Nigeria’s ten sporting Achievements worthy of celebration in 2018

In a matter of hours 2018 will belong to history  and give way for 2019 a year packed with sporting action. What were the high points for Nigeria in 2018, check it out!

1. Super Eagles qualification for the 2019 Nations cup even with a game to spare against Seychelles in March 2019. After emerging champions in 2013 under late coach Stephen Keshi the team went comatose failing to qualify back to back for the 2015 and 2017 editions.

 So a return to the ring in 2019 is a relief and getting the qualification without forcing soccer fans in the country to experience hypertension first is tickling.

2. Super Falcons clinching of their 9th title at the African Women Nations Cup in Ghana and also qualifying for the FIFA Women's world cup billed for France in June. The qualification for the world cup could be said to be a semi birth-right for the team having been in every edition of the world cup since inception in 1991.So you could say it is like following the tradition. But their dominance in Africa is not in doubt and they proved it once more by emerging champions in Ghana.

3. Super Sand Eagles qualification for the Beach world cup in Paraguay after finishing as runners at the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Egypt. Their qualification some say came from the never say die attitude of the Nigerian as they did not really prepare before heading to Egypt for the event. The lost to Senegal 6-1 in the final but picked a ticket to the world cup thus having an opportunity to appear at the world stage for the fifth time having been there in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011.

4. Golden Eaglets qualification for the African U-17 Nations cup in Tanzania where they have been drawn against hosts Tanzania, Angola and Uganda in Group A.  They stand a good chance of making it to the semifinals to pick a ticket for the World Cup in Peru. Interestingly Nigeria has won the world cup in this category a record five times, the last being the 2015 edition in Chile though the country failed to qualify for the 2017 edition in India.

5. Return of National Sports Festival: After six years in limbo the National Sports festival made a comeback in Abuja with a private firm partnering with the ministry of sports to make it happen.  After the Eko for show in 2012, Cross River was to take the baton, but that failed to materialise with funds cited as the main problem. Its return perhaps should mark a return indeed.  Delta of course ruled the event as usual even as the debate over the use of elite athletes continues. Why should athletes who have competed in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and etc, be participating in the National sports festival where the developmental is and discover aspect of it all?

Should up and coming athletes with practically no equipment to train be competing with opponents training abroad and having the best of facilities? Does that look like a level playing field? Anyway the return of NSF made the list with Edo to host the 2020 edition.

6. Anthony Joshua clinched the heavyweight unification bout against Joseph parker and has since become a bride that everybody would want to fight. Although he had predicted a knock out but nonetheless got the job by unanimous decision in front of 80,000 spectators at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Should we be counting it, well success has many brothers and as a Nigerian born British boxer we certainly have a stake in his progress.

7. NOC Election took place recently with Engr Habu Gumel emerging its President. It is not as if his election was the super melting point, but the election held with rancour.  It is usual here to fight after elections.

8. The qualification of Nigeria and Africa's first ever bobsled team for the winter Olympics was indeed huge medal or no medal.  US-based trio of Seun Adigun, the team driver and leader, Akuoma Omeoga and Ngozi Onwumere have qualified for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, after completing the fifth of their five qualifying races. It was a solo effort as Nigeria neither had a national team no a federation for the sport before they came on stage.

9. The women basketball team D'Tigeress, made it to the world cup in Spain and bowing out in the quarterfinals after losing 71-40 to USA., and eventually finished in the 8^th place in the classification matches .The team cannot be said to have done badly considering that the NBBF was engrossed in crisis for a greater part of the year.No man goes in pursuit of rats when his house is on fire. Putting crisis aside to do something is something.

10. Nigeria's amputee football team took part for the first time in the Amputee world cup in Mexico after three failed attempts due to financial constraints. 

Even the trip to Mexico did not come easy a lot of cajoling and begging had to be done before the money could be raised for the Goodluck Obieze captained team could make it. 

That they eventually made an appearance is a huge plus and a boost to the players.

Some of the dark spots of the year include NFF election crisis, the NBBF brouhaha and Super Eagles poor run at the World cup in Russia after being voted team with the best jersey as if the occasion was for fashion parade.

Southampton boss laments Obafemi's injury ahead Man City clash

Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhüttl is singing lamentation songs following injury picked up by Nigeria born striker Michael Obafemi ahead of their match against visiting Manchester City on Sunday. 

The former Ireland Republic under 19 star, picked up a knock in training, and missed the midweek defeat to West Ham, while midfielder Mario Lemina, who has also been sidelined lately, returned to play 85 minutes, but wasn't at full fitness.

Hasenhüttl confessed that the Obafemi will be seriously missed describing his speed as a majore asset that can be put into good use.

"Michael Obafemi's injury was picked up in training and is a real pity, because I need him. His speed can always make a difference," the manager confirmed.

The Austrian will however be hoping that the return of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who rejoins the fold after serving his one-match suspension, can make an impact.

"Pierre is a very intelligent player, and he is very important for me. He reads the game very well and we need that."

Obafemi whose brother Afolabi is also a footballer has about six appearances for The Saints scoring a goal in the bargain.

The goal, his first professional goal was recorded in the 3-1 victory at Huddersfield on 22 December 2018 at 18 years and 169 days old, he became Southampton's youngest scorer in the Premier League. 

Manchester City will be going into Sunday's match fresh from two premier league defeats by Leicester City and Crystal Palace respectively. 

Southampton on the other hand are heading into the match with a win and loss in their last two matches.

Different strokes as Ighalo, Idah share family photos at Christmas

With the coming of the social media, festive periods have become a time not only to engage and share but also to show off some impressive moments. Footballers, artists, musicians and indeed people from all walks of life seldom miss the opportunity to inform their fans and followers alike what is going on in their lives and what they are celebrating.

Premier league players often take this to the next level as they upload all manner of celebrations with their WAGs (Wives and Girl Friends).  Everybody except the anti-social media group (I doubt whether there is a group like that) have caught the bug, so occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, special awards and special feats are all social media materials.

However while these posts may tickle the celebrant and some of his friends, other may not find the posts funny, which explains why reactions differ from person to person.

Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo posted an adoring picture of his family in line with the mood of the season. 

No doubt the Watford ace currently in search of a new club following the relegation of Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai Football Club has got a beautiful family and with a fitting well-tailored outfit you can't expect less.

For the Ighalos, that may pass as one super photo for the season. Re -twitted by @Phatill Dec 25 who agreed that it was an impressive family album, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah via @IdahPeterside did not hesitate to raise a question while reacting to the adoring pix. Hear him; we know you have breast why show us?"

Different strokes for different fellows you may want to say.

Pastor Idah on his part also had a family photo to share with father mother and child looking radiant.

On the pitch Ighalo who has ruled out any chances of settling for a second division club fillers say may consider a return to Watford should they offer come early January.

Ighalo played for Watford who currently occupy the 10th place in the English premier league table from 2014–2017, scoring 33 goals in 82 appearances.

NOC: Rancour free election thrills Engr Habu Gumel

President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC)  Engr Habu Gumel is singing Hossana in the highest following a rancour free election of the Committee held on Thursday in Yola, Adamawa State. 

Gumel who was returned unopposed described the successful election as a good omen noting that rancour should not even be found in the dictionary of sports as it distracts not just administration of the industry but also the athletes who are the main actors in sports.

I am happy about the election, I was elected unopposed.  It was like a family affair and we are all happy with each other. We are united and we will hit the ground running come January. 

On his assessment of outgoing 2018 the former Deputy General Manager (Engineering Services) Federal Housing Authority (FHA) identified the outing Nigeria’s women’s bobsled team, consisting  the trio of Akuoma Omeoga, Seun Adigun and Ngozi Onwumere, at the Winter Olympics  in Pyeongchang, South Korea as a major achievement, noting that the ladies succeeded boosting the nation’s image by their participation.  

Nigeria was not the only country that was impressed by the ladies outing but even the International Olympic Committee (IOC) commended their effort.

Gumel who reeled out a catalogue of events in which Nigeria will be participating in 2019 running into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, urged every stakeholder to put hands on deck to enable the country put up a good show.  

He expressed hope the Ministry of Sports and all stakeholder will cooperate all the way while agreeing with those who opine that preparation for 2019 and 2020 events should begin in earnest.

Close watchers of events in the sports industry however say the every stakeholder must intensify prayers ahead of the 2019 election as its outcome and post-election activities will determine to a great extent the way forward for the country and its athletes. 

A  sports enthusiast who simply identified himself as Saheed,  expressed delight that the election went without rancour. "It is good to hear that the NOC election went without the kind of disgrace we witnessed in that of the football house and even the Basketball federation both of which put the nation in bad light.

This is good and worthy of commendation.  However we must all pray for free and fair election next year because its outcome and aftermath will affect a lot of things including the sports industry.  

You can hardly post anything on social media today without getting a barrage of attacks by those who don't share your opinion as if it has become an offence to have a different opinion. 

It tells you how polarised the nation has become with virtually everybody turning into an attack dog and getting agitated and the slightest provocation we need prayers and we need to imbibe the Olympic spirit," he submitted

The New NOC Exco has a brand new PRO in Femi Adetula who replaced incumbent Tony Ubani who stepped aside after back to back tenure.  Adetula was picked ahead of former PRO Tony Nezianya who incidentally stepped down for Ubani in 2010.  

New NOC TEAM

Engr Habu Gumel -President

Solomon Ogba - 1st Vice

Francis Orbih-2nd Vice

Tikon Ishaya-3rd Vice

Banji Oladapo -Sec Gen

Mohammed Abdullahi -Deputy Sec Gen

Bappa Aliyu- Treasurer

Femi Adetula-PRO

Col Sam Ahmedu (Force Member

Africa Player of the Year: Iwobi makes top 10 list

*Musa, Ighalo, Rohr, Eagles out!

Super Eagles and Arsenal winger star Alex Iwobi made the top 10 cut Friday as Confederation of African Football announced the short list considerations for the prestigious award.

 Iwobi was the only Nigerian in the top 10 men's category with national teammates Ahmed  Musa and Odion Ighalo who had made the initial 30-man list missing.  Iwobi who has become a regular for the Gunners in recent times has also been very impressive in national outings.

The trio of Iwobi, Musa and Ighalo featured at the last world cup in Russia with Musa and Iwobi getting some pass mark despite Super Eagles poor run in Russia while Ighalo was hauled basket of stones for missing begging chances.  

He however returned with a bang to contribute in no small measure to the team's qualification for the 2019 African Cup of Nations the venue of which is yet to be announced.

In the women's category, Asissat Oshoala and Onome Ebi remained in contention after making the 11-women cut off.

Leicester City midfielder Wilifred Ndidi who missed Nations cup clash against South Africa following caution made the three man cut for Youth Player of the year, just as 9-time African Champions Super Falcons made the cut for female national team of the year alongside Cameroon and South Africa.

In the Coaches category German tactician Gernot Rohr failed to make the 3-man cut which has Aliou Cisse (Senegal) Herve Renard (Morocco) and Moine Chaabani (Esperance). Rohr's Super Eagles also failed to make the top three where

Madagascar,Mauritania and Uganda hold sway.  

Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby however continued to keep hope alive in the Women's coach of the year where he will battle against Desiree Ellis (South Africa) and Joseph Brian Ndoko (Cameroon)

The shortlisted nominees were decided by votes from the members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee.

The final phase will involve votes from CAF Media Experts, Legends, Coaches of the quarter-finalists of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and Coaches & Captains of the 54 Member Associations.

The Awards Gala, to honour footballers and officials who distinguished themselves during the year under review, will be held on Tuesday, 8 January 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.

Senegal edge out Sand Eagles to clinch Nations cup trophy

The popular saying that Thunder does not strike twice at a place was proved wrong Friday in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt as Super Sand Eagles suffered a second defeat in the hands of their Senegalese counterparts to finish second at the Beach Africa Nations Cup.

The sand Eagles it will be recalled lost their opening match against Senegal 4-2 but gave a good account of themselves in subsequent matches to make it to the final picking the World cup ticket along the line.

 Senegal sacked   Morocco in the semifinals to set up another rematch against Sand Eagles and again proved to be the masters of the game winning 2-1 on Friday to lift the trophy.

Many however say the Nigerians have deserve a huge pat on the back for putting up a good show considering their make-shift preparation

Friday's final which attracted a lot of beach soccer lovers saw Taranga Lions taking a 2-1 lead into the second period and holding tenaciously to the lead as Sand Eagles fought to the finish with intent to turn the table to no avails.

The Sand Eagles were particular busier than the bee in the third quarter but Taranga Lions refused to crumble soaking all the pressures and holding to the lead with every strength available.

Super Sand Eagles grab World cup ticket beat Egypt 7-6

Call it a combination of luck and tenacity and you will be correct as Super Sand Eagles Wednesday defeated hosts Egypt in the semifinals of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations to book a place in the final and also qualify for the world cup in Paraguay.

The team that left the country on a quite side with no known outstanding training ahead of the championship lost held on in their energy sapping encounter with Egypt to emerge victorious 7-6.  

The team had started the championship on a losing note against Senegal but then defeated Libya 6-3 in what could pass for a bounce back tie.

 In the second semifinals billed for tomorrow, Senegal will take Morocco to determine who will play Nigeria in final on Friday December 14.

A number of fans reacting to the Super Sand Eagles feat believe die hard attitude and the much talked about Nigerian spirit led the team to the finals, noting that if based on training and preparation they ought to take first from behind.

One of the fans on social media said "Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles have beaten hosts Egypt and qualified for the final of the CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations as well as the 2019 Beach Soccer World Cup. No camping. No training. Bahbu! Just sheer grit and a hefty dose of "WE DIE HERE!"

The Nigerian beach soccer team will be hoping to improve on its past achievement in Paraguay not withstanding their lack of preparation.

 Below is a list of their achievements since 2006, posting their best world stage outing in 2007 when they reached the quarterfinals in Rio De Janeiro Brazil losing 3-1 to Uruguay and 2011 in Italy where they lost 10-8 to Brazil after extra time.

2006 Season

CAF Beach Soccer Championship: runner-up

2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: group stages

2007 Season

CAF Beach Soccer Championship: champions

2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: quarterfinals

2009 Season

CAF Beach Soccer Championship: champions

2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: group stages

2011 Season

CAF Beach Soccer Championship: runner-up

2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: quarterfinals

We can only reduce not eradicate racism-Ikpeba

Former international Victor Ikpeba has declared that the problem of racism in football can only be reduced but cannot be eradicated.  

The former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund ace noted that the vice has eaten deep into the fabrics of some people that it will be easier for the camel to pass through the eye of the needle that to have it eradicated completely.

He made the submission while reacting to racist remarks directed at Manchester City star Raheem Sterling by 60 year old Chelsea fan from Beckenham Colin Wing. 

Ikpeba a regular on he Monday Night football, said many footballers across the globe experience it but just manage to live with it. "It is always there and many footballers experience it. It cannot really be eradicated it can only be reduced," he submitted

Sterling who has so far scored 39 goals for the Citizens in over 110 appearances maintained he had to raise alarm over the incident not only for his own sake but for the sake of younger players who are likely to face the same embarrassment in future.

Although die-hard Chelsea fans Colin wing has appologised for the act, the soccer world nonetheless condemned it calling on the world soccer ruling body to intensify action against racism for the good of the game.

Wing,was caught on camera screaming insults at the Manchester City player in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday  but he denies the abuse was racist.

Mr Wing said: ‘I’m deeply ashamed by my own behaviour and I feel really bad. But I didn’t call him a black c***, I called him a Manc c***.

‘I’ve been going to Chelsea for 50 years now and, because of where I sit, I’m picked up on the camera most weeks. If I had a history of saying this sort of thing I would’ve been caught by now'.

The football fanatic, whose Facebook account is full of references to Chelsea, is also active on Twitter where his biography says: 'If you learn from your mistakes, why am I so stupid?'

Dual Citizenship: Victor Nsofor celebrates Italian passport

Nigeria international and former Cape City forward Victor Obinna Nsofor has joined the league of players with dual citizenship.

The former Olympic team captain has acquired an Italian passport taking to the social media to thank God and all those who made the dream come true for their contributions.

He wrote:

"I want to thank God almighty for doing this for me �� thank you Jesus for loving me so well�� I also want to appreciate everyone that has help me in one way or the other to achieve this, I’m grateful, and to my lovely queen @anastasija_radi thank you always for making me smile, I love you ❤️ io sono italiano �� "

The post was accompanied with a picture showing the former Lokomotiv Moscow ace displaying his new passport while driving.

Nsofor who began his international career with Italian side Chievo in 2005 had a short premier league romance with West Ham united on loan in the 2010-2011 season.  

He joined South African side Cape Town City in 2017 in a move that did not last the distance

An elated Nsofor did not only express delight at getting the Italian passport but also released a short video to display dancing steps to celebrate the occasion.

In February this year Cape Town City Chairman John Cumitis announced that the Nigerian international had left the club adding that  the exit bothered more on off the pitch issues.

Though Nsofor had a poor run of goals and appearances during his short spell with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit, Cumitis said the biggest issue was that the player could not settle to life off the pitch, because he failed to get entry visas to South Africa for his wife and child.

Consequently, Nsofor was released from his contract at Cape Town City after just five months in the Absa Premiership, after he was lured to the club by their coach, Benni McCarthy, who was his teammate during their days together at West Ham United of England.

The former Inter Milan, attacker had hoped that return to   South Africa could lead the way back for him into the Super Eagles, ahead of the World Cup in Russia, a dream which could not come to pass.

Most of his fans who reacted to the achievement wished him well while advising him to obey the rules of his new country. 

Falcons awaits opponents drop one point in FIFA ranking

Super Falcons dropped a point in the latest FIFA ranking despite emerging champions at the just ended African women Nations cup in Accra Ghana. 

The ranking dished out Friday, indicate that the Coach Thomas Dennerby tutored side dropped from 38 in the world to 39th in the world but remained number one in the African continent.

The two other African flag bearers to the 2019 World cup in France however moved slightly up the ladder but still remain below Nigeria.

AFWON runners up Bayana Bayana moved up two places from 50 to 48 while Cameroon moved up three places from 49 in the world to 46 in the world.  

Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana and Cote d Ivoire  are the top five in Africa in that order while USA, Germany, France, England and Canada are the top five in the world in that order. 

Meanwhile the 24 countries that will do battle in France will know their opponents on Saturday.  

African representatives are in pot 4 alongside Argentina Chile and Jamaica.

 Pot 3 has Korea Republic, China, Italy New Zealand, Scotland and Thailand.  Netherlands, Japan Sweden

Brazil Spain and Norway make up Pot2 while Pot 1 has hosts France, USA, Germany, England, Canada and Australia.

Only four countries have won the Women's world cup since its inception in 1991, with USA having the highest wins of three times, 1991, 1999 and 2015.

Germany won the title back to back in 2003 and 2007 while Norway and Japan won in 1995 and 2011 respectively.

 Falcons have been part of every edition posting their best performance in 1999 when they made to the Quarterfinals.

World Cup largess for Enyimba and Ifeanyi Ubah

The 2018 world Cup in Russia may have come and gone but the financial blessing from it is still rolling in. Premier league clubs Enyimba and Ifeanyi Ubah are to pocket $118,860 about  N42.7million each for having their one and only player Ikechukwu  Ezenwa at the world cup. 

Ezenwa it will be recalled was the only player from the local league that made Coach Gernot Rohr's 23-man squad to Russia where Nigeria failed to go beyond the group stage. 

While the Nigeria professional football league could boast of just one player, the Tunisian league and Egyptian leagues respectively provided more players thus earning more.

 Formidable clubs like Zamalek, Ah Ahly, Club Africain, Esperance, Etoile sportive known for making waves in the continent all earned millions of dollars for parading local players. 

Prior to the world cup the need to include more of the local players in the team for exposure and blend took the center stage among fans and analysts alike in Nigeria, but the national coach stood his ground.

In a recent interview however the German tactician said the local league players remain in his plan adding that his assistants have been mandated to keep track of the players doing well in their clubs with a view to giving them a chance prove their skills in the national team especially ahead of the 2019 Nations cup and the 2022 World cup in Qatar respectively.

Four Eagles four falcons make CAF best players list

*Rohr, Dennerby make coaches list

Despite what has been dubbed in some quarters as not too impressive form of the Nation's senior teams Super Eagles and Super Falcons, no fewer than eight Nigeria male and female players have been nominated in the CAF's 55-man parade of best players in the continent.

The soccer ruling body in Africa Friday dished out a list of 34 male players, 15 female players and six male youth players who will battle for recognition at the awards Gala billed for January 8 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.

Although the list will ultimately be gradually cut down to the last 10 all the way to the last three, being named among the best on the continent is no doubt an achievement on its own.

Leading the pack of Super Eagles players in the list is the master of speed on pitch Ahmed Musa who has been tipped in some quarters to make it all the way considering his impact at the last World cup in Russia as well as other outings afterwards.  

Others are China based Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi and Wilifred Ndidi who was named in the youth player of the year category.

In the ladies department expectedly former Arsenal ace Asissat Oshoalla led the pack with Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Odegar and Onome Ebi also in contention. The girls who have garnered some points for picking a ticket to the world cup in France will further add some icing on the cake on Saturday if they brush aside Bayana Bayana to clinch the African women Nations cup in Ghana.

It was not however all about players as Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr also got a nomination in the coaches’ 10-man parade that also has Aliou Cisse who led the Teranga Lions to the last world cup in Russia. 

Thomas Dennerby who is hoping to win his first trophy with Super Falcons on Saturday, made the 5-man list of Women's coach of the year. 

While the Super Eagles failed to make it into the national male team of the year, Super Falcons will battle it out against Cameroon, Mali Ghana and South Africa.

World Cup Ticket: South Africans close shops for Bayana Bayana

Despite failing in their bid to hand African Champions back to back defeat at the just ended African Women Championship in Ghana, Bayana Bayana of South Africa got a breath-taking reception on Sunday. 

The coach Desiree Ellis tutored side touched down at the Oliver Tambo International Airport to behold their countrymen and women completely takeover the gallery and every available space to chanting various welcome songs. 

Although their compatriots had high hopes when they departed for the Championship in Ghana after well-coordinated preparations the hopes hit the roof tops when they defeated Nigeria in the opening match a feat which was interpreted as a warning shot that they have come to Ghana for one purpose, to lift the trophy. 

But a rematch in the semifinals in the battle of Accra saw the masters of the game, Super Falcons rise above the pressures to return the trophy the 9th time they will be clinching the trophy.

A number of the fans who had trooped out to welcome the Rainbow city girls home said they gave the championship their all adding that picking one of the tickets to the world cup in France remains the ultimate.

Although some sports analysts believe the Falcons performed below their capacity on a good day, the team nonetheless held their nerves to carry the day after 120 minutes of play eventually sealed with a penalty shootout.

The analysts and fans are however unanimous that the team must be beefed up and tinkered into proper shape with quality friendly matches ahead of the world cup in France.

Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon will fly Africa’s flag at the championship, and will know their world cup opponents on Saturday when the draw will be made in Paris.

Dennerby yet to get N72million accumulated Salary

Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby may have been captured on camera smiling away and exchanging banters following the team's qualification for the World cup in France, but that is not to say that he is a very happy man.

 The Swede Sportinglife.ng gathered is still full of grudges as a result of his 8 months unpaid salaries amounting to $200,000 (about N72million). The coach is on a monthly salary of $25,000.

Dernneby who will be winning his first trophy with the Super Falcons should he succeed in flying past South Africa at the AWCON final on Saturday, has forced  divided opinions among Nigerians and Super Falcons fans alike.

While some believe that the former Sweden national women Coach has made some input into the team others say he has been more like an observer or better put a scout just watching proceedings from a quiet corner.

Some others not satisfied with the team's performance despite their qualification for the world cup, however blamed the unimpressive performance on age, insisting that some of girls have lost the agility for which they were known.  

The moribund women league in the country was further blamed as it should have been a source of identifying younger players that can easily replace aging ones.

While the chicken and egg argument continues, close pals of the coach reveal he is losing patience over his unpaid entitlements, hoping that his salaries can be paid on one hand, and that quality friendly matches can be arranged for the team ahead of the World cup billed for France in June. 

Falcons take on Bayana Bayana in the finals of Ghana 2018, the second time both teams will be meeting in this this edition.  

The South Africans had defeated the Falcons by a lone goal in the group stage and will be hoping to re-enact that feat in the final while the Falcons will be hoping to prove that the first defeat was a slight slip.

Mo Salah joins anti animal export campaign in Egypt

If you think Liverpool goal machine Mo Salah is only concerned about scoring goals for the Reds and thinking about winning laurels, you are wrong.

 On the contrary, the former Roma and Chelsea ace is equally paying blow by blow attention to things happening at home, Egypt. 

Following recent report that the Egyptian government is planning to round up stray cats and dogs for export, Salah has joined in the campaign against the move, insisting that such a policy will not be allowed to take place in the land of the Pharaohs.

Salah Tuesday took to the social media to pose for a picture with his two pet cats in order to protest the proposed move against cat and dogs.  

Those campaigning against the move expressed fears that if the animals are exported they might be shipped to places where they will be butchered and eaten.

The Liverpool star posted a snap on Twitter with his two pet Siamese cats, along with the caption: 'Cats and dogs will not be exported anywhere. That's not going to happen.'

According to news agency Al-Araby, the Egyptian government has authorised the rounding-up and export of 4,100 stray cats and dogs to other countries, leading to concern they could be sent to places where they would be eaten as food.

A spokesman for the Egyptian Agriculture Ministry has however been quoted denying these claims as 'baseless'.

However that has not stopped Salah, Egypt's best-known footballer, from confirming his status as an animal lover and supporting his feline friends.

Salah in the post was seen relaxed with his pets ahead of Liverpool's return to Champions League action Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain.

A win would all but confirm their place in the last 16 but defeat would leave them staring at early elimination.

Amokachi identifies with future stars in Badarawa

Former international Daniel Amokachi tickled the fancy of students and future stars at a local school in the Badarawa District of Kaduna state Tuesday. 

In what could pass for 'going back to the roots' outing, the former Everton star revealed how delighted he was to see smiles on the faces of the students after he handed them Educational Backpack. 

The Bull as he is fondly called took to his twitter handle to upload a video of the said visit sealing the post with #KeepingItReal, #1girl1pen.

"Visited A School Inn Badarawa District Kaduna State Were I Was Born & Handed Out Educational Backpack,Very Nice To See Smiles On Our Leaders Of Tomorrow... #1girl1pen #Eduplus #TheBlackBull #KeepingItReal"

The effort of the former Super Eagles Assistant coach did not go unnoticed as former Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu was among the first set of viewers to like the initiative. 

The Bull's effort is coming just few days after Super Eagles Captain

John Obi Mikel launched his catch them young foundation aimed at discovering young players to be nurtured into world beaters in future.

Amokachi,was discovered while playing for Ranchers Bees by Nigerian national team coach Clemens Westerhof ahead of the 1990 African Nations Cup. 

He subsequently headed for Club Brugge in Belgium. He competed in the Champions League and became the first player to score in the competition, after his goal secured a 1–0 win in the opening match in the group stage against CSKA Moscow.

Amokachi made over 44 appearances for the national team with 13 goals to his credit. His famous dance at the 1994 World cup in USA has remains nostalgic among his fans.