Welcome To Dipo Liadi's blog: February 2016

17 February 2016

Manchester United Have Concluded Mourinho's Deal - Harry Redknapp

Speculations are flying around Manchester and has the hours fly pass daily it seems Mr Mourinho coming to Manchester United is fast becoming a reality as former coach and analyst Harry Redknapp as confirmed that the deal is done.

Manchester United have concluded negotiations that will see Jose Mourinho take over as the next manager of the club, according to Harry Redknapp.

With Louis van Gaal under pressure due to a lack of consistency with results and conservative playing style, the Portuguese has been widely touted as the Dutchman's replacement.

Coach of Clemensnäs IF from Swedish Women's Football Division 2, Perpetua Nkwocha who is a former Nigerian international has been rumoured to take over the coaching job of the Super Falcons.

Former international Perpetua Nkwocha will soon be named coach of Nigeria women’s team, the Super Falcons, to be assisted by another ex-international Ann Chiejine.

One of Nigeria's all-time greats, Nkwocha has bagged her coaching badges at her base of Sweden, while former international goalkeeper Chiejine has been assistant coach at Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingoes.

Ronaldo walked out on the press in Roma but his responses before he left are certainly admirable. "Who else has scored more goals away from home than me since I arrived in Spain", "name one player who has scored more than me" and all the journalists were unable to respond.. lol

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was riled by comments about Barcelona's forwards and reacted angrily when asked at a news conference on Tuesday about his away goals drought ahead of the Champions League tie at AS Roma.

Anything can happen in Nigeria's football house, we have seen coaches been promoted and demoted and its not new again in the country.

Let us put the records straight, Amuneke was Garba's assistant when he won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 before Garba was promoted to handle the flying Eagles. Now that the former assistant has achieved the same height, Manu Garba has been demoted back to coach the Eaglets while his former assistant Emmanuel Amuneke has been promoted to now coach the Flying Eagles.... what a decision, amazing decision!!!

Obagoal will earn a bumper pay when his deal at Shanghai Shenhua is completed. The Nigerian international is keen for the big pay and sources say his former pay at Seattle has been doubled.

Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins will enjoy one of his biggest pay days when he joins Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua as he will pocket twice what he was on at MLS side Seattle Sounders.

The 31-year-old Martins was on $3 million at Seattle Sounders, making him the second highest earner at the MLS club behind US international Clint Dempsey.

Mikel caused a free kick 21m to Chelsea's goal post and deflected the kick into his net but the Nigerian international scored a goal back in added time in an unusual manner.

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink said he believes Mikel Obi's away goal in a 2-1 defeat against PSG in France could be key in determining the team progress to the quarterfinal of UEFA Champions League.

Mikel cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's opener before substitute Edinson Cavani earned a 2-1 first-leg win for the hosts at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

True Or False? Diego Simeone Accepts Chelsea Coaching Job

For a very long time Coach Diego Simeone has been tipped and linked to the hot seat at Stamford Bridge and reports confirm that the action filled gaffer has accepted the offer but can he escape the ruthless sacking approach of Abrahimovic when the ups are down?

Diego Simeone has informed Atletico Madrid that he will leave the club at the end of the season to take over at Chelsea, according to OK Diario.

Benfica finished second in Group C behind Atletico Madrid to reach the knockout stages while Zenit finished top in Group H ahead of Gent to reach the knockout stages.

This is the first time Benfica have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2011/12. That season, they were eliminated by eventual winners Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Zenit have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the third time in the last five seasons (2011/12, 2013/14, 2015/16). However, they have never made it past the Last 16.

Meeting for the third consecutive time, pundits now believe that the Paris outfit is now more rated than Chelsea in Europe after the London club has fallen from grace to grass in the EPL.

Paris SG, who finished second in Group A behind Real Madrid, have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season, their best ever run. They were eventually knocked out in the quarter finals in the last three campaigns.

Chelsea, who qualified top of Group G ahead of Dynamo Kiev, have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons.

Watford's all time Premier League highest goal scorer Odion Ighalo has stated that his toughest opposing defender in the league so far is Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal claimed a 3-0 win at Watford when the teams clashed back in October last year and Ighalo remembers getting very little out of the game due to Koscielny’s presence.

"I think I have faced a lot of difficult defenders this season,” the Nigerian told reporters.

Ogenyi Onazi who plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and SC Lazio has pleaded to Nigerian football fans to support the Eagles as they host the Pharaohs next month at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna in a must win encounter.

Nigeria need at least four points from the home and away tie with the Pharoahs of Egypt to stand a chance of qualifying for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Gabon.

However, Onazi has expressed confidence in the ability of coach Sunday Oliseh to come up with a crack side for the clash, claiming that all hands will be on deck to do Nigeria proud.

Mr controversial has come out after admiring Neymar to promise his fans that he will name his soon coming son after the talented Brazilian. Only time and chance can tell.

Popular sports anchor Oma Akatugba is known for his love for Barcelona with Neymar being one of his favourite players. Oma posted a vine video of Neymar and promised his fans that he would name his son NEYMAR.

We certainly know that Neymar is a Brazilian and with the trend of Nigerians naming their kids after great names in the world Oma will certainly not be the first.

The League is about to start as NPFL champions Enyimba will on Wednesday face Federation Cup holders Akwa United in the annual Charity Shield match at the Abuja National Stadium. The Charity Cup is just the same with the English Community Shield.

Akwa United are brimming with immense confidence following a run of marvelous results, including beating better–fancied Lobi Stars to win the Federation Cup and conquering fellow continental campaigners (Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa in two rounds of the Super Four organised by the League Management Company.

Nigeria's wining coach, Samson Siasia is preparing top friendlies for the African conquering Dream Team VI ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Here from Siasia...

“We are working on a friendly against Brazil for next month, we will get more details about this game next week,” said Siasia.

The match was earlier scheduled for last year in London, but was later shelved after the Nigeria Olympic team complained it was too close to the U23 AFCON in Senegal.

Premier League's top substitute goal scorer Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed his confidence that the Manchester club can still win the title despite being six points below Leicester.

Manchester City are now six points behind leaders Leicester City, but Nigeria youngster Kelechi Iheanacho has insisted they could still fight back to be EPL champions this season.

On Sunday, Iheanacho came off the bench to score his third EPL goal but it was not enough as City fell 2-1 to title chasers Tottenham Hotspur.

Oh dear, a referee got killed after issuing a red card to a player, the player left the field, took his gun from a bag and shot the ref three times... one will wonder why he owns a gun and how he got it to the field.

A football game played between neighbors in Argentina ended in bloodshed. A player shot and killed a referee and wounded another player Sunday in the Campo de la Ribera area of Cordoboa, Argentina, according to The Mirror’s Rita Sobot. Police say referee Cesar Flores, 48, showed the assailant a red card for making a heavy tackle on an opponent. The player, who is at large, then retrieved a gun from his bag and shot Flores three times.

Sources have revealed recently that recalled Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins has made a money move to join Shanghai Shenhua in China. His chances of playing for the Eagles might be cut short due to this move.

A few top players have moved to the Chinese league recently in mega money deals with the likes of Brazil and Chelsea's Ramires, Texeria taking the lead.

Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins is waiting for an entry visa to China to complete his move to Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

Ex Chelsea Star Florent Malouda Set To Debut Against Zamalek In Egypt

Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda is set to make his debut for Egyptian Premier League side Wadi Degla against Zamalek on Sunday.

Egyptian media reports suggest that the 35-year-old has become the highest profile player to join an Egyptian team in their history.

Malouda joined Degla, who are owned by ambitious businessman Maged Sami, on a six-month deal last month.

Manchester United's recent defeat at Sunderland might be the end of the road for Coach Louis Van Gaal has the Sun reports that Jose Mourinho might move in to save the club as the club are six points below City rivals who lies in fourth position.

Saturday’s 2-1 capitulation at Sunderland alarmed the club’s board. But just as concerning was Louis van Gaal giving up on a top-four spot. United had been ready to stick with the Dutchman, 64, until the summer.

Now they believe they will lose nothing by swooping for the ex-Chelsea boss before their next league game at home to Arsenal on February 28.

Wenger's believe that Arsenal can win the Premier League this season was renewed yesterday after two of his substitutes got the equalizing goal and the wining goal which helped to push the Gunners to 2 points behind the table leader.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confessed that he had glimpsed the grim apparition of Premier League title failures past during his side's nerve-jangling 2-1 victory over leaders Leicester City.

At halftime of Sunday's table-topping showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Leicester led 1-0 through Jamie Vardy's penalty and Arsenal were staring down the barrel of an eight-point deficit to the summit.

Arsenal vs Leicester City Preview: Match Facts, Statistics & All You Need To Know

Leicester is 1st on the EPL table while Arsenal is on 3rd with the gunners trailing the foxes with 5 points below. Both teams have advantages but statistics prove that it might be though for Wenger's men in a must win encounter.

On the last 11 occasions that Arsenal have faced a team that was top of the Premier League, they have won just once (D4 L6) and scored only four goals (conceding 18).

Alexis Sanchez has scored four goals in his three Barclays Premier League games against Leicester City.

Nigeria's representative in the CAF Confederation Cup and the FA Cup winner Awka United has began the campaign with a win after shooting down Vita Club Mokanda on Saturday in a preliminary round first leg game.

This is Akwa United's maiden appearance on the continent and they have started well on away soil.

Returnee striker Ubong Ekpai scored the only goal of the game in the 37th minute.

Sunderland Fires Adam Johnson Over Sexual Abuse

England star Adam Johnson has been fired by Sunderland after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child in an ongoing court case. The English star might face a lengthy jail period if found guilty.

"In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect," Sunderland said in a statement. "The club will make no further comment."

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, but denied two other charges, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

U17 world champions Nigeria will begin another continental quest when they face next-door neigbours Niger in a second round qualifier in August, but their qualifying pool also has Algeria, Libya and Gabon.

Algeria and Libya will do battle in the first round between June and July, before they face Gabon in the second round in August.

The overall winners will then battle the winners of the clash between Nigeria and Niger in September to determine the qualifier for the tournament to be staged by Madagascar in April 2017.

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United: Watch The Goals & Highlights

NFF: Troubled Oliseh Fires Back At Critics

Troubled Nigerian coach Sunday Oliseh has fired back at his critics and asking them to check his records. The one time stubborn captain of the Super Eagles his set to give it back to his critics fire for fire.Will a fire response approach help to keep Oliseh's job? Only time will tell...

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has dared his critics, saying he has gone on the offensive after they continued to fuel speculations about his future in charge of the Super Eagles.

“Now it’s the time to attack,” declared Oliseh on a U-Tube clip.

Former Super Eagles and Arsenal star Kanu Nwankwo has been named as part of world's top football legends. With several silverware and awards to his name Kanu is the most successful footballer to come out of Nigeria.

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) have named Nwankwo Kanu in the top 48 legend of football worldwide.

IFFHS released the first phase of the list which includes Brazilian greats Pele and Ronaldo da Lima.

Wenger has admitted that Leicester City are now favourites to win the Premier League title this season. The French man believes that the Arsenal-Leicester clash will be crucial in deciding the title..

The Gunners' 2-0 win at Bournemouth was their first in five league games and moved Wenger's side up to third place, five points adrift of Leicester before next weekend's meeting between the two teams.

The Arsenal manager believes it was crucial his side ended their dismal recent run but is convinced they will now meet Claudio Ranieri's side with renewed belief.

Sunday Oliseh Has A Big Pay Off Clause In His Contract With NFF

Will the NFF really consider sacking coach Sunday Oliseh? The answer seems like a big no has the clause in his contract will help ensure the ex-international gets a fat pay off..

Broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will have to be ready with a handsome pay-off should they fire the country’s coach Sunday Oliseh.

Oliseh’s future as Super Eagles coach is up in the air after the country’s disappointing showing at CHAN 2016 in Rwanda and his unguarded utterances ever since.

Poor goalkeeping, sloppy defending and two missed penalties by Guinea cost them as Ivory Coast emerged 2-1 winners to take bronze at the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) on Sunday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ivory Coast started the match without two experienced defenders, Mahan Goua and Yace Marius who were both ruled out due of injury. They had both been part of Ivory Coast's five matches en-route to the final, commanding 802 minutes between themselves.

Abdoulaye Karim Cisse also started in goal ahead of Badra Ali Sangare, the latter saved a penalty against Mali before faltering as Yves Bissouma scored Mali's winner in the semifinals.

Manchester City 1-3 Leicester City: Watch The Goals & Highlights

Oliseh, NFF Agrees On Kaduna Venue For Egypt Clash

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has agreed for the Super Eagles to welcome Egypt to the northern city of Kaduna in a crucial AFCON 2017 qualifier next month.

Media reports have suggested that Oliseh rejected Kaduna, arguing instead that the all-important AFCON showdown be played in Port Harcourt.

However, a source close to the embattled coach said this was not true.

Manchester City Lists Kelechi Iheanacho In Champions League Squad

Nigeria's wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho has been listed by Pellegrini to join City's UEFA Champions League squad. The club has previously over looked him but recent performances have helped him earn a space.

Iheanacho, who netted a treble weekend in a cup game against Aston Villa at the Villa Park, has replaced recuperating Samir Nasri in a 25-man squad submitted by Manuel Pellegrini.

"Yes, he (Iheanacho) will be in the squad,” said Pellegrini on Kelechi's inclusion in the Champions League squad.

Super substitute Abdulaziz Awakan was the stoppage time match winner for Akwa United as they stopped Nasarawa United in the opening game of the Uyo leg of the pre-season Super 4.

Akwa United moved to the top of the standings with seven points from four matches, while Nasarawa remain on five points.

Three minutes into stoppage time, Kufre Ebong drove through the Nasarawa defence, before he picked out Awaken inside the box to stab home for the only goal of the game.

NBA: Cavs Hold Players Meeting To Call Off Grievances

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best mess in the NBA for some time. Despite their gaudy record and nearly assured path to the NBA Finals, the team has expressed concerning body language and worrisome quotes, well before the blowout loss to the Warriors and the firing of David Blatt.

However, after a faceplant loss to the Chicago Bulls in their first game after firing Blatt, the Cavs have rattled off four straight, including their most impressive win over the Spurs Saturday night. Now ESPN reports that in the aftermath of Blatt's firing, the team held a players-only meeting, spearheaded by their three stars LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, and not only cleared the air, but established a measure of accountability ... for everyone. From ESPN:

Nigerian striker, Abiola Dauda has left Dutch Eredivisie club, Vitesse Arnhem and has teamed up with Scottish Premiership club, Heart of Midlothian.

Dauda arrives on a loan deal which is subject to to an international clearance.

The 27-year-old has previously played for Red Star Belgrade and Kalmar and won league titles during his stay in Serbia and Sweden.

Coach Oliseh has failed in his first major test after Nigeria's poor exit at CHAN 2016. His second major test is to unseat Egypt in a double leg encounter in a bid to qualify Nigeria for the next nations cup. Can Oliseh do the magic over the Pharoahs?

Egypt coach Hector Cuper has revealed that he knows his lineup that will face Nigeria in March when both sides meet in a crucial 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Cuper revealed this to the Egyptian Football Association official website after the Pharaohs finished their two friendly games against Jordan and Libya last week.

Johanna Konta has broken into the world's top 30 for the first time ever after having an unexpected outing in the Australian Open.

Konta, 24, jumped from 47 to 28 in the WTA world rankings after reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where she was beaten by Angelique Kerber.

The German, who stunned world number one Serena Williams in the final at the weekend, moves up to second.

Odion Ighalo's team mate Guedioura has said that free scoring Ighalo can't be replaced at Watford. Ighalo has scored over a dozen goals for the club and he is the all time leading EPL goal scorer for Watford.

Watford midfielder Adlene Guedioura has labeled Nigeria international Odion Ighalo 'irreplaceable' after the netted the winner for Watford in a FA Cup fourth round game.

The Nigeria international now has 15 goals and three assists this season, giving him a key role in 62 per cent of his team’s 29 goals.

17 February 2016

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02 February 2016

01 February 2016