Lagos International T/Tennis Classics: Toriola battles African champ, Assar in final

Lagos International T/Tennis Classics: Toriola battles African champ, Assar in final

SIX-TIME Olympian, Segun Toriola would on Satuday (August 31) attempt to add a chapter to the history of table tennis in Nigeria as he steps out for the men's singles final of the Lagos International Table Tennis Classics billed for the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
He has the reigning African champion and tournament's number one seed, Omar Assar of Egypt to
contend with in the battle for the coveted shield and 6,000 dollars at stake.
Toriola, who lost in the final of the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique to Assar would as well use Saturday's clash to avenge the loss suffered in Mozambique aside becoming the first player to lift the Africa's highest money-spinning tournament.
The Egyptian defeated Saka Suraju of Congo Brazzaville  11-7, 11-7, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5 while Toriola dumped kinsman. Kazeem Makanjuola, 11-3, 3-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-9.
Interestingly, it will be an all-Nigerian affair as Edem Offiong tackles Cecilia Otu-Akpan in the women's singles final. 
Offiong dismissed four-time Olympian, Funke Oshonaike 11-4, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6 in the semi-final while Otu-Akpan outstroked tournament's number one seed Han Xing of Congo Brazzaville 9-11, 14-12, 8-11, 10-12, 12-10, 4-11.
Meanwhile, Nigeria had a clean sweep of gold medals in all the finals decided earlier today.
The duo of Offiong and Otu-Akpan defeated Xing and Onyiyechi Nwachukwu also of Congo 9-11,
11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7 in the final of the women's doubles, while Kazeem Makanjuola and Jide
Ogidiolu dumped fellow kinsmen, Aruna Quadri and Seun Ajetunmobi 12-14, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8 to claim the men's doubles title.
In the junior category, the duo of Azeez Ogunlade and Ayo Udo dismissed Bolaji Shobayo and Bose Odusanya 11-9, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7 in the mixed doubles final, just as the duo of Odusanya and Onyiyechi Mba dumped Esther Tosin Oribamise and Agnes Onoja 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6 to clinch the doubles title.
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All the results

Road to final, Men's singles

Round of 32

Egypt’s Omar Assar df Nigeria’s Olabisi Yusuf 11-8, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
Nigeria’s Segun Toriola df Nigeria’s David Fayele 11-3, 11-5, 11-4, 11-1
Congo Brazzaville’s Saka Suraju df Nigeria’s Lanre Aremu 5-11, 11-8,
11-9, 12-10, 11-5
Nigeria’s Kazeem Makanjuola df Nigeria’s Mayowa Babatunde 11-7, 11-8,
11-8, 11-7


Round of 16
Egypt’s Omar Assar df Nigeria’s Adekunle Adeosun 11, 4, 11-2, 11-5,
11-8
Nigeria’s Segun Toriola df Nigeria’s Kayode Adedeji 11,7, 11-6, 11-5, 11-9
Congo Brazzaville’s Saka Suraju df Italy’s Mihai Bobocica 8-11, 11-13,
13-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9
Nigeria’s Kazeem Makanjuola df Nigeria’s Akinwale Fagbamila 13-11,
8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-13, 11-8

Quarterfinal

Egypt’s Omar Assar df Nigeria’s Seun Ajetunmobi 11-6, 11-7, 11-5, 14-12
Nigeria’s Segun Toriola df Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu 11-7, 6-11,
11-1, 11-2, 11-8
Congo Brazzaville’s Saka Suraju df Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri 7-11, 11-6,
2-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8
Nigeria’s Kazeem Makanjuola df Nigeria’s Ojo Onaolapo 11-8, 12-10,
7-11, 12-10, 4-11, 11-13, 11-6

Semi-final

Egypt’s Omar Assar df Congo Brazzaville’s Saka Suraju, 11-7, 11-7, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5
Nigeria’s Segun Toriola df Nigeria’s Kazeem Makanjuola, 11-3, 3-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-9


Women's singles

Round of 16

Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing df Congo Brazzaville’s 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6, 11-2
Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike df Congo DRC’s Ammadine Litobaka 11-8, 11-7,
11-7, 11-4
Nigeria’s Cecilia Otu-Akpan df Nigeria’s Tolu Durosimi-Etti 11-7, 11-6,
11-7, 11-6
Nigeria’s Edem Offiong df Nigeria’s Halimat Hussain 11-4, 11-1, 12-10,
9-11, 7-11, 12-10

Quarterfinal

Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing df Nigeria’s Itoro Akpan 11-3, 11-4, 11-2, 11-9
Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike df Nigeria’s Ganiyat Ogundele 4-11, 11-7,
11-4, 13-11, 3-11, 11-9
Nigeria’s Cecilia Otu-Akpan df Nigeria’s Ganiyat Olatunde 11-3, 11-5,
11-5, 11-9
Nigeria’s Edem Offiong df Nigeria’s Olaide Atinuke 13-11, 11-9, 11-8,
11-7

Semi-final

Nigeria’s Cecilia Otu-Akpan df Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing, 9-11, 14-12, 8-11, 10-12, 12-10,

4-11
Nigeria’s Edem Offiong df Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6

Caption: Nigeria's Segun Toriola (L), can he conquer African champion, Omar Assar on Saturday?

Globacom Premier League: Antelopes invade Kano

Globacom Premier League: Antelopes invade Kano

KANO Pillars are in for another crunchy tie this weekend as they play host to Rangers FC of Enugu in a Globacom Premier League Week 29 game which could be dubbed the star match of the week.
The title holders are third on the log with 45 points while the Flying Antelopes are seventh with 42 points.
Pillars suffered a 0-2 loss in the midweek clash with Heartland in Owerri thus would approach the weekend's game like wounded lions to remain in contention for the title they won last season.
Gangling striker Christian Obiozor is expected to spearhead Rangers attack at the Sani Abacha Stadium and the homers would have to keep vigil on the guy who scored the brace in midweek's 2-1 win over Lobi Stars.
His combination with Meshack Chukwubuikem was a delight to watch against Lobi and would give the 'Sai Maisu Gida' exponents much to contend with when the game gets underway.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club are seeking third home win in a row when they confront youthful Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Fc of Ilorin at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday.
Interestingly, both sides are struggling in the relegation zone thus need maximum points to stabilise on the table.
3SC are yet to drop a point in their last three home games against Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors and  will not want to falter this time thus; only a miracle can save ABS in Ibadan.
Ilorin is another place to be this weekend where Kwara United will seek maximum points at the
hands of Warri Wolves.
The Samson Unuanel-tutored side with 44 points occupy the fifth position on the log while the Seasiders follow with 42 points.

 Warri Wolves had a sweet tale to tell the last time they played on the Ilorin turf running away with a 2-0 victory over ABS.
The Afonja Warriors on a good day could be deadly to confront but can Wolves survive this time? Only 90 minutes will provide an answer.
...........
Week 29 fixtures, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1

3SC vs ABS
Akwa United vs Sunshine Stars
Bayelsa United vs Sharks
Wikki Tourists vs  Heartland
Kano Pillars vs Rangers
Lobi Stars vs Nasarawa United
Dolphins vs Enyimba Fc
Gombe United vs Nembe City 
Kwara United vs Warri Wolves
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Kaduna United
.........

Nigeria return from Deaflympics with 1 bronze

Nigeria return from Deaflympics with 1 bronze

NIGERIA'S team to the just-concluded World Deaflympics Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria came back to the country with a bronze medal.
President of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, Alhaji Usman Nahuche who was also the leader
of delegation attributed the seemingly unimpressive performance of the 54-man contingent (38
athletes) to lack of exposure on the part of the athletes.
Nahuche stated that the Nigerian athletes fell short of standard compared to their counterparts from other nations who were well exposed having featured in series of international meets.
In his remark, Secretary General of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, Lukman Agbabiaka,
said the championship has exposed the athletes to meet up with international standard and 
brace up for the challenges ahead.
"Our football team participated at the global championship for the first time and so, they could not match their opponents in terms of skills. Again in athletics, inexperience cost us medals as our athletes found it difficult to cope with the starter's flash light and as a result of this, five of them were disqualified for false-start," Agbabiaka said.
He stated that the country's ping pongers to the championship also played with sophisticated table for the first time which affected their performance adding that "in all, we hope to improve in subsequent editions".
It will be recalled that Nigeria's only medal was won by the men's 4X100m relay team as the
country finished 45th out of 67 countries which participated at Sofia 2013. 
Nigeria placed 37th position at the last last Deaflympics held in China Taipei in 2009 with
two silver medals.
.....

Globacom Premier League: Bayelsa Utd take over from Enyimba

Globacom Premier League: Bayelsa Utd take over from Enyimba

BAYELSA United today shot to the top of the ladder in the Globacom Premier League after they held Sunshine Stars to a draw at the Akure Township Stadium in a rescheduled Week 28 game.
The match was decided early enough for the visitors to head back for Yenagoa in readiness for weekend's fixtures where they confront Sharks of Port Harcourt.
The coach Ladan Boso-tutored Bayelsa United now have 46 points to push Enyimba to the second spot with 45 points. Kano Pillars are now third also with 45 points but with an outsanding game against Akwa United.

Week 28 Globacom Premier League table
Points and Matches played

1-Bayelsa United. 46------28
2- Enyimba ---------45-----28
3- Kano Pillars. 45------27
4- Elkanemi W----- 44-----28
5- Kwara United--- 44----- 28
6- Warri Wolves. 42------28
7- Enugu Rangers. 42----- 28
8- Gombe United---40-----28
9- Dolphins. 39-----28
10-Sharks FC. 39----- 28
11- Sunshine Stars. 38------28
12- Kaduna United. 38----- 28
13- Nembe City. 38------28
14- Akwa United. 37---- 27-
15- Heartland FC. 37-----28
16- Shooting Stars --36---- 28
17-Wikki Tourists. 36------28
18- Nasarawa Utd. 36------28
19- ABS FC. 36----- 28
20-Lobi Stars. 35------28

Week 29 fixtures, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1

3SC vs ABS
Akwa United vs Sunshine Stars
Bayelsa United vs Sharks
Wikki Tourists vs  Heartland
Kano Pillars vs Rangers
Lobi Stars vs Nasarawa United
Dolphins vs Enyimba Fc
Gombe United vs Nembe City 
kwara United vs Warri Wolves
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Kaduna United

Adeleye replaces Eto'o at Anzhi Makachkala

Adeleye replaces Eto'o at Anzhi Makachkala

BARELY 24 hours after Africa's most celebrated player, Samuel Eto's Fils joined the English Premiership League (EPL) giants, Chelsea, Nigeria defender, Dele Adeleye has turned out to be his replacement at Anzhi Makachkala of Russia.
The Premier League Russian club announced on its website that the silver medallist at FIFA U-20 World Cup, Holland 2005 has been engaged.
Makachkala said that Adeleye signed a four-year deal but the financial aspect of the deal remains in the cooler.
It states that the Beijing 2008 Olympic gold silver medallist joined the team as a free agent from Kuban Krasnodar also of Russia.The former  
Nigeria defender Dele Adeleye has joined former Russian big spenders Anzhi Makachkala on a four-year-deal.
It will be recalled that the former Sparta Rotterdam and Metalurh Donetsk player had willingly terminated his contract with Ukrainian side Tavriya before he joined Krasnodar on a three-year deal early this year.
The reason behind his release by Krasnodar is yet to be ascertained.
The former Shooting Stars Sports club (3SC) of Ibadan defender has been sidelined from the senior national team, the Super Eagles for since coach Stephen Keshi took over late 2011.
The former Sunshine Stars of Akure player is expected to cover up for the duo of Joao Carlos, who joined Spartak Moscow and Christopher Samba, released to Dynamo Moscow.

Kwara Utd pay 70 per cent sign-on fees

Kwara Utd pay 70 per cent sign-on fees

The Kwara State government has released fund for the payment of 70 per cent of Kwara United players and officials’ sign-on fees for the current league season.
In a statement by Kwara United Media Officer, Olayioye Ajide, the management of the club
effected the prompt payment of the sign-on fees on Tuesday.
According to him, the players and the technical crew are now smiling to the bank as they vow to justify the payment with scintillating performances and results.
The management commended governor Abdulfatah Ahmed who has been attending to the demands of
the club as manifested in the presentation of brand new coaster bus and a bus to cushion the effect of the team’s weekly journeys.
The payment, according to him is in fulfilment of the promises by governor Ahmed to empower the  team to win the much coveted league shield for the first time.
“This gesture (release of fund) and immediate payment of players and officials’ sign-on fees portrays how the state government love the team and we have Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to praise for motivating the club in all ramifications.” Olayioye said.
The players and the technical officials have also been charged to justify the payment of the sign-on fees with good results by winning all their remaining league matches.

Onyeudo scores 12th goal as Enyimba trounce Gombe 3-0

Onyeudo scores 12th goal as Enyimba trounce Gombe 3-0
. As Namo, Najare score hat-tricks

ENYIMBA striker, Bishop Onyeudo scored his 12th goal of the season in a 3-0 win over Gombe United in a Globacom Premier League Week 28 game at the Aba Township Stadium.
The victory put the Peoples Elephant back on the top of the log with 45 points ahead of Kano Pillars also with same number of points following their 0-2 loss to Heartland in owerri in another mid-week thriller.
Ifeanyi Edeh opened the scoring in Aba in the 10th minute before Onyeudo struck against his former team 17 minutes later to while old war horse Emeka Nwana put the game beyond dispute 10 minutes into the last half.
Onyeudo is now leading scorer's chart with 12 goals just as he expressed confidence that he will keep scoring to claim the Golden Boot award at the end of the season.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Rangers came from behind to gain a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Lobi Stars of Makurdi managed by ex-international, Dominic Iorfa.
'Joshua Abanyi stunned Enugu fans barely 15 minutes into the game with a sizzler before the Flying Antelopes restored parity in the 40th minute through gangling Christian Obiozor's header.
Obizor was on song again in the 50th miniute to give Rangers maximum points.
Interestingly, Lobi had claimed the same margin win over Rangers when both sides met in Week 8 at Katsina-Ala.
Relegation-hunted Shooting Stars Sports Club after a Sunday 0-1 loss to Akwa United in Uyo smiled home with a 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors in another mid-week game.
After a barren situation in the first half, goals from Raphael Musa (56th minute) and Osagona Ighodaro (70th minute) forced the Warriors back to Maiduguri empty-handed.
The victory of the Oluyole warlords came on the heels of the resignation of the club's chairman, Mr Toyin Akintunde for reasons best known to him, just as 3SC faithful may have traced the development to the worrisome position of the team on the log.
Two players recorded hat-tricks in today's mid-week games as Victor Namo scored thrice in Nasarawa United's 4-0 demolition of Dolphins FC at the Lafia Township Stadium; while Musa Najare achieved the sam e feat with Warri Wolves who hammered visiting Kaduna United 4-0 as well in Warri.
Meanwhile, the game between Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United holds today at the Akure Township Stadium.

Current League table after Week 28 games
Note: Points and matches played


1- Enyimba 45 28 
2- Kano Pillars 45 27
2- Bayelsa United 45 27
3- Elkanemi Warriors 44 28
5- Kwara United 44 28
6- Wolves 42 28
7- Rangers 42 28
8- Gombe United 40 28
9- Dolphins 39 28
10-Sharks FC 39 28
11-Kaduna United 38 28
12-Nembe City 38 28
13-Akwa United 37 28
14-Sunshine Stars 37 27
15-Heartland 37 28
16-Wikki Tourists 36 28
17-Shooting Stars 36 28
18-ABS FC 36 28
19-Nasarawa Utd 36 28.
20-Lobi Stars 35 28

...................
Globacom Premier League, Week 28 mid-week results

3Sc        2      El-Kanemi 0
ABS        1      Akwa      0
Nembe      2      Kwara     0
Enyimba    3      Gombe     0
Heartland  2      Pillars   0
Nasarawa   4      Dolphins  o
Rangers    2      Lobi      1
Sharks     2      Wikki     1
Wolves     4      Kaduna    0

Caption: Victor Namo of Nasarawa United.

Okonkwo lands in Libya

Okonkwo lands in Libya

NIGERIA veteran defender, Chibuzor Okonkwo in his bid to raise his profile has again signed for Alswehly FC of Libya on a short-term loan.
General manager of Rangers FC Paul Chibuzor confirmed Okonkwo's deal saying that the exit of the player from the camp of the Flying Antelopes is a foregone issue.
“Okonkwo was only on a short-term loan from Oak Zeel and so any contract details between the player and the Libyan club will only be known by Oak Zeel,” Chibuzor said that "he is no longer with us as I'm speaking".
The Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medallist had earlier had trials in England, Ukraine, Russia and the Netherlands before luck smiles on him through the Libyan side.
The former Heartland and Bayelsa United player is expected to be named among the players by head coach of the Super Eagles to face the Flames of Malawi in next month's World cup qualifier in Calabar.

Panathinaikos hook ex-U-20 star, Ajagun

Panathinaikos hook ex-U-20 star, Ajagun

CAPTAIN of the Flying Eagles to the just-concluded FIFA U-20 World Cup, Abduljaleel Ajagun has signed a four-year contract with Panathinaikos of Greece.
The deal will fetch his last club in Nigeria, Dolphins transfer fee of 200,000 Euros which the Greek side have promised to pay this within the week.
“Panathinaikos and Dolphins have reached an agreement over the transfer of Ajagun to Greece today and the player has even commenced training with the team. This is a stepping stone for him and with his work rate, he would fit into the team,” a source offered.
The contract signing of Ajagun was delayed for several days after Pana insisted on an exhaustive medical for the player.
Ajagun featured for the club in a test game against the Panathinaikos U-21 side on Monday where he played for 40 minutes.
It will be recalled Ajagun, a silver medallist at FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria 209 scored three goals at Turkey 2013 before the Flying Eagles crashed out in the Round of 16 at the hands of Uruguay.

UAE 2013: Golden Eaglets draw title holders, Mexico

UAE 2013: Golden Eaglets draw title holders, Mexico
. As Manu Garba expresses confidence

TECHNICAL Adviser of the Golden Eaglets, Manu Garba has expressed optimism about the chance of Nigeria to qualify from the group stage of the FIFA U–17 World Cup, UAE 2013 scheduled to run from October 17 to November 8 this year.
At a draw held on Monday at at Fairmont Bab El Bahr Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Nigeria face defending champions, Mexico in the opening group F match on october 19 while Sweden and Iraq are also in the group.
“This is a fair draw for us and and again, we have no choice but to prepare very well and qualify from the group to the next stage. The group is an exciting one given the pedigree of the teams," Garba owned up.
The former junior international also acknowledged that CONCACAF champions (Mexico) hold the ace in group F.
“Of course yes, you will pick Mexico as one of the best teams at this level having won the championships in two recent editions but everybody knows that Nigeria are also a power to  reckon with because we have won it on three previous occasions.
"So, we are going to do everything humanly possible to qualify from the group. There is no minnow in football again. We have debutants in our group in Sweden and Iraq but we are going to give every team the utmost respect they deserve," said Garba, who assisted the late Coach Yemi Tella, to win the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea.
Three-time champions, Brazil and Slovakia will clash in group A at Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium
in Abu Dhabi on October 17 to kick start the championships while the host, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Honduras make up the group.
African champions, the Baby Elephants of cote d'ivoire are to face Uruguay, New Zealand and
Italy in group B while Morocco will battle with Croatia, Panama and Uzbekistan in Group C.
Another Africa's representatives, Tunisia will face Venezuela, Russia, Japan in group D while Canada, Austria, Iran, Argentina are drawn in group E.
The championships will hold in six venues; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah and Al Ain.Nigeria it will be recalled won the competition in 1985, 1993 and 2007, a record equalled by Brazil having emerged champions in 1997, 1999 and 2003.

The full draw:
Group A: United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Brazil, Slovakia

Group B: Uruguay, New Zealand, Côte d'Ivoire, Italy

Group C: Croatia, Morocco, Panama, Uzbekistan

Group D: Tunisia, Venezuela, Russia, Japan

Group E: Canada, Austria, Iran, Argentina

Group F : Mexico, Nigeria, Iraq, Sweden

Caption of the photograph: Musa Yahaya, Golden Eaglets player in action during the African championships in Morocco early this year.

Mba set for Bastia deal

Mba set for Bastia deal

ALL things being equal, Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Mba is expected to seal a deal with French side Bastia any time from now.
Mba who scored Nigeria's lone goal in the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Burkina Faso is believed to have dotted the i s and crossed T s for the much-awaited foreign deal which would run for three years.
"Sunday completed his travel documents since last week and he is to go and sign for Bastia of
France. The contract is to run for three years," a source offered.
It will be recalled that Mba shortly after his five-star performance at 2013 AFCON in South
Africa has been engulfed in a transfer row between Warri Wolves and Rangers which gave him a lot of sleepless nights.
The intervention of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did little or nothing to free the player from the row until amicable settlement was reached by the two contending parties.
Mba's spectacular goal against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire at AFCON 2013 was rated as one the best in recent times on the continent.
The goal was later rated 24th in the Goal 50 Award won by Argentina and FC Barcelona's Lionel
Messi.
Mba was instrumental to Nigeria's qualification for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) billed for South Africa in 2014.

Moscow 2013: Ngerem has no justification to condemn Nigeria's performance-AFN

Moscow 2013: Ngerem has no justification to condemn Nigeria's performance-AFN

THE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed displeasure with the remark made by the former president of the body, Mr Dan Ngerem which berated the performance of Team Nigeria at the just-ended 14th IAAF world athletics championships, Moscow 2013.
Nigeria who paraded 20 athletes in Moscow came back with one silver and one bronze medals won by Blessing Okagbare in long jump and 200metres sprint respectively and this Ngerem described as a failure after all.
The feat was celebrated by a number of Nigerians as the nation last won medals in the world athletics championships at Seville '99 during the era of Engineer Oluyomi Adeyemi-Wilson.
AFN in a statement however, by its head of Communication and Media, Olukayode Thomas said
Ngerem has no moral justification to condemn Team Nigeria.
"It is shocking that Mr Ngerem who led AFN to the Paris 2003 World Championships where the only thing we won was crisis as some of our athletes refused to run because of disagreement over bonus and allowances, and two years later he led us to the Helsinki 2005 IAAF World Championship which is to date the worst outing in the 30-year IAAF World Championship history, could condemn a team that won medals," Thomas said.
He noted that it was unfortunate that Ngerem said the medals won by the Delta State-born athlete were by sheer luck.
“It is shocking that someone who was the president of AFN just about a decade ago could make such a statement. If Ngerem is still following the sport, he would have realised that a week to the World Championships, Okagbare was not only number 10 overall in the women’s rankings for all events but also ranked number three in the world in the 100m, 200m and long jump. As of this year, Okagbare is and still remains the most consistent jumper in the world," the AFN board member said.

Arsenal charm Moses Kpakor

Arsenal charm Moses Kpakor

FORMER international Moses Kpakor is a fan of Arsenal and he does not hide it pouring encomiums on the London-based side for their 3-0 demolition of Fenerbahce in a Champions League play-off in Istanbul.
The victory came after the Gunners fell miserably, 1-3 to Aston Villa in the opening fixture
of the English Premiership League (EPL) four days earlier at Emirates.
"Wow! This is what we call a convincing or, call it a respectable victory (3-0) at away. The
attractive and beautifully playing Gunners have errased the Aston Villa tears some of us had to shade in their 3-1 home defeat.
"My Tiv people say that a man is not completely good or bad. That he must have an element of good or bad, no matter how bad or good he is. Thus, I can say no matter how bad Arsene Wenger is, at least when it comes to Champions League qualification, the team is one hundred per cent pinched to play brilliantly and aggressively too. This is at least the one good element in Professor Arsene Wenger, even in the multitude of his bad and what have you," said the 1990 African Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) winner with BCC Lions of Gboko.
He stated that Arsenal in spite of paying little attention to hiring of star players remain aforce to reckon with in Europe.
"You know there are many reputable Managers in EPL for several years, who have not had this one privilege: to play in the Champions League tournament? But let's say for about 16 or 17 years the Gunners have this honour and it means serious money. "That's perhaps, why the club moved from Highbury to the Emirates! It took so much money, and thanks to the Manager, Arsene Wenger. This is a legacy beyond any trophy in any terms. But what's wrong here? We see the same line up week in week out in the EPL. Yet the team plays inconsistently but when it comes to the UEFA Champions League, they are giants! It means that the players themselves have failed to transfer this form in Europe back into the EPL. Except they are telling us the EPL is stronger than the UCL!! Conrgats to 'Attractive Playing Gunners," said Kpakor who won the
1990 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) silver medal with the Super Eagles.
Arsenal also at the weekend bounced back to reckoning in the EPL with a 3-1 away win at Fulham.

Ejidike pledges support for sports development

Ejidike pledges support for sports development

NEWLY-INSTALLED Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike has reiterated his commitment to sports development in the country through developmental programmes and promotion of sports.
Ejidike in a statement lauded the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN who considered him for the exalted position in line with his past contributions.
He noted that the task he is saddled with is a big one which required collective support of all stakeholders, just as he called on SWAN and eminent stakeholders to rally support for him with useful advice and suggestions that could help Nigeria to grow in sports.
“It is a common phenomenon that for any nation to be peaceful, her youths must be gainfully engaged and steer clear of all social vices and juvenile delinquencies; and to tackle such, sports is a veritable tool to gainfully engage the youth”. he said.
Ejidike who was presented with letter of appointment by the National President of SWAN,
Mallam Saidu Abubakar promised to do his best in the aspect of sports development in Nigeria.
He charged SWAN to come up with programmes that could be supported by the Office of the
Pillar of Sports In Nigeria through partnership and sponsorship.
“I feel very proud of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN for their objectivity and analyses of sporting activities in the country, SWAN can be adjudged as the best and number one in Africa. However, I want to appeal that they continue to do it without sentiments,” Ejidike reiterated.

Mikel has no business again in Chelsea--Akpoborie

Mikel has no business again in Chelsea--Akpoborie

EX-international Jonathan Ak

poborie has advised John Mikel Obi to quit Chelsea and try his luck with Napoli in order to give his career a new lease of life.
"The writing is on the wall that he (Mikel) is not Jose Mourinho's first choice. In my own opinion, Mikel should go to Napoli now," Akpoborie, a former player of VfB Stuttgart and Wolfsburg declared.
The former Hansa Rostock of Germany forward said it also became necessary if the 2013 Africa
Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner is become the 2013 CAF Africa's Best Player.
"Mikel is a sure candidate for the Africa Player of the Year 2013 award going by what he did at the Nations Cup and the Confederations Cup . He also did well for Chelsea as they won the UEFA Europa League, but all those efforts will be in vain if he doesn't get to play regularly for his club. He needs to leave Chelsea now for him to get the chance to win the award," said
Akpoborie, a member of the 1985 Golden Eaglets FIFA U-17 World cup winning squad.
It will be recalled that manager, Jose Mourinho has yet to feature Mikel in competitve games since his sensational return to the Stamford bridge this season.
Among clubs jostling for the signature of the FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medallist in 2005 are Serie A side, Napoli; FC Anzhi Makhachkala of Russia  and Turkish giants, Galatasary.

Pillars take over Globacom Premier League

Pillars take over Globacom Premier League

KANO Pillars have shot back to the top of the Globacom Premier League following their 1-0 win at the weekend over Sharks FC of Port Harcourt in a Week 27 fixture decided at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Gambo Muhammed spoilt the show for the Blue Angels who were in dire need of a point to
stabilise on the log with a spectacular strike in the second half of the game.
Pillars sit atop of the table with 45 points from 26 matches with an outstanding game against Akwa United while Bayelsa United follow also with 45 points.
Enyimba, who were the leaders before the week 27 matches have slipped to the fifth position with 42 points following their 0-1 loss in Ilorin to Kwara United, who now occupy the fourth position with 44 points same with El-Kanemi who occupy the third position on better goal advantage of plus 12 goals as against Kwara's plus eight goals.
Rangers remain on the sixth position after a 0-2 loss to Dolphins in Port Harcourt.
Akwa United brightened their hope of surviving relegation with a one nil victory over another
relegation-threatened side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC of Ibadan).
The heroics of goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye almost gave the Oluyole Warlords a point at the Uyo
Township Stadium until he misjudged an aerial ball in the 57th minute leaving onrushing
striker Ukeme Davies to nod into the yawning net.

Globacom Premier League Week 27 results

El-Kanemi 3    Wolves  0
Kwara 1          Enyimba  0
Bayelsa 2        ABS      0
Pillars 1          Sharks   0
Gombe   2      Nasarawa 0
Wikki 1         Sunshine   0
Dolphins 2    Rangers    0
Lobi 1           Heartland  0
Akwa 1        3SC        0
Kaduna 2     Nembe      0

My target with Rizespor is European ticket--Oboabona

My target with Rizespor is European ticket--Oboabona

NEWLY-Signed on player, Godfrey oboabona has said his target with Caykur Rizespor is to play in Europe next season.
The Nigerian international who spoke after signing a four-year contract with the Turkish side said expressed joy at the development.
"I thank God for making this move possible and this is a boost to my career. My team is just coming up and there are lot of big clubs in Turkey. My target is to make this team qualify for Europe and we have what it takes to be among the first four with the quality of players we have.
"Signing for Rizespor is the best to happen to my career because I believe it will serve as a stepping stone for me to attain greater heights in my career," said the former Sunshine Stars defender.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with the Super Eagles posited that his performance remains his bargaining power.
 "If you are a good player, your quality will speak for you. You don't have to ask for playing time in your contract. If you are good enough, you will play," said Oboabona, who was a member of the home-based Super Eagles who qualified for the 2014 African Nations Championships (CHAN) in South Africa.
Oboabona is one of the players expected to be on parade when the Super Eagles face the Flames of Malawi on September 7 in Calabar in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.
........

Bale lands in Spain for Real Madrid

Bale lands in Spain for Real Madrid

FRRE scoring player, Gareth Bale has arrived in Spain today ahead of his final move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid.
The striker is set to become the world's most expensive player should the Spanish side part with over £90 million though, Spurs reportedly want £100 million from any prospective bidder.

Real it will be recalled spent £80 million ($123.6 million, 93.2 million euros) to lure Santiago Bernabeu cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United four years ago.
Report suggests that Bale flew into a private airport in Malaga at 1pm local time (1100GMT) before heading for Marbella, a coastal city 30 miles (48 kilometres) away.
Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino believes the amount Real intend to spend on Bale
lacks respect.
"Bale is a very good player and how they fit him into their team is up to them," said the Argentine on Saturday. "But it seems to me that the numbers involved are a lack of respect to the world in general."
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Globacom Premier League: Tension in Katsina-Ala as Lobi, Heartland clash

Globacom Premier League: Tension in Katsina-Ala as Lobi, Heartland clash

The Globacom Premier League Week 27 game between Lobi Stars and Heartland FC billed for Sunday (August 25) is generating tension ahead of the clash at the Chief Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala.
Media Officer of Heartland Fc, Cajetan Nkwopara claimed that the Owerri-based side were delayed from having a training session at the stadium on arrival saying that "Heartland were locked out and left stranded at the gate when they arrived for training ahead of tomorow's league game".
Nkwopara disclosed further that Secretary of Benue FA, Mr Phillip said that the stadium gatekeeper had travelled to a neighbouring village and this according to the Media Officer was a ploy to weaken the Naze Millionaires who have not played in Katsina Ala before. 
He later informed that his team was granted permission to train after being stranded for over
one and a half hours.
"Heartland FC eventually allowed access to train at Katsina-Ala Stadium by Lobi. Heartland arrived at 3.15pm but was grantd access to the place around 4:49 only after Lobi team had arrived and both entered together for training," Nkwopara said.
Interestingly, Lobi will throw the gates open for their teeming fans from far and near to be at the stadium and cheer the team to victory.
Vice chairman of the Makurdi-based side, Dominic Iorfa according to the Media Officer of the team, Jack Moses Ekwe Ekwe has put in place measures to boost security both within and outside the stadium as he plans to mobilise about 15,000 fans to the arena on Sunday.
"We are expecting our teeming fans from Gboko, Zaki Biam, Makurdi, Katsina-Ala and so on and we are not going to disappoint on Sunday," the ex-international was quoted as saying.Lobi, who only four days ago crashed out of the 2013 Federation Cup having lost 0-1 to Enyimba in the semi-final clash in Benin, are deeply rooted in the relegation zone having placed 19th with 32 points from 26 games.
Heartland are equally relegation-threatened having occupied 14th position on the log with 34
points also from 26 games.
...............

Odemwingie back to twitter attack

Odemwingie back to twitter attack

OUT-OF-FAVOUR West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has again returned to social media to fire salvo at  his perceived enemies.
The Nigerian international on his twitter account shortly after his side held Everton to a goalless draw at Goodison Park in the English Premiership League shares the feelings of some The Hawthorns' fans as regards his return.
"Reading through my tweets most questions are when am I back in action. My people - It is well," he tweeted.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow player was to drop a bombshell later describing himself as a tin god in the EPL side.
"Them many but them no reach #warriboy haha," said the former Lille player who last featured for Nigeria in a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier in Rwanda in February 2011.
Already blacklisted in Nigeria by many soccer-loving Nigerians owing to his disrespectful attitude of late, which culminated into the verbal attack on social media he launched at the Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi for excluding him from the national team and captain Joseph Yobo, whom he also poured vitriols on.
His plan to leave West Brom has not been crowned as well as the West Midlands-based side
placed a transfer fee of £3 million on him while Al Nasr reportedly offered £850,000 on
Odemwingie before they later backed out of the deal aside interests from Queens park Rangers and Cardiff City.
His problem at West Brom started mid last season when he drove himself to the base of QPR in
London to negotiate his release on a closing day of transfer market and in the process incurred the wrath of both his manager and club's teeming fans while the remaining half of the season lasted.
.........

Eagles bonus row: Mikel, Enyeama snub panel

Eagles bonus row: Mikel, Enyeama snub panel

NIGERIAN international, Mikel Obi snubbed the probe panel investigating the bonus row involving the Super Eagles after the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Namibia.

The embattled Chelsea player, who is on the verge of getting his way out of the English Premiership League (EPL) failed to respond to all the entreaties sent to him, just as goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who captained Nigeria in the match did not respond as well.
Chairman of the panel Segun Adeniyi made the disclosure when he presented the panel report to the  Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi in Abuja.
"We tried to call John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, but we could not get them, so we sent text messages (SMS) to them but it was only Joseph Yobo who returned our telephone call," Adeniyi disclosed.
He stated that the panel did a thorough job in getting across all the actors involved in the bonus row crisis including members of the technical crew, the leadership of the Nigeria Football federation and six home-based players as well as the team captain Yobo who missed the game in Namibia.
The players have vehemently kicked against the plan of the NIgeria Football Federation to slash the match bonus of the Super Eagles from $10,000 to $5,000 as a result of lean purse.
Already, speculations are rife that the panel did recommend the slash in the bonus of the team as proposed while a draw should no longer attract any bonus unlike in the past where the NFF had done so on the excuse of motivating the players to win subsequent games especially during a championships.
Meanwhile, former spokesman of NFF, Austin Mgbolu, has said that the bonus row could spell doom for Nigerian football as the players could easily get distracted as a result of probe panel report which is yet to be made public.
"Whoever must have advised the release of the long awaited bonus panel report at this crucial time does not mean well for this country.
"Apart from the open challenge mounted by the technical committee of the NFF on the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, about his camping modalities and the alleged long list of invited players, called up for the preparation against the Malawian hurdle, the coach now have to contend with an additional bonus issue that the players will not find funny.
"My question is why sow crisis at this critical point, when the coach and his boys are about to make history?" Mgbolu remarked.
................

Oboabona lands 4-yr N388m deal with Rizespor

Oboabona lands 4-yr N388m deal with Rizespor

SUNSHINE Stars' Godfrey Oboabona, has landed a four-year deal with Caykur Rizespor of Turkey worth €450,000 a year, totalling about N387, 616,266.000 mllion to become the second Nigerian to play for the team.
The Black Sea Sparrowhawk opted for Oboabona who joins his kinsman and former Enyimba striker, Uche Kalu who had earlier joined the team in June.
The Nigerian international had earlier passed medicals before he put pen to paper for the Turkish side earlier today to replace defender Mesut Yilmaz sent out on loan to Goztepe until 2014.
His boss at Sunshine Stars, a Globacom Premier League side, Mike Idoko expressed joy at the movement of Oboabona to Europe saying he has paid his dues on the domestic scene.
"We are happy about it, in fact, the beauty of it all is that he has made a good choice by signing for the Turkish side. He is moving to a club where he is sure of getting regular actions and that is a plus for his career.
"He will adjust to the weather and everything in no time and we wish him (Oboabona) the best
of luck. He was an obedient player all through his stay in this club and it is our hope that we shall continue to discover more players who will also secure permanent places in the senior national team," said the former General Manager of Warri Wolves.
Oboabona, who won the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2013 with the Super Eagles, is likey to make his debut with Rizespor in the Turkish League this weekend against against Trabzonspor.
Oboabona, who was handed over his favourite jersey number, 2 it will be recalled was instrumental to the qualification of Nigeria for next year's Africa Nations Championships (CHAN 2014) billed for South Africa.
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W/Cup qualifier: Mandela Challege hero, Nwofor for Malawi game

W/Cup qualifier: Mandela Challege hero, Nwofor for Malawi game

VVV Venlo of Holland striker Uche Nwofor, is among the 18 foreign-based players listed by the Super Eagles for the September 7 World Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi, billed for the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
An informed source said that Nwofor, who emerged the hero of the Nelson Mandela Challenge
with a brace, stands a chance to pick a shirt in the squad given his devastating form.
Real Betis winger Nosa Igiebor is staging a comeback to the senior national team as he has
been listed by coach Stephen Keshi.
Also recalled is stand-in captain, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who is to battle for number one shirt with age-long rival, Austin Ejide.
Ejide kept a clean slate in Nigeria's 2-0 win over South Africa in the Mandela Challenge on September 14 and his form if maintained could push Enyeama to the bench this time in Calabar.
Twenty-four home-based players headed by Godfrey Oboabona have been listed while only five of them would join the legion of foreign-based players for the game; as well as the international friendly against Burkina Faso scheduled to hold in Kaduna on September 10.
It is however, likely that the Sunshine Stars defender could come to Calabar as a foreign-based player if his transfer to Rizespor of Turkey scales through in no time.

FULL LIST OF FOREIGN-BASED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC)
Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers); Yinka Adedeji (Sharks FC);
Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United)
Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Jabason (Akwa United); Olufemi Oladapo (Shooting Stars); Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars)
Forwards: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars); Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba FC); Mbah Ezekiel (Akwa United); Barnabas Imenger (Lobi Stars); Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars); Dimgba Stanley (Kwara United); Osadaiye Joseph (Warri Wolves)

FULL LIST OF HOME-BASED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, The Netherlands)
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Mandela Challenge: My game plan against Babafa Bafana worked out-Keshi

Mandela Challenge: My game plan against Babafa Bafana worked out-Keshi

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has said that his game plan against Bafana Bafana of South Africa during Wednesday's Mandela Challenge worked out well to his satisfaction.
An elated Keshi, while speaking in a post-match interview after the Eagles' 2-0 victory at
the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, said the game served as a good build-up to the World Cup
qualifier against Malawi next month.
"I knew they (Bafana Bafana) will be waiting for Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa in the first half
and that was why I decided to put them on the bench so that when they come in the second
half, they will look fresh. Again, I wanted to give other players the opportunities to play
like Shola Ameobi so that they can feel the African football too and I'm happy they did well too. I'm proud of the kids. They gave out everything in the second half. This is just to keep
us in shape and remind us of what is going to happen in the game against Malawi," Keshi said
adding that "I am honoured to be here for Madiba (Dr Nelson Mandela), who has done a lot for
Africa as a whole and I'm happy that the South Africans are taking this annual event
seriously".
Meanwhile, Chelsea star, Victor Moses who came on to replace Sunday Mba at the restart of the
match said winning the friendly was a huge boost for him and his teammates.
"We knew it was a friendly game but we came here to win the game. We are delighted at what we
acheived today winning the Mandela Challenge.
"Well, in the first half, I'm sure we did very well but only that We didn't take our chances but this changed in the second half, we are delighted overall," Moses, who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria said.
Super substitute, Uche Nwofor, who came on to replace Newcastle's Shola Ameobi also in the
second half was the hero of the night with a brace in the 49th and 68th minute.
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Wheelchair tennis: Nigerian player, Adewale for US Open

Wheelchair tennis: Nigerian player, Adewale for US Open 

Ace Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis player, Alex Adewale would feature in the forthcoming US Open for the disabled scheduled to hold begin on August 27.
The reigning Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) open wheel chair tennis champion has been involved in competitions since his arrival in the United States to prepare for the US Open which
attracts $37,500 prize money.
"By God's grace, I will play in this year's US Open. I'm already in US and I have been
training hard for the apex championship. I took part in the Midwest tournament in Grand
Rapids, Michigan and I am going go for the South Carolina tournament again this week to be in
shape for the US Open," he said.
The London 2012 Paralympian stated that his game has improved with his sojourn in the United
States.
"Though I lost in the first round in Michigan due to shoulder injury but I was able to learn
one or two things from participation. Really, I need more games to regain fitness and be
ready for the US Open," said Adewale who further disclosed that he has lined up competitions
to attend in September and October as well.
He urged the organisers of the Lagos Governor's Cup international tennis championships to
include wheel chair tennis this time.
"The problem in Nigeria is that we have not be habing regular competitions to attend, for
instance since the CBN championship, we have not had any. I hope to be back for the
Governor's Cup if the wheel chair tennis will be included. It's going to be a great
opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the world's best in our land," Adewale said.
It will be recalled that Adewale lost 6-0, 6-1 to Peifer Nicolas of France in the first round
of the men's singles at London 2012 Paralympics.

Yobo can get 100th cap under me but...-Keshi

Yobo can get 100th cap under me but...-Keshi

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has said that he is not working against the progress of Nigeris's senior national team skipper Joseph Yobo who is eyeing 100 caps before retirement.
Keshi while speaking after the Mandela Challenge victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa,
said sentiments should not be brought into Yobo's case.
"I will love to see Yobo achieving 100 caps but he has to be fit to get into the team. Given his calibre, Yobo is a player I will not want to put on the bench. I don't want to do that to him.
"It was like my own case when I got injured in 1994. I was not playing as it should and so. Chidi Nwanu took over my position. I was practically on the bench at the World Cup in USA," said the former coach of Mali.
Keshi who piloted Togo to their first-ever World Cup appearance at Germany 2006 further
remarked that fitness remains the problem of the Fenerbahce defender in getting call ups.
"If he (Yobo) is fit, he should start a game and probably play for an hour before I can think of replacing him with another player. I have a lot of younger players in the team now.
"Putting Yobo on the bench is not going to be a fair decision but once he is fit to command a starting shirt, he will be back in the team. This is not about sentiments. I have nothing against Yobo," said Keshi.
Yobo, a former player of Olympique Marseille it will be recalled made his senior international debut on March 24, 2001 against Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The former Standard Liege of Belgium player went ahead to feature in six AFCON finals where
he won bronze at Mali 2002; Tunisia 2004 and Egypt 2006.
He was also as Ghana 2008 and won bronze again at Angola 2010 before he capped South Africa
2013 with gold medal in February this year.

Dutch club, NEC Nijmegen employ Bikini girls to wash car of MVP winner

Normally, when a player wins the man of the match award, he gets cash or a small trophy as reward.

In the case of Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, the club has employed three bikini blonde girls to offer a special car wash service to their club’s winner of the man of the match award.

The first recipient was Victor Palsson, who was over the moon with the new award. “Thanks @NEC_Nijmegen for this MOTM prize after the game vs Osasuna. The car has never been cleaner”, he wrote on his twitter account.

Palson according to www.onemillionsport.com had his car washed by the three beautiful girls after his dazzling performance in a friendly against Osasuna.

The club is hoping the new move will spur the players on and help them move up in the table next season.

Last season, NEC Nijmegen finished 15th on the table, four points above the relegation zone.

Fallout of AFCON presidential largesse: I need house in Abuja - Chioma Ajunwa

The first and yet the only athlete to win an individual gold medal for Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Chioma Ajunwa (MON), on Wednesday clamoured for more reward from the Federal Government following her heroics at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games given the prevailing circumstances.

Coming on the heels of the largesse showered on the Super Eagles by President Goodluck Jonathan for winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, Ajunwa told Tribunesport in Lagos that she deserved more after all.

“I was given the MON award, right, but without ‘EY.’ When I heard of what was given to my brothers in the Super Eagles for winning the Nations Cup, I was amazed because you can see the difference.”

“Really, I want Mr President to look into my case. At least, I deserve a house in Abuja too. If I can get a bungalow in Abuja, I will gladly appreciate it.

“My brother, do you know that I had to cancel trips to Abuja on a number of occasions when I discovered that I won’t be able to afford hotel accommodation, I mean where is the money? So, If I can get a place of my own in Abuja to lay my head on anytime I go there, that will be befitting enough for me as Olympics gold medallist.

I’m not envious of anybody but this is the time to express my feelings that I deserve more. I’m not talking about money now,” Ajunwa, who won the long jump Olympics gold at Atlanta ‘96 clarified.