World Cup: Authorities warn visitors against Scammers

Soccer fans and other tourists visiting Russia for the 2018 World Cup, have been told to look out for fake Automated Teller Machines and avoid them or risk losing their money to scammers who are hoping to record a boom within the period of the Mundial.

A Russian law enforcement official according to Kommersant business daily (Newspaper published in Russia mostly devoted to politics and business) said fake ATM machines installed in the 11 World Cup cities in Russia will pose a “significant problem” for visitors.

“Our residents usually use the same ATM and are unlikely to try to withdraw money from a suspicious and unfamiliar device.

Newcomers, however, can find it difficult to tell the difference between a fake ATM from a real one,” the official was cited as saying by Kommersant.

Scammers are reportedly buying retired ATM machines for up to 100,000 rubles ($1,700) or N612, 000 and refitting them to target tourists, the source said.

According to digital security consultant Andrei Gayko, fraudulent ATMs can be made to “mimic a popular bank’s machine.”

“If it doesn’t arouse suspicion from anyone, it can continue to work for a very long time,” he said.

The authorities are however not folding their hands on the issue as the Russian Central Bank has issued a set of recommendations ahead of the competition, urging card owners to avoid “malfunctioning” ATMs, among other suggestions.

Other banks are also said to have learned how to prevent ATM Skimming which involves stealing information from customer’s bank cards with intent to producing fake cards.

Based on ticket sales and requests, at least 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Russia during the World Cup between June 14 and July 15.

Thirty two countries including five African countries, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia successfully jumped the hurdles posed by other contenders to qualify for the World cup in Russia.

Only eight countries Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, France, England and Spain have won the World cup with Brazil having the highest record of wins, five times.

Samuel Eto’o mobbed as he joins Konyaspor

Samuel Eto'o has joined the 12th club of his professional career after signing for Konyaspor from rivals Antalyaspor on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The experienced 36-year-old striker, who arrived in Turkey from Sampdoria in 2015, was able to seal yet another move after mutually terminating his Antalyaspor deal.

The former Cameroon international’s arrival was announced by his new club with a Game of Thrones-themed video on Twitter.

The struggling Turkish top-flight side used the theme song and graphics from the popular television show — and looked back at his career. 

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton were the teams which were depicted alongside their team logo and stadium, before ending at his new club.

The striker was mobbed by his new supporters during a well-attended unveiling at the club's Konya City Stadium on Wednesday.

He donned the club's shirt and proudly displayed the Cameroon flag, with plenty of support cheering him on.

Eto'o, a four-time African footballer of the year winner, joins the struggling Turkish top-flight side having netted 44 goals in 77 appearances for his former side.

Antalyaspor confirmed his departure in a statement on Tuesday, and the former Chelsea forward didn't waste any time finding a new club.

The statement said: 'We have parted ways with our captain Samuel Eto'o by mutual consent. The club thank him for his contribution and wish him success for the future.'

Konyaspor has on its players list a Nigerian player Patrick Eze who is currently on loan to Denizlispor until 30 June 2018. Eze made seven appearances for the club scoring two goals before heading on loan to Denizlispor.

Oliseh still in charge says Fortuna Sittard

Dutch second division side Fortuna Sittard have poured cold water widely reported sacking of former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh.  

The club on Tuesday took to the social media to debunk the story insisting that the former Eagles defender who was appointed to the position in late December 2016 is still in charge of the club.

"Today, various media reports appeared about the position of head coach, Sunday Oliseh. However, Fortuna Sittard denies the news about the dismissal of the head coach" the club said.

Oliseh who joined the Dutch side shortly after unimpressive outing with CHAN Eagles at the 2016 edition held in Rwanda, has since led Fortuna Sittard to their first silverware in 23 years. 

The promotion chasing side emerged as winners of the second period in the in the Eerste Divisie after finishing as league leaders at the end of Matchday 20.

But the side have not been in their super form in the new year with two victories in five matches.  

Their 2-1 victory over Ajax II was followed by back to back defeats by Dordrecht and Emmen respectively.  The back to back defeat may have triggered off the sack speculation which the club has quickly dismissed as unfounded.

Fortuna Sittard who are third on the log in the 20-team Eerste Divisie with 44 points in 22 matches will take on 15th placed Volendam on Friday.

Serena Williams lists another super property for $6.5 million

Nursing mother and American tennis super star, Serena Williams is looking to sell a 2.5-acre lot in the swanky Bear’s Club golf course in Jupiter, Florida, for $6.5 million .

Williams, 36, bought the land from the golf club’s developers in 2013 for $4.125 million, according to property records, presumably to build a vacation home. But over the past four years the land has remained empty, and she put the property up for sale on Thursday.

It’s the second listing the tennis star has served up in a month. She also put her six-bedroom Los Angeles mansion on the market for nearly $12 million at the end of October while at the same time buying new LA home for $6.68 million.

Jack Nicklaus designed the 400-acre golf club in 1999, and it’s since become a hub for elite athletes, including basketball legend Michael Jordan, who owns a three-acre estate there, according to property records.

Williams’s lot is a large, private parcel set back from Bears Club Drive, according to the listing with Michael Leibowitz of Leibowitz Realty Group.

Her golf club parcel is one of at least three properties Williams has in Palm Beach County. She has two homes in the city of Palm Beach Gardens, the smaller of which she co-owns with her sister, Venus, according to Mansionglobal.com

Williams holds the most Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournaments combined among any active tennis players. 

The 23 Grand Slam winner is taking a break from competing following the birth of her daughter in September.  She had initially planned to return to action at the Australia Open which ends Sunday but made a last minute u-turn noting that she is not yet ready to hit the courts.  Strong indications abound however that she will return to action

Venus sparks off engagement rumours with Nicholas Hammond

She may have booked an early exit from the this year's Australian Open, no thanks to in-form Swiss Belinda Bencic who  sent her packing  in two sets 6-3 7-5 in a first-round.  

But America's Venus Williams has a lot to smile about all the same, after she sent tongues wagging of engagement rumours when she was pictured sporting an eye-catching diamond band on her ring finger as she walked through Sydney Airport with her millionaire boyfriend Nicholas Hammond, 25, on Tuesday.

The tennis ace beamed as she wandered through the terminal, concealing her hand under a large straw hat as she was joined by her mother Oracene Price, 65, and sister Isha, 42.

A representative for Venus however told the MailOnline that they are  not engaged.

Opting for a casual ensemble to complement her sparkling jewellery, she donned a pair of skintight black leggings which accentuated her slender frame.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner teamed her pin-flaunting pants with a grey hoodie that featured fleece lining as she hid her ring-clad hand out of view.

Venus attempted to go incognito as she walked through the terminal, covering her hair with a colourful baseball cap and holding a beach hat over her ring finger.

The US sports star appeared in jovial spirits as she waited at check-in resting her diamond-clad hand on her hip.

While all eyes were on her sparkling hand, Venus' beau Nicholas donned a wine-coloured T-shirt ahead of their long-haul flight.

He teamed the piece with a pair of dark wash denims and opted to sport a pair of shades while walking through the airport.

This is only one of a handful of times the couple has been spotted together, with tennis ace Venus showcasing her handsome millionaire boyfriend at the Australian Open.

Venus was last seen with Nicholas in November in New Orleans, where she attended her sister Serena's wedding to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. They held hands as they walked through the city.

And according to PageSix, they looked happy at a December dinner in NYC.

'They were cuddled up the entire time they were inside the restaurant, even kissing while waiting to be seated and continuing the affection at their table,' said a source.

Hammond is an heir to Walter Annenberg’s TV Guide fortune. 'He's a wealthy financier who goes between California and New York,' said a friend.

And sources confirm he is no ‘gold digger' as he has plenty of money of his own. Their 12-year age difference doesn't bother him either.

Although notoriously private, the pair are 'head over heels for each other' according to PageSix.

The publication also reported that the tennis star and muscular hunk have regularly meet up in Palm Beach, Florida over the past several months.

'Nicky has met up with Venus in Palm Beach, where his family has a $20 million mansion as well as in the Hamptons, where they have a $20 million house,' said the source.

And it has impressed her that he has not bragged about his relationship with the athlete. 'She likes that he’s very private,' added the source.

Venus has previously dated model Elio Pis, 29, for a year after they met in 2012 when he modelled for her EleVen fashion line.

Prior to her romance with the hunky Cuban, Venus was in a serious relationship with golfer Hank Kuehne for three years before they broke up in 2010 and he went on to marry his second wife Andy in 2011.

The sighting comes after her younger sister Serena Williams welcomed her first child Alexis Jr. in September with husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Earlier this month, she  revealed that she was plagued by health problems and almost died after she welcomed daughter into the world four months ago.

She wrote on Facebook, though, that the whole ordeal has given her strength and 'made me appreciate women -- both women with and without kids -- even more.'

The tennis champ shared: 'I didn't expect that sharing our family's story of Olympia's birth and all of complications after giving birth would start such an outpouring of discussion from women - especially black women - who have faced similar complications and women whose problems go unaddressed.'

She continued: 'These aren't just stories: according to the CDC, (Center for Disease Control) black women are over 3 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy - or childbirth-related causes.

'We have a lot of work to do as a nation and I hope my story can inspire a conversation that gets us to close this gap.

'Let me be clear: EVERY mother, regardless of race, or background deserves to have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.'

Serena, who married her baby's father Alexis, in November added: 'I personally want all women of all colors to have the best experience they can have.

'My personal experience was not great but it was MY experience and I'm happy it happened to me.  It made me stronger and it made me appreciate women - both women with and without kids - even more. We are powerful!!!.'

She closed out: 'I want to thank all of you who have opened up through online comments and other platforms to tell your story. I encourage you to continue to tell those stories. This helps. We can help others. Our voices are our power.'

Covering the February issue of Vogue with her baby, 

Serena revealed inside that small blood clots were discovered on her lungs soon after she gave birth.

A pulmonary embolism resulted in bouts of coughing so severe that her cesarean wound reopened. She was dealt with another blow when doctors discovered a large hematoma and she was bedridden for six weeks.

Ten things you need to know about Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is the man of the moment so to say and everyone is waiting to see him seal the transfer to Manchester United. While the waiting continues and possibility of sealing the deal draws closer, here are 10 things you need to know about Sanchez who as a young boy was nicknamed Dilla'

1. Alexis Sanchez was born in Tocopilla in northern Chile, a city with 25,000 inhabitants. The main industries are fishing and mining, while it is known as the ‘city of energy’ because it generates electricity for the region. His brother Humberto said four years ago: ‘If Alexis wasn’t a footballer he would be working in the mines like most men around here.’

2. His nickname as a boy was ‘Dilla’, which is short for the Spanish ‘ardilla’ meaning squirrel. Sanchez earned the name because it only took him seconds to climb trees or scale buildings to retrieve lost footballs during street games. He now has a street in Tocopilla named after him.

3. Sanchez had humble beginnings. His father left shortly before he was born and his mother Martina sold fish to scrape a living. When Sanchez was playing for Cobreloa aged 16, Martina was fined $1,000 for selling fish without a licence. She could not afford it so Sanchez was put in touch with agent Fernando Felicevich, who bought his registration and settled the debt.

4. He is quite literally a road runner. While at Udinese in Italy, he once drove into town for a shopping trip only to lose his keys. Instead of asking for a lift, he ran the four miles back home to get a spare set before running back to his car. No wonder his pace terrifies defenders!

5. Despite signing for Manchester United and not their rivals City, Sanchez holds his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola in high esteem. He once said of the City manager: ‘Guardiola made me feel like a Ferrari.’

Guardiola returned the compliment, once saying after Barcelona beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu: ‘Alexis has stolen my heart — our hearts. He has arrived here with the excitement of a kid and hasn’t let that go. His courage is remarkable.’

6. He did not get his first pair of football boots until he was 15. The local mayor, who supported Sanchez’s team Arauco, gave him a pair of Reeboks. Before then, Sanchez’s mother borrowed boots for the games he played.

Sanchez said: ‘I was so excited that I wore them on the pavement, even though they had studs and were made for grass.’ Playing barefoot in the street is the secret to his explosive style, with Sanchez saying: ‘Playing barefoot gave me my style, running with little jumps, because I was dodging rocks.’

7. Sanchez is Tocopilla’s very own Father Christmas. He has been known to give out presents while standing on the back of a truck with his friends at the local yuletide fair and has sent gifts and clothes to his old school.

8. Aged just 17 when he made his international debut against New Zealand in 2006, Sanchez is the youngest player to be capped by Chile. He has since become the country’s all-time record scorer with 39 goals.

9. Also moving to Manchester will be his dogs Atom and Humber. Sanchez has created an Instagram account for his pooches and has taken them to training. Whether Atom and Humber, are given their own banner at Old Trafford, as they were at the Emirates remains to be seen.

10. Sanchez is no stranger to the big stage . . . so it is appropriate that he wants to be an actor when he retires. He said: ‘It’s why I try to make an effort in the ads I shoot. It’d be a dream to appear in the movies, either as a detective — you know, a smart chap, well-dressed, pistol, cool attitude — or as one of those lads who works at NASA and knows about everything.’

Moses caps Chelsea victory over Brighton H/ Albion.

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses provided the icing on the cake on Saturday, converting 89th minute chance to round up Chelsea demolition of Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Antonio Conte led side had no atom of mercy for their hosts as they ran away with a 4-0 victory. Signs that it was going to be a bad day for the host emerged in the 3rd minute when Eden Hazard shot the Blues into the lead.

Teammate William increased the tally three minutes later after enjoying a a time assist from Belgium international Michy Batshuayi

Chelsea were not only enjoying the goal feast  but also enjoyed 58% possession in front of 30,600 spectators at The American Express Community Stadium.

Brighton and Hove Albion coach Chris Hughton and his boys had no answer had no solution to their woes as Chelsea continued the feast on resumption of the second half as Hazard returned in the 77th minute for his second goal of the match thanks to Williams assistance. 

The 89th minute strike by Moses capped the Blues party after getting an assist from Musonda.

While Chelsea were busy counting their goals Brighton and Hove Albion were counting their cautions as three of the players received yellow cards in the 36th, 56th and 79th minutes respectively. 

The contribution of Moses is no doubt likely to tickle the fancy of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr who is hoping that his players enjoy good playing time in their clubs with a view to remaining in super form ahead of the World Cup where they will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland. Moses was in action for the entire duration of the match.

Meanwhile Chelsea attacker Willian marked his 50th consecutive appearance in the Premier League, the longest current run of successive games in the division among outfield players, with a fine goal.

Willian was named in Antonio Conte's starting line-up for Saturday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, with fellow forwards Pedro and Alvaro Morata missing through suspension after they were sent off in the midweek FA Cup replay against Norwich City.

The 29-year-old Brazilian featured alongside Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi - given a rare start deputising for Morata - in the Blues frontline as Conte seeks to arrest a run of five straight draws in all competitions.

And Willian scored his 23rd Premier League goal in the sixth minute, rounding off a stunning team move with a 20-yard finish after Hazard had put Chelsea ahead.

Birthday boy Echiejile grateful despite challenges

Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile who clocked 30 Saturday, says he is grateful to God despite challenges he has had to face off and on the pitch in the course of his 30 year sojourn on earth.

The Sivasspor of Turkey back man who pitched tent with the side last year after back to back loan deals from former parent club Monaco, described his challenges as ups and downs of life but remained grateful that he continues to forge ahead in good health.

"So grateful to God Almighty for all despite the ups and downs, I still remain grateful as today I become a year older" he dished out on his twiter and Instalgram handles. 

The Nigeria football Federation was among those who paid tribute to the former Rennes and Bendel Insurance ace.

Aside from wishing him greater heights in his career, the Glass House thanked him for making the country proud.

"Happy birthday 🎂 to you.   Wishing you greater Heights in your career.  Thank you for making us proud. Love you plenty" it submitted

Echiejile who is hoping that Super Eagles fly high in Russia, had earlier expressed excitement at the draw which pitched Nigeria against Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.  He however noted that achieving set goal will not be without challenges which can be overcome with hardwork and adequate preparation.

"Excited about our group. The Journey wouldn’t be without challenges but with hardwork, preparation and focus we will do our thing #WorldcupDraw #WorldCup2018 #SoarSuperEagles #ProudlyNigerian' he had said shortly after the draw in Russia.

Adequate preparation as envisage by Elderson some say may be considered underway with planned friendly matches between Nigeria and Poland, England, Serbia , Democractic Republic of Congo, Czech Republic and a yet to be named South American country before heading for the World Cup.

The former Under 20 ace, who made his senior debut in 2009, has since made over 60 appearances for the Super Eagles with three goals to his credit.

Pele pulls out planned event in London after collapse

Brazilian great Pele collapsed with exhaustion and was forced to cancel a long-planned trip to London this Sunday.

The Football Writers Association (FWA) was due to host a dinner in his honour at the Savoy hotel on Sunday but said the 77-year-old would not make it.

'In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion,' the FWA said in a statement.

'He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion.'

Pele, who is the only player to win three World Cups, has been taken to hospital for kidney and prostate problems in recent years and also underwent hip surgery.

Still considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, he appeared in a wheelchair at his last big international appearance in Moscow in December for the draw for the 2018 World Cup.

An adviser to Pele told Brazilian media the 77-year-old - who used a walking frame in an appearance at the 2018 Carioca Football Championship earlier this week - pulled out of the trip to the United Kingdom to avoid fatigue.

He scored 77 goals in 92 caps for Brazil, helping his country to World Cup glory in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

“While it is incredibly sad Pele cannot attend the function, the FWA are grateful that all those who have been asked to pay tribute on the night Gareth Southgate, Cliff Jones, Gordon Banks and Steve Hunt are determined to help make the evening a memorable one.

“Pele’s team have also asked that we film the event and send a copy to Brazil in the knowledge it will lift the great man’s spirits to see his friends are thinking of him and sending their best wishes.

With that in mind, we want to do Pele proud and make Sunday night as memorable as possible.

“It goes without saying, Pele has an open invitation to any of our functions once he regains his health and we are already discussing the possibility of him joining us in May for the Footballer of the Year dinner.”

Winter Olympics: Nigeria's Bobsledding team tickles Serena Williams

American tennis idol Serena Williams has revealed her excitement following confirmed Nigeria ladies’ participation in the Bobsledding event of the forthcoming Winter Olympics for the first time.

  Serena who made a U- turn last minute over her initial desire to compete in the Australia Open, further revealed that she watched a video of the Nigerian Three-women team which were chilling according to her.  

Taking to her verified twitter account, the 23 Grand Slam winner said” This video literally gave me chills, I am so excited to watch Nigeria compete in the winter Olympics bobsledding race the first time an African country has ever competed in bobsledding!”

The video watched by the American tennis super star and mother of one, could be one titled "Nigeria Women's Bobsleigh team celebrated in new beats by Dre advert"

Nigeria's trio of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga are set to make history at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, thus stamping Nigeria on the world map as the first African country to compete in the sport at the winter Olympics.

The trio, are all from sprinting backgrounds, and are also the first African team to make it into the bobsleigh after a GoFund me campaign backed their training and qualification campaign.

Pilot Adigun competed in the 100m hurdles at London 2012 while Onwumere ran for Nigeria at the IAAF World Relays in 2015. Omeoga, who will compete with Onwumere for the brakewoman spot, ran for the University of Minnesota.

The Nigerian team who are likely to be the cynosure of eyes at the event said they are determined to leave their foot print on the sand of history on one hand and encourage others to banish fear in their lives and be ready to venture into any area of life and make a mark.

"Our goal is to create a legacy where people will never be limited by the fear of the unknown."

Interestingly the Nigerian team will be competing against their Jamaican counterparts Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian and Carrie Russell who are making a debut at the event 30 years after their men featured at the event.

Carrie Russell was a 2013 World Championships gold medalist in the 4x100m relay while Audra Segree also sprinted on the world stage.

Jamaica's first Women bobsleigh team for Pyeongchang

Thirty years after the nation's fabled debut in Calgary, Jamaica are sending their first women's bobsleigh team to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang next month.

Jazmine Fenlator, who was a member of the United States team four years ago in Sochi, will pilot the Jamaican sled having switched to the country of her father's birth in 2015.

Fenlator will be joined by brakewoman Carrie Russell, a former world athletics relay gold medallist.

Cool Runnings was inspired by the Jamaican men's bobsleigh team who competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics   +5

They will be targeting a top-10 finish after coming seventh in the Winterberg World Cup last month.

Jamaica's exploits in 1988 inspired the hit movie 'Cool Runnings' and turned its bobsleigh squad into cult heroes.

The men's team went on to participate in five of seven subsequent Games, but will not be represented in Pyeongchang.

Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation president Chris Stokes told the Jamaica Gleaner: 'Jamaica was offered a quota allocation spot for women's bobsleigh, which we have gladly accepted.

'They had a difficult time in Germany (in the first race this year). We did not get a good result. But we made adjustments and came back and had a very strong performance in San Moritz, which set us up.

'This is the 30th anniversary of the first team to qualify in 1988, and we are glad to have a women's team qualify, and we expect them to do well.'

Stokes was a member of the men's team which famously overturned on their fourth and final run down the Olympic track in Calgary.

Joshua to Parker: Read my lips you can't stop me!

Anthony Joshua has warned Joseph Parker that no man will stop him fulfilling his dream of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

The two fighters came face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday as they kicked off the promotional tour for the March 31 showdown.

Before the fight was announced Parker's team sought to highlight perceived weaknesses in AJ's armour by pointing out that he has been dropped during both his amateur and professional career.

During his unpaid days, Joshua was floored by compatriot David Price in training. AJ revealed on Tuesday that he headed to that session having 'come out of a police cell'. Last April, too, Joshua had to climb off the canvas on the way to beating Wladimir Klitschko.

 'All those times taught me it will take more than a human to stop me going where I'm destined to be,' he told Team Parker.

'What I have learned from those times of adversity and going through storms is that it will take more than any human to stop me on this journey.'

He added: 'It's about making history now, we have always been moving in that direction so it's an honour to be up here with another world champion. But in terms of Parker, I don't really know how to take his camp. In terms of what's been said but I take everything with a pinch of salt and roll with the punches.

The two unbeaten heavyweights will collide for the WBO, IBF and WBA titles at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Joshua has promised 'fireworks' and reminded the WBO champion: 'This isn't a three round fight based on skills, it's a 12 round dog-fight and you have to have heart.'      

Parker responded by claiming it was his 'destiny' to be in big fights such as these.

'I have a big challenge in front of me in Joshua' he said.  'I know his strengths, he knows mine, I know his weaknesses, he thinks he knows my weaknesses, I can't wait for this fight to happen on March 31, I can't wait to train hard, to be back to put on a great performance, hopefully catch him on the chin and knock him out.'

Parker's trainer Kevin Barry did admit, however, that his fighter would need to produce the 'greatest performance' of his career to emerge victorious.

'This is a really exciting fight and the heavyweight boxing division needs a fight like this. In fact boxing in general needs champions fighting each other,' he said.

'Anthony Joshua is a big, strong, powerful guy. It's fair to say he's probably a little stronger than Joe. He's won all of his fights by knockout; he has a considerable height and reache advantage over Joseph Parker.'

He added: 'So my challenge to my fighter Joseph Parker is I need this to be his greatest performance. If he can show the public and Anthony Joshua what I see in the gym when he's at his best, he's a very hard guy to fight... (but) if Joseph

Parker doesn't bring his A-game it's going to be a very difficult night.

The Bronze Bomber faces Luis Ortiz on March 3, with the winner being lined up to fight for all four titles later in 2018.

Nigeria, England finally agree on wimbley friendly

Three years after the idea of an international friendly between the Super Eagles and the Three Lions of England was mooted both country's FA have finally agreed on tie billed for June 2nd at the Wimbley.

The Nigeria Football Federation NFF Wednesday confirmed that the agreement has finally been sealed and that the match will serve as final shape up match for the Super Eagles before the war against their opponents at the World Cup in Russia.

NFF 1st Vice President and Chairman of the Federation’s Organizing Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, said “The match is now confirmed. We had been doing a lot of work in the background, even going back to last year.

“Now, we are happy to say that it is all sealed. Certainly, it is going to be a big match, between two countries of remarkable historical affinity and similarities.

“We have other matches and programs for the team, and we will soon roll out the entire plan for matches, camping sites and training camps.”

The idea was first mooted in 2015 when NFF president Amaju Pinnick met with England FA Chairman Greg Dyke in London.

The tie will be of benefit to both sides as they attempt to post impressive run at the world Cup.

While the Super Eagles play Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D, the Three Lions are up against Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G in Russia.

Nigeria and England first clashed at senior level on 16th November 1994, also at the old Wembley Stadium. David Platt’s headed goal towards the end of the first half separated both teams.

Both teams met again at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The encounter at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan on 12th June 2002 ended 0-0, with the Super Eagles being eliminated from the finals at the group stage.

Three –time African champions, Nigeria as part of the build up to the Mundial came from two goals down to defeat two time world champions Argentina 4-2 on 14th November 2017 in Krasnodar, Russia.  While some analysts have described the feat as a huge plus ahead of the re-match against Argentina at the World Cup proper, others say the Gernot Rohr tutored side should resist the temptation to threat the Argentines with kid gloves as friendly match is very different from a competitive tie.

‘Stay away from Arshavin or lose your fingers’

Andrey Arshavin's wife Alisa Arshavina has expressed her readiness to cut off the fingers of a model Olga Semenova cut on vide in compromising situation with her husband in a restuarant

Alisa Arshavina, 35, reportedly contacted Olga Semenova after she was filmed with Arshavin, in a restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan where he now plays for a local team.

Ms Semenova claims Mrs Arshravina threatened to cut off her fingers and report her to Russian police for drugs possession.

The footage emerged on social media, showing 36-year-old Arshavin, who played for Arsenal from 2009 to 2013,  with his arms around the curvaceous model.

Ms Semenova says that after the video was shared online, she received a message from Mrs Arshavina asking what she thought she was doing with her husband.

The model adds that Mrs Arshavina then sent her a separate message claiming to be a federal agent - but had failed to log out of her personal account.

Ms Semenova said: 'After a while she introduced herself as a member of the FSB (while using the same account). She believes that everybody in Almaty throws themselves on her husband.'

Mrs Arshavina also reportedly warned Ms Semenova that she would be coming to Kazakhstan soon and ominously wished her luck.

The model stressed that she and Arshavin, who now plays for Kazakh team FC Kairat, were among a group of friends enjoying dinner together and she had not expected 'an innocent game' would have such consequences.

Ms Semenova added: 'Nobody has a right to humiliate me this way, insult me and, even more, threaten me with punishment. I earn well and lead a healthy lifestyle.'

She says she is planning to raise the issue with police in Almaty and with sporting authorities.

This is only the second scandal involving Mrs Arshavina to emerge this week, as she was thrown off a flight from Moscow to Almaty shortly after allegedly making threats against Ms Semenova.

Russian media reports that Arshavin caused problems with the cabin crew as soon as she boarded by seating her nanny next to her in business class even though the nanny only had an economy ticket.

She is said to have offered to pay extra for the seat change but went ahead with the switch anyway when refused.

Her older daughter was also allowed to run around in the plane, and the whole issue ended up delaying the flight for two hours before the WAG was asked to leave.

Mrs Arshavina herself claims she was thrown off the plane because her baby daughter's nappy smelled too much.

The couple married in September 2016 after Arshavin divorced his first wife Julia Baranovskaya following a nine-year marriage.

In addition to a young daughter with Mrs Arshavina, the footballer has three children with his ex-wife.

Mrs Arshavina announced in October last year that the couple were divorcing, but it appears they have put these plans on ice.

Party Claims: Wenger opens Iwobi investigation

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi is being investigated by Arsenal after claims that he went partying just before the Emirate landlords were sent packing from the FA cup.

Iwobi could face huge fine if the allegation proves to be true .Newspaper reports claims Iwobi was out partying less than 48 hours before the holders crashed out of the FA Cup with a shock 4-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

The Sun obtained footage that appeared to show Iwobi at a house party in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 21-year-old Nigeria international completed 90 minutes at the City Ground on Sunday, where goals from Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck were not enough to prevent a humiliating reverse against Championship opposition.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final with Chelsea, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed he would discuss the matter with Iwobi and take action if the allegations were accurate.

"if it's true he will be fined," said Wenger, who told reporters he was very disappointed with some individual performances at Forest.

"It is impossible to go out 48 hours before a game. It is unacceptable.

"I will have to see him to see whether that is right or not.

"If he was at a birthday party, how long has he stayed? That is very important. After that I will decide what happens.

"You must have played football, you want to prepare 100 per cent but sometimes it is not a guarantee that you will be at your best. But that is what is requested from a top professional."

The Sun report alleged there was evidence of illegal drug use at the party Iwobi supposedly attended.

The newspaper added there was no suggestion the midfielder took drugs and Wenger was sure to defend his player against any implication to the contrary.

"You have to be cautious with the news coming out – when you read what has been reported it is like he has taken drugs but he's not involved in that," he added.

"If your neighbour takes drugs, what can you do about it? You are responsible for your behavior."

Africa Footballer of The Year: Who will be the last man standing?

There is always time for everything under the sun, time to begin a race and time to finish. When the race for the 2017 Africa footballer of the year started, a 30 man list was dished out of footballers who by their exploits on the pitch have proved that they are indeed a delight to watch. 

Another round of voting saw the list reduced to 11.What you might call Africa's best 11.

They include Egypt and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah,Burkina Faso and Olympique Lyon's Bertrand Traore, Uganda and Mamelodi Sundowns  Denis Onyango and Morocco and Feyenoord's Karim El Ahmadi. 

Others are Senegal and Monaco’s Keita Balde, Guinea and RB Leipzig's Naby Keita, Gabon and Borrusia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Senegal and Liverpool's Sadio Mane, Nigeria and Chelsea's Victor Moses, Cameroon and Porto's Vincent Abubakar  and last but not the least Algeria and Porto's Yacine Brahimi.

They could easily pass for the best 11 within the period under consideration and would have carted away trophies each if the award were to be for the best 11.  

But alas the race is not meant to stop at that stage but proceed to see the emergence of just one ultimate player to join the 52 past winners of the prestigious award.

And so after another round of voting precisely On December 18, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were revealed as the final three contenders for December 4 showdown in Ghana 

While Salah could be said to be a new comer to the platform, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had emerged winner in 2015 while Mane finished as second runner up behind Aubameyang who finished as first runner up to eventual winner of 2016 edition  Algeria and Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez.  Interestingly Mahrez who could not realise his dream of qualifying Algeria for the World Cup in Russia did not get a nomination this time around.

Mohammed Salah who recently emerged BBC African Footballer of the year for 2017 beating Nigeria's Victor Moses to the award from all indications look set to make it a double. The 25-year-old has already scored 19 goals for the Reds this season. At the national level he helped the Pharaohs reach the Nations Cup final in Libreville in February, where they lost narrowly to Cameroon.

Aubameyang, finished as top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, netting 31 goals. At national team level, the 28-year-old Aubameyang made little impression at the African Nations Cup finals in his home country at the start of 2017 and then missed most of Gabon's unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Sadio Mane who has equally had a good run in the premiership represented Senegal at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and scored a goal in each of the nation's opening two games, 2–0 wins against Tunisia and Zimbabwe. After a goalless draw in the quarter-final clash against Cameroon, he missed in the penalty shootout as Senegal were eliminated.

Should the 25 year old emerge winner in Ghana, he would have become the second Senegalese to clinch the award after Hadji Diouf who won the award back to back in 2001 and 2002.

The three finalists are very good players in their own right and electors will definitely not have a tea party in selecting just one for the gong. 

The odds however say favour the Salah who is seeking to be just the second Egyptian to win the title after Mahmoud Al Khatib who played for Egyptian league side Al Ahly from 1972–1988 winning the title in 1983. He made 199 appearances for the club scoring 108 goals.