NPFL return: Heartland must check distractions -Dike

Former Heartland coach Alphonsus Dike has expressed optimism that the Owerri based side will return to the elite division, adding however that distractions must be kept at arm’s length if the dream is to be achieved.

The Nazi Millionaires according to him had no business going on relegation, noting that clash of interest was allowed to take the center stage at the expense of football and good of the club.

"I believe the club can come back, but they have to get their acts together. Last season was full of distractions for the side and if they can keep that away, then their sojourn at the lower league will be short which means immediate return to the elite division after one season,, “he said 

The former Golden Eaglets coach who has been described as an all-rounder following his wealth of experience in the league, said it is not out of place for a club to have a few hiccups but such drawbacks must not be allowed to affect the players and the club.

 "The interest of the club and the state should be paramount because if a club does well both in the local league and in the continent, it is a plus for the club, the state and the country," he added 

Aside from Heartland Dike has in the past coached current league defending champions Rangers International, Nasarawa United of Lafia and FC Taraba among others.

Fans lack of loyalty worries Odemwingie

Former Super Eagles forward Peter Odemwingie can short of describing soccer fans as politicians on Wednesday, noting that they appear to have permanent interest and not permanent friends.

 The Rotherham United forward observed in a chat with Premier League Daily that most fans don't reckon with injured players or players being shipped out by their clubs for whatever reason but are only concerned with players that are playing on current form describing it as lack of loyalty to the players who prior to have some obstacles may have been doing everything possible to lift the club and put smiles on the faces of the fans.

"Personally, I will always take the side of the player because you can't go against the club, you are just an individual," the 35-year-old said

"You will get to a stage where if the club chooses to move you, sometimes a club gets a transfer list of players they don't want, but fans don't stick up for those players who the club said they did not want.

"They are showing no loyalty to those players that maybe came back from injury and all they think is that they want to go for better players," he regretted

Odemwingie infamously attempted to secure a Deadline Day switch from West Bromwich Albion to Queens Park Rangers in January 2013, which saw him drive to Loftus Road despite no fee being agreed between the clubs.

He was subsequently disciplined by the Baggies for his actions, but did return to first-team action under then-manager Steve Clarke before sealing a move to Cardiff City In September 2013.

Bahamas 2017: Beach Eagles know opponents February 28

Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will know their group and opponents at the forth coming FIFA Beach World Cup billed for Bahamas on February 28.

The  Beach Soccer World Cup will hold from April 27 to May 7th.  Already hosts Bahamas, Tahiti, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Nigeria and Senegal have picked their qualifications while the remaining eight teams will emerge after qualification tournaments in the coming weeks.

World Soccer ruling body FIFA noted in a release Tuesday that it is exactly 100 days to the Bahamas 2017 where 16 teams will face off on the white sands of The Bahamas.

To mark the milestone, Prime Minister of The Bahamas the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, other Bahamas government officials and members of the media will soon tour the new beach soccer stadium, which is nearing completion.

“The Bahamas is the first country in the Caribbean to host a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, a huge honor for us. With just 100 days to go, we are moving full steam ahead with our preparations and are working hard to ensure that the local community buys into this world-class event that will showcase The Bahamas’ sun, sand, sea and sports, and of course, our amazing culture and hospitality to the rest of the world,” said Jeffrey Beckles, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman.

“The beginning of the 100 day countdown means that the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 is just around the corner. It will come very quickly, and we are all looking forward to it. It is a very exciting moment and it is great to see how the event is firmly walking onwards, building up to what will be a spectacular sports festival,” added Joan Cusco, FIFA Beach Soccer Committee Member.

Recall that Nigeria beat Morocco 6-1 en-route qualification for the event which has been described as marriage of entertainment and sports.

Moses looking forward to FA cup 4th round

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses is still basking in the euphoria of Chelsea's 4-1 demolition of Peterborough United in the Federation Cup third round Sunday.
Although Moses was an unused substitute in the encounter he believes the victory was well deserved revealing that he is looking forward to the next round. He expressed delight that the Blues were able to return to winning ways after their winning streak was dented by a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham last week.
"Great to get back to winning ways today. Looking forward to the next round #CFC," he said on twitter after the match that saw teammate Pedro getting a brace with Michy Batshuayi and William completing the goal harvest. Consolation goal for the visiting League One side came in the 70th minute Tom Nicholas. The fourth round of FA cup will be played on the weekend commencing Saturday January 28. Chelsea will face league defending champions Leicester City on Saturday where Moses will face compatriot    Ahmed Musa who was in superlative form for his side in the FA cup, scoring two goals within five minutes against Everton at the Goodson Park. Ironically Everton enjoyed 65% possession which unfortunately fetched only a lone goal by Romelu Lukaku in the 63rd minute.

Eagles vs Lions clash: Oyongo, Bassagog fire warning shots

Super Eagles players and their technical crew may have to keep an eye on indomitable Lions duo of Ambroise Oyongo and Christian Bassogog ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in August.
 The duo who will be on duty for Cameroon at the 2017 Afcon in Gabon have continued to display super form which coach Hugo Broos believes will ultimately rub off on the World Cup qualifiers. The duo grabbed two goals in 11 minutes as the Lions handed DR Congo a 2-0 defeat in a friendly played at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo on Thursday as part of the shape up for Afcon kick off on next Saturday. Oyongo a left back who plies his trade with MLS side Montreal Impact equally scored in his side’s 3-2 defeat of Toronto FC just before his call for national assignment. Bassogog on the other hand who plays in the midfield for Danish club AaB incidentally scored the only goal that saw the side defeat Lyngby last month.
 There are indications that Coach Broos hopes to use them to spring surprises while attention of would be opponents remain on regular strikers. Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr who is scheduled to be in Gabon for the Afcon, will no doubt have his eyes on Oyongo and Bassagog among others in the Cameroon line up and Riyad Mahrez who few hours ago emerged African Footballer of the year on the Algerian's side.
Cameroon occupy the second position in Group B of the qualifiers with just two points behind Nigeria while Algeria Zambia have a point each.