Super Falcons officials evacuated, as plane develops electrical problem

Five members of the Super Falcons participating at the on-going African Women’s Nations Cup in Cameroon were forced to travel by road from Douala to Yaoundé yesterday, as the aircraft in which they were supposed to fly developed electrical fault shortly before take off.
The team, which defeated the Banyana Banyana of South Africa 1-0 to qualify for the final of the championship, had left their Parliamentarian Flat hotel in Buea at 6.00 a.m. and arrived in Douala for their flight to Yaoundé. They were scheduled to depart Douala at 9.00 a.m. for the state capital, a journey of about 45 minutes by air and about four hours by road.
The Nigerians arrived at Douala airport alongside their South African counterparts, who will face Ghana’s Black Queens in tomorrow’s third-place match.
But on getting to Douala airport, CAF officials could not secure enough seats for the entire Nigerian team to continue their journey inside one plane. “The team experienced some delay at the airport, but at the end, all

Gerrard should work as youth coach – Thompson

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has warned Steven Gerrard against taking a management job until he builds up his coaching experience.
Gerrard, who announced on Thursday that he was retiring as a player after leaving LA Galaxy, has already confirmed that he turned down the chance to take charge of League One strugglers MK Dons.
While Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp appears open to Gerrard joining his coaching staff, Thompson suggested the 36-year-old should start by working with current England under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd.
Thompson, who worked with Gerrard during his time as Liverpool’s assistant manager, told Sky Sports: “There will be a lot of opportunities but I’d rather see him with England U21s, which would probably be my preference, then come back to Liverpool in some capacity, maybe with the U23s or as first-team coach.
“Aidy Boothroyd is down there in an interim role with the England U21s with a wealth of experience. He’s gone into the under-21 setup [and] is the sort of figure to learn from.
“It’s one thing cutting your teeth with the younger players at a football club but going into a League One or League Two side is a difficult scenario unless you’ve got a senior coach with you.”

Mourinho sets Rooney Europa League goal

Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho arrives for the UEFA Europa League group A football match between Manchester United and Feyenoord at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on November 24, 2016.AFP/Oli Scarff

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho challenged Wayne Rooney to lead the club to Europa League glory after the England captain broke United’s European scoring record against Feyenoord.
Rooney, 31, scored his 39th European goal as United crushed Feyenoord 4-0 on Thursday, thereby closing to within just one goal of Bobby Charlton’s all-time club scoring record of 249 goals.
United need just a draw away to Ukrainians Zorya Luhansk in their final Group A game to progress and Mourinho says Rooney can be the inspiration behind the club’s first success in the competition.
“It’s an amazing achievement, obviously,” Mourinho told reporters when asked to sum up Rooney’s feat in surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy as United’s outright leading scorer in UEFA competitions.
“It will be even better if he can help to bring to the club the only competition that the club never won in its history, which is the Europa League.
“It’s not the biggest competition, obviously, but it’s a competition that Man United’s history doesn’t have. So let’s try, let’s push.

I’ve no Rio regrets, I’m part of Chelsea history – Mikel

Nigeria captain Mikel Obi has insisted that he stands by his decision to represent his country at the Rio 2016 Olympics instead of parcitipating in Chelsea’s pre-season with new manager .
The 29-year-old also asserts that his place in Chelsea’s history is assured after his long, trophy-laden service to the English club.
“I’m not a guy who makes excuses in life,” Mikel, who is yet to feature for Chelsea under Conte, said in a BBC World Football interview on Friday.
“I never make excuses. I never shy away from my responsibilities. Yes, maybe people would say maybe I lost my place at Chelsea because I went to the Olympics, I didn’t have pre-season with the team, a new manager was coming in and was probably upset that I left for the Olympics, and probably thinks I don’t care about the team.
But I don’t want to use those excuses, I want to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager’s mind. But if it doesn’t happen, then it doesn’t happen.
“I’ll keep doing my best and be ready for whenever I’m called upon. Let’s see what happens in January. I

Ex-Eaglets star Dami Paul joins Katsina United

Former Nigeria U17 and U20 goalkeeper Dami Paul has joined newly promoted NPFL side Katsina United.
The club’s coach Bala Nikyu said: “We have brought in a new goalkeeper Dami Paul from Nasarawa

Lagos hosts Wheelchair Tennis National rankings tourney

Over 120 players are expected to participate a the inaugural National Wheelchair Tennis National Ranking Tournament scheduled to hold from November 30- December 3 in Lagos.
Nigeria Wheelchair Tennis scribe, Wosilat Aliu-Abass, informed that entries are still being expected from states who have all been sent letters for the championship.
She added that Wheelchair Tennis Nigeria, which is a division under the Nigeria Tennis Federation, is expecting a massive participation due to the fact that the tournament offers opportunities for players to occupy good position which would in turn help them in selection for national assignments.
Nigeria wheelchair tennis coach, Frank Tarmena stressed that the tournament will help in discovery of new

Heartland’s crisis festers, as Etuemena rejects new head coach

The crisis and face-off between the Chairman of the Imo State government owned Heartland Football Club (FC), Goodfaith Etuemena, and the Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly/Supervisor of the side, Ugonna Ozuruigbo, deepened yesterday when the club boss dissociated himself and the board from the appointment of a new head coach for the team.
A statement on Thursday signed by the club’s Media Director, Cajetan Nkwopara, Etuemena dismissed Ozuruigbo’s employment of Cross River-based Camerounian, Emmanuel Deutsch, as Heartland’s new technical adviser, saying the move was just to factionalise the team.
The statement read: “Chairman of Heartland FC of Owerri, Goodfaith Etuemena has washed off his hands on the purported hiring of Cross River State-based Cameroonian, Emmanuel Deutsch, as team’s new technical adviser by the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Ugonna Ozuruigbo, a.k.a. OZB.
“Etuemena said both himself and the body of Heartland FC management was neither aware nor party to the hiring of Cameroonian, who was dropped as Heartland’s goalkeeper trainer before the team was able to

Khawaja, Smith steer Australia to 109-2 in 3rd test against S’Africa

With of one of Australia’s rookies already out and two others next in line to bat, the relatively experienced Usman Khawaja and skipper Steve Smith soaked up the pressure on Friday and guided the hosts to 109-2 by the end of the first session on day two of the day-night test against South Africa.
Resuming a 14-0 after South Africa’s first innings of 259-9 declared, Australia needed a strong performance by its top order following back-to-back losses in Perth and Hobart that had already decided the series.
Australia made five changes to the XI in a bid to arrest a losing streak and avoid being swept 3-0 on home soil.
Khawaja, forced to be makeshift opener for the innings as David Warner was not fit to bat on Thursday night, batted cautiously early before a flourish to reach his sixth test half century just before the interval with consecutive pulled boundaries against Kyle Abbott.
The third-wicket pair added 72 after Abbott had taken two wickets in an outstanding opening spell that had Australia in trouble at 37-2. Khawaja was unbeaten on 58 at the interval and Smith was 23.
Matt Renshaw (10) , the 20-year-old English-born opener who is among three young batsmen on debut, added only two to his overnight score before edging Abbott into the slips, where Dean Elgar took a superb

Mikel Obi offered N66m-a-week deal by Chinese club

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has been offered an incredible $212,000-a-weel deal by Chinese club, Shanghai SIPG.
According to report, the offer was made to the midfielder’s agent after Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Algeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, where he scored the second goal.
Mikel Obi is yet to play a single minute under new Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte and has been linked

Odoh remains Nigeria’s undisputed master

His stock continues to rise. Even when the odds seem stacked against him, Nigeria’s number one golfer, Andrew Odoh, always finds a way to wriggle out of a tight corner and mount the podium.
That he did on Monday when he came from the rear to win the inaugural Nigeria Masters.
The event, which teed off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on November 17, had a field of 57 players in the beginning, jostling for the top prize over 72 holes in a stroke play format.
Odoh had the best round of the day shooting 1 under par 71 and catapulted up the leader board from third position at the end of the fourth and final round.
Ghana’s Vincent Torgah and his Nigeria’s Kabiru Haruna had earlier tied on the first position after three rounds with a total of 220 scores. Odoh and Gboyega Oyebanji were tied on third position with a total score of 221 at the end of the third round.
However, the Nigerian, who is currently one of the star attractions at the Sunshine Tour, ensured he had the

Neymar family maintains innocence on corruption charges

NN Consultoria, the company owned by Neymar’s father, has responded to the latest attempt by Spanish prosecutors to seek a jail term for the Barcelona star, insisting the parties under suspicion will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
A two-year prison sentence and €10 million fine is being sought for the Brazil international, as well as fines and jail terms for his father and mother, over alleged corruption surrounding his transfer from Santos in 2013.
The case stems from a complaint by investment group DIS, which owned 40 per cent of Neymar’s economic rights and claims it received less money than it was entitled to following the Brazil international’s transfer.
On Wednesday, NN Consultoria issued a statement claiming the latest reports are not a new development, the case having been reopened in September, and reiterating the innocence of the striker and his family.

Spanish prosecutors seek 10 years jail term for Eto over alleged tax fraud

Spanish prosecutors are believed to be seeking a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of more than €18 million for Samuel Eto’o over alleged tax fraud.
According to reports in EFE and El Pais, the ex-Cameroon international and his former adviser, Josep Maria Mesalles, are accused of defrauding the state of €3.8 million from 2006 to 2009, during his five-year stay at Barcelona.
The charges relate to the alleged transfer of image rights to companies in Spain and Hungary to escape paying tax on endorsement deals, including the striker’s lucrative arrangement with sportswear manufacturer, Puma.
Prosecutors filed a lawsuit against Eto’o, who now plays for Turkish Super Lig club, Antalyaspor, on those

AWCON: Ghana coach unhappy over draw with Nigeria

Ghana coach, Yusif Basigi, has revealed his side wanted to win against Nigeria in Wednesday’s Africa Women Nations Cup Group B match but settled for a 1-1 draw.
The Black Queens conceded first on 19 minutes when Cynthia Adobia turned Asisat Oshoala’s shot into her own net. But Ghana equalized from the spot three minutes from the break through captain Elizabeth Addo, who was fouled by Halimat Ayinde inside the box.

Argentina remains top in FIFA ranking as Brazil move above Germany

Argentina's football team pose before a friendly match against Honduras at Bicentenario stadium in San Juan, some 1110 Km west of Buenos Aires on May 27, 2016.AFP/Eitan Abramovich

Argentina remain top of the FIFA rankings despite their struggle for consistency in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, with Brazil replacing reigning world champions Germany in second place.
Copa America holders Chile are up two places to fourth, while Republic of Ireland were big movers, jumping 10 places to 23rd.

Eagles to open 2017 with Cote d’Ivoire friendly

As part of efforts to keep the Super Eagles in tip-top shape ahead of the remaining Russia 2016 World Cup qualifiers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is arranging an international friendly game for the team against reigning African champions, Cote d’Ivoire early next year.
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, confirmed that talks are already at an advanced stage for the game in London.
“We have lined up series of friendly games for the Super Eagles, already that of Egypt and Senegal is confirmed, and currently we at an advanced stage with Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.
“The aim is to keep them fit for the upcoming World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Cameroun next year. We need games for our team to be in top shape for the tie.
“We are leading the group but it’s just two games, so we don’t need to be carried away yet. We are leaving

Champions League rivals won’t want Man City in knockouts – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said he was relieved to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach secured a place in the last-16 with a game to spare.
And the Manchester City boss was hopeful that regardless of what team they face in the knockout stages, advancing to the quarterfinals and beyond was a realistic goal for the squad.
Guardiola has never gone out before the semifinal stage in his managerial career and avoided a group stage exit by scurrying a point in Germany.
“We have qualified with one game left and it’s a big compliment for the team,” Guardiola told a news conference. “We made a good performance. After Borussia’s goal the game was not in our hands and it changed a little bit.
“We have qualification in the pocket until February so now we can concentrate on the Premier League and

U-20 WWC: We will utilise our scoring chances – Falconets assure Nigerians

The Nigeria’s U-20 female football team, the Falconets, have assured Nigerians that they would utilized all scoring chances as they prepare to tackle Spain on Sunday in the ongoing U-20 World Cup.
Monica Iheakam, the Media Officer of the team, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday on telephone that the expectation in the team’s camp was to go the extra mile and win against Spain.
NAN reports that the team had a poor start against Japan, but came back to defeat Canada 3-1 in their second group B game.
NAN reports that Nigeria is currently placed third in the group on goal difference, though sharing same points with Japan.
Meanwhile, Spain is top with six points and Canada with zero point, after two matches.
Iheakam said: “The players had a rest on Thursday to recover from the Canada match.
“The expectation in camp is to go the extra mile and win convincingly against Spain.

WCQ: Very difficult for Ghana to qualify – Stephen Appiah

Stephen Appiah, a former Black Stars captain, says Ghana have little hope of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Ghana find themselves in third place in Group E of the qualifiers, having lost a key match to Egypt on Sunday evening. Their first result was a goalless draw at home to Uganda last month.

Enyimba skipper Udoji confirms Kano Pillars switch

Chinedu Udoji has confirmed he has opted for a fresh challenge at Kano Pillars after seven years at Enyimba.
The Enyimba skipper revealed he has been a long-term target of Pillars.
“It’s 90% certain that I will be joining Kano Pillars,” Udoji revealed.

Juventus chief hints Donnarumma may succeed Buffon

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has dropped a hint that the club could be lining up AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as a successor to Gianluigi Buffon.
Buffon has declared his intention to retire from international football with Italy after the 2018 World Cup, when he will be 40. He has not announced whether that will also be the end of his club career, but Juve know they will have to start looking for a new No. 1 sooner or later.
Donnarumma, 17, is Buffon’s understudy for Italy and while Marotta insists they are not interested in the Milan keeper right now, his comments on life after Juve’s No. 1 steps aside suggested otherwise.
“In the last 20 years, the Italy national team goalkeeper has always come from Juventus,” Marotta said at a news conference. “I say this just to make it clear to you — there has been [Dino] Zoff, Buffon and… the history of Juventus is made up of champions and talented Italians.

Andre Marriner appointed to referee Manchester United-Arsenal clash

Manchester United’s match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday will be officiated by Andre Marriner, the Premier League has confirmed.
Marriner has yet to referee an Arsenal game this season, but was in the middle for Jose Mourinho’s first match as United boss when they won at Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season.
Mourinho will return to the touchline after serving a one-match ban for confronting referee Mark Clattenburg in the Red Devils’ last home match, a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.
And the Portuguese has previously had a run-in with Saturday’s referee. In January 2015 Mourinho

NFF okays composition of new boards of leagues

The Nigeria Football Federation has received the report of the Selection Committee for the Boards of the Leagues, through the Ad-hoc Governing Committees that have been managing the various Leagues.
After receiving the report on Monday, the NFF gave its ‘no objection’ to the composition of the new Boards.
As contained in the submission of the Selection Committee, the new Boards are composed thus:
NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Chidi Ofor Okenwa (Independent Chairman); Magaji Abdulkadir Kapaka (Independent Vice Chairman); Sunday Longbap (Independent Director); Oladimeji Ladi Thompson (Director); Dodo Isah (Director); Farouk Yarma (Director); Tunji Onatolu (Director); Ifeanyi Onyibe (Director); Amos Nworie (Director); Bukola Olopade (CEO).
NIGERIA WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE:

Nigeria-Egypt friendly good for battles against Cameroun – Rohr

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, believes Nigeria’s January friendly match against Egypt would give him the opportunity to get to know more players before next year’s World Cup qualifier against Cameroun.
Speaking through the team’s Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, yesterday, Rohr said he wants to play more quality friendlies to maintain the momentum of the team, adding that he would invite more players to join the fight for shirts in the team.
He affirmed that the victory over Algeria was a pointer that the Eagles meant business in their quest to be at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
“We have lined up other matches for the team in March. The players are happy over the defeat of Algeria and they have assured that they will continue to fight hard for the 2018 World Cup ticket,’’ he said.
Rohr revealed that his dream is that defender, William Troost-Ekong, would move to a bigger club than Gent

Edin Dzeko recieves red card for pulling down opponent’s pants

Edin Dzeko was shocked to be shown a red card after he pulled down a player’s pants during Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Greece.
Dzeko and Kyriakos Papadopoulos saw red in the 79th minute, the former receiving a second yellow after pulling down the shorts of Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The World Cup qualifier in Piraeus finished in a 1-1 draw after Georgios Tzavellas netted a late equaliser, cancelling out Miralem Pjanic’s first-half opener.
Dzeko was left unhappy with his sending off, saying: “I got a red card for no reason, I don’t know why.
“The referee says I started the whole thing, but I was the only one ending on the floor, so how could I have started it?”
Dzeko insisted his team deserved more out of the clash, which left them third in Group H – three points

Cameroon next and they will be tougher – Salisu Yusuf

High-flying Nigeria will welcome closest rivals Cameroon in the next round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in August 2017 and coach Salisu Yusuf has warned they will be tougher than Algeria
Saturday’s 3-1 over Algeria in Uyo has consolidated Nigeria’s lead in Group B with six points, while Cameroon are second on the table with two points after they forced Zambia to a 1-1 draw at home.
In August 2017, Nigeria will first host the Indomitable Lions and four days play the reverse tie in Cameroon.
However, Salisu Yusuf said he expects the robust-playing Cameroonians to pose a tougher challenge to the Super Eagles.
“We have to look at Cameroon now because they are a good team defensively, they are not conceding goals, they are not losing games,” he said.
“When they played against Algeria (last month), they had 10 men behind the ball. To penetrate such a team will be difficult.
“They will be even tougher than Algeria were against us in Uyo.
“They are as physical as we are, they will match us power for power. They also have young players like us

Raiola fee for Pogba move to Manchester United not too much – Juventus

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has defended the payment of a €27 million representation fee to Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola as part of the midfielder’s transfer to Manchester United in the summer.
Raiola earned the sum when Pogba, 23, returned to United from Juve for a world-record fee of €105m in August.
Marotta says the fact that the France international’s move was the biggest transfer in football history means the agent’s slice was not extraordinary.
“We’re talking about a deal over €100m and it’s absolutely normal that whoever contributed to the operation’s conclusion should receive a significant financial return,” Marotta told Il Corriere della Sera.
Marotta added that Raiola had not only been acting in Pogba’s interests, but also working to find the right solution for Juve, further justifying such a substantial payment.
“From being simply an advisor, agents have now become intermediaries who also work on behalf of the

Manchester United’s Herrera hails Rooney’s influence

Ander Herrera insists Wayne Rooney remains a crucial influence in the Manchester United dressing room despite doubts about the captain’s future.
Rooney, 31, is just two goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton as the club’s all-time record goal scorer, but has lost his starting place under Jose Mourinho after a dip in form over the last 12 months.
In an interview with The Guardian and The Daily Mail, Herrera explained why Rooney is still a vital player at Old Trafford.
“Wayne’s been playing at the highest level from 16,” Herrera said. “I didn’t reach the first division until I was 20; he’s got four years on me. All that adds up. Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday, Wednesday, national team, Euros, World Cup, competing, winning, again and again.
“Fifteen years at England’s biggest club has an impact; people need to understand that. And he never

Liverpool can be English Premier League champions – Koeman

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said that Liverpool are ready to win the Premier League title.
Koeman’s admiration for Liverpool may not be welcomed by some Everton supporters, but the Dutchman believes Jurgen Klopp’s side have proved themselves to be challengers for the biggest prize in English football after a strong start to the season that has left them top of the table after 11 games.
“It’s still too early to say who will be the favourites, but I have been impressed by Liverpool so far,” Koeman said at the launch of the Kick It With Help anti-smoking campaign.
“Maybe that is not what you might expect the Everton manager to say, but they have been playing some very good football and deserve to be at the top. They have goals in their team and this is what all successful sides need.
“Of course they can be champions this season, they have a good chance, but they are not the only contenders.

Essien: Black Stars are better than Super Eagles-Video

             Former Ghana international Michael Essien has chosen his country as the better side ahead of Nigeria, regardless of their present form.

Super Eagles must improve in defence – Rohr

Gernot Rohr has said that Nigeria’s defence must improve despite their 3-1 victory over Algeria in the 2018 Africa World Cup Qualifying Group B match.
John Obi Mikel’s goal sandwiched by Victor Moses’ brace secured a much deserved three points for the Super Eagles with Nabil Bentaleb’s scorcher proving a mere consolation for Georges Leekens’ side.
The former Bordeaux boss said his side’s ‘only problems’ in the game surfaced in the second half when Riyad Mahrez and his fellow attackers started throwing tantrums at their defence.
“The only problems we had during the game were the chances Algeria were creating in the second half,”

Rio Olympics heroes get $14,000-a-man from Japanese cash gift

Each player of the Nigerian football team to the last Olympic Games has received $14,000 (over four million Naira) each as his share of the cash gift by wealthy Japanese surgeon Katsuya Takasu.
The ‘Dream Team VI’, as the Nigerian football team to the Rio 2016 Olympics were known, won the bronze medal at the games, and were rewarded with a donation of $390,000 for their efforts by the renowned doctor.

Super Eagles’ individual quality finished Algeria – Laloko

Kashimawo Laloko believes the individual quality in the Super Eagles saw them win 3-1 in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Algeria on Saturday.
Victor Moses’ brace and John Mikel Obi’s strike ensured Gernot Rohr’s men overcame the stubborn Greens to remain Group B leaders at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
But the former NFF technical director insists the Super Eagles manager must reorganise his shaky defensive set-up if he hopes to qualify the country for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
“I had fears for [Daniel] Akpeyi but he didn’t disappoint me because the goal he conceded was due to the indecision of the defenders,” Laloko said.
“Carelessness, complacency on the side of our defenders were responsible for that goal. We were very

Algeria victory good for Nigeria – Dosu Joseph

Ex-international, Dosu Joseph, has commended the Super Eagles following their 3-1 victory over Algeria in their World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Two goals from Victor Moses and a goal from captain John Obi Mikel ensured Nigeria maintained their leadership in group B with six points.
“The two teams needed the three points, one side needed the points more than the other, but we were in the position to go home with the three points which is good for us and puts us on a very good map on the table, which means we have six points, Cameroon two, Algeria and Zambia have point each, so for me it’s a good one, and I say congrats to all Nigerians for the victory,” Dosu said.
“Well, it depends on the pattern of play the coach employs; it also depends on his comments after the first

Super Eagles must remain focussed – Rohr

Nigeria technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, has warned his side to remain focussed ahead of their remaining World Cup qualifying games after their 3-1 win over Algeria.
The tactician led the Super Eagles to a convincing victory over the Greens at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo on Saturday to maintain a perfect record in the Russia 2018 campaign.
Rohr also hinted that the home-based Eagles will be assessed in January next year through a friendly game against Egypt in Dubai, while he continues to monitor the progress of his players abroad.

Egypt aim to maintain winning run in qualifiers – Cuper

The Pharaohs of Egypt registered their second victory in their 2018 FIFA World Cup (CAF) qualifying group on Sunday evening.
They overcame Ghana 2-0 at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in the Egyptian city of Alexandria and they climbed to the top of Group E log with six points.
When speaking to the media after encounter, Egypt head coach Hector Cuper disclosed their game-plan against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Referee robbed us against Eagles in Uyo – Algeria coach

Algeria coach Georges Leekens claims the Desert Foxes were robbed by Gambian referee Bakary Gassama against the Super Eagles in their Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier in Uyo on Saturday.
Chelsea right wing-back Victor Moses struck a brace as Nigeria beat Algeria 3-1 to pick up their second win in the World Cup qualifiers and open up a four-point lead at the top of the table – after Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Zambia in the group’s other fixture.
The North Africans, who have just a point after two games, are left with a mountain to climb to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the fifth time, having played in the tournament in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014.
And the Greens’ Belgian manager Leekens, who vowed the 1990 African champions would strive to get their qualification hopes back on track, believes the result of the Uyo encounter could have been different

Iheanacho, Obaje, others shortlisted for 2016 Nigerian Sports Award

Orgnaisers of the annual Nigerian Sports Award (NSA) have shortlisted Super Eagles and Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, as well as Godwin Obaje of Wikki Tourists and Chisom Egbuchulam of Rangers of Enugu for the Footballer of the Year award.
Unlike past editions of the Award, 11 categories will be contested for this time.
Speaking in Lagos yesterday, the chairman of the panel, Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo, said the award is about performance and not mere attempt or participation.
He noted that not much achievement had come from the Nigerian sports scene this year.
For the Coach of the year 2016, Coach Imama Amapakabo of Rangers, Samson Siasia of the U-23 Dream team and Are Feyisetan of Nigeria Powerlifting are the contestants, just as special sports

Brazil respect Lionel Messi, but don’t fear the Argentine – Dani Alves

Dani Alves and his fellow Brazil players have made it clear they will not fear Argentina’s Lionel Messi when the two sides meet for their high-profile World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Messi’s return from injury prompted an exchange between the two sides on Tuesday after Argentina striker Lucas Pratto, who plays for Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, said the hosts were frightened of the five-time world player of the year.
“They know that Leo is very tough. They are a little scared,” Pratto told Argentine newspaper Ole. “Or maybe more than a little.”
His claim was flatly denied by Brazil captain Dani Alves, one of the Argentina star’s closest friends and a former teammate at Barcelona.
“There is no such thing as being scared in football. There is respect for Messi and for Argentina. And they feel the same about our players, our team,” the right back said after Tuesday’s training session at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.
Winger Douglas Costa also kept a sense of perspective, saying: “[Brazil] has to do what it has

Mikel, Musa, 18 others participate in Eagles’ first training session

Captain Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and 18 others on Tuesday took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the National Stadium, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mikel and Musa were among the latest arrivals at the team’s camp on Monday night.
The team was separated into three groups and began with a light walk-out and head-tennis training under the watchful eyes of Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and Coach Salisu Yusuf.
Mikel, Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon and John Ogu made up the first group.
The second group had Victor Moses, Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Kingsley Madu and Uche Agbo.

Deniz Naki’s terrorist propaganda charges dropped by Turkish court

Proceedings against former Germany under-21 international Deniz Naki over terrorist propaganda charges have been closed by a Turkish court.
Naki, a Kurd currently playing for Turkish third-tier outfit Amed SK, had been awaiting trial in the Kurdish city of Diybarkir.
The 27-year-old had been charged with seven counts of terrorist propaganda on social networks following investigations by Diyarbakir’s chief public prosecutor.
However, on Tuesday the judge at the court in Diyarbakir closed proceedings following the public prosecutor’s line of argument, which, according to trial observer and German politician Jan van

Foot fracture rules Kroos out for Germany

Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos is the latest Germany star ruled out of Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier away to San Marino with a fractured foot.
The 26-year-old misses the qualifier, four days before Germany’s friendly against Italy in Milan, with a hairline fracture of the metatarsal bone.
Spanish sports daily Marca say the German international may need surgery and claims Kroos could be ruled out for up to three months.

Manchester is the best city I have lived in so far – Ibrahimovic

He has played for clubs in Paris, Milan and Barcelona, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said Manchester is the best city he has lived in during his playing career.
The Manchester United striker, 35, has played for eight different clubs in six countries, including spells at AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barca and Paris St-Germain.
The Swede, who was a free signing from PSG this summer, told Inside United that there was room for improvement in his performances on the pitch, but added he and his family were happy in Manchester.
“I heard a lot of things that the city [Manchester] is this, the city is that, the weather is like this and the weather is like that but, so far, everything has been good,” said Ibrahimovic.
“The city is the best city so far. I come from Sweden, I don’t have big expectations when it comes to outside football.
“I’m pretty simple, I’m a family guy. For example, when I was living in Paris, in four years I didn’t go to see the Eiffel Tower once – I wanted them to change the Eiffel for my statue but they didn’t

Robert Pires eyeing up new role as Arsenal’s sporting director

Robert Pires says he is hoping to be appointed sporting director by former club Arsenal.
Pires, who spent six years at the Gunners between 2000 and 2006, is currently the club’s ambassador.
Bu the ex-France international feels that he would be better suited to the role of sporting director given that he knows the club well and has a positive relationship with manager Arsene Wenger.
“Yes, that is my objective [to become Arsenal’s sporting director],” Pires is quoted as saying by The Sun.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I need to talk about it with the owners and Arsene Wenger. I’d love this job, I love to talk with the players. If I’m given this job one day, I can stay in contact with football, especially with Arsenal.
“I have a good relationship with the manager, that’s important. I can work with the players, I can

I apologised to David Luiz after World Cup thrashing – Ozil

Mesut Ozil was so surprised with Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup that he felt obliged to apologise to an emotional David Luiz after the game.
Brazil were favourites going into the semi-final with Joachim Low’s side, and were widely expected to go on to lift the trophy on home soil.

Hazard up there with Ronaldo and Bale – Nevin

Eden Hazard can be rated amongst the world’s top footballers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, according to Chelsea legend Pat Nevin.
The Belgium international has stunned Blues fans with his performances this season following a lacklustre campaign in 2015-16.
Hazard has already bettered his goal tally from last season in just 11 appearances, scoring seven goals, with his display in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Everton on Saturday coming in for particularly high praise.
The 23-year-old scored twice and was instrumental in Antonio Conte’s side climbing to the top of the Premier League table, before being ousted by Liverpool, and Nevin believes the diminutive playmaker is at the top of his game.
“There were stunning performances throughout, with Eden Hazard showing precisely why it is not silly to ask whether he is capable of consideration alongside the likes of Gareth Bale and [Cristiano] Ronaldo.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic backs Adrian despite Stoke howler

Slaven Bilic has insisted he retains faith in Adrian despite the goalkeeper’s mistake costing West Ham United victory in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City.
The Spaniard needlessly rushed out to present substitute Bojan Krkic with the near-open goal into which the Stoke man scored to secure the visitors’ point.
The draw appeared a damaging result ahead of a run of league fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Adrian’s form had already come under scrutiny prior to the Stoke match, but Bilic has no desire to turn to Darren Randolph and will stick with his first choice.
“He is my number one for sure,” said the West Ham manager, who also hopes to have Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll available again after the international football break.
“I’ve got no concerns about his form. Okay, the goal was a big mistake from him. He misjudged the ball. Maybe it was obvious from the touchline he was not going to get the ball.

Manchester United’s Mourinho unaffected by touchline ban in Swansea win

Jose Mourinho said his touchline ban made no difference as Manchester United claimed a first win in five Premier League games at Swansea.
Mourinho was banished to the stand in south Wales after accepting two Football Association misconduct charges.
But United made light of their manager’s absence from the touchline as a blistering volley from Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s double gave them a comfortable 3-1 victory.
“I did what I do,” United manager Mourinho said when asked about having to sit in the stand.
“I made the changes, sent a message when something needs to be told to the team, and I was in the dressing room before the game and at half-time.
“One thing is the suspension that stops the manager to communicate, that is a problem.
“Another thing is the suspension when the manager can communicate with the team, see the team and speak to the assistants on the bench. So in this case it was not a problem.”

Robin van Persie in good condition despite eye injury – Fenerbahce

Robin van Persie was stretchered off with an eye injury during Fenerbahce's win over Akhisar Belediyespor.

Fenerbahce have played down fears over the eye injury that Netherlands striker Robin van Persie suffered on Sunday.
Van Persie, 33, scored the opening goal in Fener’s 3-1 Super Lig win over Akhisar Belediyespor but was carried off on a stretcher after 37 minutes, having taken a blow to the eye in a seemingly innocuous collision with an opponent.

Obiano hails FA Cup champions IfeanyiUbah

Governor of Anambra state, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, has congratulated FC IfeanyiUbah for winning this year’s Federation Cup in Lagos on Sunday, describing it as a gift to Anambra state.
The Nnewi based clubside beat their opponents, Nasarawa United 5-4 after a penalty shootout.
The elated governor who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, James Eze, praised the players and the coaching crew for demonstrating what he called the “Spirit of Anambra” on the field of play.
He said their victory was a product of resilience, focus and determination observing that though the club was a new entrant into Nigerian football, the players had approached the game with a tactical depth that was far ahead of their relative experience at this stage of competitive football.
“The lads showed the kind of resolve and concentration that you do not easily associate with new comers to this level of the game. They had everything going for them – focus, determination, tactical discipline and a hunger for victory.
“Although the Nasarawa boys put up their best effort, it was however easy to see that our boys

Mikel, Moses, Musa, Iheanacho to arrive in Abuja today for clash with Algeria

John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho and some of the invited players are expected to arrive in Abuja today, as training begins tomorrow.
The Eagles will be meeting the Foxes of Algeria on November 12 in the second match of the Group B World Cup qualifier. The match is scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, as Nigeria currently tops the group with three points.
According to the Eagles’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Coach Gernot Rohr wants to begin camping in Abuja before their departure to Uyo either Wednesday or Thursday, so as to have a first hand knowledge of the players before the crucial encounter.
Ibitoye noted that the German-born tactician has appealed to the players to arrive Abuja early

Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan travels for Fenerbahce clash

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been named in Manchester United’s 21-man travelling squad for the Europa League game away to Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mkhitaryan has not played for United since the derby defeat against Manchester City on Sept. 10.
Manager Jose Mourinho had said on Friday that the player was training and “needs time to become the top player we know he can be” before leaving him out of the matchday squad against Burnley on Saturday.
Mkhitaryan will now hope to be selected in the 18-man matchday squad against Fenerbahce, with a place either in the starting XI or among the substitutes.
Phil Jones is also among the travelling party after returning to training following knee ligament damage, but Memphis Depay and Michael Carrick are notable absentees. Carrick’s exclusion could be a sign that he is being rested ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Swansea City, with Ander Herrera suspended.