Manchester United stars, fans hail ‘rock of Gibraltar’-de Gea

Goalkeepers like other players on the pitch have their good and bad days.  While the take all the blame and all the pain on a bad day, they share the gains and joy of the good days.  Sunday January 13 2019, could pass as of such good days for

Spain international and Manchester United safe hand David de Gea as became a stumbling block against Tottenham Hotspur in their premier league tie at the wembley

The former Athetico Madrid ace proved why he is regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the world with a brilliant display against a highly determined Spurs, and his team-mates were quick to pay tribute to him following the game.

The 28 year old made a string of fine saves – including 11 in the second-half – to deny Harry Kane and co as United held on to their lead after going ahead courtesy of a first half goal from Marcus Rashford.

‘Man like @d_degeaofficial’, wrote Romelu Lukaku as he shared a cartoon of De Gea pulling a barrier down to cover the goal with the words ‘sorry, closed on Sunday’ written on it. Luke Shaw tweeted the same image.

Midfielder Ander Herrera followed suit, posting a photo of himself and the goalkeeper hugging at the final whistle 

He would later share a story from the team coach, placing a top hat emoticon on De Gea’s head.

De Gea himself also tweeted, calling it a ‘perfect night at Wembley’ along with a picture of him celebrating at full time.

Compatriot Juan Mata went for a sarcastic approach as he responded ‘nah, average’ to De Gea’s tweet about it being a ‘perfect night’.

He then wrote ‘I know you all felt like me’ in response to a clip from Sky of himself staring in amazement at De Gea at the end of the game with the caption ‘find someone who looks at you the way Juan Mata looks at David De Gea’.

The love-in did not stop there as Victor Lindelof and Andreas Pereira both took opportunities to post images with the man of the hour on United’s train back to Manchester.

The praise for De Gea continued to pour in from the footballing world, with his former united team mate Darren Fletcher declaring him the best in the world.

2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons to begin camping in January

To ensure that the Super Falcons becomes a formidable team before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the camping for the African champion will commence in January.

Disclosing this yesterday in Lagos, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick said he believes the team can exceed their quarterfinal berth in the competition and to achieve this, the federation would give the necessary support to the team starting  with the camping which starts in January 2019.

“We want to ensure that this team is well prepared for the World Cup and we will give them the necessary support so that they can exceed their quarterfinal berth which has been the best the team achieved at the Mundial. We want to start the campaign by January and ensure they have good matches against European teams before the competition starts in June,” Amaju said.

The NFF expressed confidence in the female national team adding that having won the continental title nine times, the team has the wherewithal to replicate such feat again at global level.

“We just don’t want to the World Cup and add to numbers but we want to go there as a true African champion and that is why we will make sure the team has good preparation before the World Cup,” he added.

After emerging as Champion at the African Women Cup of Nation (AWCON) in Ghana at the weekend, Super Falcons, South Africa’s Bayana Bayana and Cameroun’s Lioness will be representing Africa at the FIFA World Cup holding in France on June 7 to July 7. Nigeria has not missed any FIFA World Cup since making its maiden appearance in 1991 having attended the last seven editions of the championship.

The Thomas Dennerby’s side will tomorrow know their opponents at the World Cup when the draws for the Mundial holds  at the Seine Musicale arts centre, near Paris.

Morata hits brace as Chelsea thrash Palace 3-1

Alvaro Morata scored twice to sink Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge and help lift Chelsea above Liverpool into second spot in the Premier League table.

BBC reports that Andros Townsend’s superb low finish had cancelled out a Chelsea lead given to them by Spanish forward Morata’s clever shot-on-the-turn.

Palace’s hopes of securing a crucial point vanished when they conceded two goals in five second-half minutes.

Substitute Eden Hazard marked his return from a back injury by delivering the free-kick for Morata to fire his second before Pedro put the game out of Palace’s reach.

While unbeaten Chelsea stay two points behind leaders Manchester City, Palace remain three points above the relegation zone after a seventh defeat in 11 league games.

Morata scores brace for Chelsea

W/Cup: Ondo viewing centre ready for Nigeria, Iceland cracker

Some relaxation and viewing centres in Okitipupa, Ondo State, say they are ready to host fans for the Super Eagles and Iceland match on Friday in the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
A check by our reporter on Thursday in Okitipupa revealed that relaxation centres have stocked beers, pepper soup, serviced their electricity generators, wall screen TV’s and properly arranged their centres.
The operators who spoke with the News men said they made good sales during the Nigeria versus Croatia match which informed their decision to prepare well for the Eagles and Iceland match.
They urged football fans across the country to rally support and pray for the Eagles to triumph to the next round.
Mr Ayo Sehindemi, a relaxation centre operator, told our reporter that football fans were left with no option than to patronise them since Okitipupa and its environs had been in total blackout for the past four years.
He told the News men that his sales had increased since the beginning of the World Cup, especially during the Nigeria/Croatia match.
“You know this town does not have electricity for the past four years, so we are expecting more football fans here and that is why we are preparing to welcome more customers,’’ Sehindemi said.
Another operator, Mr Ade Famorisin, who also said he recorded high sales during the last Nigeria/Croatia match, said he was putting finishing touches to his preparations.
“Many of the football lovers preferred relaxation centres to watch football for them to exchange views; the more they come, the better for us,’’ Famorisin said.
Mrs Ann Ahmed, who regretted her out-of-stock problem on Nigeria’s match, said she was fully prepared for the Nigeria/Iceland match.

“I pray that Nigeria would excel in tomorrow’s match because we will have more customers when they win,’’ she said.
Mr Peter Babajide, a viewing centre operator, said his sales increased since the beginning of the World Cup and urged Nigerians to pray for the Eagles to win their match against Iceland.
Another viewing centre operator, Emeka Ifeanyi, also said that he had serviced his electricity generator and ensured that everything was in order, noting that he was optimistic the Eagles would win against Iceland.
“The Eagles technical crew should do their best, I support Eagles because if they did not win this crucial match, then it’s the end of the road for us to record high sales,’’ Ifeanyi said.
The News men reports that Eagles have zero point because they lost 2-0 to Croatia in their first Group D encounter.
Their match against Iceland on Friday will determine their fate at the ongoing World Cup.

Kwara Govt approves reconstruction of stadium fence

The Kwara Government has approved the reconstruction of the collapsed fence of the Kwara Stadium Complex damaged by rainstorm few months ago.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Muyideen Alalade, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
He said other facilities, including the electronic score board and floodlights would be fixed as soon as possible.
“The Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the reconstruction of the collapsed fence. So, work will start any moment from now,” Alalade said.
A heavy rainfall damaged a large portion of the Kwara Stadium Complex in March.
The downpour completely damaged the ultra-modern scoreboard and the whole of the western perimeter fence of the old wing of the main bowl.



Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state.

Photos: John Mikel Obi named new captain of Tianjin Teda and given No 10 jersey

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has been handed the Number 10 jersey and captain band at his new Chinese club, Tianjin Teda by coach, Jaime Pacheco.

The former Chelsea midfielder scored his first goal in the 36th minute for the club in his team's 6-2 loss to St. Pauli over the weekend. Congrats to him!

Rio 2016: ITTF To Honour Segun Toriola For His 7th Olympic Appearance

Despite his exit from the table tennis men's singles event of the ongoing Rio 2016, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) plans to organise a ceremony in Rio to honour Segun Toriola, for his Olympic feat after making his seventh appearance at the Games, being the first African to achieve the feat.

This was revealed in a press release by ITTF Africa.

Toriola's participation at the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic Games came to an end on Sunday August 7 after he was edged out by Japan’s Niwa Koki in the men’s singles event of table tennis.

Toriola who is ranked 120 in the world, had on Saturday beaten Czech Republic’s Dimitrij Prokopcov in the first round.

The 41-year-old made his debut at the Games in 1992 in Barcelona.

His best ever performance at the Games was in Beijing 2008 where he got to the quarter-finals.

http://www.nigerianeye.com/2016/08/rio-2016-ittf-to-honour-segun-toriola.html
http://pulse.ng/sports/tennis/segun-toriola-ittf-to-honour-nigerian-tennis-veteran-id5355019.html

PFL All-stars Arrives Spain Ahead Of La Liga Trofeo Ramon De Carranza Tour

NPFL All-Stars arrive Spain this morning ahead of La Liga Trofeo Ramon de Carranza Tour (PHOTOS & VIDEOS)

Nigeria Professional Football League All-Stars have finally arrived Valencia, Spain ahead of the much anticipated La Liga Trofeo Ramon de Carranza Tour


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DP6m5WqmBM

The League Management Company (LMC) in a statement released couple of days ago listed the players on the trip to include goalkeepers, Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC Ifeanyiubah), Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba) and Emeka Nwabulu of Wikki Tourists.

Others are Chima Akas (Enyimba), Matthew Etim (Rangers), Austin Obaroakpo (Abia Warriors) and Jamiu Aliyu of Kano Pillars. Also in the squad are Enyimba’s Joseph Osadiaye, Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars, Godwin Obaje of Wikki Tourists and Ezekiel Bassey of Enyimba.

Obinna Nwobodo of Rangers, Emmanuel Ariwa (Akwa United), Ifeanyi Ifeanyi of MFM, Ismaila Gata of FC Ifeanyiubah, Ifeanyi Nweke of Nasarawa United and Charles Henlong of Wikki Tourists also made the list.

The rest of the squad are Dayo Ojo of Sunshine Stars, Chisom Egbuchulam of Rangers, Sikiru Olatunbosun of MFM, Chinedu Udoji of Enyimba and his teammate Dare Ojo.
NPFL All-Star team will be coached by Salisu Yusuf and assisted by Enugu Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo

The NPFL All-Star team will on August 12 play their first match in the Carranza World Club Tournament against Malaga CF in Cadiz at 9.30pm and a win will guarantee them a place in the final while a loss will mean they play in the losers final against the winner between Atletico Madrid and Cadiz CF, hosts of the tournament on August 13.

The tour is an integral component of the technical and commercial partnership signed in April 2016 between the LMC and LaLiga. During the tour, some LMC officials and NPFL Club Managers will take part in capacity building workshops on match organisation, digital marketing and general administration.

The Nigerian delegation will return on August 15.


http://get9jasports.blogspot.com/2016/08/npfl-all-stars-arrive-spain-ahead-of-la.html

FG denies asking Nigerian Athletes to buy their tickets to Rio 2016

Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has released a statement denying claims that they asked the Nigerian Athletic contingent to Rio 2016 Olympics to purchase their tickets themselves. Read the statement from Dalung after the cut...

WE DID NOT ASK ATHLETES TO BUY TICKETS TO RIO

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development says it did not direct foreign based athletes going to the Olympic Games in Rio to buy their own air tickets. The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung said this in a statement following a purported mail asking athletes to buy their tickets to the Olympics and which was said to have originated from the Ministry. Barrister Dalung stated that the Director, High Performance Angie Taylor has been saddled with the responsibility of arranging for the flights and movement of the foreign based athletes to and from Rio. "We did not write any mail asking athletes to pay their way to Rio. As the overseers of sports in the country, it is our duty to take care of all our athletes. The letter did not come from us and we will investigate the writer of that letter. It does not represent our stand concerning the movement of athletes to Rio and the writer or anybody asking athletes to buy their tickets to Rio will be investigated. We ask Nigerians and athletes in particular to disregard the mail" Dalung said. The minister however regretted the embarrassment caused by the letter and asked athletes to remain focused on their build-up to the Rio games.

Sunderland Appoints David Moyes As New Manager

Former Manchester United manager, David Moyes has been appointed Sunderland's manager after signing a four-year deal with the club.

The new manager will be paid more than the £2million-a-year Sam Allardyce earned at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to the club's website, Moyes said: “I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity. I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again. I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam.”

Muhammad Ali’s Son ‘dumps’ Wife And Children After Inheriting $80million From La

Muhammad Ali's son 'dumps his wife and their two children after inheriting part of the boxing legend's $80million fortune'

*Muhammad Ali Jr. believed to have moved out of family home in Chicago
"Wanted to live in better neighborhood after years in the South Side 
*For the last ten years he has been relying on food stamps and handouts 
*Had been estranged from his sporting legend father for a number of years
*Muhammad Ali's son has dumped his wife and two children after inheriting his part of his late father's fortune, a report suggests.

Just over a month after the The Greatest's death, Muhammad Ali Jr. is believed to have moved out of his family home in Chicago's South Side to a more affluent part of the city.
He was woefully neglected by his absentee father as a child, and badly bullied by boys who wanted to prove they could beat up the champion’s son 

Sources told Radar Online he wanted to move into a better neighborhood after getting the money. 

Children of the boxing hero, who died on June 3, met in California to discus how to divide his estate.


When Ali Jr. returned, those close to them said he had suddenly come into money, according to the report. 

For the last ten years, he and his family - wife Shaakira and children, Ameera, eight, and Shakera, seven - have been relying on food stamps and handouts.

He had been estranged from his sporting legend father for a number of years. 

The insiders say he is moving close to Midway Airport.

They have also hinted that his wife and children won't completely miss out.

'He gave his wife $75 to buy herself something nice, and bought the kids new shoes. He also wants to set up a trust fund for his kids,' the source told the tabloid site.

After suffering problems with addiction, his family now want him to get clean and get a job.

The insider added: 'He wants to do landscaping stuff and help people. He doesn’t need much. He’s a simple dude.'

In an interview with Daily Mail Online shortly before his father's death, Ali Jr. said he was in contact with his sisters, but they rarely discussed family matters.

He said: 'I'm trying to live life, and be good. I saw him on his 72nd birthday, then on his 73rd birthday, I sung happy birthday to him, and I heard nothing back, he didn't respond and I know it was the Parkinson's. I knew he was in a pretty bad shape. 

'I don't discuss my father to my sisters about anything, I don't have anybody I can confide in, so I don't do that. I don't really care anymore about being cut off from the family.

'I've got through so much things in my life, I've got to the point where it doesn't matter anymore, I live for me. I live life.

'I know that the last thing about Parkinson's is being bed ridden, and he's been laid up in bed for months.

'My grandfather also has Parkinson's, I don't think about my father, when my grandfather is in Flossmoor, I'm close to him, more than I am my father, I've got to serve my purpose and help my grandfather Sada Ali-Din, at least I'm helping somebody.

'He's got Parkinson's, my mother's father. He lives with Amina.

'It's just not something that I worry about, I've got more things to worry about than my father, I got to live life.'
He had claimed he had received nothing from his father before his death. 



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3704342/Muhammad-Ali-s-son-dumps-wife-two-children-inheriting-boxing-legend-s-80million-fortune.html

RIO2016: Nigerian Athletes Beg For Funds Online (photos)

Just so everyone knows, Nigerian athletes who will be representing the country at the 2016 Summer Olympics scheduled to be held from 3 to 20 August in Brazil, have been asked to pay their way. the athletes have now taken to social media to beg for donations.\

Seye Ogunleye is Nigerian International Athlete, 100m champion.

Regina George is an American-born Nigerian sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. She represented Nigeria at the 2012 Summer Olympics and was the silver medallist at the African Championships in 2012.

Her fundraising goal is 4000 US Dollars - https://www.gofundme.com/2fujh98?rcid=d78c4774502f11e6bb61bc764e065f4f

Chierika Coco Ukogu will be the first time Nigeria ever has an athlete at the Olympics in the sport of Rowing -https://www.gofundme.com/xe2a5b34

Antwon Hick, a Nigerian Hurdler, also set up a GoFundMe campaign as well.

Mr. Hick’s campaign is set to raise 5000 US Dollars.

In his appeal to potential donors, he talked about the sacrifices he has had to make to reach his goals. He said:
“I've battled nagging injuries, missed teams by one thousandth of a second, and have slept on many a friend's couch to pursue my dream.”
He has used Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in his fundraising efforts.

Johny Akinyemi is a Canoe Slalom Athlete who has competed for Team GB as a junior and now proudly competes for Nigeria. He also set up a fundme page.

http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/07/rio-2016-nigerian-athletes-beg-for.html

Rio 2016: FG to release funds Wednesday

The incessant cries of sporting federations and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development will finally come to an end tomorrow as the ministry will be given its budgetary allocation for the Rio 2016 Olympics by the budget office.
Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze gave the assurance on Monday at a stakeholders meeting with  the House committee on Sports.

Akabueze stated that his office had a budgetary allocation of N600m for the Olympics. N415.6m was for preparations of Olympic and Paralympic Games and an allocation of N184.6m to the Nigeria Olympic Committee to facilitate the Games proper out of which the ministry had sought the release of N503, 977,710m.
“You will recall the late approval of the budget and the challenges of processing this release which was occasioned by the long public holidays. The bottom line is that in a day or two, the funds will be released” the DG assured. One of the committee members and President, Cycling Federation of Nigeria Hon. Mohammed Nur Sheriff however urged the Budget office to also take a step further to ensure that the funds needed for the games were paid to the ministry in dollars to save them another long process of getting the foreign exchange value.   The Olympic village opens to athletes on July 24 while the opening ceremony is billed for August 5 2016.

CONFIRMED! NFF hires Paul Le Guen as Super Eagles’ technical adviser *Yusuf, Imama, Agu to assist him

CONFIRMED!

*NFF hires Paul Le Guen as Super Eagles’ technical adviser

*Yusuf, Imama, Agu to assist him

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday named Frenchman Paul Le Guen, 52, as the new Technical Adviser of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles. He will be assisted by Nigerian Salisu Yusuf, who takes the role of Chief Coach. The appointments are subject to agreement of contract terms with the NFF Executive Committee.
New Eagles’ boss Le Guen steered the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. He played for Brest, Nantes and Paris Saint Germain and won 17 caps for France, before coaching Rennes, Lyon, PSG (in France) and Glasgow Rangers (in Scotland). He also coached Oman.
Yusuf, capped at U20 level by Nigeria, called the shots in interim capacity for two international friendly matches in Europe at the end of May, which the Eagles won.
Spokesman of the Committee, Paul Bassey, told thenff.com after the meeting at the NFF secretariat on Monday that Enugu Rangers gaffer Imama Amapakabo and former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper and skipper Alloy Agu, who served as assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer for the games against Mali and Luxembourg in May, retain their places in the technical crew.
The new crew’s immediate challenge is a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in the first week of September – a dead rubber, but which would serve as ample preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match away to Zambia on October 3.
The Committee has also recommended to the NFF Board, the appointment of one –time Super Eagles’ assistant coach Bitrus Bewarang as the new NFF Technical Director. Bewarang, who is president of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, will replace the late Coach Shuaibu Amodu.
There is also a recommendation that former Super Eagles’ defender Nduka Ugbade be restored to the U17 National Team as assistant to Coach Manu Garba.
 source: punch

'I'VE HAD OFFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!' - WALES STAR ROBSON-KANU TALKS ABOUT CLUB FUTURE

The 27-year-old spent 12 years at Reading before running his contract down, and after strong showings for his nation this summer the forward has plenty of interest

Wales star Hal-Robson Kanu might be out of contract and without a club but the surprise Euro 2016 star says he has no shortage of offers.

Robson-Kanu chose to let his contract with Reading run down and expire ahead of the European Championship, which might prove a smart move with his form at the tournament the perfect advertisement.

Robson-Kanu is among a host of players on two goals at the tournament, two off leading goalscorer Antoine Griezmann, but his second goal, which came in the quarter-finals against Belgium, captured the imagination when he held off two defenders to control a difficult ball before pulling off a sublime turn and finish to put Wales 2-1 ahead.

And now Robson-Kanu says his agent is fielding calls from all over the world, though he will not make a decision on his future until after the Euros.

"There's offers from around the world," Robson-Kanu told BBC Sport. "I've made no secret of my desire to play in the Premier League and if that's the best place for me then I'll be there.

"I made a decision to run my contract at Reading down. I've been there 12 years, given a lot of service and felt it was the best decision for myself and my career to decide where I go next."I've been aware of clubs coming in for me in the past, bigger clubs and for whatever reason it didn't happen so it's probably one of the best decisions of my life.

"It's funny, a lot of people are making a big deal of it. I had offers before the tournament started. Good offers from good, progressive clubs, but I made a decision to wait until after the tournament."

Another goal in the semi-finals against Portugal would top off an amazing tournament to date, and Robson-Kanu is relishing the chance to test himself against Real Madrid defender Pepe.

"We're in a major tournament so there are world class players everywhere. I'll relish it and look forward to the opportunity and we’ll give our best as a team and see what happens," he said.

PHYSICALLY IMMENSE POGBA HAS EVERYTHING - GIGGS

ed legend was full of praise for the France midfielder who remains a huge transfer target for many top clubs, including the Premier League sideRyan Giggs was thoroughly impressed by Paul Pogba's display for France in their 5-2 win over Iceland on Sunday.The midfielder is the most highly coveted player in Europe at the moment, with Manchester United looking to seal his return to Old Trafford, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in signing him.

The 23-year-old left United for free in 2012 to join Juventus, where he has blossomed into a star. Bringing him back to England would be an expensive exercise for United, but new coach Jose Mourinho could be tempted to spend around the £100 million on the 23-year-old, who scored in France's 5-2 quarter-final win over Iceland at Euro 2016 on Sunday.

Usain Bolt: Olympic champion hopeful for Rio despite hamstring tear

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has suffered an injury scare ahead of Rio after tearing a hamstring at Jamaica's Olympic trials.

Bolt, 29, sustained the grade-one tear during the first round of the 100m and withdrew after winning his semi-final.

He is still expected to defend his 100 and 200m titles as Jamaica's selection policy allows medical exemptions.

Bolt "will seek treatment immediately" and is aiming to return for the London Anniversary Games on July 22.

In the double world champion's absence, the 100m final in Kingston was won by London 2012 silver medallist Yohan Blake in a time of 9.95 seconds.Meanwhile, Sanya Richards-Ross will not defend her 400m title in Rio after pulling out of the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The 31-year-old, who will retire at the end of the season, dropped out after 250m of her heat with a hamstring injury

"I've had an amazing career," the three-time Olympian said. "No Rio. That's the toughest part. No matter how banged up you are you still think it's possible."

Kelechi Iheanacho Meets Pep Guardiola For The First Time(photos)

Super Eagle striker, Kelechi Iheanacho meets up with his club new coach Pep Guardiola at the latter's unveiling today. Pep Guardiola will be the coach of Manchester city for the next season campaign.

Obasanjo Pictured In A Full Football Kit

Lovely and rare photo of Nigeria's Ex-President in a football kit...

Olga Allegra In Bikini, Enjoys Vacation With Family

Olga Allegra is currently on vacation with Mikel Obi and their twin girls, she shared the photos below...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHJ-Plzh4_B/