While many Nigerians will be expecting Coach Rohr to use the dead rubber final-day 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria to try out some fringe players, the coach has revealed that the team that will face the Fennecs on November 10 would be a crack one.
Showing posts with label SPORT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPORT. Show all posts
FIFA is set to relax its nationality rules (see deails)
FIFA is set to relax its nationality rules to help players who have represented another country easily switch loyalty.
Madrid Striker, Karim Benzema's Agent Issues Statement on 'Possible' Arsenal Transfer
The France international player, Benzema's representative has responded to reports suggesting that the Gunners will rekindle their interest in the striker in January
Like Father, Like Sons, Lionel Messi’s Two Sons ‘start’ Training At Barcelona (Photo)
Footballer extraordinaire, Lionel Messi brought his sons Thiago and Mateo to the Barcelona training pitch before the Champions League clash with Olympaicos at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi’s children were involved in a training session – where the Argentine forward posted a snap of the duo.
His eldest son Thiago, four, can be seen pulling a funny face, while one-year-old Mateo just lets it all wash over him.
Messi captioned the photo; ‘Annoying the little brother‘.
Lovely : Super Eagles Players Shared Their Match Bonus Against Zambia With Carl Ikeme
Players and officials of the Super Eagles, gave a share
Update:Enyeama could feature in the World Cup for a fourth time- Gernot Rohr
Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has
Chelsea Down : N'Golo Kante Sideline For weeks Due to some Reasons [see Reason]
Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte says France midfielder, N'Golo Kante will be sidelined for three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.
All You Need To Know About Russia 2018 World Cup
The start of the 2018 World Cup is just eight months away, and after the latest round of qualifiers the line-up for the tournament is almost complete.
England will be in Russia and could be joined by Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland if they make it through the play-offs.
But what are the key dates for the World Cup? Where are the venues? When will the matches be played? And who will be watching the tournament from home? Here’s all you need to know…
Who has qualified automatically?
Of the 31 places up for grabs at the World Cup – with Russia qualifying as hosts – 23 have been secured.
Europe’s confirmed representatives so far are England, Germany, Belgium, Iceland, Poland, Serbia, Spain, France and Portugal.
From South America, five-time winners Brazil have qualified along with Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
Costa Rica, Egypt, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Panama have also secured their spots.
There are still places yet to be decided in Africa as the final round of group matches take place in November.
Who could still qualify?
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland could be in Russia if they make it through the play-offs. There are eight teams in Europe competing for four qualifying places.
New Zealand face Peru in a play-off for a qualification place and there’s also another spot up for grabs between Australia and Honduras.
When are the play-offs and how do they work?
The two-legged ties will be played during the next international break in November, with the first legs between November 9-11 and the second legs between November 12-14.
The eight play-off sides in Europe are Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland and Sweden.
The format for the draw sees the top four FIFA-ranked sides – Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Denmark – seeded in one pot and drawn against the remaining four sides.
The first ball drawn will be the home team for the first leg and the draw will be held in Zurich on Tuesday, October 17.
Who has missed out?
There will be some big names not in Russia.
Photo: Skysports
Two-time champions Argentina almost missed out but eventually secured their place with a win over Ecuador, however Chile were eliminated after their final day 3-0 defeat to Brazil.
Panama’s dramatic late winner against Costa Rica meant USA missed out on qualification for the first time since 1986.
Wales and Scotland both held their destiny in their own hands heading into their final qualifying matches, but both failed to get the results they required to advance.
Photo: Sky Sports
Netherlands missed out on a second successive major tournament after finishing behind France and Sweden and Austria, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Turkey and Norway will also be watching the tournament from home.
Cameroon and Ghana both failed to qualify from Africa along with Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria, who had a dismal qualifying campaign.
China will also not be in Russia, along with Ecuador and Venezuela.
When’s the World Cup draw?
The draw for the group stages will be held on Friday, December 1 in Moscow. It will take place at the State Kremlin Palace inside the Moscow Kremlin and you will be able to follow the draw live on Sky Sports digital platforms.
In a change to previous editions, the 31 qualified teams will be allocated into four pots depending on their FIFA ranking as of October 16, 2017. That means the seven highest-ranked teams in the world will go into Pot 1 along with hosts Russia, with the rest of the teams then allocated pots in descending order of their rankings.
The four pots will be emptied and nations will be drawn into four-team groups from A to H.
When is the World Cup?
Just under 250 days to wait…
The World Cup gets underway on Thursday, June 14, with hosts Russia playing the opening match. The tournament will finish on July 15 at the Luzhniki Stadium, the same venue where it started a month earlier.
Before the final, the round of 16 matches get underway on June 30, with the quarter-finals on July 6 and 7 and the semi-finals on July 10 and 11.
Where will it be played?
Russia is a vast country with 11 time zones, but all the venues for the World Cup are in the west to avoid too many travel issues.
There are 12 venues across 11 cities, with Ekaterinburg the furthest east and Kaliningrad the furthest west.
The stadium in Ekaterinburg – the Ekaterinburg Arena – includes one of the more unique features of all the venues as it has two temporary stands outside the original perimeter to ensure it meets the FIFA-sanctioned minimum of 35,000 spectators.
The biggest stadium will be the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the other venues are the Kaliningrad Stadium, Volgograd Stadium, Fisht Stadium, Kazan Arena, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Samara Stadium, Rostov-on-Don Stadium, Spartak Stadium, Saint Petersburg Stadium and Saransk Stadium.
When will matches kick-off?
The opening match of the tournament will be played at 6pm Moscow time (4pm UK time) on Thursday, June 14.
Group stage matches will be played throughout the day, with some starting at 3pm Moscow time (1pm UK time) and others at 6pm and 9pm Moscow time (4pm and 7pm UK time).
The final will again be played at 6pm Moscow time.
Who are the favourites?
It’s a close-run thing for favouritism with Sky Bet between defending champions Germany (11/2), France (11/2) and Brazil (13/2).
Spain are 7/1 while England are rated as 20/1 shots.
Iceland are the smallest-ever nation to reach a World Cup and they can be backed at 200/1 to spring a surprise and win the tournament.
-Sky Sports
Adrea Pirlo of Italy Announces Retirement
The 38-year-old is out of contract at the end of the year and believes the time is right to bring an end to his playing career.
Andrea Pirlo has announced he will retire from professional football when his contract at New York City FC expires in December.
The former AC Milan, Juventus and Italy star has won six Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues at club level and played a crucial role as the national team lifted the 2006 World Cup in a successful career.
However, Pirlo has played just 15 of NYCFC's 32 MLS games this season and, with the 38-year-old out of contract after December 31, he says the time has come to bring an end to his playing days.
"You realise that the time has come," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Every day you have physical problems, you cannot train as you want because you always have some problem.
"At my age, that's enough. It's not that you can go on forever until the age of 50. I'll do something else.
"At 38, it's just right to give young players room. I'm not angry. Instead, I will give a hand to team-mates and to the coach."
There have been suggestions Pirlo could reunite with former coach Antonio Conte at Chelsea to work as his assistant, but he insists he has not made a decision on what his future hold.
"I'll do something else, I'll be back in Italy in December," he said. "Work with Conte? They say things, I have some ideas, but give me time to decide."
PIRLO'S IMPRESSIVE CAREER
The 116-time Italy international came through the Brescia youth system and spent three years at Inter before joining city rivals AC Milan, where he made 400 apperances over a 10-year spell.
Pirlo won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, where he was man of the match in three of their matches including the memorable final against France.
He then went on to enjoy a successful spell at Juve, winning the league four times in a row before moving to the United States.
At Euro 2012, the veteran midfielder was instrumental in the Azzurri reaching the final where they lost to Spain. Pirlo played a pivotal role for NYCFC last season, making 33 appearances as they reached the quarter-finals of the MLS playoffs before having his role cut this term.
“Mama And Papa I Made It, Your Little Leon Is Going To The World Cup” – Super Eagles Player, Leon Balogun.
Warm wishes and congratulatory messages have been thrown towards the super eagles team after their victory against Zambia yesterday which earned their place in the next FIFA World Cup tournament.
Celebs and fans and family most especially have been lauding the Super Eagles over their crowned efforts in the African qualifiers.
German born Nigerian Defender, Leon Balogun is gladdened to have made his parents, Orfa and Cesar Balogun, proud as he tells them he’s going to be participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
A social media user Emeka Onwuka @CalvinEmeka shared a photo of the defender with his parents and captioned it:
“Proud parents. They will be in Russia to watch their kid. #MrandMrsBalogun. #SuperEagles.
and Leon retweeted it with the quote;
“@LeonBalogun: Mama & Papa I made it – your little Leon is going to the World Cup. We’ve came a long way. Proud to be your son ❤️🙏🏽.”
The Super Eagles & FSV Mainz 05 defender, had broken down in tears after himself and his teammates earned the much needed three points against Zambia to earn a ticket to the world Cup in Russia.
Golden goal : Alex iwobi goal catapult Super Eagles To Russia 2018
Right now the Super Eagles of Nigeria has qualified for the 2018 World Cup holding in Russia after defeating Zambia 1-0 at a qualifier in Akwa Ibom.
Substitute Alex Iwobi got Nigeria’s only goal in the 71st minute.
After the goal, Nigeria supporters were chanting iwobi! Iwobi!! Iwobi. It's was a decent game for the young Arsenal startlet.
More details shortly
So tell us your man of the match
Nigeria vs Zambia: Man of the match to get N1m and 10 Bags Of Rice
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s new partners, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group has pumped up the Super Eagles’ spirit by bringing back the much –loved ‘Man of The Match’ award, head of today’s crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia.
The company’s Executive Director, Onyekachi Onubogu said the award, now to be known as ‘Big Bull Rice Man of The Match’ will make the winner N1 million richer, alongside 10 bags of Big Bull Rice to be donated to a charity of the player’s choice.
“We will make the presentation right there on the pitch at the end of the match. We believe this is something that will motivate the players to perform excellently well and encourage a culture of excellence,” Onubogu said.
_Daily trust
Spain Qualify For RUSSIA 2018
Spain secured their place at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, with a 3-0 win over Albania on Friday night.
Rodrigo, Isco and Thiago Alcantara were all on the scoresheet, to hand the former world champions victory in a match laced with political tension.
La Roja shrugged off the distractions of a turbulent week off the field caused by Catalonia’s drive for independence and more jeers for outspoken defender Gerard Pique, to seal top spot in Group G of European qualifying.
Their qualification was confirmed, after Italy could manage only a 1-1 draw at home to Macedonia.
They join England and Germany, who qualified on Thursday night, as some of the European powerhouses that will be at next year’s tournament.
Kane’s Late Strike Send England To 2018 World Cup
Harry Kane’s injury-time winner secured England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup with victory against Slovenia – but this was a display designed to dampen any sense of expectation.
Kane, England captain for the night, bundled in Kyle Walker’s cross for his 11th goal in 22 international appearances to finally break down Slovenia’s resistance as they looked likely to hold out for a point.
It meant manager Gareth Southgate can now start planning in earnest for Russia but could not cover up the cracks in an England performance that was lifeless, uninspired and mediocre.
Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling almost broke the deadlock before Kane made his breakthrough, the hosts were also grateful to much-criticised keeper Joe Hart for some crucial interventions.
According to BBC, England and Southgate have achieved their goal. It was not, however, achieved in a manner that will start alarm bells ringing for any future World Cup opposition.
Elsewhere in the group, Scotland kept their qualifying hopes alive in dramatic fashion as a late Martin Skrtel own goal gave them victory over 10-man Slovakia at Hampden Park.
See Reason why lacazatte turn down PSG for Arsenal
Arsenal Marquee signing Alexandre Lacazette has disclosed that he had the chance to join French giants, Paris Saint-Germain from Lyon before he joined the EPL club.
World's best football player C.Ronaldo SELLS Ballon d'Or trophy[See Reason]
Four-time world's best football player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has sold off his Ballon d'Or trophy for charity as Real Madrid forward helps raise over 600,000 Pounds for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Cristiano Ronaldo isn't recognised for his generosity on the pitch but the Real Madrid star makes up for it in his charity work after selling off a prized Ballon d'Or trophy to raise £600,000, Dailymail reports.
The Real Madrid star donated a replica of his 2013 award to a London auction at the Dorchester Hotel last weekend, and the funds will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity that grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses and those who are terminally ill.
The event raised £2.7m for the Foundation - nearly doubling the original fundraising target of £1.5m.
Ronaldo is a long-term supporter of Make-A-Wish, donating funds and granting wishes to seriously ill children across the world, and specifically asked for the replica of his 2013 award to be donated to auction raising funds for the UK charity.
The Ballon d'Or trophy is recognised as one of the highest personal accolades a player can receive in the game. Under a FIFA banner between 2010 and 2015 it was also the official world player of the year award.
Ronaldo's 2013 triumph came following a four-year winning streak by on-pitch rival rival Lionel Messi.
The Portugal international has won the award four times in all, having also collected the accolade in 2008, 2014 and 2016.
Why We Played Behind Closed Doors – Barca President
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has defended playing Sunday’s match against Las Palmas behind closed doors, describing it as “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made”.
Barca won 3-0 at an empty Nou Camp after a request to have the game postponed, amid widespread political unrest in Catalonia, was turned down.
Fans were locked out with the news communicated 20 minutes from kick-off.
Barcelona could have faced a six-point penalty had they chosen not to play.
About 850 people were injured in clashes with police as Catalonia residents voted in an independence referendum which had been declared illegal by the Spanish government.
Bartomeu confirmed two directors, vice-president Carles Vilarrubi and Jordi Mones, had resigned following an extraordinary general meeting on Monday.
We very seriously considered the option of postponing the game, but we could not get the Liga de Futbol Profesional to approve our request.
“Having reached that point, I decided to play behind closed doors because we believed that the image of a football match being played in a completely empty Nou Camp would have been an act of responsibility and would have been a way of showing how we utterly reject the exceptional and inadmissible situation going on around Catalonia.”
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola criticised the decision to play.
Guardiola, now Manchester City boss, told Catalunya Radio and RAC1: “I wouldn’t have played the Barca-Las Palmas game, not at all.
“And if it did have to be played, then not behind closed doors. You do it with the public there. With all the consequences.”
Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people in north-eastern Spain, has its own language and culture and Barcelona is its capital.
It also has a high degree of autonomy, but is not recognised as a separate nation under the Spanish constitution, BBC reports.
FIFA slams NFF N11Million Ahead Of Nigeria Match (see reason)
FIFA has fined Nigeria 30,000 Swiss Francs (N11,049,557), after fans invaded the pitch during a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Ghen Ghen; PSG Forward, Angel Di Maria Has Been Sentenced To Prison (see Reasons)
Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria has been sentenced to one year in prison and will pay a £1.76million fine after admitting to tax fraud in Spain.
The Argentine winger defrauded the Spanish government a sum of £1.14million during his four-year spell with Real Madrid between 2010 and 2014.
Di Maria according to SunSports made a deal with authorities to avoid a trial at the Spanish Supreme Court – which found Lionel Messi guilty of similar crimes last year.
He admitted to two separate counts of fraud – each of which will carry a six-month sentence – and will pay 60 per cent fine on top of his arrears, coming to £1.76m.
The Argentinian is unlikely to spend any time behind bars as sentences of under two-years are usually suspended, providing the convicted has no criminal record. Di Maria’s charges relate to the player’s image rights with Los Blancos in 2012 and 2013.
According to Madrid prosecutors, the former Manchester United star transferred his rights to an Irish company owned by super-agent Jorge Mendes, via another holding in Panama.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho and Fabio Coentrao have all been investigated for related offences.
Barcelona ace Javier Mascherano also struck a similar deal do Di Maria’s earlier this year. Di Maria’s admission means he now avoids a high-profile court date.
Messi, also 29, and his father Jorge were each sentenced to 21 months in prison after being found guilty of owing £3.4m in tax payments in July last year. Ronaldo, 32, is due to appear in court on July 31 to face allegations he owes the Spanish tax man £13m.
The Real Madrid star faces no formal charge at this stage and is appearing in court as an ‘investigated person’ and could be fined as much as £37m if he is found guilty.
