teplice), Kévin Koubémba (Lilles), Ulrich Kapolongo (FK Teplice), Delarge Dzon (Slovac Liberec).

Barca Didn't Understand Fabregas - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Chelsea football Club has disclosed that Barcelona did not understand Cesc Fabregas during his time with the Catalans.

Mourinho observed that he has been surprised by Fabregas' personality since he joined the Premier League outfit this summer, whilst he also believes the Spain international was not fully appreciated in his time at Barcelona.

"He's a better person than I thought, a fantastic guy, a fantastic professional. He's a player I knew from Barcelona but people there obviously didn't understand how good he was because sometimes he was playing in positions he wasn’t suited to.

"But I knew many years ago he was a top player," Chelsea boss told ITV.

Mourinho could not keep his silence anymore after Fabregas notched his first Chelsea goal last weekend in a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Champions League: City Stumbles As Late Penalty Earns CSKA Draw

CSKA Moscow came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in a Champions League clash played behind closed doors on Tuesday.

First-half goals from Sergio Aguero and James Milner put the visitors in command, but the Russian side fought back after the break, with Seydou Doumbia's strike giving them a lifeline and Bebras Natcho's 86th-minute penalty earning them a share of the points.

The result is a damaging blow to City's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages and left them with two points from their opening three Group E games, four behind leaders Bayern Munich and two adrift of AS Roma in second.

CSKA, who were forced to play behind closed doors due to the repeated poor behaviour of their fans in recent Champions League matches, are at the bottom of the group with one point.

Van Gaal Believes United Can Still Win Title

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal insists they can still overtake current Premier League leaders Chelsea despite a 10-point gap between the two sides.

LVG's team's 2-2 draw at West Brom on Monday night has left them further in need of a positive result against Jose Mourinho's side on Sunday.

It promises to be the biggest test of the Dutchman's Old Trafford reign yet with United still to have faced any of last season's top four. But the former Netherlands and Barcelona coach remains relaxed and claimed his team's title hopes are not over just yet.

"That's possible but difficult to say because then I am arrogant," he said. "But I have done it a lot of times."

"I think Chelsea and (second placed) Man City are another level. We have to see if we can beat them."

United remained in sixth place in the Premier League, 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and Van Gaal admitted his frustration after individual errors had undone their good work.

Ex-France Coach Keen to Manage Eagles

Former Tunisia and Morocco coach, Roger Lemerre has stated that he is ready to take over as Super Eagles coach if the opportunity came calling.

After a superb showing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa which they won and a round of 16 appearance at the World Cup in Brazil, the Eagles have been struggling in their African Cup of Nations qualifiers and only recorded their first win against Sudan in Abuja on Wednesday.
Super Eagles of Nigeria currently has four points out of a possible twelve in the team's qualifying group.

The NFF Executive board didn't renew Stephen Keshi's contract and he was excused as Nigeria's coach in the early hours of Thursday and the mantle has been given to Amodu Shuaibu to guide the Eagles through the next two matches, which will see the Eagles need the maximum points to qualify.

Lemerre disclosed to a source that he is interested in the Super Eagles job because Nigeria has what it takes to rule the world.

"I'm ready to work as Super Eagles coach," said Lemerre.

"I'm a keen lover of Nigeria football, I’ve studied the Eagles and I must say the potential in that country is enormous."

"I want to work with Nigeria because they are the number one country in Africa and have what it takes to rule the world," he stated.

Onigbinde: I Believe Keshi's Sabotage Story

Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has supported coach Stephen Keshi’s claim that he was sabotaged by some people in the group games of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.

Onigbinde, a respected FIFA and CAF Technical Adviser submitted that Keshi was speaking the minds of other coaches who faced similar situations when they handled the Eagles in the past.

He recalled that he was also once a victim of sabotage during the period he tutored the senior national team.

He stated that the issue has been prevalent in the team because of maladministration in the NFF. To stop this ugly trend, Onigbinde urges NFF to put strict measures in place to monitor the activities of its members and also coordinate players invited for national duty.

The Modakeke high chief also advised the Federation to assist Keshi investigate the allegations, stressing that sabotage is a serious problem that would undermine the development of football in the country, if not checked.

Onigbinde said: "The issue of sabotage is not new to Nigerian football. Keshi is a matured and experienced coach for him to make this statement public. This means he has full evidence to prove it. I had faced similar problems when I was the coach of the Eagles in the game against Cote d’Ivoire where I sensed sabotage by some players. I handled it in my own way."

"Keshi should be able to put things in the right state if he wants to mention the names of the people behind this anomaly. It depends on him, Nigerian coaches will continue to face this problem if the NFF doesn't put measures in place to monitor the activities of their members and players. Nigerian football needs to move forward," he added.

Mourinho Slams FA Over Arsene Wenger Push

Jose Mourinho has accused the FA of double standards over his touchline bust-up with Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman escaped punishment for pushing Mourinho in the chest during an angry showdown as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

But the Blues boss last night claimed he would have been hit with a stadium ban if he had been the aggressor.

Asked if he was surprised Wenger had not been punished, Mourinho said: "No, I'm not surprised.

"Would I have been charged if I had done it? Charged? If it was me, it would have been a stadium ban!"

Wenger has since admitted he regrets sparking the angry confrontation, which led to both managers being warned by referee Martin Atkinson.

The fact the official saw it and took action at the time meant the FA could not take retrospective action.

Xavi Unlikely To Leave Barca In January

According to Catalan daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Hernandez has no plans to quit Barcelona in the January window.

The Spain international recently hinted he was unhappy by the lack of playing time, which sparked speculation linking him with a winter exit.

However, El Mundo Deportivo is adamant Xavi does not want to leave the club midway through the season and will wait until next summer before making a decision on his future.

The 34-year-old was widely expected to leave last summer, but he ultimately decided to remain for another year.

However, he was since mostly restricted to substitute appearances, starting just two of first seven league fixtures for the club.

The player, who has scored 56 goals in 478 league matches for Barcelona, is clearly nearing the Camp Nou exit, some 23 years since joining the club's youth ranks. Xavi has retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup.

Okon Delighted With Super Falcons' Fighting Spirit

Super Falcons' coach, Edwin Okon, has praised his players after they defeated Namibia 2-0 in the African Women’s Championship.

Goals from Gloria Ofoegbu and Francisca Ordega was enough to give the Falcons a flawless run in the Group A, and the Coach has congratulated his ladies after fielding a second string side.

"The result is very good," he told SL10.
"I'm especially pleased with how the team competed. We didn’t play beautiful football but it was very practical, very competitive. The players worked extremely hard, closed the fast Namibians down well, and the whole departments did an amazing job," he said.

"The team grew into the game after the first goal. Some of the girls have really taken their opportunity today (Friday). We will see what will happen in the selection for the semi finals."

"It was very important for us to end the first round well and we set out our intentions from the blast of the whistle," he added.

Nigeria will now face Group B's runners-up in their semifinal encounter billed for the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Wednesday.

The duo of Ofoegbu and Ordega created history as they scored their first African Women's Championship goal of their flourishing career.