Super Eagles winger Chinedu Obasi could be back in action for Schalke 04 in two weeks, the player has confirmed to Complete Sports. . Obasi, who has made 28 appearances for the Super Eagles, suffered a shin injury for the second time in his career last year but says his time in exile will turn out to be a blessing when he returns in a fort night. . “I will be back in two weeks,” he said. . “Sometimes, you think you’ve been hard done but you’ve got to look forward and I’ve learnt a lot from it.” he added.…
Author: David F.
Super Falcons have claimed 100% ignorance to the Thursday, February 12 resumption date for the upcoming All Africa Games (AAG) and Olympics qualifiers. . The National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Gbenga Elegbeleye had directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to open camp on the said date for the African champions to commence preparations for the upcoming AAG, Olympic and World Cup assignments in March, May and June respectively. . The InfoStride findings on Thursday, February 12 showed that none of the Falcons coaches and players is aware of the resumption date as ordered by the NSC top shot. .…
With injury-plagued Real Madrid stuttering, Barcelona appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time and coach Luis Enrique is convinced they can maintain their focus through to the end of the season. . Barca’s 3-1 success in Wednesday’s King’s Cup semifinal, first leg against Villarreal at the Nou Camp was their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions, their longest winning streak since the end of 2010. . As well as being on the verge of a place in May’s Cup final, they are only a point behind leaders Real, who were thrashed 4-0 at champions Atletico Madrid…
After three fruitless attempts in the Caf Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves, head into the competition for the fourth time in search of a better record. . Wolves have been consistent in the competition, but with nothing to show so far. . Ironically, the club which are owned by Delta State government have never reached the group stage of the competition. Their best attempt was the Round of 16 in 2010. . The Warri side begin the quest for the 2015 edition against Burkina Faso’s Racing Club de Bobo-Dioulasso, fondly called RCB.
Paul Lambert described his time at Aston Villa as the “toughest challenge” of his career on Thursday following his dismissal as manager, but expressed pride over his achievements there. . The 45-year-old Scot was sacked late on Wednesday after a run of 10 games without victory saw Villa slide into the Premier League relegation zone. . Reflecting on his two and a half years in the role, Lambert said he had fought a constant battle to satisfy owner Randy Lerner’s instructions for him to overhaul the squad while cutting wages. . “I am extremely proud to have managed Aston Villa,…
Belgium forward Eden Hazard has signed a new five-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea, the Premier League leaders said on Thursday. . “I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” Hazard, who been in dazzling form this season with 13 goals in 36 matches, told Chelea’s website (www.chelseafc.com). . “I always try to give pleasure to the supporters with my style of play and it is nice to know they appreciate my work.” . Hazard was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year last season despite some criticism from manager Jose Mourinho who described him as not a team…
Chris Smalling is confident that Manchester United are good enough to produce much better performances than last night’s showing against Burnley and feels winning games despite playing poorly is the trait of a good team. . Despite a below par performance at home, a brace from Smalling and a penalty from Robin van Persie were enough to help Manchester United register an unconvincing 3-1 win over the Clarets. . Smalling, who replaced the injured Phil Jones in the sixth minute, scored with his first touch of the match and then gave the Red Devils the lead in the 45th minute,…
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini believes his side shouldn’t aim for the Premier League title and instead focus on a top four finish, Goal.com reports. . The 27-year-old was heavily criticised last season under the management of David Moyes, but looks to have proved his worth so far in the current campaign. . However, the Belgium international has revealed that being top of the Premier League is not manager Louis van Gaal’s priority target, as he is more interested in keeping hold of a Champions League spot. . “It is important because Manchester United have to play in the Champions…
Belgium and Zenit St Petersberg midfielder Axel Witsel is keen on securing a move to the Old Trafford club in the summer. . The 52-time capped Belgium international, who has already been linked with a summer move to Manchester, has given the Red Devils a major boost after admitting that he would love to play for them. . According to the latest reports at the Metro, the 26- year-old stated that he ‘has loved the club ever since he was little,’ and after failing to secure a move away from russia in the January transfer window, looks. set to join…
Van Gaal again opted to play under-fire duo Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao up front for United in their 3-1 win over Burnley last night. . Two goals from substitute Chris Smalling and a late penalty from van Persie sealed victory for an unconvincing United. . And Van Gaal has admitted he needs Rooney in midfield because of a lack of options. . Louis van Gaal is happy with Wayne Rooney playing in midfield . “I have to look for the better balance and I think until now because of Rooney we have a better balance in midfield,” he…
Adnan Januzaj has struggled to make an impact under Louis van Gaal at Manchester United this season, but against Burnley he showed promising signs. . For the first time in the Premier League this season, the Belgian was started in a central attacking midfield role behind the striker, a position usually occupied by Juan Mata or Wayne Rooney. . He was incredibly unlucky not to score his first goal of the season, seeing a late effort cleared off the line by Burnley defender Jason Shackell. . Januzaj registered both of his two shots on target, and it was the first…
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal praised substitutes Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera for their contribution in the 3-1 victory over Burnley. . Smalling scored twice and earned the Man of the Match award while MUTV’s David May also included Spanish schemer Herrera on his three-man shortlist. Both pressed their claims for a start in the FA Cup tie at Preston North End next week, even if the overall team performance disappointed the boss. . When asked if the early enforced withdrawal of Phil Jones and Daley Blind upset his side, van Gaal replied to MUTV: “I don’t think the…
Tony Pulis has challenged West Bromwich Albion record striker Brown Ideye to go on a scoring spree after coming back from the brink with a goal. . Ideye’s third goal in Albion colours gave the Nigerian international some real hope of a better future after a difficult first seven months since moving from Dynamo Kiev. . But for the collapse of Carlton Cole’s proposed move from West Ham, Ideye may well have left the club to play his football in Qatar this week. . As it was, he came off the bench to score the equaliser as Albion recovered from…
Tony Pulis has challenged West Bromwich Albion record striker Brown Ideye to go on a scoring spree after coming back from the brink with a goal. . Ideye’s third goal in Albion colours gave the Nigerian international some real hope of a better future after a difficult first seven months since moving from Dynamo Kiev. . But for the collapse of Carlton Cole’s proposed move from West Ham, Ideye may well have left the club to play his football in Qatar this week. . As it was, he came off the bench to score the equaliser as Albion recovered from…
Everton manager Roberto Martinez accused Chelsea’s players of trying to sway the referee during a bad-tempered 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. . Willian’s late winner came after Gareth Barry’s red card and a fracas in which Branislav Ivanovic escaped censure for a clash with Everton’s James McCarthy. . “It’s very clear that what the home team are trying to do is influence the referee,” Martinez told BBC Sport. . Mourinho cut short his BBC interview when asked about Chelsea’s discipline. . A game that looked destined for stalemate came to life in the closing stages after Barry was shown a…
Juan Cuadrado has revealed that the opportunity to play under Jose Mourinho was a major incentive behind his move to Chelsea. . After drawn out negotiations, the Colombian finally arrived at Stamford Bridge on deadline day from Fiorentina in a £26.8m deal. . The winger had also been closely watched by Manchester United who were interested in signing him last summer. . But Cuadrado believes Mourinho is the perfect manager to develop his career and fulfil his ambitions. . And he hopes he can add further Premier League and Champions League titles to the Portuguese coach’s collection. . “Jose Mourinho…
The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals came to a fitting end Sunday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea with out- of- contract Nigeria Manager, Stephen Keshi reckoning that Super Eagles could have made a massive impact if the team had participated in the tourney. Nigeria won the trophy for the third time in South Africa in 2013 under Keshi. But two years later, still under the Big Boss, the same team failed to qualify for the tournament’s finals in Equatorial Guinea where they could have defended their crown. Contract renewal row between the former Nigeria captain and his employers, NFF was…
The trip of the first batch of highly qualified Nigerians for match reading and backroom analysis technique programme in the United Kingdom is assured, as sponsors Taleveras Foundation on Monday released the cheque for the amount of money to cover the trip and the programme. . Chief Executive Officer of Taleveras Foundation, Mr. Igho Sanomi said on Monday in Abuja that his organization was extremely proud to be involved in a process meant to facilitate the rapid development of Nigeria football. . “We are doing this based on our belief that the potential is there for Nigeria football to be…
Stephen Keshi would be announced as the head coach of the Super Eagles in a matter of days, Complete Sports can report. . Indication to this effect emerged yesterday after the technical and development sub-committee of the Nigeria Football Federation met in Abuja to deliberate on Keshi re-engagement and other programmes of the federation. . Chairman of the committee, Felix Anyansi told the media after the meeting that they have recommended to the board of the NFF for approval or otherwise stressing that they have completed their assignment on the Super Eagles. . He said that there is nothing wrong…
West Bromwich Albion striker Victor Anichebe is a serious doubt for today’s clash against Swansea after suffering a groin problem in the warm up at Burnley. . Anichebe played through the pain at Turf Moor but only lasted 18 minutes before he was replaced by substitute Saido Berahino. . The 26-year-old front man has been a regular starter under Pulis and with Albion’s lack of forward options, his latest injury is far from ideal. . Top scorer Berahino and Brown Ideye whose equaliser on Sunday earned the Baggies a point, are the remaining options in attack to face Gary Monk’s…