championtobi

Jigawa Stars 2 FC Jimeta 1 Wikki 4 Adamawa Utd 0 Nasarawa Utd 1 Supreme 0 Ranch Bees 3 FRSC 0 Mighty Jets 2 FC Taraba 0 FC Abuja 0 El-Kanemi 1

NAME CLUB NO OF GOAL 1. Austine Joseph FC Abuja 4 Goals 2. Batholomen Kungtu FC Abuja 4 Goals 3. Ismail Ahmed Ranchers Bees 4 Goals 4. Kalu Agwu Jimeta Utd. 4 Goals 5. Sampam Isyaku Dalkart 4 Goals 6. Suleiman Saidu Danlkart 3 Goals 7. Harrison Madu Spotlite 3 Goals 8. Jabason Solo Wikki Tourist 3 Goals 9. Moammed Taisu Jarma FC 3 Goals 10. Bidemi Wahab Nasarawa Utd. 3 Goals

AS AT WEEK 14 2010/2011 STATISTICS SUMMARY FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIV A Total Numbers of Matches Played 186 Total Numbers of Matches won 78 Total number of matches drawn 30 Total Number of matches lost 78 Total Number of Goal scored 389 Average Goals per Match 2 Number of Home wins 73 Number of Home draws 15 Number of Home loses 5 Number of away wins 5 Number of away draws 14 Number of away loses 74

26 Feb 2011 21:45 Juventus vs Bologna Stadio Olimpico 27 Feb 2011 13:30 Catania vs Genoa Angelo Massimino 16:00 Bari vs Fiorentina San Nicola 16:00 Palermo vs Udinese Renzo Barbera 16:00 Cagliari vs Lazio Sant'Elia 16:00 Brescia vs Lecce Mario Rigamonti 16:00 Roma vs Parma Stadio Olimpico 16:00 Cesena vs Chievo Dino Manuzzi 21:45 Sampdoria vs Inter Milan Luigi Ferraris

26 Feb 2011 19:00 Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Estadi Cornella-El Prat 19:00 Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla Vicente Calderon 19:00 Sporting Gijon vs Real Zaragoza El Molinon 21:00 Mallorca vs Barcelona ONO Estadi 23:00 Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Madrid Riazor 27 Feb 2011 18:00 Levante vs Osasuna Ciutat de Valencia 18:00 Hercules vs Getafe Jose Rico Perez 20:00 Racing Santander vs Villarreal El Sardinero 22:00 Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia San Mames

26 Feb 2011 19:00 Espanyol vs Real Sociedad Estadi Cornella-El Prat 19:00 Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla Vicente Calderon 19:00 Sporting Gijon vs Real Zaragoza El Molinon 21:00 Mallorca vs Barcelona ONO Estadi 23:00 Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Madrid Riazor 27 Feb 2011 18:00 Levante vs Osasuna Ciutat de Valencia 18:00 Hercules vs Getafe Jose Rico Perez 20:00 Racing Santander vs Villarreal El Sardinero 22:00 Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia San Mames

26 Feb 2011 17:00 Everton vs Sunderland Goodison Park 17:00 Wigan vs Man Utd The DW Stadium 17:00 Wolverhampton vs Blackpool Molineux Stadium 17:00 Aston Villa vs Blackburn Villa Park 17:00 Newcastle vs Bolton St James' Park 27 Feb 2011 15:30 West Ham vs Liverpool Upton Park 17:00 Man City vs Fulham City of Manchester Stadium

26 Feb 2011 17:00 Plateau Utd FC vs JUTH FC Rwang Pam Stadium 17:00 Gombe Utd FC vs Kwara Utd FC Tafawa Balewa Stadium 17:00 Sharks FC vs Crown FC Sharks Stadium 17:00 Kano Pillars FC vs Warri Wolves FC Sani Abacha Stadium 27 Feb 2011 17:00 3SC vs Dolphin FC Liberty Stadium 17:00 Bukola Babes FC vs Ocean Boys FC Offa Township Stadium 17:00 Rangers Int ’l FC vs Heartland FC Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium 17:00 Niger Tornadoes FC vs Kaduna Utd FC Mamman Kontagora Stadium 17:00 Zamfara Utd FC vs Sunshine Stars FC Sani Abacha Stadium 17:00 Enyimba Int ’l FC vs Lobi Stars FC Enyimba Sports Complex

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is furious at being ruled out for the Carling Cup final by manager Arsene Wenger. The Mirror says Cesc, who limped out of Wednesday night's win over Stoke, is believed to have been at the club's training ground yesterday, giving the impression he would be able to play against Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday. Wenger is understood to have put his foot down, so as not to risk his captain and star player ahead of Arsenal's Champions League showdown with Barcelona on March 8. The Gunners boss - desperate to maintain the club's hunt for the Quadruple - had the final word last night.

The German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the Bundesliga will get a fourth Champions League place in 2012-13. Germany has definitively leapfrogged Italy in the UEFA co-efficient rankings following this week's results in Europe and will consequently get four berths in the prized competition after next season. "After 11 years, the Bundesliga has secured a fourth Champions League berth again from 2012-13 on," a statement from DFL reads. "As a result of this week's results in Europe, with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen both winning, while Napoli were eliminated, Germany further extended its lead on Italy in the UEFA co-efficients ranking to secure third spot in the ranking behind England and Spain. "The German clubs have now accumulated 68,103 points and have extended their lead on Serie A (59,981) to 8,122 points. Italy are consequently no longer able to take over third spot this season. "By securing third spot...

Newly appointed Captain Ramon Azeez and forwards Stanley Okoro and Kayode Olanrewaju would join national U-20 team mates at the Antalya, Turkey camp Friday morning. The duo of midfielder Azeez, who replaces dropped skipper Fortune Chukwudi, and Okoro flew to Lagos from Abuja on Thursday evening, while Olanrewaju traveled from Ibadan for the Turkish Air flight scheduled to depart the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja at 2am on Friday. "We're really looking forward to receiving the trio in camp. The spirit is high in camp as the other players look forward to having them around", said Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF's Deputy General Secretary (Technical) , who joined the team in Turkey on Sunday. With the departure of Olanrewaju, Okoro and Azeez, Flying Eagles Head Coach Sam John Obuh is expecting only one more player to join his team ahead of the African Youth Championship: VVV Venlo of Holland's rapid raider Ahmed Musa.

o Gallery Zoom Thomas Muller - Bayern Muenchen & Thiago Motta - Inter Milan Related Links The German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the Bundesliga will get a fourth Champions League place in 2012-13. Germany has definitively leapfrogged Italy in the UEFA co-efficient rankings following this week's results in Europe and will consequently get four berths in the prized competition after next season. "After 11 years, the Bundesliga has secured a fourth Champions League berth again from 2012-13 on," a statement from DFL reads. "As a result of this week's results in Europe, with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen both winning, while Napoli were eliminated, Germany further extended its lead on Italy in the UEFA co-efficients ranking to secure third spot in the ranking behind England and Spain. "The German clubs have now accumulated 68,103 points and have extended their lead on Serie A (59,981) to 8,122 points. Italy a...

Scores of Nigerians resident in Dallas, capital of the State of Texas were at the Double Tree Hotel on Thursday morning to receive players and officials of the Nigeria national football team, Super Eagles as the delegation landed in the United States of America. The team of 20 players and nine officials was led by a Member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, and will play two matches in the invitational United States' President's Holiday Celebration Soccer Tournament, otherwise known as the Green Bowl Soccer Tournament, holding at the Cotton Bowl Soccer Stadium this weekend. The Delta Airline flight from Lagos had a few hours' stop-over in Atlanta, Georgia before connecting the Texas State capital. The Super Eagles, with Head Coach Samson Siasia directing affairs, will take to the pitch against their Mexican counterparts at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday at 7pm (1am, Sunday in Nigeria) a...

This weekend one game – Heartland versus Enugu Rangers – has been called off at the instance of Heartland, which have 14 players called up to the senior national team, the under20s and the under23s. So, nine games will be played on Saturday and Sunday while one Monday match holds in Bauchi. Saturday, February 26, 2011 Gombe United v Kwara United The Desert Scorpions go into this game with a win in their last five games in which they have picked just two points. Bernard Ogbe ’s men will want to start winning again and against Kwara United with a poor away record this term, Gombe should just nick this one like they did last season in this same game. Prediction: 1 – 0 Sharks v Crown FC Crown Football Club have shipped in 10 goals in eight games on the road and they head to Sharks, who have dropped just two points in Port Harcourt. It is difficult to see how Crown will escape from Port Harcourt in their first topflight tie against Sharks. Even with the ...

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has vowed to win the League Cup for stricken skipper Cesc Fabregas after injury ruled the club captain out of Sunday's clash with Birmingham. Fabregas limped out of Wednesday's Premier League win over Stoke with a hamstring strain and will now miss Sunday's final at Wembley, where Arsenal are bidding to win their first silverware since 2005. Wenger said he hoped Arsenal would go on to lift the trophy as a tribute to Fabregas, who is now battling to be fit for the club's Champions League second leg match with Barcelona on March 8. "It is a very small injury but certainly Cesc will be out for Sunday," Wenger told Arsenal TV. "For how long beyond that I don't know, but definitely for Sunday. "He is disappointed. We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition." Wenger said Walcott was likely to ...

Ibrahim Galadima fails to win Fifa seat Nigeria's Ibrahim Galadima on Wednesday failed in his bid to replace Amos Adamu on the Fifa Executive Committee. Galadima was among six men contesting for two the two CAF positions on the coveted Fifa Committee, but could only finish with 5 votes. But the former NFA chairman lost out in the elections to Algeria's Mohammed Raouraou, who polled 36 votes along with incumbent Jacques Anouma, who also polled 36 votes. Danny Jordaan, who led South Africa's successful World Cup hosting, polled 10 votes, while Suketu Patel got 12 votes.

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that his side's 0-0 Uefa Champions League draw at Marseille had been a dreadful spectacle but said he remained optimistic ahead of the second leg. United were made to toil in Tuesday night's stalemate at Stade Velodrome and rarely threatened to score the away goal that would have put them in control of the last 16 tie ahead of the return match on 15 March. Ferguson took heart from the performance of centre- back pairing Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling but his mood in the post-match press conference was decidedly downbeat. "Scoring away from home is important and we didn't do that, so that's a disappointment to me," said Ferguson. "It's a fair result. Marseille didn't cause too many problems for us. They only had one strike on goal. Our two centre-backs were very good. In the first half both teams cancelled each other out. Nothing really happened in the match and...

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal admitted he was surprised by Inter Milan's attacking style as his side snatched a crucial 1-0 victory at the San Siro. Mario Gomez scored the only goal of the game in the last minute after Inter's Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar had failed to hold Arjen Robben's stinging shot. It was sweet revenge for the Germans after their defeat to Inter in the final in Madrid nine months ago and Van Gaal insisted they were clear favourites to progress following the second leg in Munich in three weeks time. But having claimed before the game that Inter's style had not changed since that final in May, where Jose Mourinho's side proved effective on the counter- attack, Van Gaal admitted he was surprised at the Italians. "I was very surprised by Inter's performance, they wanted to win the game," he said. "It was a very good game, very attractive and everyone can be happy with the game, it was f...

Nemanja Vidic has warned Marseille that Manchester United will go for the throat at Old Trafford to book a Champions League quarter- final place. The Reds secured a 0-0 draw in southern France last night to set up a tense night in Manchester on March 15. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were professional in a dour match at the Stade Velodrome. But captain Vidic believes the Reds will show their true colours back in England. “We have to go for it at Old Trafford,” said the Serbian defender. “It will be a different game at home. We have to attack. This year we have played well at home. “We have scored a lot of goals in front of our own fans and had some very good results. That is what we need to produce. “At Manchester United we always go to win games so we cannot be over-happy. A draw is not bad but it was not what we always set out to do. “We have a winning mentality but we shouldn’t be too disappointed either. “It would have been a lot better if we had sc...

Carlos Tevez is being lined up to rejoin Brazilian club Corinthians, according to the Manchester City's striker agent Kia Joorabchian. Despite the Argentine having over three years left on his Eastlands contract, Joorabchian said: "Carlos would be happy to return to Brazil. I would like the deal to be done swiftly but in reality it will probably take a couple of years." League One side Sheffield Wednesday are to make a bid to sign striker Benni McCarthy and defender Herita Ilunga, who are out of favour at West Ham. West Ham will sign on loan Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna in the summer, when he says he will be a free agent. Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says he may make another bid for Blackpool's Charlie Adam, having narrowly missed out on the striker on transfer deadline day. OTHER GOSSIP Barcelona were left bemused when Arsenal recently signed their 16-year-old midfielder Jon Miquel Toral Harper. After losi...

Manchester United have told the Premier League the Glazer family still owns 100% of the club. There had been speculation the American owners may have sold a significant stake to pay off their controversial £220m PIK (payment in kind) loans. Doubts grew after the Glazers set up a new parent company registered in Delaware, where there is no requirement to reveal details of ownership. A club spokesman told BBC Sport: "There has been no change of ownership." However, the repayment of the PIKs , which were first borrowed at the time of the Glazer takeover in 2005 and accumulated punitive interest rolled up year on year, raises more questions than it answers. And fans' groups now want to know if the Glazers have simply replaced one form of expensive debt with another that is concealed by the transfer of the ultimate parent company, Red Football LLC, from Nevada to Delaware. With persistent reports linking United with a sale to the Qatar roy...

Tuesday, 22 February 2011 FC Copenhagen 0-2 (HT 0-1) Chelsea Anelka (17, 54) Bookings: Jorgensen (7) Pospech (70) Bookings: Torres (35) Malouda (84) Terry (86) Lyon Gomis (83) 1-1 (HT 0-0) Real Madrid Benzema (65) Bookings: Michel Bastos (48) Cris (63) Pied (70) Bookings: Sergio Ramos (10) Di Maria (45) Casillas (90+1)

Former Red Gabriel Heinze admits he fully regrets his United career came to an end with a potential move to arch rivals Liverpool seemingly on the cards. It appeared the ex-United left-back had sort to engineer a move to Anfield towards the end of his United career in 2007, but the Olympique Marseille defender, who the Reds will come up against on Wednesday night, insists he was wrong. "I regret it a lot, especially the last three months," Heinze told reporters on Tuesday. "I am a strong person and so is Alex Ferguson. I took the decision I did and I regret it, especially for the fans and I hope it has not tarnished me with them. "I don't really want to talk about what happened four years ago," he added. "Maybe some day I will tell the whole story. But I knew the risks and was aware of what being at a club like Liverpool would mean." The Argentine also revealed he has since made amends with Sir Alex following h...

ALEX FERGUSON has blasted out a Champions League battle-cry by declaring there is not a team in the world to match his side's determination. The Manchester United boss is sick of people criticising his team despite the fact they are top of the League, in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and last 16 in Europe. They could emulate the treble heroes of 1999. Ferguson said: "These players refuse to be defeated. We must never give up. "Yes, I lean on the veterans like Giggs and Scholes, but equally, those who have been here for five or six years carry those values - Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Van der Sar, Carrick, belong to this group. "For that reason, that we're not easy to beat. I don't know many teams in the world who have such determination." United have lost only once in the League this season, away to Wolves, and in the Carling Cup to West Ham. They qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League conceding o...

The last time Inter Milan and Bayern Munich met, they were both 90 minutes away from the perfect season. This time they are just looking for salvation. The Italian and German champions will contest the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday in a repeat of last year's final. Inter's 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu that night gave the Nerazzurri the treble of Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League while Bayern were left with the Bundesliga and German Cup double. Nine months on, both teams are struggling to live up to such high standards. Bayern's hopes of retaining the Bundesliga title look all but over having dropped 13 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. "It's pretty much impossible for Bayern to win the Bundesliga this season in my opinion," forward Arjen Robben told Kicker magazine. "I'd say that we have more chance of winning the Champions League than scooping the domestic title." ...

Manchester United set out for Marseille on Tuesday for their Champions League Last 16 round tie without several senior players including Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs. Ferdinand has not played since picking up a calf injury before the Premier League defeat at Wolves on February 5, and his fellow central defender Jonny Evans also missed the trip as he is struggling with an ankle problem. That meant Chris Smalling was in line to start alongside Nemanja Vidic in the heart of the United back four against the French champions. Veteran midfielder Giggs was another absentee from the United party, which was also missing Michael Owen, who has a groin injury. United midfielder Anderson was a non-traveller and could be facing a lengthy absence from the side after being substituted at half-time in Saturday's FA Cup fifth- round win over Crawley. He reportedly suffered a knee injury which will need further examination before United can be sure how long he will...

Real Madrid will bid to banish the ghosts of three straight defeats at Olympique Lyon when they visit the Stade Gerland in their Champions League last-16 first leg clash on Tuesday. The nine-times winners have lost in the first knockout round in each of the last six seasons but they look stronger this term with a more balanced side and twice European Cup winner Jose Mourinho at the helm. Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez has a hamstring injury but the French side have been in good form lately, scoring four goals in each of their last two Ligue 1 victories. Chelsea, by comparison, are not on the best of runs and although Tuesday's opponents FC Copenhagen are in uncharted territory, their atmospheric Parken stadium and decent results against big teams in recent years suggest a tight game. "It is not an easy moment because we have to play very important games but sometimes it is good to play tough games because you are more in focus, so we don't ...

22 Feb 2011 21:45 Lyon vs Real Madrid 21:45 FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea 23 Feb 2011 21:45 Marseille vs Man Utd 21:45 Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich

Nifty forward, Derrick ‘dada’ Amadi has promised to score more goals for Nigeria Premier League (NPL) leaders, Dolphin in the current season. The youngster was a constant menace to Bukola Babes ’ defenders on Saturday, plundering his second goal in as many matches as Dolphin ended the 8-match unbeaten run of the newly promoted side with a 2-0 victory. “The game was tough but my goal (scored in the 3rd minute) helped as it took away the pressure from us and allowed us to play our normal game. The right footed player also identified the goal he scored against Zamfara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on February 13 as the turning point in his season. The goal, his first of the season, gave Dophin all three points and guaranteed their third away success of the 2010/2011 season. “It was an important goal for me as it gave me confidence. The Coach (Stanley Eguma) was happy with my performance and told me that I would start the next game (against B...

Carlos Vela saved Roy Hodgson from defeat in his first match as West Bromwich Albion manager as the Mexican striker's last-gasp goal earned a 1-1 draw against local rivals Wolves on Sunday. Hodgson was moments away from opening his reign at the Hawthorns in the worst possible manner as Albion trailed to Jamie O'Hara's first goal for Wolves. But Vela, on loan from Arsenal, spared Hodgson's blushes with a stoppage time equaliser which kept fourth bottom Albion outside the relegation zone and three points ahead of bottom club Wolves. Former Liverpool boss Hodgson, appointed after Roberto Di Matteo's sacking, made one enforced change as midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu was ruled out with a hamstring injury, leading to a recalle for Gabriel Tamas. Wolves had an early chance when O'Hara made a determined run at the Baggies defence inside the first 30 seconds, only for the on-loan Tottenham midfielder's shot to be blocked by Jonas Ol...

Claudio Ranieri resigned as coach of troubled AS Roma following their shock 4-3 loss at Genoa on Sunday in a match they had led 3-0. "I have always thought about the good of Roma," he was quoted as saying by ANSA news service. "After a game like that today, I think it is right to give a signal. At the final whistle I went into the dressing room to thank the team and I have decided to resign." Cash-strapped Roma, who are in the process of being sold, lost 3-2 at home to Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions league last-16 first leg on Wednesday. Around 200 fans protested at Roma's training ground on Saturday, throwing flares and firecrackers at the gates before being dispersed by police. Roma produced a stunning run to finish second in Serie A last term in Ranieri's first season in charge after taking over from Luciano Spalletti. They now lie eighth and have not won in five games in all competitions. Rome-born Ranier...

20 Feb 2011 Napoli 1 - 0 Catania Parma 2 - 2 Cesena Chievo 1 - 2 AC Milan Genoa 4 - 3 Roma Fiorentina 0 - 0 Sampdoria Lazio 1 - 0 Bari Udinese 0 - 0 Brescia Lecce 2 - 0 Juventus 19 Feb 2011 Inter Milan 1 - 0 Cagliari Bologna 1 - 0 Palermo

20 Feb 2011 Barcelona 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao Sevilla 1 - 0 Hercules Getafe 0 - 1 Racing Santander Villarreal 1 - 1 Malaga Almeria 1 - 1 Deportivo La Coruna Osasuna 4 - 0 Espanyol 19 Feb 2011 Real Zaragoza 0 - 1 Atletico Madrid Real Madrid 2 - 0 Levante Valencia 0 - 0 Sporting Gijon

Results: 20 Feb 2011 Crown FC 0 - 1 Rangers Int’l FC Warri Wolves FC 1 - 0 Niger Tornadoes FC Heartland FC 2 - 1 Plateau Utd FC Lobi Stars FC 1 - 0 3SC Ocean Boys FC 3 - 1 Zamfara Utd FC Sunshine Stars FC 3 - 0 Kano Pillars FC Kaduna Utd FC 3 - 0 Gombe Utd FC 19 Feb 2011 Kwara Utd FC 3 - 0 Sharks FC Dolphin FC 2 - 0 Bukola Babes FC Monday fixtures: Juth fc v Enyimba int'l.

Inter will be making their case for a reformation of the front line in the summer when they plan a double swoop on Arsenal's Robin Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin. Il Corriere dello Sport claims the duo, who combined to raise Arsenal's Champions League hopes against Barcelona in Wednesday's 2-1 win, are back on Inter's radar. Despite investing heavily on Giampaolo Pazzini in the winter, the Nerazzurri are hoping to bolster their attack with experience. Diego Milito's struggle for fitness and form following last season's campaign has led directors to look for a turnaround. And they are ready to offer the Gunners €50 million for both men. Arsene Wenger is famous for keeping his eye trained on young players, meaning Arshavin, 30, and Van Persie, 28, could leave if the money is right.

19 Feb 2011 17:00 Kwara Utd FC vs Sharks FC Offa Township Stadium 17:00 Dolphin FC vs Bukola Babes FC Liberation Stadium 17:00 Crown FC vs Rangers Int ’l FC Gateway International Stadium 17:00 JUTH FC vs Enyimba Int ’l FC Rwang Pam Stadium 20 Feb 2011 17:00 Warri Wolves FC vs Niger Tornadoes FC Warri City Stadium 17:00 Heartland FC vs Plateau Utd FC Dan Anyiam Stadium 17:00 Lobi Stars FC vs 3SC Aper Aku Stadium 17:00 Ocean Boys FC vs Zamfara Utd FC Samson Siasia Stadium 17:00 Sunshine Stars FC vs Kano Pillars FC Gateway International Stadium 17:00 Kaduna Utd FC vs Gombe Utd FC Kaduna Stadium

Saturday, February 19, 2011 Kwara United v Sharks In their last three games, Kwara United are yet to win and it must be a source of concern for coach Kadiri Ikhana. And he will be keen to see his side return to winning ways against Sharks at the Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu. Sharks have won just once on the road all season and have picked just a point in four of this same game in the past. The Afonja Warriors will struggle but should get all points. Prediction: 1 – 0 Dolphins v Bukola Babes This is the star game of the week, as first placed side face third placed. Surprisingly in 720 minutes, newcomers, Bukola Babes, have not lost a game. Coincidentally, the last time the Babes lost it was by a lone goal to Sharks in Port Harcourt on December 18, 2010. For Bukola Babes this is going to be a massive test, as they visit the Garden City for the second time this season. The odds favour Dolphins but Bukola Babes will fancy their chance. Predic...

17 Feb 2011 Rangers 1 - 1 Sporting Sparta Prague 0 - 0 Liverpool Basle 2 - 3 Spartak Moscow Young Boys 2 - 1 Zenit St Petersburg Sevilla 1 - 2 FC Porto Lille 2 - 2 PSV PAOK Salonika 0 - 1 CSKA Moscow Napoli 0 - 0 Villarreal Benfica 2 - 1 VfB Stuttgart BATE 2 - 2 PSG Anderlecht 0 - 3 Ajax Lech Poznan 1 - 0 Braga Besiktas 1 - 4 Dynamo Kiev FC Metalist Kharkiv 0 - 4 Bayer Leverkusen Rubin Kazan 0 - 2 FC Twente 15 Feb 2011 Aris Salonika 0 - 0 Man City

Patrice Evra has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United, according to French media outlet Canal +. Evra has recently been linked with a move to long- term admirers Real Madrid in the summer, with reports suggesting a player-plus- cash deal involving Brazilian left-back Marcelo could have been in the offing. Only last month Evra’s agent Federico Pastorello confirmed that interest from the La Liga side was real and that he could potentially leave the Red Devils with his contract set to expire in 2012. The latest developments appear to have firmly put any potential move to bed, however, with the reported four-year deal to keep the Frenchman at Old Trafford until 2015.

This season's Champions League final at Wembley in May will be the most expensive for fans with the cheapest ticket for a neutral costing £150. Uefa, who have moved the game to a Saturday evening for the first time, announced their ticket policy at London's City Hall on Thursday, saying they expected record gate receipts of £14 million from football's most prestigious club match. The two finalists are to receive 25 000 tickets apiece for their supporters, who will have the option of buying a Category Four ticket for £80 although Uefa did not say how many of those cheaper seats would be available. Neutrals buying through Uefa will be excluded from Category Four, meaning they will have to pay £300 for a Category One seat, £225 for a Category Two and 150 pounds for a Category Three. A fee of £26 will also be applied to European sales. Uefa's competitions director Giorgio Marchetti refuted suggestions that fans were being priced out and t...

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani sprung to the defence of veteran midfielder Gennaro Gattuso after Uefa charged him with gross unsporting conduct over his behaviour in Tuesday's Champions League match. Gattuso cut a frustrated figure during Milan's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the San Siro and regularly squared up to beanpole striker Peter Crouch after challenges between the pair. He also argued with Spurs' assistant manager Joe Jordan on the touchline before pushing the former Milan player in the neck. And after the game he ran over to confront Jordan again before head-butting the 59- year-old. Gattuso came out afterwards to apologise but he is expected to receive a minimum three-game ban, possibly more. However, Galliani says everyone has been too quick to condemn the club vice- captain. "What Rino (Gattuso) did is a regrettable incident which isn't right but he was seriously provoked," said Galliani. "Of cour...

Cesc Fabregas believes that Arsenal have beaten the greatest team in the history of football, following their 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium. The two sides met in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night, and the Gunners went behind to a David Villa goal in the first half before sensationally coming from behind to snatch a victory. Robin van Persie scored from a tight angle after 78 minutes to put the game back on level terms, while substitute Andrey Arshavin - who had come on for Alex Song - scored the winner five minutes later. And despite the victory, the 23-year-old midfielder is keeping his feet on the ground, insisting that the tie is not over yet. "They don’t lose many games," Fabregas said, according to The Mirror. "They are the best side in football history, in my opinion. "But we have only played half of this tie. It ’s a nice compliment to us, but that’s all. We have close...

Qatar Holding joined Manchester United in quashing rumours of a takeover on Wednesday with a source close to the Gulf Arab state's sovereign wealth fund saying no talks had been held with the English football club. Premier League leaders United have repeatedly said the Old Trafford club was not for sale but its high-yield bonds rose to near record highs on Tuesday on speculation of a deal. "Qatar Holding is not and has never been in discussions to buy Manchester United football club. There is no truth to the rumours," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. While United have been building a four-point lead in the table as they seek a record 19th league title, off the pitch they have been the subject of media reports saying their American owners, the Glazers, are on the verge of selling up. The owners are unpopular among many fans with some donning green and gold scarves on match days in protest at the debt the Glazers have...

16 Feb 2011 Kano Pillars FC 2 - 1 Gombe Utd FC Ocean Boys FC 4 - 1 JUTH FC Enyimba Int’l FC 1 - 0 Heartland FC

Struggling Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth) have sacked the Tunde Abdulrahman led coaching crew following the dismal performance of the team in the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League season. Media Officer of Juth, Olusola Alao, told SuperSport.com that management rose from a meeting after the team's scandalous 1-4 defeat to Ocean Boys in Yenegoa to sack Abdulrahman and his assistants. Wednesday's defeat, which is the club's worst outing this term was orchestrated by Ocean Boys attacking midfielder, Chigozie Christopher, who had three assists and finally scored a wonderful free-kick. "We have sacked all our coaches from the Chief Coach, Tunde Abdulrahman, and all his three assistants namely, Joshua Stephen, Tony Ubaka and Audu Issa Pele. "The decision is due to the poor run and dismal performance in the league. A new coach will be announced this weekend," Alao said. Alao added that management had been patient enough w...

Gennaro Gattuso could face a sizable ban for his headbutt on Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Joe Jordan after Uefa said on Wednesday it was opening a disciplinary case against the AC Milan captain. Gattuso grabbed Jordan by the throat and pushed him on the touchline during the Champions League last 16 first leg game at the San Siro, which Tottenham won 1-0, and headbutted him after the final whistle before being pulled away by team mates. The 33-year-old former Italy midfielder later apologised for what he called "inexcusable" behaviour while Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp called the Italian firebrand "crazy". "I know I shouldn't have done it," Gattuso told reporters. "For the whole of the second half I was sworn at by Jordan. I just got crazy, I lost my mind and I take responsibility." Gattuso, nicknamed "Rino", played for Scottish Premier League side Rangers in the 1997/98 season while Jorda...

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Barcelona there is no chance his players will freeze when they try to avenge last season's Champions League defeat against the Spanish stars. Wenger knows his side showed Barca too much respect as Lionel Messi, Xavi and company turned on the style to win their quarter- final clash 6-3 on aggregate. But the Gunners have a chance to make amends in the last 16 clash, with the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, and Wenger is adamant Arsenal's improved Premier League form shows they are now a stronger and more confident outfit who won't suffer from another dose of stage-fright. "We are in ideal condition to face them. We have the belief and confidence and the players available are close to 100 percent. That was not the case last year," Wenger said. "In the first half of the home game last year we were spectators and a little bit inhibited. Now I believe we are a completely di...

16 Feb 2011 21:45 Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk 21:45 Arsenal vs Barcelona

Premier League leaders Dolphins claimed three spots in the Nigeria Premier League Matchday 16 Team of the Week. The NPL named Uche Oguchi at right-back, Daddy Maurice in central midfield and Derek Amadi as one of the two men in the striking role. Newcomers Crown Football Club also claimed two spots in the team of the week, just as Sunshine Stars got two players. Sharks are the other side with two players in Juwon Oshaniwa and Stanley Okoronkwo. Warri Wolves goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin is the only returnee to this week’s team for the second week. Others in the team are Fade Adebayo of Bukola Babes and Olumide Adigun of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). HOW THEY MADE THE TEAM Ambrose Vanzekin (Warri Wolves) Makes the team for the second consecutive week after his heroic display in Bauchi against Gombe United at the weekend which earned his side a point. Uche Oguchi (Dolphins) He edged the duo of Sunday Abe of Sunshine Stars and Odinga Odinga of Sh...

15 Feb 2011 AC Milan 0 - 1 Tottenham Valencia 1 - 1 Schalke 04

Raul marked his first match in Spain since leaving Real Madrid with a trademark poacher's strike to rescue a 1-1 draw for Schalke 04 in their Champions League last-16, first leg in Valencia on Tuesday. The 33-year-old striker, who netted Real's third goal in a 3-0 win over Valencia in the 2000 final, scored just after the hour to cancel out a 17th-minute effort from another former Bernabeu favourite, Roberto Soldado. His goal extended Raul's record tally in the three major European club competitions to 69 and came on his return to his native country after swapping La Liga for the Bundesliga at the end of last season. "If it hadn't hurt us so much we would be the first to congratulate him," Valencia coach Unai Emery told a news conference. "I think both teams deserved credit. Vicente Guaita made a lot of saves for us but in the end they managed to score. We also missed a lot of chances." Valencia controlled play for ...

Peter Crouch's goal 10 minutes from time handed Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 win over below-par AC Milan in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday. Spurs were the better side in the first half and Milan in the second, and England striker Crouch netted slightly against the run of play following winger Aaron Lennon's swift break and pass. The Premier League side bossed the early exchanges amid heavy rain inside the San Siro cauldron and had an early shout for a penalty turned down when the fit- again Rafael van der Vaart's effort appeared to strike Alessandro Nesta on the arm. Crouch and Lennon caused seven-times winners Milan all sorts of problems and the Serie A leaders lost goalkeeper Christian Abbiati after 18 minutes with a head injury. He could miss the second leg in London on March 9. Abbiati went to hospital for checks on concussion and his replacement Marco Amelia had to touch a fierce Van der Vaart shot over the bar afte...

Having reached the Champions League second round, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes there are no limits to what his young team can achieve. Spurs were due to play AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night having already topped a group including the reigning champions Inter Milan. They were the joint top scorers in the group stages alongside north London rivals Arsenal and have beaten the likes of Inter and Arsenal this season. And Redknapp sees no reason why challenging for the Premier League title and competing in the Champions League cannot become a regular feature at White Hart Lane. However, he also urged the club's owners to keep backing him in the transfer market. "It depends how much people want to take it on, the opportunity is there," he said. "Like everyone, we've got to keep improving if we want to compete with the top clubs and bring in top players. "We can achieve whatever we want here, the owners w...