EPL Title Race Back On! As Man U Beat Chelsea 2-0 At Old Trafford!! (Match Analysis/Photos)

Tottenham fans at the end of today's match between Man U and Chelsea must have taken their dogs for a walk after a Marcus Rashford inspired side defeated Premier league leaders Chelsea 2-0 at Old Trafford, meaning Tottenham in second place are now 4 points behind Chelsea at the summit of the table.
Jose Mourinho shockingly started with their highest goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench, preferring to start youngsters Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard upfront while Chelsea suffered major blows before kick off, with Thibaut Courtois and Marcos Alonso ruled out due to injury.

Kenyan Football Fan Stabbed To Death Over Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Match

Kenyan football fan was stabbed to death following the match between Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City on Saturday, January 21, 2017. The fan was killed by a rival after an argument erupted while they were watching the match at a bar in Maringo, Kenya. He is said to have been stabbed several times by the rival fan.

SA Rugby Legend, Joost Van Der Westhuizen Now Dependent On Oxygen

South African rugby legend, Joost van der Westhuizen who has been battling with motor neuron disease, is reportedly depending on oxygen for survival. Speaking to Huisgenoot Friday, Joost’s brother Pieter, confirmed that the 45-year-old has been on oxygen for a while but decided to keep it away from the public and for the sake of his two kids.

‘Apparently, he has been placed on oxygen for a while now but decided to keep quiet about it. For the most part, much details about his health were not made public for the sake of his two children, Jordan (12) and Kylie (10). It’s incredibly tough. He’s not doing well, but he keeps on fighting.’

He added Van der Westhuizen, who is widely regarded as one of the game’s finest-ever scrumhalves, having played 89 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2003 and scoring a record of 38 tries, has been suffering from the disease since 2011.

FIFA Appoints Pinnick Into Organising Committee For Competitions

World football –ruling body, FIFA, has named the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, into one of its most important committees – the Organising Committee for Competitions.
Hitherto, the world body had different committees for organization of its several competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFA U20 World Cup, FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, FIFA U17 World Cup, FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Pinnick was a member of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U20 World Cup.However, at its 66th Congress in Mexico City on 12th– 13th May 2016, and in accordance with the revised FIFA Statutes that came into force on 27th April 2016, the model of the standing committees was reviewed, cutting the number from 26 to 9.

The new model has only the following committees: Governance, Finance, Development, Member Associations, Referees, Players’ Status, Football Stakeholders, Medical, Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions.

Pinnick’s letter of appointment, dated 18th January 2017 and signed by Fatma Samoura, the Secretary General, read inter alia: “We are very pleased to inform you that you have been appointed member of the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions. We wish you our sincere congratulations on this appointment.

“The FIFA administration is at your disposal through the following Administration Officer, who will be in contact with you regarding the upcoming meetings and any further aspects relating to your office as member of this committee: Colin Smith, Chief Competitions Officer.

“We wish you great success and enjoyment in this role at FIFA and look forward to welcoming you soon to Zurich.”

The Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions is headed by Aleksander Ceferin, President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The tenure of members is for 2017-2021. In line with the new FIFA reforms, each proposed member of any of the committees was made to go through a comprehensive integrity check conducted by several organisations of global relevance and stature.

Pinnick’s appointment, and in particular the thorough and painstaking checks that he passed with full marks, is a big thumbs –up for Nigerian Football, and puts out the light on the unsavoury innuendoes and deliberate mischief of a few individuals intent on putting the country’s game under a cloud.

As a member of the CAF Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations, Pinnick is presently at the 31st Africa Cup finals ongoing in Gabon, and will be match commissioner for Saturday’s potentially –explosive West African derby between Mali and Ghana.

The new member of the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions, who swivelled through the ranks of football administration (from board member to second vice chairman, first vice chairman and chairman of Delta State Football Association, to Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission before his election as President of Nigeria Football Federation in September 2014), is also a candidate for election into the Executive Committee of Confederation of African Football.

The CAF elections will take place at the 39th Ordinary General Assembly of the organization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 16th March.

Goalkeeper Suffers Horror Injury After Taking A Boot To The Head

Whitehawk suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Dulwich Hamlets in the FA Trophy but the biggest casualty was their goalkeeper Tom Stewart who was left with a sizeable bump after taking a boot to the head.

The referee didn't see the incident and it went unpunished much to the chagrin of Whitehawk.

Whitehawk held firm until the 72nd minute before Gavin Tomlin scored two goals in the space of three minutes, followed by a third from Ashley Carew soon after.

Stewart, 21, took to Twitter soon after the final result to show off the seismic lump that had appeared on his forehead and also apologise to fans for the disappointing loss.

John Mikel Obi Named New Captain Of Tianjin Teda And Given No 10 Jersey (Photos)

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!

See What Twitter Users Are Saying After Former Man U Coach Louis Van Gaal Announced Retirement

The football world woke up this morning to hear that  veteran coach, Louis van Gaal has decided to retire from management after over 20 years.

It brings down the curtain on a terrific career, and Man United fans, who have very fond memories of the eccentric Van Gaal took to Twitter to talk about their former coach. He was a real character, and the world of sports will miss him. See more Tweets after the cut.

NFF Must Package Alex Iwobi And Iheanacho Well, As They Are The Future Of Super Eagles - Kanu Nwankwo Said

Former Super Eagles captain and Arsenal legend, Kanu Nwankwo, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation to take proper care of Arsenal player Alex Iwobi and Man City starlet, Kelechi Iheanacho, as the pair are the new pillars of football in the Super Eagles and if they keep up with their form at their respective club sides, the future is bright for the Super Eagles.

“Nigeria football is coming back to the glorious days that we used to know. We have young players that  are playing well in their clubs. Alex Iwobi is a player I have watched and I see him as someone that is cool headed and he  listens to whatever you tell him to do and takes it on board. He works hard too. He’s got the talent and he can do it' Kanu said to Sporting life. 

“My advice to him is not to be carried away by his current form  and the accolades that has been following his impressive  performances week in week out in the English Premiership. He is just starting. If he can keep it up and also double up his efforts he is going to reach where we want him to reach and he is going  to be  a good product for the country. 

“Kelechi Iheanacho is doing very well too. Whenever he comes  in or starts for his club Manchester City or the Super Eagles he  keeps scoring goals which a good striker is known for. With what I have seen from these boys, I think the national team has a future  and that is why I said in the next one or two years the Eagles will  be there and bounce back to reckoning. 

“This, however, depends on how we do as well as manage things in the country. It is left for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to package the  players and the national team well”, Kanu said

See Champions Leicester City's Position On The EPL Table (Photo)

Leicester City, by this time 365 days ago were topping the premier League Table.. Anyway, does anyone notice Chelsea's position? Go Chelsea! (Winks)

I Stayed In Chelsea For 11 Years, So I Hope To Retire At My Chinese Club- Mikel Obi Declares

Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi, who scored in his new Chinese club, Tianjin Teda's 6-2 loss to St. Pauli on Saturday has revealed that he hopes to stay in his new club and retire there after spending 11 years at London club, Chelsea.

Mikel shocked the football world early this month, when he announced he'll be leaving Chelsea to join Tianjin Teda and has now seamlessly clicked with his new club's fans, staff and his team mates. He has even been named as captain of the Chinese club, as the club sees him as their best player.

“If the club will not let me go, I hope to stay until the end of my career, TEDA will be my last stop,” Mikel told Tianjin Times Online News.

“I would like to stay here for a long time, so I hope everyone here maintains the harmonious relationship.''

Mikel also added that he is looking forward to facing Tianjin Quanjian who recently signed Axel Witsel from Zenit St Petersburg.

“If the world-class players are willing to play in the Chinese Super League, it will help the local players and if that happens here, TEDA players will, and indeed other players in other teams will make the level for the national team more better,”  

“I know he (Witsel) joined another team in Tianjin. We both want to win our first game but it’s not about about a particular player. 

“The Super League is growing and that’s why the English Premiership feels they are in crisis, even Wenger has frankly admitted that sooner or later the CSL will threaten the Premiership status. 

“TEDA is not a top team, I’m hoping they improve well and I hope my arrival will ultimately enhance the team to win the league. This is what I want to do at TEDA. 

“This cannot be achieved by one person alone, we need the efforts of all the players to improve the overall level of the team to the highest level.”

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike Host Wrestling Tournament In The State (Photos)

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, hosted a female and male wrestling tournament at the Sharks football stadium in the state Saturday. The competition was between wrestlers from Rivers and Bayelsa states. 

 

See More Photos:

Barcelona Sack Club Director After He Claims Lionel Messi Won't Be So Good Without Neymar And Iniesta

A Barcelona club director has been sacked by the club after he claimed Lionel Messi wouldn't be so good without the help and presence of teammates Iniesta and Neymar, comments that the club claimed didn't agree with the club's own line of thought.

Lionel Messi has 18 months to run down on his current contract with Barcelona and has been linked with a transfer out of the club. Following recent comments by a Barca director that they need to be financially sensible to decide whether to keep Messi or sell him, the club is eager not to do things that'll further increase tensions between Lionel Messi and the club and acted swiftly to relieve the director of his duties.

 Pere Gratacós, a Barca club director, who was head of Sports Institutional Relations with the Royal Spanish Football Federation, made the comments after the Copa del Rey quarter-final draw.

 Gratacos claimed Messi would not be as good without his teammates, despite the Messi's role in the win over Athletic Bilbao , .

"Leo is one of the most important people in the team, but it's not just about him," he said.

"He would not be as good without [Andres] Iniesta, Neymar and company, but Messi is the best."

Th club released a statement saying; "FC Barcelona have dismissed Pere Gratacos as head of institutional sporting relations with the Royal Spanish Football Federation for having publicly expressed a personal opinion that does not match that of the club after the draw for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey held today in Madrid," the Catalan club said in a bizzare statement:

"The decision has been taken by Albert Soler, director of professional sports, who will assume these functions directly from now on."

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria To Start At Home Against S/Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the roster for the 2019 CAF Nations Cup, and Nigeria, who missed out on AFCON 2017 starting Saturday, is set to face South Africa in it's first qualifier game at home in Group E, a group soccer analysts believe Nigeria can easily navigate through. Nigeria and South Africa are in Group E with Libya and the Seychelles, Nigeria will end it's qualifying campaign at home.

See the full qualifiers after the cut.

Group A Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Sao Tome or Madagascar 

Group B Cameroon, Morocco, Malawi, Comoros or Mauritius

Group C Mali, Gabon, Burundi, Djibouti or South Sudan 

Group D Algeria, Togo, Benin, Gambia 

Group E Nigeria, South Africa, Libya, Seychelles 

Group F Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

Group G Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Zimbabwe, Liberia 

Group H Ivory Coast, Guinea, Central African Republic, Rwanda 

Group I Burkina Faso, Angola, Botswana, Mauritania 

Group J Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Swaziland 

Group K Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia Group

 L Cape Verde, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho

Chelsea Coach Antonio Conte Breaks Record, Wins 3rd Consecutive EPL Manager Of The Month Award

Antonio Conte, Chelsea's coach has been rewarded for his team's excellent run in the last month after he was given the EPL Manager of the month award for December. With this award, Conte is officially the first manager to win the ward three months in a row, following his award wins in October, November and December.

The Italian, beat off competition from Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, to pick up the award. After receiving the award, Conte said:

"I’m very proud," he tells Chelsea's official website.

"It’s a great honour for me but I want to say thanks to all of my players, my staff and the club because we won the award together. Now it’s important to continue to work very well together. "I enjoyed my first Christmas period a lot. This type of atmosphere only happens in England and it was fantastic. I hope to experience it again many times in the future. 

"When you win you usually see a lot of positive things and every game was different. We won six matches and to do that, especially in December, is very difficult. "If I had to pick out one game I would choose West Brom, because it was very tough and we scored with 15 minutes remaining. My players showed me great character and a strong will to win right until the end that day, which I always like to see."

Real Madrid Break Barcelona's Record As They Go 40 Games Without A Loss

Following Real Madrid's pulsating 3-3 draw with Sevilla last night, Zinedine Zidane's men have now broken a record once held by Barcelona. Real Madrid started the game poorly, losing 3-1 to Sevilla, but their incredible spirit ensured they rallied together to end the game 3-3.

Madrid have now broken Barcelona's record of 39 unbeaten games and have now gone 40 games without losing in all competitions. A new record in Spanish football!

Super Eagles & Chelsea’s Victor Moses Hails Coach Antonio Conte For 'Best Year In His Career'

Nigeria/ Chelsea winger Victor Moses has heaped praise on Chelsea coach Antonio Conte for transforming his playing style this season, saying he never believed he could play the wing-back role, and that with every match he feels better and more confident at the position. Chelsea have been on a winning run, using Conte's preferred 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation where Moses has excelled as a wing back despite losing recently to Tottenham.

Moses has been one of the players to benefit the most from the tactical set-up.

‘I’ve never dreamed of playing in this position in my life, but I’m enjoying it and I think it’s probably one of the best positions to be honest. The more games I’m playing there, the more I’m improving,’ Moses said.

‘I’ve never played this formation before but I’m getting used to it and I feel I’m getting better and better with every game. 

‘I’m delighted with the way we’re playing, not just me but the whole team, with the formation the manager has brought. He’s played the game and he knows how to organise his players. 

‘Last year was one of the best in my career and I’m delighted with that and it’s thanks to the manager who gave me the opportunity to go out there and express myself. He gave me that chance, I grabbed it and now I want to keep enjoying my football.

Rivers United FC Gets Jersey Sponsorship Deal Of N10m As They Bid For Champions League Football

Rivers State owned football club, Rivers United FC, who won the Super Four tournament and will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions league this season have announced that they've received a new shirt sponsorship deal worth N10m from Eunisell Nigeria Limited. The company, which majors in Oil and Gas, made the N10m shirt sponsorship donation on Thursday during the club's Jersey Unveiling ceremony in Lagos. Managing Director of Eunisell, Chika Ekenga, said:

"We are extremely pleased with Rivers United for their achievement this past season. Their fans have been fantastic and I hope they can be rewarded with the league title this new season, "  

"We are encouraged by the good performance of Rivers United and in keeping faith with our promise to stay with the club whether they fall or rise. We have renewed our shirt sponsorship agreement with them irrespective of the economic situation in  Nigeria. 

"We are confident that their recent success provides them a strong platform to become not just the winners of the NPFL but continental champions."

Pogba Missed Out On The FIFA Team Of The Year By Just Two Votes

In case you're wondering how the most  expensive player on the planet didn't make FIFA's team of the year, world football's governing body has an explanation. In an announcement, FIFA said:

'The closest call was the third midfield position, with Kroos narrowly beating Pogba by two votes'. 'It is the smallest margin ever in the 12-year World XI history to decide on inclusion in the World XI.'

Before his big money move to Manchester United, Pogba helped Juventus to a fifth straight Serie A title and reached the final of the Euros with France. The FIFPro World XI  was dominated by players from Real Madrid and Barcelona, Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer is the only player from outside the two Spanish giants to make the cut.

Swansea Hoping To Complete Deals For Tottenham’s Tom Carroll And Norwich’s Martin Olsson

New Swansea boss Paul Clement is looking to kickstart their survival bid with moves for Tottenham midfielder Tom Carroll and Norwich defender Martin Olsson, according to the Telegraph.

Carroll, 24, has been on the fringes of the Spurs team this season and could be available for £8million, while the paper reports that Swansea have agreed a £5m fee for left-back Olsson
Olsson, the Sweden international, is expected to complete his move to Swansea by the end of the week. His arrival should hasten Neil Taylor’s departure, with Crystal Palace understood to be keen.

Retired Pro Footballer, Jay-Jay Okocha Tries To Get Back In Shape Through Tennis

Nigerian former professional football, Augustine Okocha, aka Jay-Jay is trying to get back in shape this 2017. He made his intentions known to his fans by sharing a photo of himself playing tennis, along with the caption: "Getting back to shape".