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Showing posts from 2011

Shooting Stars Of Ibadan Hit Form

Maigari appeals for 90-minute support

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President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari on Thursday made a special appeal to ball fans to support the Super Eagles for the entire duration of Saturday’s 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea. “We hereby appeal specially to our fans to come to the Stadium with belief that the Super Eagles will win, and therefore support them from the first blast of the whistle to the last. “It is important that we keep up the support all through the game and not waiver no matter what. The players themselves are determined to conquer and they also want to appear at the African Cup of Nations. “Some of them have played at the Cup of Nations while some have not. Those who have played at the Cup of Nations want to go and win it this time, and those who have not want to be there at the summit of African football. So, all the players are highly motivated. “If we keep up the support for the entire duration of the game, their spirit will remain high ...

Senate President Mark to lead support for Super Eagles

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President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , Distinguished Senator David Mark will be special guest of honour at Saturday’s 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying cracker between Nigeria and Guinea at the National Stadium, Abuja . The country’s Number Three Citizen, an ardent fan of the Super Eagles , was leader of the Federal Government delegation to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa , and accompanied President Goodluck Jonathan to meet the players and officials at the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg on the eve of their opening match of the tournament against Argentina . Also expected at the big occasion on Saturday afternoon are Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, Governors of Bayelsa , Delta and Nasarawa States, cabinet ministers, senators, members of the House, the Inspector General of Police and other highly-placed Nigerian political and business leaders. The Nigeria Football Federation has also invite...

OOU Unveils plan for sports festival

The Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun state has expressed its gratitude to the sponsor of it annual Student Union football competition, thereby calling for their usual support this year. The Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) has been the institution sponsor in previous years with provision of sports kits, souvenirs and financial aid. The Student Union Sports Director, Comrade Fakorede Yussuf who announced September 22 and October 5 for this year SUG IGI Cup said further that the smooth running of the annual event has been the help of the Insurance Company. IGI has been our sponsor since the inception of the event, they’ve done wonderfully well with provision of sports items. This year event will kick start 22 of this month with assurance that sponsors will come to make it more glamorous. He continued that the venue of the two weeks football event has been fixed at the football pitch of the institution Mini campus in Ago Iwoye. Comrade Fakorede how...

NPL Electoral Committe To Be Inagurated

NPL ELECTION - BARIBOTE - AKINBOBOLA - OWUMI LATEST: Ahead of the NPL election, NPL electoral committe to be Inagurated on Tuesday. Jidap sport gather that members of the NPL are waiting for the names nominated on Saturday at the NPL congress to resume to the NPL Secretariat in Abuja for inaguration into office to conduct a fresh election into NPL vacant Office. Names nominated are yet to arrive as at 12pm on tuesday, rumour in the press says some names nominated are planing not to honour the assignment. Names Nominated: - Hon. Sambo Babayaro (chairman of kaduna utd) - Mallam Farouk Yerma ( co-ordinator of Gombe utd) - Mike Idoko Of Sunshine Stars - Barrister Dare Akanbi - Barrister Chike Iheancho. Can they save our league by conducting a credible election ??

Ogunmuyiwa Jelili And Other 23 Passed Medical

Ogunmuyiwa jelili of Nigeria and other 23 beach soccer referees passed medical on monday ahead of the beach soccer world cup in Italy. Referees undergone fitness test on Monday with only 23 Referees out of the total 24 Referees designated. Out of the 23 Referees 2 Referees failed the fitness test. Adolphe Louis David (Mauritius) and Roberto Pungitore (Italy). Ogunmiya jelili from Nigeria was the referee exempted on monday due to medical concern. The Referee (Ogunmuyiwa) had to undergone a medical examination on monday and successfully pass the fitness test conductedd for him on Tuesday morning at 11.30am. In addition, the Nigeria sand eagles team enter into Ravenna from Faro in batches on monday night. The championship starts on September 1 while the Sand Eagles will play there first game of the championship on September 2.

My Future In God Hands - Victor Okeji

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Gateway fc of Abeokuta attacker Victor Okeji told Jidap sport that his next move in his career is in God hands. Speaking to Jidap sport at Eko fm Lagos state on Friday, victor said i had a very wonderful season at gateway fc, i love the team management and the fans in Abeokuta are great to us despite the team poor performance at the just concluded National league. I sign one year contract with gateway fc which runs out this month, the state government is bringing new set of people to the board of the team, so am not sure maybe they will offer me a new contract, but with my performance during the season they may offer me a new contract and something bigger has pay pack, I believe God has a plan for me in the coming season, he said. Victor Okeji who is originated from Imo state played 27 games out of 29 games Gateway fc played in the just concluded season, he also scored 9 goals to help his team retain their National league status. Victor said, Hard work in training helps me a lo...

Sunshine stars out, Bayelsa united progress.

Federation Cup Review: Group A: Monday - Result: Bayelsa united 1 v Sunshine stars 0. Standing: 1. Sharks fc Mp 2, Pts 6 2. Bayelsa united Mp 2, Pts 3 3. Sunshine stars Mp 2, Pts 0. 4. Kaduna united (pull out of the competition). Sharks fc and Bayelsa united qualifty for the Q-final stage. Center - Uyo. Group B: Fixtures: Rangers int'l v Ocean boys (tuesday). Unicem roversv Rangers int'l (wednesday). Standing: 1. Ocean boys Mp 2, Pts 4 2. Warri wolves Mp 3, Pts 2. 3. Unicem rovers Mp 2, Pts 2 4. Rangers int'l Mp 1, Pts 1. Center - Gombe. Group C: Monday - Result: Kwara united 3 v Rising stars 0. Standing: 1. Kwara united Mp 3, Pts 7 2. Rising stars Mp 3, Pts 4 3. Heartland fc Mp 2, Pts 4 4. Spotlite Mp 2, Pts 1 5. Dekina lions Mp 2, Pts 0. Center - Enugu. Group D: Standing: 1. Dolphins fc Mp 3, Pts 5 2. Enyimba int'l Mp 3, Pts 4 3. Gombe united Mp 3, Pts 4 4. Akwa united Mp 3, Pts 3. Dolphins fc, Enyimba int'l progress...

Federation Cup Match Day Two Reveiw

Group A: Rest Day. Center - Uyo. Group B: Rest Day. Center- Gombe. Group C: Kwara united 2 v Dekina lions 0 Heartland fc 1 v Spotlight fc 0. Standing: Kwara united Mp-2, pts-4. Heartland fc Mp-2, pts-4. Rising stars Mp-1, pts-3. Spotlight fc Mp-1, pts-0. Dekina lions Mp-2, pts-0. Center - Enugu Group D: Dolphins fc 0 v Gombe united 0 Enyimba int'l 3 v Akwa united 0. Standing: Dolphins fc Mp-2, pts-4. Gombe united Mp-2, pts-4. Enyimba int'l Mp-2, pts-3. Akwa united Mp-2, pts-0. Center - Ilorin. Source: Jidap Sport Ltd.

NFF and F.A cup Confusion:

In Group A sunshine stars to play bayelsa on friday but jidap sport scoped that sunshine stars are in Ijebu ode not in Uyo the center of Group A. What happen in that Group?? In Group B Rangers int'l returns to enugu on friday from gombe to prepare for the 2nd leg of Wafu cup against Kwara utd which comes up on sunday. Timi Ebikagboro Warri wolves media officer confirm that to jidap sport. Timi said, Rangers to play ocean boys on friday but return to enugu for their Wafu cup game. He said, there is confusion in Gombe, the remaining three teams can continue proceding until rangers return to gombe. Jidap sport gather that rangers int'l can only return to Gombe until next weeken. Which way to go? Group C, Kwara utd will also travel to enugu to face rangers int'l in the wafu cup. Group D is the only completed group in the federation cup. Ilorin center will continue to host games has Dolphins fc play Gombe united on friday, while Enyimba int'l play against promoted te...

Federation cup review:

Group A: Sharks fc 1 v Bayelsa 0 Kaduna utd v Sunshine stars (not played). Standing: Sharks fc pld-1, w-1, pts-3. Bayelsa utd pld-1, w-1, pts-0. Kaduna utd and Sunshine stars yet to play. Venue: Uyo Township Stadium. Group B: Ocean boys 1 v Unicem rovers 1 Warri wolves 1 v Rangers int'l 1. Standing: All four teams on one point each. Venue: Gombe Patami Stadium. Group C: Kwara utd 0 v Heartland fc 0 Rising stars 4 v Dekina lions 2. Standing: Rising stars pld-1, w-1, pts-3 Kwara utd pld-1, d-1, pts-1 Heartland fc pld-1, l-1, pts-0 Venue: Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium. Enugu Group D: Dolphins fc 2 v Akwa utd 0 Gombe utd 1 v Enyimba int'l 0. Standing: Dolphins fc pld-1, w-1, pts-3 Gombe utd pld-1, w-1, pts-3 Enyimba int'l pld-1, l-1, pts-0 Akwa utd pld-1, l-1, pts-0. Venue: Ilorin Township Stadium.

Sunshine stars arrived on wednesday,has santana collapse.

Nigeria premier league side sunshine stars arrived on wednesday night, after facing delay in there traveling from Algeria back to nigeria. Jidap sport gather that sunshine stars boss, cheif segun adagunodo (a.k.a santana) collapse on the team arrival at the muritala international air port lagos. He is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in lagos. Sunshine stars will not be playing in the federation cup that start on thursday across four centers in nigeria, the team seems to be playing one of there outstanding game this weekend. Sunshine stars on friday defeat Js kabyile at there home ground in Algeria by 1-2 courtesy of Sunday emmanuel and Atanda shakibu strike. They are in Group A of the federation cup at the Uyo township stadium.

Imo Assembly pledges Support For Heartland FC

Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Ben Uwajumogu has commended the on-going effort by the Chief Fan Ndubuoke led Management Team in reposition ing Heartland FC of Owerri to become a full professional club side, assuring that his members are ever willing to give a ‘helping hand.’ Chief Uwajumogu made the pledge while receiving members of the club’s management team who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the House of Assembly complex in Owerri on Monday. The speaker who noted that long time of mismanagement by the past management team was a major factor that hindered the progress of the club therefore, commended the new management team for charting a new course to transform Heartland FC especially, for deeming it wise to pull the club out of a hotel room and giving it a befitting office secretariat where the public including the members of the business world can do genuine sporting business with the club. Uwajumogu recalled how as a ard...

Gov.Ajimobi to grace Afe Babalola Cup final

Oyo state executive governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi is expected to grace the final of this year edition of Afe Babalola football competition at the Olubadan stadium. The final match fixed for July 31 between Active soccer academy and Marvellous FC will witness Ibadan high chief, Adebayo Akan ... de as the chairman of the final ceremony. In a chat with the Ibadan football Association (IFA) chairman, Alhaji Banji Akintayo added that the event will kick start at 1’00 pm before the commencement of the third place match between Immigration and Oke ado united. He continued that Senator Adeseun representing Oyo senatorial district will bag IFA’s man of the year award over his unparallel achievements in poverty alleviation, sports and community development. Active soccer academy who defeated Shooting stars team b at the quarter final stage and secured the final spot in their first appearance in the competition will be optimistic for victory while Marvellous FC, a quarter finali...

Coach Ogunmodede apologies to NPL

Crown FC assistant coach; Daniel Ogunmodede has apologized to the Nigeria Premeir League over his aggressive behaviour. Ogunmodede was charged with two-match suspension for instigating and encouraging crowd violence shortly after the game against Ocean boys of yenogoa. The former Ogbomoso north LG head ... coach who was spotted among the spectators last weekend when crown played host to 3SC said his reactions was misunderstood by the match commissioner but apologize to the NPL. "Am a young coach with years ahead of me in this job. My reactions was misunderstood by the match commissioner but which ever the case may be, I’m sorry and I here by apologize to the Nigeria Premeir League for the misconduct. I never meant to rude or promote indiscipline in the league. Football is all about passion and I think I've learnt lessons form the scenario." Ogunmodede who tutored Young Eagles for eight years before moving to Crown FC in 2009 also promised to promote peace ...

Gbenga Ogunbote Congratulates Gbolahan Salami

Sunshine stars head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has sent a congratulatory message to Former Sunshine and Shooting stars striker Gbolahan Salami after securing a deal for a south African club. Salami went out on loan form Sunshine to Shooting stars at the beginning of this season campaign scoring four g ... oals; he was later called to Super Eagles home based team and the Dream team IV. Though his past indiscipline records almost terminated the deal in South Africa but Ogunbote has wished him a splendid football season. “Gbolahan is my son, I like him so much because of the zeal he has for football, most times he made mistakes or rude to elderly people can be seen as been childish and I hope he has learnt lessons. Immediately he signed the deal, I’m glad because a new Nigerian player has progress to greener pasture. I wish him all the best and will want him to remember that South Africa is far different form Nigeria.” The former Gateway handler then warned him to portray good...

Nigeria Pro League On Force Break

National League Week 30 matches postponed; The Week 30 matches of the ongoing 2010/2011 National League season has been put on hold according to the executive secretary of the league body, Ayo Rahman, pending the outcome of the decision of the Organizing and Disciplinary Committee of Nigeria Football Federation of an unplayed Week 29 match between Gabros and Rising Stars. The new date for the Week 30 matches shall be communicated in due course

Ekener AdamsTeam Manager Of Dender FC In This Interview

Dender fc of lagos host prime fc of osogbo in Agege mini stadium last weekend. The pro league game was behind closed doors has Dender fc fight to retain there status in the pro league but for prime fc they came to play for pride. Dender fc won by 1-0 courtesy of Anieluwa Uche strike in the first half to save his team from the drop to th ... e amateur league. In this interview, Ekener adamu, dender fc team manager told jidap sport about his plan to take dender fc to the top flight next season. Jidap sport: what's the feeling for you now after today's victory? Ekener: Am happy and i give thanks to God for this victory, have achieved the target given to me by the club propietor to make sure i keep the club in the pro league, which God has done for me today. The club finaly retain there pro league status, so my plan is to take the team to the NPL next season JS: what did you think about this set of players in the team? Ekener: Last week the team management drops...

Nigeria Premier League Team Of The Week

NPL Team of the Week after matchday 34 in a 4-3-3 formation: GK: Femi Thomas (Ocean Boys) RB: Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland) CB: Victor Ezuruike (Dolphins) CB: Dengo Ebinipre (Ocean Boys) LB: John Adada (Juth) RMF: Ikechukwu Okemiri (Ocean Boys) DMF: Gabriel Adeboye (3SC) LMF: Danjuma Abdullahi (Juth) RWF: Adamu Mohammed (Gombe United); CF: Kabiru Alausa (3SC) LWF: George Akpabio (Plateau United) Coach: Samson Unuanel (Ocean Boys).

Nigeria's Final Squad For Colombia

Goalkeepers: Danjuma Paul (Nasarawa United), Kazim Yekini (Kwara United), Gideon Gambo (Sharks) Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (Standard Liege/ Belgium), Chiemezie Mbah (Warri Wolves), Gani Ogungbe (Gateway FC), Emmanuel Anyanwu (Enyimba), Terna Suswan (Vitoria Setubal/Portugal), Felix Odoh (First Bank Lagos) Midfielders: Philemon Daniel (Kwara United), Abduljaleel Ajagun (Dolphin), Sani Tahir (Vejle/DEN), Ramon Azeez (Almeria/SPA) Strikers: Ahmed Musa (VVV Venlo/Netherlands), Uche Nwofor (Enugu Rangers), Bright Ejike (Sharks), Olanrewaju Kayode (Asec/Cote d'Ivoire), Sani Emmanuel (Lazio/Italy), Omo Ojabu (Dolphin), Terry Envoh (Sharks), Egbedi Edafe (unattached) Coach: John Sam Obuh

Security warning ahead of the city rival clash

Ahead 3SC, CROWN MATCH oyo FA warns fans and supporters Fans and supporters of Shooting Stars sports club of Ibadan and Crown FC of Ogbomoso have been singled out for warning ahead of the local derby match which will decide the fate of the two clubs in the Nigeria Premier League. The warning was made by the Chairman, Oyo state football association (OYSFA) Barrister Leye Adepoju while addressing pressmen at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium. Adepoju said fans and supporters would not be allowed to encroach into the football pitch during and after the crucial encounter and the provision of maximum securities will be guaranteed. "We all saw what happened during the first leg at the Kuto stadium Abeokuta when 3SC played host to Crown, we can no longer tolerate that any more because the two teams are brothers in the state. No fans, supporters and even unofficial persons will be allowed into the pitch. We promise you maximum securities." Adepoju who is currently a mem...

NPL GAME SHIFTED

The Nigeria Premier League week 34 game between warri wolves and rangers int'l has been shifted to wednesday, jidap sport scooped. Timi ebikagboro media officer of warri wolves told jidap sport that the game schedule for this weekend has been postponed. Ranger int'l will be involved in a Wafu cup game on saturday, so the game in warri this sunday has been shifted to wednesday,Timi said. Both teams still have a chance to be crowned league champion.

Nigeria Premier League Game Postponed

Week 34 tie between Niger tornadoes versus sharks fc billed for this weekend has been postponed according to sharks fc media officer Confidence Idaa. Idaa told jidap sport on thursday that his team away game in minna against Niger tornadoes we not hold this weekend. We have been informed that the Bako Kontagora stadium will be hosting the state government event, Idaa said. I don't know how true is that, but i can confirm to you the team will not be traveling to minna this weekend. Idaa told jidap sport. The game has been shifted to wednesday, but we are yet to receive any official statement about the new date for the game. Idaa said. Niger tornadoes 13th on the log table were supposed to host sharks fc 7th on the log table at the Bako Kontagora stadium this weekend.

NPL Names Team For Matchday 33

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) on Wednesday released its 12-man Team for Week 33. Enugu Rangers and Plateau United were the dominant sides in the team with three personnel apiece. Rangers provided three players - James Okwuosah in defence, John Nnam in midfield and Brendan Ogbu in attack. Plateau United head coach, Bitrus Bewarang, who also doubles as general manager of the club, is picked as coach of the week. Centre-back Obinna Nwokolo and top scorer of the league, George Akpabio, complete the three personnel in the team from Plateau United. The 3SC duo of Chima Akas and Kabiru Alausa are selected in the team by the Premier League. Chike Michael (Zamfara United), Uche Oguchi (Dolphins), Kola Anubi (Sharks) and Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) complete this week's team. HOW THEY MADE THE TEAM Goalkeeper: Chike Michael (Zamfara Utd) Michael put up a decent performance against Heartland at the weekend to help his side to a one-nil win. He mak...

Nigeria Premier League Week 34 fixtures

23-07-2011 (saturday) Niger Tornadoes vs Sharks fc Dolphins vs Ocean Boys Kwara Utd vs Enyimba int'l Gombe united vs Kano Pillars 24-07-2011 (sunday) Juth fc vs Zamfara united Lobi stars vs Sunshine stars. Warri Wolves vs Rangers int'l Crown fc vs 3sc Heartland fc vs Bukola Babes Kaduna utd vs Plateau utd

Nigeria Premier League Week 34 fixtures

23-07-2011 (saturday) Niger Tornadoes vs Sharks fc Dolphins vs Ocean Boys Kwara Utd vs Enyimba int'l Gombe vs Kano Pillar 24-07-2011 (sunday) Juth fc vs Zamfara united Lobi stars vs Sunshine stars. Warri Wolves vs Rangers int'l Crown fc vs 3sc Heartland fc vs Bukola Babes Kaduna utd vs Plateau utd

SUPER EAGLES LIST TO FACE GHANA IN LONDON

SUPER EAGLES’ COACH SAMSON SIASIA OFFICIALY ANNOUNCE THE LIST FOR INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH AGAINST GHANA IN LONDON, TUESDAY, 9TH AUGUST 2011 GOALKEEPERS . VINCENT ENYEAMA - FC LILLE LOSC (FRANCE) . BAMIDELE AIYENUGBA - BNEI YEHUDA FC (ISRAEL) . CHIGOZIE AGBIM - WARRI WOLVES FC (NIGERIA) DEFENDERS . CHIBUZOR OKONKWO - HEARTLAND FC (NIGERIA) . TAYE TAIWO - AC MILAN (ITALY) . GEGE SORIOLA - HEARTLAND FC (NIGERIA) . ELDERSON ECHIEJILE - SPORTING BRAGA (PORTUGAL) . JOSEPH YOBO - FENERBAHCE FC (TURKEY) . YUSUF AYILA - DUNAMO KYIV (UKRAINE) . EFE AMBROSE - ASHDOD MS (ISRAEL) MIDFIELDERS . MIKEL OBI - CHELSEA FC (ENGLAND) . FEGOR OGUDE - VALERENGA FC (NORWAY) . JOEL OBI - INTER MILAN (ITALY) . KALU UCHE - ALMERIA FC (SPAIN) . EMMANUEL EKPO - COLUMBUS CREW (USA) . SOLOMON OKORONKWO - VALERENGA FC (NORWAY) FORWARDS . OBINNA NSOFOR - LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW (RUSSIA0 . VICTOR ANICHEBE - EVERTON FC (ENGLAND) . IKECHUKWU UCHE - ZARAGOZA FC (SPAIN) ...

Warri wolves goal keepers out

The duo of Ambrose Vazenkin and Chigozie Agbim of warri wolves will be missed has there team warri wolves fight for glory in the NPL. Our goal - keeper Chiozie Agbim will be going to the national camp for the Ghana friendly in London, while Ambrose Vanzekin is down with a broken wrist, Timi told jidap sport on tuesday. We are left with just 2 option which is risky, we hope both goal keepers in camp will be injury free before their colleague resumes back to duty respectively. Timi said. Warri wolves are 5th on the log table with 56 points, 4 points behind the top two teams sunshine stars and dolphins fc. Source: Timi Ebikagboro ( warri wolves - media officer

No walk over in bayelsa - Tunji Babalola.

Tunji babalola acting executive secretary of the NPL told jidap sport on monday that the match in bayelsa on sunday was not a walk over against the visitors Lobi stars. There was a match involving ocean boys and lobi stars on sunday in bayelsa but unfortunatly the match was called off, he said. We have been told that okey akabuogu a former lobi stars players currently playing for ocean boys went into lobi stars dressing room to harrass his former team players and officials. As a results of that lobi stars said they were not save and left for makurdi immediatly, tunji told jidap sport. Tunji babalola deneid the report that the NPL awarded the three points to the home team ocean boys. How can NPL award the match to ocean boys when there was security report, he said. NPL can't make any decision until we receive the comprehensive report of the match commisional of the game and also report from both club sides. Oceans boys were suppose to host lobi stars at the samson siasia stadium...

Nigeria Premier League teams on the continent.

NPL teams on the continent. Caf Champions League: Enyimba int'l v Al - Hilal (of sunday) * sunday (17-july-2011). Enyimba int'l in Group A of the caf champions league. Caf Confederation cup: Sunshine stars v Dr congo motema pembe (DCMP of congo). * Saturday (16-july-2011). Sunshine stars play in Group B of the caf confederation cup. Kaduna utd v Interclub (of Angola). * sunday (17-july-2011). Kaduna utd are in Group A of the caf confederation cup.

Nigeria Premier League Week 33 Fixtures

Week 33 fixtures: Saturday (16-july-2011). Teams position on the log table in Bracket. Plateau utd (18) v Warri wolves (3) Sharks fc (8) v Gombe utd (14) Kano pillars (3) v Dolphins fc (2) 3sc (15) v Kwara utd (10) Sunday (17-july-2011) Bukola babes (13) v Crown fc (17) Zamfara utd (19) v Heartland (11) Ocean boys (16) v Lobi stars (6) Rangers int'l (5) v Niger tornadoes (12) Your prediction for week 33 matches? * Match of the week is @ the sani abacha stadium, kano, where Kano pillars host league chaser Dolphins fc.

NPL TWO RESCHEDULE GAMES POSTPONED

Out of the three reschedule games slated for wednessday, two fixtures has been postponed. Ocean boys v Heartland fc has been postponed due to protest from Heartland that NPL must refund the money they wasted to abuja last weekend, it was reported earlier that ocean boys have been banished to abuja. Heartland fc General manager told jidap sport on wednessday morning that NPL have finaly shifted the game to August 10. That is not what we are even talking about, we travel to abuja last weekend to play Ocean boys, after we pay hotel bills and some other bills, NPL now inform us that ocean boys ban has been retrived, we want NPL to refund our money before will honour the game in Bayelsa, heartland fc G.M said. Also, Dolphins fc v Crown fc game has been shifted by the NPL, Dolphins fc were involved in an auto crash on there way back to Portharcourt on monday morning in Nasarawa. The only game that will hold today is in enugu, has Rangers int'l host Sharks fc.

Rising Stars - Gateway Fc Review.

From Jidap sport: Rising stars hopes of qualifyingto the premier league next season looks strong has they defeat a very compact Gateway team 1-0 on saturday at the Ijebu Ode Internatio nal stadium. After the game on saturday, Toyin Ayoola, Kayode edmond and victor okeji speaks to Jidap sport. * Toyin Ayoola - Gateway fc head coach: There is a question mark in today's officiating and these has been affecting nigeria football, is like clubs that have money can only be champion in nigeria league, toyin said. Gateway fc we go back to the dressing room and fix things up for the coming season, toyin told jidap sport. * Kayode Edmond - Rising stars ass.coach:Gateway fc a good side, we are very lucky to have beaten them today, he said. Kayode rating the officiating, he said the officiatin g was perfect and fantastic in my own opinion. *Victor okeji - Gateway attacker: The officiating was bad, the officiatin g not good for the league. Victor told ji...

Am not on loan to 3sc - Gbolahan Salami

After reports from all angles of the media about Gbolahan Salami transfer from sunshine stars to 3sc in the begining of the current season. 3sc top scorer in the league Gbolahan salami told jidap sport that his not on loan to 3sc from sunshine stars. Am not on loan to 3sc, i don't have any contract with sunshine stars, am very surprised with the report that am on loan to 3sc, am done with sunshine stars contract that's the reason why i move to 3sc, he said. Salami also said he missed 3sc last two games has a result of malaria. The truth of the matter is that have not been feeling fine because am down with malaria, have been receiving medical treatment for the past few days. Salami told jidap sport. Jidap sport will try and speak to officials of Sunshine stars to confirm salami statement.

Salami our player- jubril arowolo

It was reported last week that 3sc hit man Gbolahan salami loan deal from sunshine stars has expired. On thursday Arowolo jubril 3sc media officer told jidap sport that salami load deal is still on. He came here on season long loan deal, how come the loan deal now expired when the season is not over, jubril told jidap sport. Jubril said, there are personal reason why salami has missed the last two games but hopefully he will be back soon. The word of Arowolo jubril 3sc media officer.

NPL shifts week 30matches

The Nigeria Premier League has shifted week 30 matches originally scheduled to be played this Wednesday. According to the acting Executive Secretary of the league body, Tunji Babalola, the decision to shift the matches is because the ;eague organising body want all clubs to play all the rescheduled games so as not to give any team an undue advantage. “We have taken the decision because we don’t want any team in the Premier League to have this advantage of determining what happens to others team because they are yet to complete their matches like others clubs. “It will give them an advantage that is not good for the league. So instead of playing the week 30 games, majority of the outstanding games will be played. The matches that will take place this Wednesday include the Owerri tie between Heartland and JUTH of Jos. Dolphins of Port-Harcourt will host Kaduna United, while Sunshine Stars will travel to Gombe to fight for points against Gombe ...

NPL shifts week 30matches

The officiating was poor-Maurince coreman.

His team was defeated by the league leaders, Sunshine stars of akure in ijebu ode on sunday, maurince coreman coach of kaduna united blame the referees and his assistant for the loss. That's football in nigeria, it will never change, we know sunshine stars are fighting to be crown league champion, they are a good side got quality players but will play against the ref and his two assitant. I don't care about the officiating that is nigeria football style, coreman told jidap sport. He also blame fatigue for the loss on sunday, Coreman told jidap sport that they came late for the game, we arrive ijebu ode 1pm on sunday and we play the game by 4pm.he said. Kaduna utd are also through to the next round in the CAF confederation league.

My players performance was great-Gbenga Ogunbote

After seeing his lads trashed kaduna united on sunday in ijebu ode by 4-1 in a NPL game, Sunshine stars coach gbenga ogunbote told jidap sport that taking our chances was great. My players performance was excellent, i thank God we covert our chances rather than been wastefull, it was great to watch my players scored 4 goals against a good side like kaduna united.my players showed character & determination to win the game.Gbenga told jidap sport. I hope will have a good officiating in Gombe on wednessday, the game is going to be difficult, Gombe united are a good side but with hard work and if my players took their chances we may pick a point in the game, gbenga said. Talking about the officiating in the game on sunday, gbenga said, Coreman has his own opinion on the officiating, but for me the officiating was excellent, even though i don't discuss about officiating after game. In the first leg in kaduna, the officiating today was better.Gbenga told jidap sport. Sunshine sta...

The ref was poor - Abu Azeez

Bridge boys fc lost to prime fc in a pro leagud game on saturday by 2-0, Abu Azeez bridge boys attacker told Jidap sport that the officiating was bad and not up to standard. Two penalty was awarded to prime fc in the game which was a wrong decision by the ref, they lost the first spot kick in the first half of the game, but in the 2nd half the ref awarded another penalty to them which they covert to score their 2nd goal, Abu said. Abu Azeez also said, Bridge boys equalised with a fantastic goal, but the ref and his assitant ruled it out for off side which is not, he said. My co-player gave me the ball on air one on one with prime fc defenders and i drop the ball for another player and he scored, but the ref disallowed our goal and the chance to earn a point in the game, he said. Abu was part of the beach team that was 2nd in moroco at the beach africa championship and he said his getting ready for the world cup in Italy.

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK 28

Lobi stars dominated team of the week released by the NPL on tuesday. Lobi stars defeated relegation threatend side crown fc at their home ground in Ilaro on sunday. GK: Danladi Isa (Lobi Stars) RB: Alhaji Mohammed (Kano Pillars) CB: ThankGod Ike (Warri Wolves) CB: Victor Ezuruike (Dolphins) LB: Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars) RM: Tony Okpotu (Lobi Stars) CM: Babatunde Yusuf (3SC) AM: Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves) LM: Anthony Okemiri (Kwara United) ATT: George Akpabio (Plateau United) ATT: Adamu Mohammed (Gombe United) Coach: Dominic Iorfa (Lobi Stars) See More

THEY DESERVES THE VICTORY-ABU AZEEZ

Nigeria forward Abu azeez told jidap sport that the senegalese deserves been crowned africa champion at the just concluded beach soccer championship in Moroco. He told jidap sport that, the senegalese are a good team,their players height play against us and they convert their chances, we believe in ourselves but that is football you win some and lose some. The gap after the second quater was much, in the last quater when they were a bit tired, time was up against us,abu said. In spirit of sportmanship i say congratulation to the senegalese team,the key point is that we get the world cup ticket, he told jidap sport. Sand eagles lost to senegal by 7 - 4 in the final of africa beach soccer championship in moroco,both countries will represent africa at the world beach soccer championship in Italy.

3SC LOST AGAIN IN THE F.A CUP.

Federation cup result: 3sc lost to Akwa United 4-2 via penalties,akindele and kareem shuaibu lost while chima akas and slyvester coverted their spot kick after goalless in the 90mins of the game. 3sc played the match under protest as akwa did not produced lincenses. Earlier this morning the media officer Arowolo jurbril told jidap sport that the organisation of the F.A cup is bad,claiming 3sc arrived the match venue on monday night and the organisers told them they will be playing on tuesday afternoon,we have less than 15 hours rest it's unfair to be informed we are playing the first game.jubril said.

CAF WEEKEND ROUND UP.

CAF UPDATE: * Sunshine stars play away from home in the second leg of the quarter finals of the CAF Confederation against the USFA team from B.faso.Sunshine going into this game with 2-0 lead from the first leg fixture in ijebu ode forthnight ago,Sunday Emmanuel came of the bench to score two goals to keep Sunshine Stars hope alive of qualifying to the next round of the competition. USFA VS SUNSHINE STARS-on sunday.4pm nig time. *Former Champion of the CAF champions league Enyimba int'l of Aba will host Al ittihad in a one match decider in Aba this weekend,the first leg fixtures was postponed all because of the unrest in Libya.Enyimba defender valentine and bernard are with the Nigeria team B in abeokuta for the Wafu cup,but Enyimba still got quality in dept to beat thier opponent from Libya and progress to the group stage of this season CAF Champions league. * Jidap sport gather from the CAF website is that Kaduna United are through to the next round of the CAF confederation t...

Nigeria Premier League resumes this weekend.

The Nigeria Premier League second stanza resumes on May 7 2011(this weekend) Jidap sport gather,it was reported earlier that the league will resumes on April 30, 2011 after the elections. Emeka Nwani confirm this to LETS TALK NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE after several hours of NPL board meeting in abuja on tuesday,the board have decided the league should re-start this weekend,Sunshine stars will not be in league action this weekend due to thier caf confederation match in burkinafaso against USFA on sunday. The League last set of matches was played on 13 march 2011.Dolphin fc remain top of the league with 43 points from 19 games,while pleatue united and juth fc battles for relegation survive.

They can stop us-Gbenga Ogunbote

After their victory against Usfa of burkina faso in ijebu-ode on sunday,coach of sunshine stars of akure gbenga ogunbote told jidap sport that the Usfa team can't stop his team for qualifying to the next round of caf confederation cup. We thank GOD for today's victory,even the usfa team fight to the end,but at the end will score two goals.A two goals margin is something not going to be easy for the usfa team to overturn. Our goals came late but will keep pushing for the goals,my players dominate the possesion and play in the half of the usfa team,sunday emmanuel came in the second half for unimpressed akombo to score a brace for sunshine stars,he was on the bench for tactics reason he said.but will thank GOD he delivered what will need from him. All nigerian should keep praying and supporting the team,my team will go as far as they can in this competition,gbenga ogunbote told jidap sport on sunday in ijeb ode.

They can stop us-Gbenga Ogunbote

Manchester United 1 vs Everton 0

Javier Hernandez scored the winner that has brought Manchester United to the brink of a 19th League title with victory over Everton at Old Trafford. The Reds have extende their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points, although Chelsea have the chance to reduce that gap when they play later on. Everton put up admirable resistance but it was finally broken in the 84th minute when Antonio Valencia crossed deep for Hernandez to head home. The striker powered in his 19th goal of a sensational debut campaign to send United into the Champions League semi-final with Schalke in winning mood and knowing if they can avoid defeat to Arsenal and Chelsea in their next two league games, they will surely knock Liverpool off the perch they have occupied for so long. Faced with a familiar selection poser, knowing the following four games, starting with the first leg of that Champions League semi- final against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday, would shape his s...

3SC CAPTAIN SHERIF ABOLADE BROKE HIS LEG IN A CAR CRASH

Skipper of Nigeria Premier League side Shooting Stars, Sherif Abolade, broke his leg Sunday in a car crash in which six people lost their lives. Abolade was on his way back to Ibadan from Lagos when the commercial vehicle he was travelling collided with a heavy duty truck and six people died and others were seriously injured. He has now been admitted into UCH Ibadan. The attacking midfielder has come into his own this season to be handed the captain ’s armband in the absence of injured Sakiru Lawal. He joined the ‘Oluyole Warriors’ two years ago from an academy run by former international Dosu Joseph.

ADEFEMI OLUBAYO-LIFE BEFORE DEATH

Olubayo Adefemi (13 August 1985 - 18 April 2011) was a Nigerian football defender. International career: Adefemi represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games, playing all the games and scoring a goal in a semifinal match against Belgium. He was a member of the Nigerian Under 20 Team that came second behind a Lionel Messi-led Argentina Team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Adefemi played 5 out of the six matches Nigeria played, scoring 1 goal during play against Morocco in the semi-final. Adefemi made his Senior National Team debut against Ireland on May 29, 2009. Adefemi played his second senior game against France in a game that Nigeria won. Death: On April 18, 2011, Olubayo was killed in a car accident while driving on Egnatia Odos, near the city of Kavala. Titles: Silver medal in holand 2005 U-20 world cup. Israeli F.A cup winner with Hapoel Tel Aviv 2006 Silver Medal 2008 Olympics

ADEFEMI OLUBAYO-LIFE AFTER DEATH

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE RESUMES APRIL 20

The Nigeria Premier League now resumes on April 20, 2011 Jidap sport gather,it was reported earlier in the week that the league will resumes on April 30, 2011 after the elections, But NPL have decided to have mid week matches starting from next week wednessday. The League last set of matches was played on 13 march 2011.Dolphin fc remain top of the league with 43 points from 19 games,while pleatue united and juth fc battles for relegation survive. Source: JIDAP SPORT.

Ryan Giggs deserves to be knighted-Wayne Rooney

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has hailed team-mate Ryan Giggs as one of the greatest players in the club's history and believes it is only a matter of time before the Welshman is knighted. Giggs, 37, played a starring role for Sir Alex Ferguson's men as they defeated Chelsea 3-1 on aggregate to knock their domestic rivals out of the Champions League quarter-finals. After the match Ferguson singled out the former Wales international for his performance, calling it "unique" and "incredible", and Rooney has added to the torrent of praise directed in Giggs' direction. Rooney told talkSPORT: "He is just incredible. What he's done for Manchester United and what he's done for the young players, it's absolutely fantastic to have him at the club. "He's a genius and I don't think it'll be too long before we're calling him Sir Ryan in my opinion." Rooney was also effusive about f...

2012 OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS FOR THE 2ND ROUND

The draw for the 2nd round of the men ’s qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic Football Tournament was held at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo , Egypt on Wednesday 13 April 2011. The draw was conducted by acting CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani, and attended by representatives of the countries in the competition. Also present was Mr Gordon Savic the FIFA Head of competitions. The draw: Algeria v Zambia Congo v win Cote d’Ivoire/ Liberia Gabon v Mali Sudan v Egypt Benin v South Africa Tunisia v Senegal Tanzania v Nigeria The 16th qualified teams will only be known on 20 April 2011, as FIFA has postponed the return leg match between Liberia and Côte d ’Ivoire to this same date in order to allow the Ivorian team to leave its territory to play this match. The match dates for the 2nd round are the following: 3/4/5 June 2011 for the first-leg matches, 17/18/19 June 2011 for the return-leg matches. The next and final stage will see the introduction of a n...

Profiling Ocean boys from Bayelsa state

Ocean Boys Football Club is a Nigerian football club based in Brass, Bayelsa State. History: Ocean Boys F.C. was founded in 2002 by Sylva Nathaniel Ngo,the chairman of Brass Local Government. Sylva formed the team to help curb the restiveness among youths in the Niger Delta and keep the youths away from vices by channelling their energies into worthy endeavours. They were promoted to the top division in Nigerian football, the Nigerian Premier League within three years and were the 2006 league champions in their first season. They won the 2008 FA Cup, the third straight title for the Niger Delta.Their home stadium is Yenagoa Township Stadium but for the 2009-10 season they will play some home games at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. In December 2010 the team was left in shock by the death of defender Emmanuel Ogoli, who collapsed during a game, and a horrendous car crash in which defender Okechukwu Akabogu and third choice keeper Austino Egbe sustained several...

Man Utd defender Ferdinand boasts unbeaten record for over year

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand boasts an enviable unbeaten record. Incredibly, he is unbeaten in the 21 matches he has played for United this season and has not lost a club game in over a year - although his last was against Chelsea. Fergie reckoned the England star was superb on his comeback at The Bridge. He said: "That was probably one of his best performances in a United jersey. "But I knew it would happen because all the incentives were there. The adrenalin of coming back, the importance of the occasion. "When he was coming across in a buggy to the youth team game I said 'this bugger wants to play, I can tell'. You drive half a mile from the complex for one reason. I was really pleased."

Foreign based players arrived the u-23 camp

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim is among six foreign based players that have arrived the camp of the Under-23 team ahead of this weekend ’s second leg qualifier against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. Also in camp are goal keeper Dele Ajiboye, Ibok Edet, Micheal Essang, Arinze Ikenna and Uchechi Daniel. All six players made the final 20-man list that would fly out to Malabo on Friday. Coach Austine Eguavoen explained to SuperSport.com that Netherland based Uchebo Okechukwu would not be available for the game against Equatorial Guinea but would make the trip for the All Africa games qualifier against Liberia. “Uchebo would have been here for the Malabo game but he could not get a connecting flight, so we have decided to leave him out for the game against Equatorial Guinea. “Team Captain, Haruna Lukman, was eager to come for the game but his club needs him for this weekend’s game against Lille in the French League, ” Eguavoen told SuperSport.com. ...

NPL OFFICIAL TEAM OF THE FIRST ROUND

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has announced that 17 players and one coach have made its official team of the first round. League leaders, Dolphins, dominated the team by providing three players and the team's coach. Dolphins’ manager Stanley Eguma picked as coach of the first round, led the trio of goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday, defender Uche Oguchi and midfielder Owusu Addae, who is named as a substitute in the side. Eguma beat the duo of Gbenga Ogunbote of Sunshine Stars and Festus Allen of Bukola Babes to the position of team coach. Newcomers Bukola Babes and Warri Wolves have three players each in the team. Centre-back ThankGod Ike, midfielder Emmanuel Omodiagbe and striker Ehiosun Ekigho are picked from Warri Wolves. The three Warri Wolves’ players grabbed first-team spots in the 18-man NPL squad. But Bukola Babes’ captain and left-back, Abubakar Yusuf is the only player from his side that got a starting place while the duo of Effiom Otu-B...
As the 2nd stanza resumes these weekend,am profiling the league leaders dolphins fc,They are the only team yet to lose at home this season. Dolphins FC are a Nigerian football team based in Port Harcourt. History: In 2004-2005 they placed 6th in the Nigerian Premier League. Representing their country in the 2005 CAF Confederation Cup, they reached the finals, losing to Morocco's FAR Rabat. They play their home games at Liberation Stadium. However, for the 2008 Confederation Cup they played their games at U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. They were relegated from the Nigerian Premier League in 2007 by one point. They however came back to retain the FA Cup over Enugu Rangers. In their run, they twice won by penalties 4-2, including a semi-final triumph over crosstown rivals Sharks F.C. before winning the finals 3-2 in penalties. They returned to the Premier League after winning their division in 2009. The club was known until 2001 as Eagle Cement. Achievements:...

NPL STATISTIC FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON

- 380 games was played in the first half of the season, 19 games was played each by the 20 clubs on the log. - Total number of matches won: 153. - Total number of matches draw: 74. - Total number of matches lost: 153. - Total number of goals scored: 369. - Away wins: 16. - Home lost: 16. - Points accumulated by the 20 teams: 533 points. - Dolphins fc accumulated the highest points: 43 points from 19 gamer to stay top of the table. - Plateau united accumulated the lowest point: 13 points in 19 games to stay bottom of the table. - Sunshine stars second on the log scored the highest goals with 26 goals scored from 19 games. - Niger tornadoes scored the lowest goals,scoring 11 goals from 19 games. - Plateau united conceded the highest goals: 27 goals was scored against them in 19 games,while league leaders conceded the lowest goals,with 9 goals scored against them from 19 games. - Plateau united currently 20th on the log lost the highes games,they lost 12 games out of 19 game...

NPL STATISTIC

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES.

Fixtures | nigeria 12 Mar 2011 17:00 Kwara Utd FC vs Niger Tornadoes FC Offa Township Stadium 17:00 JUTH FC vs Rangers Int ’l FC Rwang Pam Stadium 17:00 Dolphin FC vs Enyimba Int ’l FC Liberation Stadium 13 Mar 2011 17:00 Crown FC vs Gombe Utd FC Gateway International Stadium 17:00 Lobi Stars FC vs Plateau Utd FC Aper Aku Stadium 17:00 Sunshine Stars FC vs Bukola Babes FC Gateway International Stadium 17:00 Ocean Boys FC vs 3SC Samson Siasia Stadium 17:00 Heartland FC vs Sharks FC Dan Anyiam Stadium 17:00 Zamfara Utd FC vs Kano Pillars FC Sani Abacha Stadium 17:00 Kaduna Utd FC vs Warri Wolves FC Kaduna Stadium

F.A CUP WEEKEND FIXTURES

12 Mar 2011 14:45 Birmingham vs Bolton St Andrews Stadium 19:15 Man Utd vs Arsenal Old Trafford 13 Mar 2011 16:00 Stoke vs West Ham Britannia Stadium 18:45 Man City vs Reading City of Manchester Stadium

EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS

10 Mar 2011 Dynamo Kiev 2 - 0 Man City Ajax 0 - 1 Spartak Moscow FC Twente 3 - 0 Zenit St Petersburg Benfica 2 - 1 PSG Braga 1 - 0 Liverpool Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 3 Villarreal CSKA Moscow 0 - 1 FC Porto PSV 0 - 0 Rangers

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Chicharito currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the EPL

Manchester United striker, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez currently boasts the best minute per goal rate in the history of the Premier League. The Mexican striker beats the likes of Fernando Torres, Thierry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelrooy despite being in his maiden season at the club. An Opta investigation has shown that Hernandez has scored ten Premier League goals in 962 minutes during his United career, an average of one goal every 96 minutes and 12 seconds player. The study, which only includes players who have scored ten+ goals in the league, also shows that these ten goals have been scored from just 14 shots on target – meaning that 71.4% of his on target shots find the back of the net. Alongside Hernandez is four other players currently plying their trade in the league: Fernando Torres, Ivan Klasnic, Daniel Sturridge and Rafael Van der Vaart. Javier Hernández: goal every 96.2 mins Thierry Henry: goal every 121.95 mins Fernando Torres: goal ever...

Haye vows to knock out Klitschko

WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has pledged to knock out IBF and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko when they fight in Germany in the summer. The British fighter is set to take on the Ukrainian in a football stadium on either 25 June or 2 July. "I just can't wait for that first bell to ring so I can run across the ring to stick one on his chin," Haye, 30, told BBC Radio 5 live. Haye added: "Wladimir Klitschko is getting violently knocked out." Despite Haye's apparent confidence, British bookmakers rate Klitschko the favourite, and the Londoner knows he will face a battle. "He's considered by a lot of people who aren't big fans of mine to be number one in the heavyweight division," Haye told 5 live. "He holds the IBF and WBO titles. I'm obviously the WBA champion and once and for all we are going to get in the ring and decide who's the best. "Wladimir's been knocked out a couple of...

FAB 90% FIT- ARSENE WENGER

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said Cesc Fabregas is likely to be fit for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg at Barcelona. Wenger will be without a number of key players in the Nou Camp as the Gunners look to defend a 2-1 first- leg victory. But of his captain, who has missed three games with a hamstring injury and faces a final fitness test on Monday, he said: "It is 90% he will be fit. "His return is vital, he is important [linking] attack and defence." In Fabregas' absence, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at home by Sunderland on Saturday as they looked to put pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United. But while Wenger should be able to call on a player he referred to as "the leader of the team" for the first time since he went off injured against Stoke on 23 February, he faces a number of other selection headaches. We do not have enough security to sit back and defend. You can't go...

What Fergie might have said

“OK lads and lasses lets put all this in perspective, we are still top of the league and look forward to playing Arsenal in the FA Cup and then remember there is the Champions League and a final at Wembley. So it’s not the end of the world to come to somewhere like this and actually lose a football match. “ Today we were well beaten by a team who wanted it more. Liverpool, now of course under new management and with us top of the league, treated it like a cup final. It ’s no excuse. They knocked us off our perch – temporarily, I might add. “ Now I can’t win with you lot. Whatever I say you twist it round, have me criticising referees, opposition players, their managers, whatever. I can ’t even trust MUTV now but anyway I’ve come here to talk to you lot including the London papers. “ We were not at the races in so many areas. Our midfield didn ’t have the bite today to match Liverpool, and up front we were poor, although our ‘ Little Pea’ popped up to ...

Babalade want hard men for eagles defence

Former Super Eagles defender, Ajibade Babalade, wants Super Eagles' boss, Samson Siasia and his backroom staff to scout for hard men to play at the back-four. Babalade, who is now team manager of Premier League side, 3SC, said this strategy worked perfectly for former Super Eagles Dutch manager, Clemens Westerhof. The defender, fondly called ‘ Kunde’ was one of the several ‘hard men’ Westerhof developed into great defenders. “Defenders require specific qualities and one of such is to be hard, ” Babalade said “As a defender, you must have safety at the bottom of your mind first. There is no need for you to show skills when your area is under attack. When you have taken care of the opponents, then you can show your skills,” he added. The former Africa Sport and Sturm Graz defender told our source that Westerhof depended on other ‘hard men’ like Austin Eguavoen, Chidi Nwanu, Uche Okechukwu, Mike Emenalo, Ben Iroha, Stephen Keshi, Albert Anijekwu a...

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKEND FIXTURES

05 Mar 2011 17:00 Niger Tornadoes FC vs Enyimba Int ’l FC Mamman Kontagora Stadium 17:00 Kwara Utd FC vs Zamfara Utd FC Offa Township Stadium 17:00 Sharks FC vs Rangers Int ’l FC Sharks Stadium 17:00 Gombe Utd FC vs Plateau Utd FC Tafawa Balewa Stadium 06 Mar 2011 17:00 JUTH FC vs Dolphin FC Rwang Pam Stadium 17:00 Warri Wolves FC vs 3SC Warri City Stadium 17:00 Kaduna Utd FC vs Bukola Babes FC Kaduna Stadium 17:00 Crown FC vs Sunshine Stars FC Gateway International Stadium 17:00 Heartland FC vs Ocean Boys FC Dan Anyiam Stadium 17:00 Lobi Stars FC vs Kano Pillars FC Aper Aku Stadium