Eagles hosting off indefinitely, may get 1st October

It is no longer news that the hosting of CHAN Eagles will no longer hold as planned tomorrow February 28, with fillers indicating that the President's tight schedule is responsible for the latest indefinite postponement.

 The original idea for tomorrow was to have the team received during the Federal Executive Meeting Wednesday which incidentally will equally not hold.

The CHAN Eagles led by Coach Salisu Yusuf played in the finals of championship in Casablanca Morocco settling for the second place behind eventual winners and host Morocco, the first time Nigeria will be making it to that level.

There are however strong indication that the team may not be hosted till after the world cup in July. A reliable source who would not want to be named, gave the hint noting that there are important matters that need urgent attention for now.

The source said to have the ear of the presidency put up superior argument against’ piecemeal hosting of national teams'

"There are so many things requiring the president's attention right now. The CHAN Eagles did well and deserve to be hosted, we have those who represented the country for the first time at the winter Olympics in Korea, and the Commonwealth Games is around the corner just like the world cup in Russia. Wouldn’t it be better to have our athletes compete in all these outings and then we sit down and host them all," the source queried.

Should the Presidency buy the idea then no hosting of athletes will take place until after the world cup.  The source we further gather, even floated the idea of hosting all the athletes on October 1st, adding “In recent times October 1st which is our independent Day has been on the quiet side, we could add colour to it by using it to host all our athletes who represented the country in all the championships"

Some sports stakeholders however reasoned that the postponement may not be unconnected with the threat by Wrestlers to boycott the forth coming Commonwealth Games Gold Coast Australia over their non recognition by government.  

The wrestlers had cited the proposed reception of the CHAN Eagles and as well as recognition of the Basketball team adding that it appears that they are being treated as second class citizens after winning the African Wrestling Champions in Port Harcourt aside from other laurels they had won before then.

The government may have bought the idea to postpone the reception to avoid controversies that would draw negative comments at this time.

The CHAN Eagles arrived the country on the 6th February after playing in the Final February 4th. The team was initially billed to be hosted 7th February but the date was shifted to 14th February then to 28 before the latest indefinite postponement.

Oliseh turns attention to hobby, hails Black Panther

Former Super Eagles coach and Captain, Sunday Oliseh is not one to allow himself be depressed over turn of event.

 The suspended coach of Dutch second division side Fortuna Sittard, is rather catching his fun and putting the time he would have been using to shout out orders by the side of the pitch to attend to his hobbies.

Oliseh who did not hesitate in countering his employers charge that he is making it difficult for staff and players to work with him took to the social media to express his satisfaction with the quality of wave making new movie 'Black panther' he has just watched describing it as a must watch.

"Wow! Just saw the Black Panther. Arguably the best super Hero movie i ever saw. Loved every minute of it! A must see!" he enthused

Following his recent suspension, Fortuna Sittard and Oliseh are taking the wait-and-see posture as the club did not specify how long the suspension will last.  

Oliseh had shortly after the suspension accused his employers of trying to force him to act unprofessionally saying   I confirm: Due to my refusal to participate in Illegal activities at Fortuna sittard & violate the Law,i have been Suspended from my duties as Coach by the Foreign Owners of Fortuna. Unfortunate for the lovely fans, my players & our hard fought phenomenal positioning for Promotion,"

Sittard has threatened to drag the former Nigerian international to court over his claims that they were forcing him to break the law, but there are no indications that the club has hit the court yet. 

Oliseh took the decision to settle for Sittard shortly after leaving the Super Eagles job with CHAN 2016 edition in Rwanda as his last assignment for the national team. 

EFL Final: Whilshere still brooding over Martins shocker

Seven years after Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins denied Arsenal the chance of lifting the EFL Cup at the Wimbley Stadium, Arsenal midfielder Jack Whilshere is still brooding over the defeat.

The England international who revealed a desire to lead the Gunners to victory in Sunday's final against Manchester City recalled with pain how Martins who currently plies his trade in China with Shanghai Shenhua, dashed Gunners dream scoring a crucial goal in front of 88,851 spectators that saw his then club Birmingham city running away with a 2-1 victory.

Arsenal were huge favourites ahead of the Wembley decider seven years ago, but Obafemi Martins' 89th-minute winner following a mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny - secured an unlikely Blues win.

Wilshere, who played in that match, is now hoping to go one better against Premier League leaders Manchester City in a competition Arsene Wenger has never won.

"In 2011, we were expected to win and I was convinced we were going to win and come home with silverware," he told Sky Sports.

"I think it helps as you grow up in football. You get more experience in these [situations]. I know we didn't like it, but I think it helped me in my career; it was a horrible feeling.

"We've won at Wembley in the FA Cup and it was the best thing ever. [They are] totally different emotions and we don't want to feel [defeat] again.

"We know that City will be tough, but we also know what it takes to win at Wembley, and we have a fantastic record there. It's a final and anything can happen. We'll be ready.

"Since [the Birmingham game], we haven't really been anywhere near [the final] in this competition. I want to add this trophy to my collection, and almost feel there is some unfinished business because of the 2011 final."

Wilshere was branded "the most over-rated player on the planet" by Roy Keane this week, after captaining a Europa League loss at home to Ostersunds, but the England international says he is pleased with his form after appearing to have finally shaken off his long-term injury problems.

"I'm happy with the way I've been playing and happy to be back," he added. "It was a long road back and I never doubted myself, but it was nice to prove to myself I can fight and get into this team.

"I'm enjoying being back in the first-team fold here. I had a good year at Bournemouth, but the plan was to come back here," he added, referring to last term's loan spell at the Vitality Stadium.

SheBelieves Cup: Neville leaves out Eniola Aluko

Three Lioness new coach and former Manchester united ace Phil Neville has released his 23-man team for this year's SheBelieves Cup.

 Nigeria born England international Eniola Aluko was however conspicuously missing from the list

Neville who was appointed to the position last month however named Anita Asante in his first England Women squad, with the Chelsea defender called up for the first time since 2015.

The Ghanaian born defender line up with fellow Chelsea defender Hannah Blundell and Everton's Gabby George  who could win their first caps in next month's SheBelieves Cup in the USA.

Captain Steph Houghton is included in new head coach Neville's 23-player squad, despite nursing an injured foot.

Phil however appears to be using the SheBelieves Cup to discover some new players hinting that the door remains open for all the established players ahead of the world Cup qualifiers in 2019.

Neville's squad will meet in London this week before jetting out to the USA for the four-Nation contest, comprising the hosts, France, Germany and England.

'I have been really impressed by what I have seen in the past few weeks,' said Neville, who took charge of England Lionesses last month.

'Some exciting young players have caught my eye, and not just those that have been picked for this squad.

'They will get an opportunity in the coming months to challenge the established players who, of course, deserve big respect for what they have done to take this team to third in the world.

'I also hope this squad shows that the door is not closed to anyone and that those in form will always have a strong chance of being picked.'

England's third involvement in the annual contest will form pivotal preparation for April's 2019 World Cup qualifying clashes against Wales and Bosnia.

Mo Marley will assist Neville on an interim basis, with a permanent number two not expected to be appointed until the summer.

Former England captain Casey Stoney will also join Neville's backroom staff, having this week retired from a playing career that included 130 Lionesses appearances.

Aluko who has so far made about 102 appearances for England scoring 33 goals  has not been called up to the national team since may 2016. She featured prominently in the probe into allegation of bullying and claims of racism the forced the exit of former coach Mark Simpson

The SheBelieves Cup is an invitational women's association football/soccer tournament held annually in March in the United States. In its three first years (2016, 2017, and 2018), it has been contested by the same four teams: the United States, England, France, and Germany. England have finished in the third place in two editions with USA and France winning the first and second editions respectively.

England Squad to the SheBelieves Cup:

Goalkeepers: K Bardsley (Manchester City), S Chamberlain (Liverpool), C Telford (Chelsea)

Defenders: A Asante, H Blundell, M Bright (all Chelsea), L Bronze (Lyon), G George (Everton), A Greenwood (Liverpool), S

Houghton (Manchester City), D Stokes (Manchester City)

Midfielders: I Christiansen (Manchester City), J Nobbs (Arsenal), J Scott, K Walsh (both Manchester City), F Williams (Reading)

Forwards: K Carney (Chelsea), T Duggan (Barcelona), F Kirby (Chelsea), M Lawley (Manchester City), N Parris (Manchester

City), J Taylor (Melbourne City), E White (Birmingham City)

Schumacher daughter's Gina waxing strong

Hope indeed is not lost for formular one great Michael Schumacher, as daughter Gina Maria Schumacher continues to take the family name to greater heights. 

Gina, 20, stunned the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Friday as she took part in its novice Cavalli a Roma event in Italy claiming the first position, though  she wasn't present at the prize-giving ceremony. 

Known for her impressive horse-handling skills, Gina Maria Schumacher was seen taking the reins once more as her Formula One legend father remains unable to speak or walk.

Just four months ago she showcased her riding skills at the NRHA European Derby in Lyon, France, where she was watched by her boyfriend Iain Bethke and mother Corinna Schumacher. 

It was the same month she issued a heart-wrenching appeal to reignite hope for Michael's recovery.

The seven-time world champion, 49, has been unable to walk or speak since suffering a head injury during a life-threatening skiing accident in the Alps in December 2013.

Gina reignited hope for her father to return to health as she urged the sportsman to 'keep fighting', in an inspirational Instagram message.

The record-breaking driver was put into a medically induced coma and underwent two life-saving operations at Grenoble Hospital.

In April 2014 he was withdrawn from the coma and moved to a hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, before being brought home in September 2014.

His former boss, Luca di Montezemolo, has said she draws hope from the driver's resilience, telling Courier Dello Sport: 'As I know his strength, I dream that he will soon be among us again.'

Schumacher's record-breaking career spanned 22 years. From 1991 to 2012 he claimed seven World Championships.

The driver won 91 races and earned 151 podium finishes, bringing his career points to 1,566.

The German's first win was at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, with his first Championship victory coming in 1994, when he scraped first place by just one point. The Brazilian Grand Prix in 2012 was Schumacher's final race.

W/Cup: Brazil's man of faith Tite names squad

Can you believe it?

At a time when most coaches are penciling down probable players for their squad to Russia 2018, man of faith and Brazil Manager Tite has named his squad! 

The former defensive midfielder did not only name a squad but even named his starting 11 with Brazil scheduled to open their campaign in Russia against Switzerland on June 17.

Speaking on Friday, the 56-year-old revealed there was no place for Liverpool's Roberto Firmino or Paris Saint-Germain's Thiago Silva in the first XI but they are in the 15 players he has selected.

'The 11 who will start are Alisson; Marcelo, Miranda, Marquinhos, Daniel Alves; Paulinho, Renato Augusto and Casemiro,

Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus,' Tite said in an interview with UOL Esportes.

The team are expected to play in a 4-3-3 formation when they kick start their World Cup campaign in 120 days time against Switzerland in Group E.

The other two players that have been chosen for his squad so far are Manchester City's Fernandinho and Chelsea's Willian. 

With just eight places remaining on the plane to Russia, several players will be looking to impress over the next four months.

In the Premier League, City's shot-stopper Ederson is yet to make the squad as well as wing back Danilo while Chelsea's out-of-favour David Luiz and Tottenham's January signing Lucas Moura have also missed out for now.

Juventus' Douglas Costa, Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis and Bayern Munich's Rafinha will also be looking to stake their claim for a place in the squad. 

Brazil became the first team to qualify for the World Cup back in March and topped South American qualification.

Tite's side will be in search of their sixth World Cup and after Switzerland they will face Costa Rica and Serbia in the group stages.

More squad information may however emerge when Brazil play Russia and Germany in friendly matches in March.

A good number of the coaches heading for Russia are not thinking of rolling out the names of players just now with many hoping that injury worries and other unforeseen circumstances may be out of the way by the time the final selection is made at least a month to  kickoff 

Fortuna Sittard sacks Oliseh *says the Nigerian too stubborn for comfort

After initial assurances given to former Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh by his Dutch second division side Fortuna Sittard that his position as head coach is not threatened, the club Wednesday formerly parted ways with the former Eagles Captain for what the club dubbed inevitable decision.

The club which has been on losing streak for some time now however said the Oliseh's sack has nothing to do with his recent inability to win matches but his behavior and attitude towards management and staff including players which has become too tough to bear.  The club accused Oliseh of making the working relation within the club frosty, adding that efforts made by management to get Oliseh to repent fell on deaf ears.

In what could pass for keeping the record straight and speaking out of the abundant of the heart, the club via its verified twitter handle said

"Fortuna Sittard has immediately put its coach Sunday Oliseh on non-active. The club management makes this decision as a result of the repeatedly culpable actions for a longer period by the trainer towards several persons in the organization.

Several attempts by the club to move the trainer to other behavior remained unfortunately without result, resulting in an unworkable situation as a result.

The board of Fortuna Sittard emphasizes that the decision to sack Sunday Oliseh is not motivated by the current sporting performance. Because of his inadmissible actions, the coach has made the cooperation with many people within the organization impossible, from players, to employees. Fortuna Sittard regrets the decision, but states that the club interest goes above all else.

Oliseh joined Sittard on the 27th December 2016 shortly after leading Eagles to first round ouster in the 2016 edition of Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Rwanda.

Fortuna Sittard have played and lost five matches back to back between 12th January and 12th February, even as they host Telstar without Oliseh on Friday.

Ahmed Musa named in 50 worst players in EPL history

Do you believe it? Could the analysis be right? Is it not debatable? Could it be a case of analyst being entitled to their opinions?

Well, the story is that Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has been named among 50 Worst players of in premier league history.

 The report dished out on Wednesday on Fourfourtwo.com simply titled "Fourfourtwo: 50 worst players in premier league

History" listed the Nigerian international and Leicester city ace who recently returned to Russian club CSKA Moscow after a lull in playing time at the King Power Stadium as number 44 on the log.

With a commentary on each player, the commentary on Musa begins with "Ouch. In the glow of their Premier League-winning season, Leicester broke their transfer record to bring Musa to England for £16.6m from CSKA Moscow. How they landed on the

Nigerian forward is harder to explain, though, given that he has always been an unremarkable and patchy player who, most importantly, didn’t have a natural place in their side.

Maybe he was part of a long-term plan that Claudio Ranieri was never given time to implement? Possibly, but at no point

during his rotten 18 months at the King Power (33 games, five goals) did his transfer ever look likely to be remotely successful. Quietly, he was loaned back to CSKA in the January 2018 transfer window"

Those listed in the first batch alongside Musa include Aston Villa's jean Makoun on 42, Southampton’s Agustin Delgado on 43, Arsenal’s Sebastien Squillaci on 45, Aston Villa's Aleksandar Tonev on 46, Nottingham Forests'Mikola Jerkan on 47, Leeds

Roque Junior on 48, Liverpool’s Salif Diao on 49 and Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao

The report further indicates however that other players on numbers 40 to 1 will be released next week.

Musa who was superlative in his first stay with CSKA Moscow between 2012 -2016 making 125 appearances and scoring 42 goals for the side had what could pass for a nightmare following his transfer to Leicester as he struggled to have playing time.

A worried Super Eagles coach at a time told the duo of Musa and equally embattled Kelechi Iheanacho to seek other clubs where they can get playing time ahead of the World Cup. Musa's return to CSKA Moscow was held in sports circles as it was envisaged that his chances of playing regularly is high. He has not only blended back with ease but has already scored two goals in friendly matches for the side and indication that he might return to super form when the Russian league resumes off in March.

CSKA currently 5^th on the log with 35 points in 20 matches will open up the second stanza of the league on March 3^rd when they host 9^th placed Ural.

What has supporters club got to do with it?

Hopefully come Wednesday February 14th, the CHAN Eagles will be hosted by the government to officially appreciate their effort at the just concluded 5th edition of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Morocco.

The Salisu Yusuf tutored side ably assisted by former Rangers coach and now Elkanemi Warriors of Borno sweat merchant, Imama Amakakpabo, went to morocco, saw but did they conquer?

Yes and No. Yes in the sense that they fought their way to the final for the first time, thus posting a better record from our initial first round and third place outings respectively. 

That no doubt is a commendable outing even though a school of thought believes that on that rainy final of February 4^th in Casablanca, the team had every opportunity to turn the table if they had gone the extra mile.

Another school of thought dismissed excuses bothered on rain, cold, general weather condition and the effect of having to play at all the four venues of Tangier, Agadir, Marakech and Casablanca compared to their final opponents who had the pleasure of playing all their matches in Casablanca.

To proponents of this school of thought, any team that qualifies for a championship like CHAN, Nations Cup, World cup, CAF

Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup etc should be prepared to play at various venues with its attendant challenges after all that is what competition is all about.

So it is either you play to win or lose since every competition is challenged by the same scenario.

Let’s simply say congratulates the Eagles and then focus on making amends for the future.

However the relevance or otherwise of the Supporters club and the cold war between it and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) came to the fore just before the final. The supporters could not make it to Morocco and were bitter about it, though they were on hand to welcome the team on return after the final.  The question is, would the presence of the Supporters club have made a difference?

Could they have served as a ginger for a last minute turn around?

The questions were prompted by outburst by President General of the club, Rafiu Ladipo who accused the present Amaju Pinnick led board of the NFF of having a disdain for the supporters club and doing everything within its powers to strangle it.

According to him the board has total disdain for the club and is plotting and praying to see the club bite the dust. The NFF he further alledged scuttled the club's plan to be in morocco by painting the black, thus making it difficult for its members to get passage to the championship. Speaking on Raypower just before the final, an angry Ladipo said the NFF said they cannot guarantee anybody. Hear him “We don't need their guarantee.  They should leave us alone.  Supporters club has been there for 62 years.  We have worked with all past Presidents of NFF chairmen of NFA, this present board of NFF is not happy that we are united and is bent on destroying the club," he submitted.

The Super Eagles have qualified for the World Cup in Russia and the Glass House taken by its words is doing everything to ensure that the usual squabbles over payment of bonuses and allowances which sometimes takes the shine off our participation and even affects performance indirectly are reduced in Russia if not eliminated.

Will the cold war between the supporters club and the NFF end before heading to Russia or will it like a virus to be allowed to grow into an unwanted distraction?

Prior to this NFF/Supporters club brouhaha, the supporters club itself has reportedly been in crisis with Rev Samuel Ikpea and Vincent Okumagba both laying claims to being in charge.  While the Okumagba faction supported by younger ones want a change and departure from the 20 dominance by Rafiu Ladipo, the Ikpea faction want the status quo to remain. Perhaps this explains why the NFF is keeping the club at arms length in the hope that its crisis does not affect the Super Eagles and perhaps by extension the country's image abroad, just perhaps.

All attempts made to get the Glass House reaction to this fresh allegation by the Supporters club proved abortive as calls and test message sent to the spokesman of the football ruling house went unanswered.

The no response posture of the football house could be well be interpreted that it does not wish to join issues with the supporters club.

Be that as it may, the manner in which the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup in Russia has been likened to sweet melody by some Nigerians and they are hoping that the melody would continue. 

Whether Eagles fly in Russia or not is not the issue for now, they just want to enjoy the melody while it lasts and so any distraction from any quarter will be unacceptable. What this means is that the players who are the main actors of the Mundial, the NFF who administer the game in the country and the supporters club who pride themselves as being able to produce ginger to boost the fighting spirit when the going gets tough  must all be at peace with themselves for the good of all.

The Nation’s image has always been a source of worry, interestingly sports has often been used to launder it especially when our athletes do well in international competitions. Such intermittent goodwill should not be dented by any department or group which explains why any squabble no matter how little it is considered to be, must be addressed before heading to Russia.

Nigerians deserve to be spared unpleasant distractions during the World cup.

Okunbo @60 golf tourney tees off Monday

No fewer than 200 golfers are expected to hit the course when the Captain Hosa Okunbo @60 Pro-Am invitational golf tournament tees off in Benin Edo state on Monday

The money spinning golf tournament which is being organised by Benin club golf section in honour of Hosa Okunbo, a strong supporter of the Golf section, a philanthropist and patron of the Benin Club, will tee-off on February 12th and run till 17th, and will feature top golfers invited from various golf clubs across the 36 states and Abuja.

Chief host of the tournament, Engineer Kingsley Okunbo who confirmed this in a chat on Tuesday said invitations have been dispatched to top and active golfers in the country adding that the six day event will be action packed.

The schedule of events indicate that Day one will see the Caddies tee off on Monday through Tuesday, while the pros will take to the course on Wednesday to Saturday. Veterans and men with handicap 18-28 as well as ladies and lady veterans with handicap 29-36 will also have their time on Friday.

Saturday being the final day, will provide opportunity for special guests to have a feel of action teeing off at 6.30am, followed amateur men handicap 0-17 and ladies handicap 0-28 in that same order.

Part of activities lined up for the event according to Okunbo, is a lecture series titled “Youth migration: Present realities and its consequences” that will hold at the University of Benin main auditorium, Ugbowocampus with two eminent speakers, Professor Benson O.Osadolor, dean of students affairs,  University of Benin, and Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli esq as resource persons.

Okunbo had earlier assured that mouth watering prizes awaits participating golfers “It will indeed be a week of fun for players and lovers of the game alike,” he said

Nigerian flag flies high as Winter Olympics opens

Nigeria sole representatives to the Winter Olympics the trio of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga were a delight to watch as the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on Friday as a huge display of lights and fireworks provided the backdrop to a symbolic quest to find peace.

The spectacular display featured child performers, huge puppets, a world-record 1,200 drones flown simultaneously, and thousands of dancers in a celebration of Korean history and unity.

Inside the area 30,000 people, including a 200-strong North Korean cheerleading squad, watched in -3C temperatures as they were encouraged to bang drums given to them in an extreme weather kit to keep warm.

The parade of nations featured huge flags projected on to the stage for each nation, and was capped off when athletes from both North and South entered under a single united flag.  

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam, who had earlier shaken hands in an historic meeting, clapped and waved in unison as the team entered.

The Nigerian Bobsled girls are likely to be the cynosure of eyes as they are making a debut in the sport for  the first Nigerian team and also African team to participate in their discipline.

Kim Yong Nam was earlier seen meeting with President Moon, the two leaders shaking hands ahead of the opening ceremony.

President Moon has pushed the Games as a 'peace Olympics' that will open a door for dialogue to alleviate tensions on the

peninsula and seek to persuade Pyongyang to give up its atomic ambitions.

There is reportedly a 'good chance' that Ms Kim will invite President Moon to Pyongyang during a lunch on Saturday

IOC block 15 Russian athletes from Pyeongchang

The International Olympic Committee has rejected a request to invite 15 Russians to the Pyeongchang Winter Games just days after the athletes' doping bans were overturned by the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 13 active athletes and two retired athletes working in support roles were among a group of 28 whose bans were overturned by CAS on Thursday. The ban on 11 other Russians was upheld.

In a statement on Monday, the IOC said part of its ruling was because 'the full reasoning for these decisions had not been made public' by CAS.

The IOC said 'the decision of the CAS had not lifted the suspicion of doping, or given the panel sufficient confidence to recommend... those 13 athletes could be considered as clean.'

The IOC said the two coaches 'should not be considered for an invitation' because of previous evidence available to the IOC.

The ruling by the sports court was a blow to the IOC and has shifted some of the focus away from Friday's opening of the Games in frigid South Korea with around 3,000 athletes participating.

On Sunday, IOC president Thomas Bach called the CAS ruling 'extremely disappointing and surprising' and said the Olympic body needed to see the 'reasoned decisions' from the sport court.

The court had said those might not be ready until the end of the month.

'The IOC, we would never have expected this,' Bach said as uncertainty lingers over the Russian athletes. 'We feel that this decision shows the urgent need for reforms in the internal structure of CAS.'

'We only know about the reasons from a very few sentences in a press release,' Bach added. 'So far the panel was not able to produce a reasoned decision which we are eagerly waiting for.'

John Coates, an IOC member and also the president of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport, tried to assure Bach the judicial reasoning would be forthcoming.

'The reasoned decisions in high profile cases are critically important,' Coates said. 'We look forward to their publication as soon as possible.'

The IOC has invited 169 Russians to compete in Pyeongchang as 'Olympic Athletes from Russia' under a neutral flag, but has said it reserves the right to review and appeal the CAS decision.

The Winter Olympics begins on Friday in Pyeongchang  with about 15 different sports including, Ice Hockey, Speed skating

Bobsleigh, Cross-country skiing among others on parade.

Nigerian trio of Ngozi Onwumere, Akuoma Omeoga and Seun Adigun

will be showcasing their skills in the Bobsleigh event as the first Nigerians and Africans to feature in that event.

Other African countries competing in other events include Togo, Eritrea, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Madagascar and Morocco.

Eboue ready to go anywhere just to play

Former Arsenal and Ivorian defender Emmanuel Eboue has admitted he is desperate to return to the football pitch following the revelation of his heartbreaking personal struggles.

The Gunners' cult hero previously revealed he had seriously considered taking his own life after financial mismanagement had left him penniless, with a bitter divorce meaning he has been estranged from his three children since the summer.

Eboue has now opened up about his recent downward spiral, insisting he wants to play football again as he feels 'abandoned' and 'completely alone'.

Although Turkish side Galatasaray initially indicated an interest in giving him a coaching job in the club's junior team, it is apparent that that promise is yet to be fulfilled. 

The free agent told French TV show Canal: 'All I want is to return to football once more. I still possess ability.

'I would even go to places like Baghdad or Pakistan just to play football. I don't care where. 

'I live with my bags already packed, as there is a chance I could be kicked out of my house.

'I don't have anyone by my side nowadays. I feel abandoned. I used to get on well with my children and my family, and now I am completely alone.' 

At the height of his career at the Emirates he took home a seven-digit sum every year during his time in North London, earning a further £1.5 million annually playing for Turkish giants Galatasaray.

However, with his former wife Aurelie being awarded of all the couple's assets, he has been forced to dodge police and bailiffs following a court order - insisting he hand over his home in Enfield to her.

Unfortunately  Eboue has been unable to visit his kids since the estrangement from Aurelie back in June last year.

The 34-year-old, who once played in a Champions League final for Arsenal against Barcelona in 2006, has been hit hard with misfortune. Only recently report went viral that he had committed suicide at his sister's place in London, a report that was later discredited.

Some of his fans who read the initial death story and then the ture position thanked God that he didn’t end his life that way.

Some prayed for him in the hope that either Galatasaray or Arsenal will remedy his situation.

However those still angered by the legal battle with his wife that led to loss of everything, believe he can still head back to court if he is lucky to get a job and earn some money, accusing the wife of reaping where she did not sow

 Eboue who began his football career with Asec Mimosa of Cote d Ivoire, played for Belgian club K.S.K. Beveren, making 70 appearances and scoring four goals for the side before moving ahead to play for Arsenal and Galatasaray respectively making 132 and 77 appearances for the clubs respectively.

Nigeria England in tug of war over Adarabioyo

Who will blink first or better still, who will make the first move?  That is perhaps the big question as Nigeria Football Federation NFF and the England FA work towards having Nigeria born Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo in their senior team fold 

The highly-rated central defender has been tipped for senior international honours and represented England juniors all the way up to Under-19 level. 

However, the 20-year-old is being targeted by Nigeria, his country of heritage further intensified by desire of countries who have qualified for the World cup in Russia to aggregate all their best legs with a view to selecting the best in each department for the showdown in Russia from June 14 to July 15.

Adarabioyo was made available for loan by City during the final 48 hours of the transfer window following the signing of Aymeric Laporte but a deal failed to materialise, with the youngster named on the bench by Pep Guardiola for City’s win over West Brom on Wednesday night.

The Super Eagles technical crew plan to watch Adarabioyo play sustained senior football before deciding whether to tempt him with a place in their World Cup squad.

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s concrete interest in Adarabioyo remains, leaving the Football Association in a fight to keep hold of the defender, who has made seven first-team appearances for City.

Nigeria have successfully persuaded Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi, who have both played for England at junior level, to change their international allegiance in recent years. Ogbonna who plays for West Ham however opted to play for Italy.

Players are only fully committed to a nation once they’ve played a competitive fixture. He was listed but did not play in the 1-1 Man City draw against Burnley on Saturday

Adarabioyo joined the youth system at Manchester City at five,made his U18 debut for the club at 14 and was captain of  the U18s at16. 

On 21 February 2016, Adarabioyo made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Chelsea.He made his Champions League debut on 24 August 2016, as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Steaua București, in a Champions League play-off round match.

Interestingly Nigeria and England have a friendly match scheduled for June 2nd at the Wimbley stadium where Adarabioyo may be listed to play for either side depending on who eventually succeeds in the ongoing tug of war.

CHAN final: Mind your business on the pitch Kaoje tells Eagles

Eagles must mind their business on the pitch, remain disciplined and ignore possible act of antagonism if they are to emerge victorious Sunday in Morocco.

Former Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) Hon. Bala Kaoje who gave the charge hailed the CHAN Eagles for making it this far, noting that what is needed ahead of the final is complete focus and determination. 

Kaoje is making the submission amidst fears expressed by analysts that the Eagles will be playing not just against the Moroccan team but against the entire host nation in the 80,000 Grand Stade de Casablanca

"The Eagles have done well so far and have improved while progressing to the final. What they need now is focus.  The players and coaches must work together and avoid distractions. They just have to ignore effect of home support for their opponents and mind their business on the pitch," he said

Prior to Eagles defeat of Sudan and eventually qualification for the final,  a cross section of soccer fans in the country had expressed their preference to meet Libya in the final, noting that playing the hosts will not be a tea party as the vociferous home fans and their antics may be intimidating.

CHAN Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf has however dismissed the fears insisting that his boys are ready to take the bull by the horns on Sunday.  Despite having about four players sidelined by injury and caution, Yusuf who admitted that the clash will not be easy however said his boys are determined to hold their own.

"We are happy to be in the final and we are determined to play and achieve victory. Yes we have some players sidelined but we good to go," he enthused

DR Congo won the maiden edition of the Championship reserved for players plying their trade at home in 2009 in defeating Ghana 2-0 in Abidjan. Tunisia claimed the second edition hosted by Sunday in 2011 defeating Angola 3-0.

Libya who incidentally will be playing the third place match against Sudan in Morocco clinched the third edition hosted by South Africa beating Ghana  4-3 on penalty after the encounter ended 0-0 at regulation time. 

The 2016 edition in Rwanda provided DR Congo another opportunity to clinch the title for the second time beating Mali 3-0 at the Stade de Amahoro.

Both Nigeria and Morocco are playing in the final of the championship for the first time.