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Tuesday, 29 April 2014

World Cup: Oliseh Predicts African Glory

— April 27, 2014

Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh is convinced an African country will eventually win the FIFA World Cup, but believes poor preparations are currently a key factor in holding back development.
The former midfielder represented the Super Eagles between 1993 and 2002, helping lead the side to the Africa Cup of Nations crown in 1994 before going on to claim the gold medal at the Olympics two years later.
Oliseh, also a Bundesliga winner with Borussia Dortmund, believes teams like Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast have the potential to go far on the global stage, but insists improvements need to be made in terms of preparations if they are to have a realistic shot at the crown.
“I think an African country will eventually win the World Cup. What is lacking now, it’s simple to say; what is wrong is that we don’t plan well. We leave the planning until late,” he told CNN’s Human to Hero series.
He continued: “Africans need to learn how to start pressurizing the opponents. Football has changed now. It’s no longer football where you pick individuals and expect them to do well.
“Now it’s more about team work, team dynamics, team schemes, things that are planned out like how to look at the opponent, how to bring about antidotes to the opponent’s playing star.
“When it comes to physical strength and bursts of speed, you can’t beat an African. But what is lacking now is just that technical and tactical know-how. Then we’ll get it.”

Thursday, 24 April 2014

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.
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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.
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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

MIDWEEK SPORT SPIKES: Manchester United And The David Moyes Drama by Fola Akintomide

Credit: Happenings

It has been a disappointing season for Manchester United board and fans as their 2013/2014 season has been below an average performance so far, the reds are currently the 7^th position on the premier league table.
As they struggle to finish in an UEFA Europa league spot, the management of Manchester United are considering a replacement for the chosen one, David Moyes who has been struggling to have a consistent winning form since he took over from Alex Ferguson at the start of the season.

Barcelona have been making necessary arrangements to make an appeal for the transfer ban they got some weeks back and have also listed Chelsea’s David Luiz as one of their top prospect for next season if the transfer ban is lifted.
Athletico Madrid boss Simeone reiterates Chelsea target Diego Costa could leave the club, the Blues are closing in on a €40 million deal for the striker, with the Atletico Madrid coach admitting the London side has the financial power to force such a move through.
Dzeko, Ramos & Dortmund's summer shortlist to replace Lewandowski at the end of the season. Jurgen Klopp's side will be left with a gaping hole in their frontline this summer and have a number of candidates to fill the void left by the Poland striker,
Chelsea is lining up a shock move for Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian has slipped down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger and his contract expires in 2015.
Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood is amongst the favourites to succeed Alan Pardew at Newcastle should owner Mike Ashley pull the trigger, and will bring St James' Park favourite Les Ferdinand with him.
Manchester United will have to pay extra to sign Adam Lallana from Southampton with Bournemouth owed 25% of any transfer fee which will ramp up his price.
Dimitar Berbatov is keen to extend his stay at Monaco and make his loan move from Fulham permanent.

Stay tuned for update on the latest transfers same time next week.

- See more at: http://www.happenings9ja.com/happenings/posts/entertainment-lifestyle/sports/MIDWEEK-SPORT-SPIKES-Manchester-United-And-The-David-Moyes-Drama#sthash.wmsQFHeG.dpuf

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

World Cup Will Miss Top Stars – Mourinho

World Cup Will Miss Top Stars – Mourinho

Agency Report

— April 5, 2014

With the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale absent and others sweating over injuries the Chelsea boss believes it is disappointing for the tournament in Brazil
The 2014 FIFA World Cup will not be the same without some of football’s top stars, according to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale are two of the most expensive players in world football, but neither will be in Brazil after Sweden and Wales failed to qualify.
A knee injury has ruled out Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, while Monaco and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao is a major doubt after also suffering a knee problem in January.
Mourinho is also disappointed not to see Czech Republic and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech at this year’s World Cup.
“In every World Cup there are a few big players that everyone would like to see there, and for different reasons they aren’t there,” Mourinho told Yahoo!.
“Zlatan? Everybody would love to see him there, but Sweden couldn’t make it.
“Gareth Bale is another fantastic player that I think everybody would enjoy seeing there, but Wales also couldn’t qualify.
“There are others. I have in my team the best goalkeeper in the world (Cech) and he’s not at the World Cup.”
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NFF Re-Confirms Super Eagles Pre-World Cup Plan

Agency Report

— April 13, 2014

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Sunday in Abuja re-confirmed the Super Eagles preparation plan for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director (Communications) of NFA, said there was no change to what had been streamed to the public previously.
The statement reads: “We have heard people talking about cancellation of the friendly with the senior team of the U.S. Sincerely, we don’t know where that is coming from.
“For avoidance of doubt, the NFA and its official FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, hereby re-confirm that the Super Eagles will re-group in London on May 25.
“They will play Scotland at the Craven Cottage ground of English Premiership side Fulham FC on May 28 and fly to the U.S. on May 29.
“The African champions will play the senior team of Greece at the Philadelphia Union Stadium on June 3.
“They will then take on Team U.S. at the EverBank Field Stadium in Jacksonville on June 7 before flying to Sao Paulo on June 11.
Nigeria is in the same group with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Hesgovina for the World Cup. (NAN)

Brazil Plans Record World Cup Security Operation

Brazil Plans Record World Cup Security Operation

Agency Report

— April 14, 2014

The Brazilian Government on Monday said it would implement the largest security operation ever at a World Cup this June with 170,000 personnel from the police, military and secret service.
It said the figure was 22 per cent higher than the number used at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The government added that over a third of the security force, about 57,000, would be soldiers from Brazil’s armed forces.
In February, the Brazilian government had announced plans to invest about 800 million dollars in World Cup security.
NAN reports that football’s signature event will be staged in 12 Brazilian cities from June 12 to July 13.(Xinhua/NAN)
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Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Keshi Defends World Cup List Tuesday

Keshi Defends World Cup List Tuesday

Abuja, By Salifu Usman

— April 7, 2014

Except for a last minute changes, Super Eagles head coach, Stephen
Keshi will finally defend his much 35-man provisional list for the
2014 World Cup before the technical committee of the Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) today.
The much awaited provisional list has been a subject of media debate
lately with both the technical committee and the coach appears to be
on collision and divided over the choice of players that will make the
list.
Chairman of the technical committee, Chris Green while speaking to
newsmen recently in Abuja, assured that the committee will not attempt
to impose any player on the former handler of the Togo and Mali’s
national teams.
“While we believe that only players that are playing well for their clubs should be invited because the World Cup is not a tea party, our job is a simple task.
Keshi has the overall decision on who goes to Brazil and fits into his
World Cup plan,” stated.
However, a top member of the technical committee who spoke LEADERSHIP
Sports on a condition of anonymity, insisted that they will not allow
the Big Boss, as Keshi fondly called to name any of his misfire CHAN
player for Brazil’s World Cup.
He vowed even as the committee will not want to interfere in the coach selection of players, it will ensure that the best are pick for the summer World Cup in Brazil.
“Our duty is to ensure that the players the coach will invited for the World Cup merit the invitation. World Cup is not a place to start experiment
players, so we must hit Brazil with our best legs.
“We can’t afford to gamble with those boys that misfire in the South
Africa’s CHAN tournament. I am sure the coach know exactly what to do
and he will even not try mention any those misfire boys name before
the committee because none of them can withstand the hit of soccer
that will be on display in Brazil,” he said.
Keshi had suggested that he may give opportunity to two or three of
the boys that distinguished themselves in the South Africa’s
tournament to fight for shirt in his World Cup squad.
“Some of them will make the team to the World Cup. It is just that I cannot disclose who, and who among them will make my list now but later I will bring
it out from my pocket,” Keshi was quoted in the media recently.

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Keshi Is At Liberty To Choose Any Player For World Cup – NFF

Salifu Usman

— March 25, 2014

Amidst the debate over which players should make the Super Eagles’ squad to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared that head coach Stephen Keshi is at liberty to pick any player feels could fit into his plan.
Barrister Chris Green, chairman technical committee of the NFF, stated this while interacting with journalists in Abuja.
He, however, warned that Keshi should be ready to take the blame should his team failed to meet the yearning and expectations of Nigerians in Brazil.
The media has been recently awash with the refusal of Stephen Keshi to open his World Cup squad door to certain players like Villarreal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche, Osaze Odemwingie and other senior players.

Italy Can Win The World Cup – Donadoni

Agency Report

— March 25, 2014

Parma head coach Roberto Donadoni believes Italy could be the darkhorses at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
The Azzurri topped their qualifying group for this year’s tournament with an unbeaten record and, although Donadoni believes it will be tough, they are amongst the favourites to be crowned champions.
Italy have been drawn against England, Costa Rica and Uruguay in a testing group but the 50-year-old has faith in his countrymen.
“It could happen,” the Parma coach told Fifa’s website. “Obviously it won’t be easy, but I think it’s possible.
“Italy have definitely got the potential and technical ability to go all the way. It’s all going to depend on the form the players are in at the end of a long season.”
The Parma boss also revealed that he is delighted Italian football has become more attacking and is hopeful that more Italian teams will adopt this playing style in the near future.
“I think it’s really great to see. I know Cesare Prandelli well, having played alongside him at Atalanta. He has a huge amount of experience and I share his vision of football. It’s a vision that’s helped him get good results.
“Obviously it’s not easy to create a positive mind-set. It takes time. I don’t think every club has taken it on board yet, but I’m sure it’s going to happen.”
Donadoni is happy to see his players developing and creating a pathway for themselves in the national team and he hopes that by sharing his experiences as a footballer he will help his team.
“It’s a source of satisfaction for everyone at the club, and for them especially,” he added. “Like I said, I try to pass on everything I learned in my time as a footballer to my young players.
“When I see people getting the call to play for the national team it gives me even more energy and strength.”

Thursday, 20 March 2014

World Cup: Super Eagles ‘ll Make Africa Proud, Says Maigari

NAN

— March 4, 2014

The President, Nigeria Football Association, Aminu Maigari, says the Super Eagles will make the country and Africa proud at the World Cup scheduled for Brazil in June.
“The Super Eagles are going to the World Cup with the sole intention of making Nigeria and Africa proud, ’’ he said in an interview published on CAF website on Tuesday.
Maigari said top quality warm-up matches had been arranged for the Eagles to keep them in form ahead of the global football fiesta.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FIFA World Cup is scheduled to hold from June 12 to July 13.
He added:“Nigeria is going to Brazil to make sure that we make the entire continent of Africa proud.
“We want to show that African football has grown and improved a lot over the years.
“Under my leadership at NFA, we have done away with short-term planning.
“Instead, we are focused on long-term objectives and planning. Very soon, the team will be moving to the training camp to prepare for the biggest world football event.
“We have arranged top quality warm-up matches for our team to give as much adequate preparations as possible.”
The NFA president promised that no opponent would be taken for granted, saying “all the participating teams are coming to the tournament to win.’’
“Every team will be making preparations and there is no underrating any opponent since there are no more small teams or weak sides.
“Each of the 32 teams that qualified for the World Cup cannot be underrated. We will go to Brazil and set out to give and do our best and see how far that takes us.”
Maigari expressed the hope that a good blend of youths with experienced players would produce positive results for Nigeria.
“What we have done with our team is to mix these young players with experienced ones.
“We did this during the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and it is a strategy that we believe will serve us well,” he said. (NAN)

World Cup Bound African Teams Record Poor Outing In Friendlies

World Cup Bound African Teams Record Poor Outing In Friendlies

Agency Report

— March 6, 2014

Only one of the five African representatives to the 2014 FIFA World in Brazil won its friendly on Wednesday, the day set aside for international friendlies by world soccer’s governing body, FIFA.
PANA reports from Cairo on Thursday that Algeria was the only one of the five to play at home, defeating Slovenia 2-0 to become the only African World Cup team to record a win.
Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria drew their matches while Ghana and Cameroon lost.
The Ivorians played 2-2 with Belgium, while Nigeria played goalless with Mexico, their third draw in as many matches, in the U.S.
The Black Stars of Ghana lost 1-0 to Montenegro, while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were humiliated 5-1 by Portugal.
Following are the full results of all friendly games involving African teams on Wednesday:
Algeria 2 Slovenia 0
Belgium 2 Cote d’Ivoire 2
Montenegro 1 Ghana 0
Portugal 5 Cameroon 1
Nigeria 0 Mexico 0
Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 3
Burundi 1 Rwanda 1
Zambia 2 Uganda 1
Burkina Faso 1 Comoros 1
Mozambique 1 Angola 1
Mauritania 1 Niger 1
South Africa 0 Brazil 5
Botswana 3 South Sudan 0
Senegal 1 Mali 1
Namibia 1 Tanzania 1
Morocco 1 Gabon 1

I’m Not Leaving Before World Cup – Prandelli

I’m Not Leaving Before World Cup – Prandelli

Agency Report

— March 7, 2014

Cesare Prandelli has ruled out the possibility of parting ways with Italy before the World Cup, despite his long-term future being in limbo.
The Azzurri lost 1-0 to Spain on Wednesday in an international friendly as they continue their build-up to the summer’s tournament in Brazil, where they have been grouped with Uruguay, England and Costa Rica.
Prandelli had been linked with a departure from the national set-up in recent months, although the coach claimed in early March that he had changed his mind and wanted to remain coaching the Euro 2012 finalists.
Regardless, the former Fiorentina trainer says that he has no intention of leaving his position before the World Cup and has demanded that the nation steps up to match competition from the likes of la Roja.
“If I find an agreement for a contract renewal, good; otherwise I will still stand firm,” he is quoted by Ansa as saying. “If I left it would be an embarrassment for me: the World Cup is too important.
“Europe moves on quickly and we have to keep in touch with other nations. We do not have big names or big numbers, but we must make up for that with great ideas.
The Italy boss was also heavily critical of his players’ fitness in comparison to Vicente del Bosque’s men and thinks that they were vastly inferior in sharpness compared to the world and European champions on Wednesday.
“At this moment of the season the fitness levels compared to Spain are almost embarrassing,” he told Rai Sport. “We need to work hard, as to play with a high tempo we need intensity in our running.
“We wanted to win the ball back early, we never managed it because we weren’t physically sharp enough. I’ll be honest, I did not expect the players to have these fitness levels.”

Okocha Wants Osaze, Uche, Yobo, Included In World Cup Team

Okocha Wants Osaze, Uche, Yobo, Included In World Cup Team

NAN

— March 16, 2014

Augustin Okocha, former Super Eagles’ prolific midfielder, on Saturday suggested the inclusion of Osaze Odemwingie, Ikechukwu Uche and Joseph Yobo in the team to represent Nigeria at the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Okocha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the trio would apply their experience for the team to perform well in Brazil.
“The three players have been an integral part of the Eagles for long and they are also quality players that play regular competitive matches in Europe.
“They are hardworking players that are aware of the challenges and the expectations of the team in a World Cup competition, especially Yobo and Odemwingie.
“Their experiences really matter in a World Cup setting, while Uche’s call-up will be great because he has been a fantastic player yet to feature at this level,’’ Okocha said.
The ex-international also lauded plans to feature young players in the tournament, describing it as a positive development.
“The young players we parade have proved themselves by qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil. They went ahead to win the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa.
“They are indeed players to write home about. However, the World Cup is a different ball game, so they need to play at top level.
“The World Cup is a different ball game where experience and discipline matter; so a blend of these young players with the older ones, will yield good result,’’ he suggested.
The Brazil 2014 World Cup would begin on June 12.

Defoe Hopes For World Cup Place

Agency Report

— March 17, 2014

Jermain Defoe is hopeful his form for Toronto will see him book a place in England‘s World Cup squad.
The striker scored two goals inside the opening 25 minutes of his debut for the MLS side on Saturday as Toronto beat Seattle Sounders 2-1 in their opening game of the new season.
Roy Hodgson will announce his provisional 30-man squad for the tournament in mid-May and Defoe says all he can do is concentrate on his performances for his new side and hope the manager takes note.
“I think the most important thing for me is just to focus on playing here, winning games, and working hard for the team and obviously, trying to score goals,” he told reporters.
“Obviously with the England thing, you know obviously it’s gonna be at the back of my mind, but I’m sure if someone said to Roy Hodgson ‘you know, if you haven’t seen, Jermain scored two goals,’ then maybe he won’t be surprised.”
Defoe has 19 goals in 55 appearances for England.

Echiejile Believes World Cup Will Lift Eagles

Echiejile Believes World Cup Will Lift Eagles

Agency Report

— March 20, 2014

Elderson Echiejile has said a good showing at the World Cup in Brazil could further boost the careers of Nigeria stars.
“A good performance at Brazil 2014 will help our various careers,” Elderson said on a special Airtel Football TV interview, which was published on his official website www.elderson3.com
“It’s a great honour to represent Nigeria and it could not be any bigger to do that than at the World Cup.
“We have a great team and great players and will hope to make millions of Nigerians happy with our performance at the World Cup.”
Monaco defender Elderson featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even though Nigeria failed to go past the first round, he said it was a thrilling experience.
“It was a great experience to play at the World Cup because I played against world-class players, some of the best players in the world,” he recalled.
He also revealed that he struggled in his first few years in Europe.