Welcome To Dipo Liadi's blog: December 2015

30 December 2015

Leicester City 0-0 Manchester City: Watch The Highlights

Arsene Wenger Sure Of Gunner's Premier League Title Chances

Arsene Wenger is optimistic about Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier league after this season. The London club won the league 11 years ago in an unusual style.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League table at the halfway mark of the campaign with 39 points from 19 games, level with Leicester City, but three points clear of Manchester City and four ahead of Tottenham. Traditional rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea meanwhile are all seemingly already out of the title race.

Wenger is not getting carried away, but knows Arsenal are in a good position to win their first Premier League title since 2003-04.

The Youths and Sports minister of Nigeria Solomon Dalung has called on the two warring fractions of the NFF to allow peace reign.

Fourteen months ago when the issue of the genuine NFF President erupted the Chris Giwa led group was forced out by the then government with a promise of reviewing the whole matter.

With the promise of the government being inactive the Giwa led group has threatened to sack the Pinnick led NFF through the back door.

FIFA Presidential contestants are set to hold a public debate which will reveal what each candidate has in stock for the troubled footballing body.

According to sportingintelligence.com, American broadcaster ESPN wants to host the event in London on 29 January.

The election for the next head of world football's governing body is due to take place on 26 February in Zurich.

Warri Wolves striker and Home Eagles captain Gbolahan Salami has caused speculations recently when the striker refused to return back to camp in Abuja. The highest goal scorer has opted out and his set to pen an overseas deal.

Nigeria league hotshot Gbolahan Salami has said he hopes to tie up a move overseas next week and so opted out of the CHAN Eagles training camp in Abuja.

A source informed: “Salami is still very much in Nigeria but he believes that by next week he would most likely seal a transfer abroad.”

Globe Soccer Awards: Lionel Messi Wins Year 2015 Best Player Award

Lionel Messi, Bartomeu and Barcelona were the big winners at the 2015 Globe Soccer Awards after the Argentine out shined his arch rival to pick the award from him.

The Argentina captain beat off competition from last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to be named Best Player of the Year.

"Obviously I am very happy to be here and delighted to win this award but as always, the most important thing is the collective, the team," Messi said after receiving the award on Sunday.

Stephen Curry Named AP Male Athlete Of The Year

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was named the Associated Press 2015 Male Athlete of the Year on Saturday. In the past calendar year, he's become the NBA's Most Valuable Player, led the Warriors to their first championship since 1975 and then, improbably, improved. The version of Curry we've seen in the past few months has been demonstrably better than last season, which is the biggest reason for Golden State's historic 28-1 start.

Sweden and Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he could continue his career in Qatar at the end of his PSG contract in 2016.

The 34-year-old's existing contract with the Ligue 1 champions is due to expire at the end of the season and he has yet to make a decision on his future.

Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with a move to MLS, but he has hinted that a move to the Qatar Stars League is an option as well.

NBA: Warriors 89-83 Cavaliers

Even when all those long-range shots aren't falling like usual, the defending-champion Golden State Warriors showed they are quite comfortable grinding out wins.

Draymond Green had 22 points and 15 rebounds and the Warriors got defensive in their NBA Finals rematch against Cleveland, beating the Cavaliers 89-83 on Friday.

''It's good to have one of those every so often,'' guard Stephen Curry said. ''If our defense shows up, we're in pretty good shape to win games. We just show our versatility and try to win different ways.''

Free scoring Odion Ighalo is close to equaling the record of Yakubu Aiyegbeni in the EPL. Odion scored his sixth goal in five consecutive Premier League matches.

Odion Ighalo netted his 13th goal for English Premier League side Watford in a 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Ighalo fired home in the 56th minute off a massive deflection by his marker Gary Cahill. Watford remain in seventh place on the table with 29 points from 18 matches on the back of this draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 2-2 Watford: Watch The Goals & Highlights

Aren't They Cute? Oma Flaunts Christmas Family Photo

International sports journalist Oma Akatugba recently posted a christmas family picture with his wife and daughter.

Unlike most colleagues who puts their family into the hidding, Oma his proud of what he has, even his followers can close their eyes and tell you the names of the Mr Oma's family.

Like a saying "if you have it you flaunt it". See another picture after the cut.....

Chelsea have won seven and lost none of the last eight meetings with Watford in all competitions.
The last meeting between these two teams came at Stamford Bridge in last season's FA Cup 3rd Round, which the Blues won 3-0.

Chelsea are unbeaten in the Premier League on Boxing Day since 2003, winning six and drawing four matches since then.

Watford have won just two of their last 13 league matches played on Boxing Day (W2 D4 L7).
Watford have already equalled their entire points tally from their last Premier League season in 2006/07 (28).

After various speculations Coach Ladan Bosso has been finally appointed as the manager of El Kanemi Warriors

Former Abia Warriors coach Ladan Bosso has been appointed new coach of Nigeria premier league side El Kanemi Warriors.

Bosso takes over from Kelechi Emeteole, who ensured the Maiduguri club were not relegated this past season after they finished 13th on the league table with 49 points from 38 matches.

Liverpool have won four and lost none of their last six Barclays Premier League games against Leicester City.

Liverpool have never lost at home in the Premier League on Boxing Day (W5 D3), but Leicester were one of the teams to earn a draw back in 1996.

Leicester were unbeaten in their last nine Boxing Day matches before returning to the top flight (W4 D5). However, they have won just one of their last 10 fixtures on this day in the top division of English football (W1 D3 L6).

Stoke City have won just one of their 14 Barclays Premier League matches against Manchester United (W1 D2 L11), but have lost just one of the last four at home (W1 D2 L1).

The Potters have never kept a clean sheet against Man Utd in the Premier League.Stoke have won three and lost three of their seven Premier League games on Boxing Day.

Manchester United have won 18 of their last 19 fixtures played on Boxing Day (W18 L1). Wayne Rooney has scored on Boxing Day in the last two years (two goals v Newcastle in 2014, one goal v Hull in 2013).

It looks like Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's farewell tour will stop in Toronto in February. The 20-year veteran leads all players in the first returns of All-Star voting, the NBA announced on Friday. Merry Christmas, Kobe fans.

Hiddink's targets for the Blues are incredible but achievable, 4th place position in the league, Champions League & FA Cup trophy. Never say die...

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has set his players the target of chasing an unlikely double and fourth spot in the Premier League.

The Dutchman takes charge of the champions for the first time in his second stint in charge in their Boxing Day clash against Watford at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea: Guus Hiddink Set To Axe Under Performing Players

GuusHiddink has sent a clear warning to Chelsea players as the new coach is set to axe any player that under performs.

New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has laid down the law to his players, telling them they have an obligation to succeed.

The 69-year-old was speaking ahead of Watford's visit, his first game in his second stint back at the club with ex-boss Jose Mourinho sacked last Thursday.

Relegated Taraba FC players had to sleep outside the state house for 10 days before they could see the Governor. 10 days!!! just to see a Governor?

Is this not injustice? The Governor has now promised to pay just two months out of 11 months salary outstanding.

Players of troubled FC Taraba have agreed to call off their protest over 11 months' unpaid salaries after a frosty meeting with their sponsor, the Taraba State government, on Wednesday.

As the January transfer window is about to open Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has been tipped as one of the top players that the big clubs will come for.

The Premier League's January sales are fast approaching - but this season's topsy-turvy table will make for a few unexpected twists in the transfer market.

Leicester City have defied all odds to lead the way at Christmas and other less-fancied clubs such as Crystal Palace, Watford, West Ham and Bournemouth are exceeding pre-season expectations.

Van Gaal To Media: You Need To Apologize For Saying My Sacking Was Imminent

Louis Van Gaal hit out at the media today and asked them to apologise for spreading news that he will be sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal demanded an apology from the media on Thursday for reports that he was set to be sacked as manager of the Premier League club.

Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure since Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Norwich City, with stories suggesting that the Old Trafford hierarchy had sounded out Jose Mourinho as a possible replacement.

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his dissatisfaction over calls for Van Gaal's sack and the French man also feels sorry for his bitter rival Jose Mourinho.

Arsene Wenger has described the ongoing speculation linking Jose Mourinho with Louis van Gaal's job at Manchester United as "disrespectful" but says he was sorry to see the Portuguese depart Chelsea last week.

Mourinho parted company with the Premier League champions on Thursday after a rocky start to their title defence.

Basket Ball great Kobe Bryant has named the top five players he has ever played against in the NBA

In a conference call on Monday, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant named his top 5 opposing players and teams, adding that it was difficult not to pick more, via ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

Super Eagles and Gent forward Moses Simon will get married to Miss Sarah in Ibadan on the 29th of December 2015.

Super Eagles star players and officials are on the list of expected guests at the occasion set to hold at the city of Ibadan in Oyo State. Some members of his club from Belgium will also be at the event.

No Mourinho Agreement With Manchester United

Super star agent Jorge Mendes as denied any agreement between Jose Mourinho and Manchester United.

Manchester United have not approached Jose Mourinho about replacing Louis van Gaal and there is no agreement between the two, according to agent Jorge Mendes.

The Portuguese has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford following his departure from Chelsea last week.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini remained defiant on Monday despite being banned from football by Fifa. Both men vowed to keep fighting in their own defence after being suspended for eight years over an ethics violation.

Blatter, Fifa's president since 1998, said he had been "betrayed" by the ethics committee which levelled his suspension and accused judges of ignoring key evidence he believes should have cleared his name.

The 79-year-old Swiss national said he would "immediately" appeal to a Fifa committee against the ban, before taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne if need be.

Arsenal vs Man City Preview: Head To Head, Match Facts & Statistics

Arsenal have lost just one of their 18 Barclays Premier League home games against Manchester City (W11 D6 L1), but have won just one of the last six (W1 D4 L1).

Manchester City have lost 22 Premier League games against Arsenal, their joint-most defeats against any opponent (along with Chelsea).

There have been five red cards in the last five Premier League matches between Man City and Arsenal at the Emirates.

Oma Akatugba is at it again. After predicting failure for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League Group stage last match against Olympiacos the out spoken sports presenter has come out again to nail the Gunners.

Oma has said Barcelona will slaughter Arsenal. Most Arsenal fans won't like this at all and some will want to ask Oma to keep quite after his prediction of Arsenal falling out of the Champions League failed when the red Londoners fired three goals to proceed to the last 16.

Should Oma keep quite over his predictions when it has to do with Arsenal? That's a question for you to answer.

German footballer Mesut Ozil sees Arsenal picking all three points against Manchester City in tonight's clash.

Ozil who is in super form also insisted that the Gunners have what it takes to stand the test of time against Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Gbolahan Salami led Eagles will be allowed to go on Christmas break as the training camp of the home Eagles will be closed on Wednesday and re-opened on Saturday.

Super Eagles goalkeeper coach Alloy Agu stated that the boys know what is at stake in the CHAN tournament in Rwanda in 2016. The boys are presently in camp in Abuja and will be expected back after Christmas.

“I want to believe that they players know what is at stake, I equally believe they have Nigerians at heart as well as their expectations at the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda.

Basketball star Derrick Williams has confirmed that a jewelry that worth $750,000 was stolen from his apartment in Tribeca

This is what the New York Post said:

Knicks forward Derrick Williams was robbed of $750,000 in jewelry at his Tribeca apartment early Saturday — and he's blaming two women he took home from a Meatpacking District club earlier in the evening.

FIFA has finally delivered a judgement on Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter. The duo have been suspended from all football activities for eight years.

Eight years! That might not mean anything to much for the 79 years old Blatter who was set to quit FIFA before but the former FIFA President will have to bow out in shame. Its been hectic for him to condone the embarrassment that has followed this scandal as the aged man even acknowledged that the situation almost took his life.

For Michel Platini it's a big blow as the French man was well positioned to become the new FIFA President. This might mean that Platini might also loose is sit as the President of UEFA. Read the full statement from FIFA after the cut...

2013 winner of the BBC sports personality of the year has picked up the award again in 2013. Murray beat the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Tyson Fury to the award.

The 2013 winner inspired Great Britain's tennis team to a first Davis Cup victory for 79 years. Rugby league star Kevin Sinfield was runner-up, with heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill third.

Scot Murray, 28, won 361,446 of the 1,009,498 votes cast (35%), with Sinfield getting 278,353 (28%) and Ennis-Hill 78,898 (8%).

We reported yesterday that Osimhen has favoured Wolfsburg ahead of Arsenal. A close source has revealed that Victor Osimhen is 90% close to joinig Wolfsburg.

An adviser to FIFA U17 World Cup sensation Victor Osimhen has given by far the strongest indication yet that the youngster is headed for Wolfsburg after he said it is now “90% certain” he will join the German club..

Osimhen has sparked off a multiple of offers since his record-breaking 10 goals at the U17 World Cup in Chile in November with his handlers narrowing their choices to two – Wolfsburg and Arsenal.

Suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter believes that the charges against him will be dropped by the FIFA ethic committee.

Sepp Blatter expects all of his corruption charges to be dropped following his Fifa ethics committee hearing. The Fifa president has been suspended along with his Uefa counterpart Michel Platini over a payment made to the latter without a contract in 2011.

On Monday, Fifa will announce the extent of the Swiss over the corruption charges but he says he has already been told by the judge that they would be dropped.

After scoring his 12th Premier League goal for Watford against Klopp's Liverpool former Nigerian international and Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo was full of praises for the young Nigerian.

Kanu who played for several years in the Premier league knows what it means for a striker to hit double figures in the EPL and much more scoring in four consecutive matches.

Papilo couldn't hold the joy as the generous legend came out to hail Ighalo. See what he said after the cut..

Real madrid 10-2 Rayo Vallecano: Benitez's Men Rain Riot At Bernabeu

Cambuur 4-1 Excelsior: Ogbeche Hits Double To Lift Struggling side

Free scoring Ogbeche has become the hero of his team Cambuur in recent matches as the Nigerian has been scoring the goals which have become crucial to the struggling side.

Nigeria striker Bartholomew Ogbeche was again the hero of his struggling Dutch Eredivisie team Cambuur on Sunday when he scored twice to secure a 4-1 win at Excelsior.

The 31-year-old striker has now scored nine goals in 14 league games this season.

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo striked twice to help lift Watford to a point below the 4th position as klopp suffered another massive defeat in the title race.

Two goals from Odion Ighalo helped to give Watford an impressive 3-0 win over Liverpool at Vicarage Road on Sunday, their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph.

A dreadful mistake from Adam Bogdan, who was replacing the injured Simon Mignolet in Liverpool's goal, allowed Nathan Ake to score a simple opener.

After various speculations in the past days Carlo has said he waited to get Bayern's top job. The calm coach will be at the helms o affair after the close of the present season.

Carlo Ancelotti has responded to being confirmed as Bayern Munich boss next season by stating he is "honoured".

The Bavarians confirmed that the Italian - who has been out of a job since May after being sacked by Real Madrid at the end of last season - would be taking over the reins from Pep Guardiola next term.

Osimhen might be on his way to Joining Wolfsburg after one of his agents confirmed that the young lad likes what he saw at the club. A speedy movement to the first team is also key.

Bundesliga club Wolfsburg now look set to beat English Premier League outfit Arsenal to record-breaking top scorer at the recent FIFA U17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, according to his advisers.

It was learnt from Osimhen camp who are presently in Germany on the invitation of Wolfsburg that Osimhen is impressed with the facilities and ambitions of the German club even though Arsenal have tabled a more tempting offer financially.

The Swans have won none of their last six Premier League home games at Liberty Stadium (D3 L3), failing to score in four of those matches.

Andy Carroll has scored four goals in his last four Barclays Premier League appearances against Swansea City.

West Ham have won three and lost none of their last five Premier League games against Swansea.
West Ham have won four and lost just two of their last eight Premier League away games.

Watford have never won back to back home games in the Premier League. Liverpool have won eight and lost just one of the last nine meetings with Watford in all competitions, including their last four trips to Vicarage Road.

Watford have only conceded in three of their Premier League home games this season, but they have lost on each of these occasions.

Ahead of MD17, only Manchester United (6) have kept more clean sheets at home in the Premier League this season than Watford (5).

Luis Suarez hit the net twice while Lionel Messi had struck a goal earlier to disorganize the impressive Argentines.

The Argentine giants were the stronger side in the first half, pressing Barca and keeping them under pressure in an energetic start.

But Lionel Messi opened the scoring before half-time and the Spanish and European champions never looked back.

Jose Mourinho announced that he will not be taking any sabbatical leave. With some days of football so many clubs have made contact but sources say Mourinho is more keen for the Manchester job.

And, despite leaving the club just one point off the Premier League’s bottom-three, it seems Mourinho is just as in-demand as ever.

The boss is said to have received offers from numerous clubs already, but what are the latest rumours and reports?

Out of job Carlo Ancelotti will re[place Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich in the summer as the former Barca coach prepares for life in the EPL.

Club chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed reports which emerged last week, revealing the Spaniard’s plans to leave the Bundesliga champions at the end of what is likely to be another title-winning season.

The news comes amid strong links with a long-awaited move to the Premier League, with Manchester City, Manchester City and Chelsea - looking for a new full-time boss following Jose Mourinho's sacking - all linked with the 44-year-old.

No January Move For Odion Ighalo - Flores

Odion Ighalo will not be leaving Watford in January. Coach Flores insists that the top scoring Nigerian will not be allowed to leave the club in January.

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has said he does not expect Nigeria international Odion Ighalo and strike partner Troy Deeney to leave the club in January.

The former Nigeria U20 captain has netted 10 goals in the EPL, while Deeney has scored five goals.

Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland: Watch The Goals& Highlights

Jose Mourinho Releases Press Statement After Sack

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has broken his silence after the recent sack. Jose showed gratitude and explained that he won't quit football now.

Read his press statement below:

"Jose Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea Football Club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years. He is immensely proud of his eight trophies at Chelsea, and thanks the fans for all their support throughout his two spells at the club.

Chelsea are back on fire after Jose's Sack, Leicester downs Everton at Goodson park as the leaders are fast becoming favourites. United were shocked by Norwich as Van Gaal's exit could be near.

Chelsea blew away the cobwebs of the last five months of Jose Mourinho’s reign with a convincing 3-1 demolition of Sunderland.

Branislav Ivanovic, who received a less than favourable reception from the crowd for his performances under Mourinho, took only five minutes to rediscover his form from last season as he headed in powerfully from a corner.

The Shehu Dikko led League Management Company are showing signs of concern and player first initiative. Acts like this will certainly push the NPFL up.

LMC chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko spoke to Journalists yesterday about the plight of relegated FC Taraba players who are owed 11 months salaries.

Shehu Dikko made it clear and simple "the money to be paid to the club by the LMC will be paid to the players directly to reduce their burden".

The Super Falcons of Nigeria moved up a place to 37th in the latest Women Fifa world ranking. Despite a poor showing in 2015 the Falcons still managed to move up.

The reigning African champions earlier dropped nine places in September to 38th position due to their exit from the preliminary rounds of the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup in Canada.

Falcons were unsuccessful in a second successive attempt to secure an Olympics ticket and to make matters worse failed to get a medal at the 2015 All African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

Nigerian u-23 star Oghenekaro Etebo recently caught the footballing world with astonishing performance at the just concluded AFCON U-23 championship in Senegal. So many clubs are in for the young lad and a Tunisian club is been rumoured to have placed a bid of $1.2 million.

A top Tunisian club have tabled a $1.2 million bid for Nigeria U23 midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo.
Etebo’s club Warri Wolves have already placed a $2 million price tag on the player.

“An offer of a million dollars is on the table for the player and I have even met with the club here in Tunisia to discuss this,” said Vincent Alumona, who is in Tunisia to finalise Kingsley Sokari’s transfer from Enyimba to Tunisia league leaders CS Sfaxien.

30 December 2015

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24 December 2015

23 December 2015

22 December 2015

21 December 2015

20 December 2015

19 December 2015