FIFA lifts ban on Nigeria

Thursday, July 17, 2014

FIFA lifts ban on Nigeria

FIFA has lifted the ban it placed on Nigeria on July 9th after a high court sitting in Jos sacked the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Aminu Maigari and other board members. FIFA had frowned at the court ruling, stating that the move was a government interference in football activities which is against its policy. FIFA then directed that a new court order reinstating Maigari and other NFF executives be obtained before it can lift the ban.

The new court order reinstating the NFF President and other executives was obtained two days ago, Tuesday July 15th, hence the lifting of the ban today.

Maigari and his board will resume their duties tomorrow and stay there until next month's elections when they could be sacked through the ballot, in line with FIFA's policies. 

Ex-premiere league player goes from earning £40k a month to £800 cleaning toilets

Ex-premiere league player goes from earning £40k a month to £800 cleaning toilets

Life! From international football ace to ship cleaner. Former Sunderland player, Kevin Kyle, who used to earn £10,000-a-week playing for the premiere league team now earns £800-a-fortnight working a 12-hour shift on a ship stacking boxes & cleaning toilets. (pictured above left on the ship).

Kevin, 33, who started the job on board the 300-capacity ship on July 8th, said he had no choice but to take the job,

“I’m trying to provide for my family. Many footballers pick up jobs after football but I don’t see stories about them in the newspapers. I don’t really want to publicize my lifestyle in the newspapers about whether I have a job or don’t have a job. I have to work at some point to put food on the table and to provide for my family.” He said

The dad of 3 was jobless for 6 months after his contract with League One minnows Ayr United was scrapped in January.

Managers on the ship reportedly warned his new co-workers not to discuss Kevin's former life as a footballer or bring it up with him as it's a touchy subject.  Continue...

"Kevin started work on the ship earlier this month. It’s sad really to see someone who was obviously well-loved by the fans seemingly ending his career relatively early." A source said

Kevin Kyle works on the Regina Baltic ship in Lerwick’s remote Mairs Quay. Pictured above taking a break in the ship's communal room.

His duties include cleaning floors and toilets, making beds and stocking up supplies on the ship.

Apart from Sunderland where he last played in 2006, Kevin also played for Coventry, Kilmarnock, Hearts, and Rangers.

In a 2010 newspaper interview he said:

“Sometimes in life money is not everything. I know a lot of people disagree with that but I had all the money years ago when I played with Sunderland and Coventry and I p***** it up a wall gambling. So money doesn’t always make you happy. The happiest I have been was the first year at Kilmarnock, playing football and knowing what my wage was.”

2014 World Cup:Messi wins Golden Ball, Neuer wins Golden Gloves

2014 World Cup:Messi wins Golden Ball, Neuer wins Golden Gloves

Argentine captain Lionel Messi won the FIFA 2014 World Cup Golden Ball Award, which is the award given to the best individual player, while German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer won the Golden Gloves which is the award given to the best goal keeper of the tournament and Colombia's James Rodriguez was named the tournament's top scorer with six goals. Do you think Messi was the best player of the 2014 World Cup?

No goalkeepers as FIFA releases World Cup Golden Ball nominees

No goalkeepers as FIFA releases World Cup Golden Ball nominees

What kind of ojoro is this? No Ochua, no Howard, no Enyeama, no Navas, or even Ospinas as FIFA lists the top 10 best players of the 2014 World Cup. I think some of the goalkeepers did way better than the players in this tournament but they were not nominated.

FIFA this evening officially announced the names of the ten players in the running for the adidas Golden Ball, which is awarded to the competition’s most outstanding performer.

The shortlist was drawn up by the members of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, who have been casting their expert eyes over each and every one of the matches held at Brazil 2014 to date. Appearing in alphabetical order, the 10 contenders for the accolade are as follows...see them after the cut...

- Angel Di Maria (Argentina)In providing Lionel Messi with the best possible support, Di Maria has led the Albiceleste attack with distinction, posing a constant menace to opposing defences with his long-range shooting, mazy dribbling and finishing skills, which he showcased with a well-taken winner against Switzerland in the Round of 16.

- Mats Hummels (Germany)The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.

- Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals – all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.

- Philipp Lahm (Germany)The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.

- Javier Mascherano (Argentina)Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing theAlbiceleste rearguard with essential protection.

- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi had never scored at the world finals prior to Brazil 2014, a record he emphatically set straight with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.

- Thomas Muller (Germany)
In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Muller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.

- Neymar (Brazil)
Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading A Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.

- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)The flying Dutch wide man has been in peerless form since putting defending champions Spain to the sword in his side’s opening match. His incisive runs from deep have been a feature of the tournament. 

- James Rodriguez (Colombia)Recognised as a huge talent heading into the competition, the gifted Rodriguez has since proved his ability to rise to the big occasion. His haul of six goals in five outings was a major reason why Los Cafeterosbroke new ground in reaching the last eight for the first time.

The winners of the adidas Golden Ball, Silver Ball and Bronze Ball will all be announced after Sunday’s Final.

The FIFA Technical Study GroupHeaded by Jean-Paul Brigger, the FIFA Technical Study Group assesses the football played in each of the 64 matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Its members are Gerard Houllier (France), Raul Arias (Mexico), Gabriel Calderon (Argentina), Ricki Herbert (New Zealand), Abdel M. Hussein (Sudan), Ka Ming Kwok (Hong Kong), Ioan Lupescu (Romania), Gines Melendez Sotos (Spain), Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Japan), Sunday Oliseh (Nigeria), Mixu Paatelainen (Finland), Jaime Rodriguez (El Salvador) and Theodore Whitmore (Jamaica).

Previous adidas Golden Ball winners:1982 FIFA World Cup Spain: Paolo Rossi (Italy)
1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
1990 FIFA World Cup Italy: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
1994 FIFA World Cup USA: Romario (Brazil)
1998 FIFA World Cup France: Ronaldo (Brazil)
2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: Zinedine Zidane (France)
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Xovar Lounge World Cup Closing Ceremony Blast!

Xovar again has upped the entertainment ante by creating the Samba feel at its lounge at Lekki this weekend. Xovar has planned to have Brazilian samba dancers, weird MC as celebrity guest appearance and host and celebrity DJs to make the evening as exciting as if you are actually at Rio in Brazil for the world cup closing ceremony! There would be great music, good dancing and of course watching the finals on gigantic Mega Screens while being served by the beautiful Xovar bunnies.

Go watch the world cup closing ceremony and final matches in style and luxury ambiance at Xovar Lounge this sunday July 13th. They are giving free champagne cocktails out to first 100 customers.

  

Xovar lounge is behind The Bespoke Center at the 4th roundabout on the Lekki-Epe Express way.

Follow us on twitter @xovarlounge

Facebook.com/xovarlounge

Xovarlounge

4th roundabout lekki epe express way, behind the bespoke center lekki lagos.

Xovar Lounge World Cup Closing Ceremony Blast!

Xovar Lounge World Cup Closing Ceremony Blast!

Xovar again has upped the entertainment ante by creating the Samba feel at its lounge at Lekki this weekend. Xovar has planned to have Brazilian samba dancers, weird MC as celebrity guest appearance and host and celebrity DJs to make the evening as exciting as if you are actually at Rio in Brazil for the world cup closing ceremony! There would be great music, good dancing and of course watching the finals on gigantic Mega Screens while being served by the beautiful Xovar bunnies.

Go watch the world cup closing ceremony and final matches in style and luxury ambiance at Xovar Lounge this sunday July 13th. They are giving free champagne cocktails out to first 100 customers.

  

Xovar lounge is behind The Bespoke Center at the 4th roundabout on the Lekki-Epe Express way.

Follow us on twitter @xovarlounge

Facebook.com/xovarlounge

Xovarlounge

4th roundabout lekki epe express way, behind the bespoke center lekki lagos.

Brazil stars rally round stricken star Neymar after World Cup blow

play

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia on Friday and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Juan Camilo Zuniga.

Neymar has been the talisman for the hosts with four goals and his absence is a huge blow ahead of Brazil's semi-final showdown with Germany.

Striker Fred led the get well messages and believes the Barcelona man's injury is further inspiration to win the tournament.

"We have one more reason to play with heart in this cup," he wrote on social media site Facebook. "Neymar, rest assured that our group loves you.

"You were and continue to be the ace of and the soul of our team. The whole of Brazil is praying for you."

Fellow striker Jo and midfielder Paulinho also sent their support: "We had a great victory but also a great loss. Neymar, we are with you always mate," Jo posted on Twitter, while Paulinho added: "Strength, brother."

It was not just Neymar's Brazil team-mates who reached out to Neymar as fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi also offered his best wishes.

"Neymar, hope you recover soon, friend! Get well soon my friend," he said.

Brazil may face Germany for a spot in the final, but that did not prevent players from the European nation lending support to Neymar.

"Neymar, I am unhappy. Get well soon," Mesut Ozil commented, while Lukas Podolski stated: "Happy with our victory (a 1-0 win over France), can't wait to face Brazil, sad for Neymar. Hope you get better soon."

Brazilian striker Neymar ruled out of the 2014 World Cup

Brazilian striker Neymar has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2014 World Cup after suffering a fractured vertebrae during Brazil's quarter-final match against Colombia yesterday.

Brazilian Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed the unfortunate news to Brazil's SportTV:

"Neymar had a scan, which confirmed he had fractured his third vertebra. It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he’s in pain and he’ll need to immobilise it to recover. He’ll have to have it immobilised with a belt for a few weeks to be able to get back to full mobility. Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play." he said

Neymar, who suffered the injury after colliding with another player, was carried off in tears on a stretcher towards the end of their 2-1 victory over Colombia. He will be unable to play for about a month, ruling him out of Tuesday's semi-final against Germany.

Can Eagles beat France?

The Eagles will be facing off with the Les Bleus of France and everyone is looking forward to a sizzling game of football: Ahmed Musa will be injecting brilliant, youthful waist-twisting pace and maneuvers from the left flank, Osaze Odemwingie will guarantee zealous right side winging with impressive work rate while Emmanuel Emenike’s muscles, power and sheer hunger will be shaking the French netting this time. Continue...

 
But there are obstacles; enemies of progress if you like from the French opposition: the striking force of the likes of Benzema, the pace and out-of-this-world work rate of Ribery, the physicality and intelligence of Blaise Matuidi. Not forgetting the question on Mikel Obi’s under performance still begging for answers and Babatunde’s wrist injury which will sideline him for the rest of the game.

Will Stephen Keshi’s men beat Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus…Predict Now!

N150, 000.00 is up for grabs to the winner of the Nigeria Vs France World Cup match prediction on Palmchat. It’s your chance to predict and win big!

Other cool stuffs to be won includes: airtime vouchers and lots of smart phones. Simply use the Shake-Shake feature while the match is on and you will be automatically connected to a Goal.com public account where you can win the prizes.

Palmchat is the trending mobile social platform with over 80,000 new friends signing up daily from around the world. Palmchat is downloadable from all mobile devices app stores, easy to use with custom features such as SHAKE-SHAKE and Look-Around.

MBGN Anna Banner shows support for the Super Eagles

In a bid to show her support for the Super Eagles during the World Cup in Brazil, MBGN 2013 Anna Ebiere Banner decided to do a shoot in their honour. Not as sexy as Omo London, but it will do...:-). See more photos after the cut...

image: Omo London strips herself to wish Super Eagles World Cup win in Brazil

6 foot 4 model, Cool FM OAP, actress and presenter Mercy Ajisafe teases the Super Eagles to victory in a series of football themed images. In the images, ‘Omo London’ as she is best known flaunts her endless legs as a special gift to the national team. Mercy cheers the Super Eagles on in one look with a Nigerian jersey & white hot pants, in her other look, she simmers down with a sultry halter bikini top and black bikini bottom waving the Nigerian flag. See more photos after the cut...

Image: TCD for WildFlower PR
Make up: Lois for Spotted Pro
Hair: Paul
Styling: Bubu Ogisi

The Supper Eagles have landed. images of Super Eagles stars in Brazil

Our boys have landed in Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup starting this Friday June 13th. The footballers traveled over 15 hours. 1 and a half hours to Miami, 9 hours to Sao Paolo and a two-hour bus ride to their hotel. Go Super Eagles. Make us proud!! See more photos after the cut...


On their way to Brazil

Stephen Keshi releases his 23-man list for the 2014 World Cup

Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi has released his 23 man list for the 2014 World Cup starting in a few weeks. See below

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

Defender: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose,

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

Forwards: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

Son of Int'l football legend, Pele, sentenced to 33 years for money laundering

Monday, June 2, 2014

A judge in Praia Grande, in Sao Paulo state of Brazil has sentenced Edson Cholbi do Nascimento aka Edinho, the third son of legendary footballer Pele, to 33 years imprisonment for laundering money raised from drug trafficking.

 

This is not the first time the 43 year old goalkeeping coach will be sent to jail for drug related issues. In 2005, Edson was arrested and served a sentence for drug trafficking offences and links with a notorious drug dealer in the city of Santos. Edson has denied the charges of money laundering but admits he has a problem with drugs.

 

He was convicted alongside four others including a man accused of controlling much of the drug trafficking in the region - Ronaldo Duarte Barsotti, known as Naldinho. Reports says he's most likely to appeal the judgement soon.

Manchester United Football Club owner Malcolm Glazer dies

The owner of Manchester United football club, Malcolm Glazer, has died. The billionaire business man who bought Man U in 2005 and also owned NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died today May 28, three days after his 86th birthday.

He was the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests. He was worth $4billion. 

He left behind a wife, 6 children and 14 grandchildren. May he RIP!

Kano Govt Donates 64-Seater Bus To Pillars

— May 21, 2014

The Kano State Government yesterday said the donation of a new 64-seater Marco Polo bus to Kano Pillars FC would boost the team’s performance in future national and international competitions.
Dr Rabiu Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, said the donation was also to show appreciation to the players for what they had been able to do at the local scene.
“The gesture is to further encourage them and appreciate the efforts they are making to bring more laurels,’’ he said.
Bichi urged the team to make good use of the bus to actualise the desire of the state government to attain greater heights.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Club, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, lauded the governor for the donation.
He said that the gesture was in appreciation of the team’s  “back to back’’ victories in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
He assured that the club would retain the victory in the 2014 GLO Premier League.

FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Least-Ranked Among World Cup First Round Group Foes— May 9, 2014

The world football governing body, FIFA, on Thursday placed Nigeria 44th in its ranking table for the month of May, with the African champions moving up by one spot.
The ranking, which is coming just 35 days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, sees Nigeria having 631 points.
It has thus placed the Nigerian Super Eagles as the least-ranked team among their Group F foes in the First Round of the mundial which begins on June 12 in Brazil.
Nigeria were 45th in April and are now ranked 44th while Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were placed 7th, 25th and 37th respectively.
Argentina have 1178 points, while Bosnia-Herzegovina have 795 points and Iran have 715 points.
In the African top 10, Nigeria are the only African country which moved up, leaving Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde on the same spot they occupied in April.
With the May ranking, Nigeria still remained the sixth-placed team in Africa with the first five teams in Africa having 830, 798, 795, 713 and 665 points respectively.
On the global scene, 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil displaced Colombia for the fourth position by climbing two spots to stay behind Spain, Germany and Portugal respectively.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Manchester City Style Good For EPL Title Win – Pellegrinit

— May 9, 2014

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini feels the way that his side have played this season is as important as winning the Premier League.
Pellegrini’s men surged two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with one game left to play after a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, with a draw against West Ham on Sunday now enough to clinch the title on account of their superior goal difference.
City have netted 100 times in this season’s Premier League and can top Chelsea’s record of 103 with a convincing win the final day of the season, which would be just as significant as far as Pellegrini is concerned.
“Now we can talk about the title because if we win the next game we are going to win the title,” said the Chilean, who is approaching the end of his first season in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
“It will be very important not only for the title, but in the way that we are going to win the title.
“I think that we have a style of play, I think that we are an attractive team, I think that we score many goals, that we are always thinking to score more goals and that for me has the same importance as the title.
“I am very happy to have managed this team in that way.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist

Wow! Check out footballer Dani Alves' incredible response to racism

Monday, April 28, 2014

Wow! Check out footballer Dani Alves' incredible response to racism

Barcelona star Dani Alves responded to a racist taunt in the most incredible way during a match yesterday Sunday April 27th

While playing for his team against Villareal, a spectator threw a banana at him as he tried to take a corner kick. What do you think Dani did? He casually picked up the banana, peeled it, eat the banana, threw away the peel, and then completed the kick...

This move has left many people in shock and Dani is getting a lot of praise for how he handled it.

This is not the first time the Brazilian footballer will face racism on the pitch. He complained about it last year after being taunted by monkey chants from sections of the crowd during a match at Real Madrid.

Racism in football is becoming an issue in Europe and enough is not being done to stop it. Dani is a star! Hopefully, he made the person who threw the banana feel like stupid!

TOP 5: Sexy Women In Sports

TOP 5: Sexy Women In Sports by Fola Akintomide

Credit: http://rollingout.com/

If you ask a guy what two things he loves the most, the likely answers are going to be women and sports. There you have it! Guys don’t joke with sports, especially those that feature some sexy ladies.
It is no surprise that being sexy doesn’t affect the work rate of an athlete. Whether they are surfing, scoring goals, running or skating, these women work endlessly at maintaining their sexy bodies. But aside their eye candy shapes, these women are also good in their respective sports.

If you’re not a women’s sports fan, we are optimistic that after you check out our list 
of the top 5 sexiest women in sports, you will have a different mindset.

Here goes…

Serena Williams
Have you ever wondered why there are so many spectators at a tennis match? Apart from the great serves and wonderful follow ups, the reason why tennis especially one with Serena Williams in play  is one of the most viewed sports today is because of some of the great views guys are served with along with the expert serving of the ball.



Serena might have won so many grand slams and so many other accolades in her career but her sizzling figure still remains the highlight of every game she’s ever played in (at least to most guys).
This beauty has always captured everyone’s attention with her raw talent and physical attributes.  Since appearing on the scene with her sister, Venus Williams, Serena has become a popular figure not only for her tennis skills but also for her well chiseled body and beauty.

Tia Norfleet
Fast money, fast cars, fabulous lifestyle! … This sums up the life of former NASCAR legend’s daughter Tia Norfleet who is the first and youngest African female American driver on the NASCAR league. Not only does she look chic in dinner wears, she looks stunning in her racing uniform.
 


Ezinne Okparaebo
What is there not to love in a female sprinter? Norway’s fastest female sprinter Ezinne Okparaebo is one of the sexy athletes with a well-structured body and deserving abs to go with it.  Regardless of what she wears, the sight of her booty is always a sight to behold.

 


Destinee Hooker
It’s hard for an athlete to look like a Victoria secret model, something which doesn’t happen on a normal day. Volley ball icon Destinee Hooker is one person who is a delight to watch on and off the volleyball court.
 
Nothing beats a great pair of legs, calves, knees and thighs. The volleyball gamer possesses all these qualities and some.

Natalie Gulbis
There could be no other reason for men’s sudden interest in golf. Out of the 10,000 spectators at an LPGA tour; men occupy more than 5,000 seats. The sexy females in golf have made it more interesting with their works of art as bodies.


Gulbis is one of the reasons men tune in to watch LPGA games. She also gained more fans when she recently posed in a body painted bikini for Sports Illustrated.

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/TOP-5-Sexy-Women-In-Sports#sthash.gTEqETO8.dpuf

We Luvin': UCL’s Final Four by Soyem Osakwe

Credit: www.caughtoffside.com

In the wake of Manchester United, PSG, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund all dropping out at the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions league; four spectacular teams (Real Madrid, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and reigning champions - Bayern Munich) are left to slug it out  for a chance at becoming the champions of Europe. We love these top four teams and we can’t wait to find out who eventually wins the UCL.
This season’s semifinalists are very dissimilar yet very alike in the quest for the UCL trophy. The semi’s should be very exciting as Atletico Madrid which is perceived to be the weakest team in the draw takes on the Special One’s Chelsea. However, Chelsea will do well not to underrate them. Athlético wields a strategy and approach that can matchup with anybody’s. As we’ve seen against Barcelona, this team doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and they’re perfectly capable of creating mistakes high up the field.
Chelsea on the other hand should never be taken lightly. If they beat PSG, they can beat anybody, and while a lot of that had to do with the Parisians not rising to the occasion at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is one team to look out for.
Real Madrid another favorite is a deeply dangerous but very flawed team, one that looked vulnerable in both defense and midfield against Borussia Dortmund. Given recent loses in La Liga, this is no longer the team that climbed to the top of the table in March and frankly speaking we don’t think they are excited to play reigning champions- Bayern Munich who are huge favorites.­­
Over here at Happenings, we are rooting for Chelsea simply because they put in a good fight against PSG and we would be super excited to watch another UCL final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. This time however, Drogba isn’t around to tip the scales in Chelsea’s favour

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/We-Luvin-UCLs-Final-Four#sthash.ebPyrok2.dpuf