Taiwo Awoniyi, Jamilu Collins lose at home

Mainz Loanee  Taiwo Awoniyi was in action for 25 minutes Saturday as Bundesliga side Mainz were humbled at home by visiting Borussia mgladbach.

The Nigerian was ushered into the pitch in the 65th minute as substitute for consolation goal scorer Robin Quaison. 

The Swede had opened scoring for the homers in the 18th minute of the game to the delight of supporters who saw the early lead as an indication that it would be a day of bountiful harvest. 

But the reverse turned out to be the case as the visitors leveled in the 31st minute thanks to Stefan Lainer.

Borussia mgladbach doubled the lead in the 77th minute just within 12 minutes of action for Awoniyi. The situation rather than improve for Awoniyi and his teammates got worse with a third goal for the visitors two minutes later.  

Attempts by the homers to remedy the situation proved abortive. Mainz enjoyed a minimal possession advantage in the ratio of 51 to 49 which nonetheless failed to produce an advantage in the score line.

Super Eagles left back Jamilu Collins equally had a bad day as his SC Paderborn were equally beaten by the same margin at home by Freiburg.

Collins was in action for the entire duration of the game which saw SC Paderborn shoot into the lead as early as the third minute through Streli Mamba.

The early lead however came to nothing after the visitors earned and converted a penalty in the 21st minute followed by two more goals scored in the 40th and 90th minutes respectively.

Awoniyi and his teammates will now be hoping to earn a point when they face Bayern Munich away next Saturday while Collins and teammates will look forward to the tie against Obafemi Martins former club Wolfsburg on the same day.

U17 Nations cup semis: forget about past victories Manu warns Eaglets

Ahead of their semifinal clash against Guinea U17 Wednesday, Eaglets coach Manu Garba has told his boys to forget past victories and treat the clash as final showdown.

While admitting that the achievements made so far at the on going championship in Tanzania is heartwarming, the party according to the former Flying Eagles coach must be put on hold to fight all the way to the final.

"We topped the group and we didn’t lose any match that is good, but we must put all that aside and give full concentration to the semifinal clash like I said will be very tactical, “he said

Guinea finished as runners up in Group B with six points in three games to set up semifinal clash against Nigeria.

 Garba who won the FIFA U-17 world cup in 2013 and the 2015 Africa U-20 championship in 2015, is hoping to add the U-17 Nations cup title to his resume. Nigeria last won the championship in 2007 in Togo, finished as runners up in 2013 in Morocco, and in the 4th place in the 2015 edition in Niamey.

 In comparison Guinea's highest level in the championship has been the third place finish. Interestingly the West African country have finished in the third place three times 1995,2015 and 2017 and will no doubt be dreaming to go beyond that in  Dar es Salaam.

Nations Cup: No time to experiment with new players-Rohr

Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr says two months to the Nations Cup in Egypt is too short a time to experiment with new players. 

Rohr who has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that he is under pressure to win a laurel with the team he inherited from former international Sunday Oliseh in 2016, maintained that the devil you know is better than the Angel you know nothing about.

 Some analysts had opined that though the Eagles did well in qualifying for the Nations cup without the usual migraine before qualification, the team needs to be given a close look with a view to effecting some changes especially in the goalkeeping area considered a bit shaky.

But in a swift reaction Rohr told whoever cares to listen that he has decided on the trio of Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

"We have a little challenge because our young goalkeeper Uzoho has not really played at his club this season," Rohr told BBC Sport.

"Uzoho made one mistake in the last qualifier [against Seychelles] but we gave him a chance with the youth under-23 and it was good for his confidence.

"Daniel Akpeyi is playing now for a big team in South Africa and doing very well. Our third goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa too is good so we can work harder with them.

"We have a good spirit as a team since the World Cup, so there's no time to bring in new players," he submitted  

Luckily Eagles who got what has been described as soft draw will face two debutants of the Nations cup Burundi and Madagascar with only Guinea expected to pose a bit of a challenge having been to the Nations cup 11 times and posting their best performance in 1976 in Ethiopia where they ended up as runners up to eventual winners Morocco.

The Syli Nationale, have also made it to the quarterfinals four times, the latest being at the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea. 

Incidentally Eagles were absent in the last two editions and will need to show on the pitch that indeed they are back.  All the 24 teams that will battle for honours in Egypt have till June 10^th to submit their final 23-man squad.

2023 W/World Cup: South Africa battles for hosting right

After successfully hosting the 2010 World cup, South Africa have again indicated interest in hosting the 2023 edition of the Women's world cup.

World soccer ruling body FIFA confirmed the Rainbow Nation's bid on Tuesday the thus bringing to nine the number of countries interested in hosting the event.

Other countries in the running for the hosting right include Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South & North Korea and New Zealand.

Although all documents relating to the bid are expected to be in the custody of the world soccer ruling body by October 4th 2019, decision on which country eventually gets the nod will not be made until March 2020.

South Africa will be banking on her wealth of experience garnered in the course of hosting the world in 2010, the first time the African continent will be hosting the prestigious tournament regarded as the highest celebration of soccer excellence.

The women's world cup made its debut in 1991 with China hosting the very first edition which the United States won beating Norway in the finals.

Other countries that have hosted the championship in include Sweden 1995, USA 1999 and 2003,China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015 while this year edition has will hold in France.

Although Africa is yet to host the Championship Nigeria has participated in all the editions of the women's world cup posting an impressive outing in 1999 in the USA where the Falcons made it to the quarterfinals losing 4-3 to Brazil after extra time.

Interestingly Bayana Bayana of South Africa who will be participating in this year's edition in France, are qualifying for the event for the first time in 25 years after finishing as runners up in the African Women Nation cup in Ghana. 

Isaac Success Savours Watford’s FA cup triumph from the bench

Nigeria international Isaac Success was an unused substitute as Watford edged crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday to zoom into the semifinals of the English FA cup. 

French man Etienne Capoue shot Watford into the lead in the 27th minute at the Vicarage Stadium in front of 18,104 spectators. Michy Batshuayi however leveled up for Crystal Palace in the 62nd minute.

Both teams afterwards continued the battle of supremacy with goals at par until Andre Gray restored Watford lead in the 79tth minute. The strike turned out to be the last goal of the match as Watford held tenaciously to the advantage till the final whistle even as Crystal Palace maintained more possession which failed to turn the table.

Gray interestingly came off the bench to deliver the much needed victory

Gray’s latest heroics moved Watford closer to finally returning to the FA Cup final 35 years after they lost to Everton in their only other appearance Palace had laboured without Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, absent due to a calf strain.

Isaac Success, who saw full 90 minutes action in Watford's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in a premier league tie just before Saturday's FA Cup tie, will be hoping to play a part in the semifinals as they await their opponents of the next stage. In continuation of the FA cup Millwall will take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday at the The Den

Oshoala eye more goals in Barca/Athletico Super Sunday clash

Super Falcons forward and African Woman footballer of the year Assisat Oshoala will be hoping to hit target Sunday as Barcelona face Athletico Madrid away  in the Primera División Femenina in what has been dubbed Super Sunday clash.

No fewer than 68,000 spectators are expected at the showdown billed for the 68,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Athletico revealed no more tickets are available as tickets for the match sold out just few hours after sales opened. 

The tickets that sold for £4.20 each (approximately N2,000) were quickly cleared with fans looking forward to the epic clash in which Oshoala who so far has been a hit for the Barcelona side will be hoping to increase her goal tally for the side she joined shortly after helping Falcons clinch their 9th African Nations cup in Ghana.

The crowd is tipped to be the largest ever for a club-level women's match in Europe, beating the 48,121 record that Athletic Bilbao said it set in January in a Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao

Last season, more than 22,000 watched Atletico's women's squad play its first game at the Wanda. It usually hosts its matches at a smaller venue in Madrid.

The two-time defending champions, Atletico Madrid have a six-point lead over Barcelona with seven matches left.

The women's club game with the highest attendance in Europe reportedly was played in 1920, when 53,000 people watched Dick, Kerr Ladies play St. Helen's Ladies at Everton's Goodison Park stadium, according to the English Football Association.

The record for any women's match was the 90,185 people who watched the 1999 World Cup final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl. At the 2012 Olympic final in London, 80,203 people saw the United States defeat Japan 2-1 to win the gold medal. 

The Barcelona ladies will not only be hoping to rise to the occasion playing away notwithstanding, they will also be hoping take revenge after a 2-0 defeat by Athletico in the Copa dela Reina on February 17.

Super Falcons to battle Spain in high profile friendly

As part of preparation for the forthcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in France, Super Falcons are to face Spain in high profile international friendly.

The showdown slated for between April 2^nd and 9th will be coming exactly two months to the kickoff of the tournament on June 7.

 Both teams had originally been scheduled to clash last year but the tie had to be put off due to other engagements but the time is considered ripe now and appropriate for both teams as they perfect strategies for the world cup.

Falcons are in Group A of the world cup alongside hosts France, Korea Republic and Norway, while Spain are in Group B with Germany, China and South Africa. 

The forthcoming friendly will definitely be a boost for the Nigerian side coming on the heels of the 4-Nations invitational in China and the Cyprus cup where they featured prominently.

Falcons are making their 8th appearance at the World cup with the 1999 edition in USA where they made it to the quarterfinals. Unlike Falcons who can be dubbed regulars at the women's world cup haven participated in every edition

still inception in 1991, Spain will be making their second appearance in France haven first  qualified in the 2015 edition in Canada where they crashed out in the group stage.

The Spain side may have had minimal appearance at the world cup the nonetheless remain formidable and have reached the quarterfinals of the Uefa Women's Championship twice viz 2013 in Sweden and 2017 in the Netherlands.

Kalu heaves sigh of relief as mother regains freedom

Super Eagles and Bordeaux of France Winger Samuel Kalu can now concentrate on national team assignment after his kidnapped mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu was released Tuesday according to Abia State Police command.  

Madam Kalu according to the Police was released close to midnight of Monday.  The Punch quoted Abia state Police spokesman Godfrey Ogbona, as confirming the release in a chat with AFP.

“She was released around midnight (2300 GMT) of Monday and she has been reunited with her people,” he said.

“Circumstances surrounding her release have not been disclosed to me for now.

“But we are still investigating the incident in a bid towards ensuring that those who carried out the act are arrested and brought to book.”

Samule Kalu who broke into the senior national team in October last year, shortly after joining French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux from Belgian outfit Gent made the 23-man list released by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr on Monday ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and friendly match against Egypt respectively. The Kidnap of his mother reportedly shocked the coach who joined in prayers for her release. 

With the cheery news of her release the 21 year old can sing Hosanna in the Highest and concentrate on training ahead of Eagles double header.

 It will be recalled that Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel who is missing in the 23-man list dished out by Rohr, equally had the same experience during the World cup in Russia when his father Pa Michael Obi was kidnapped from his Jos home with the kidnappers asking for and zooming away with N10million before releasing him.

Liverpool place N6.1billion price tag on Taiwo Awoniyi

Any club wishing to buy Taiwo Awoniyi will have to place N6.1billion (about £13m) on Liverpool's table, it has been revealed.

 Awoniyi who is currently with his fifth club on loan since joining Liverpool in 2015, is yet to make a senior appearances for the Reds because he does not qualify for United Kingdom work permit.

The former junior international is reportedly being monitored by a number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Schalke. 

Although Liverpool will be ready to let the 21 year old Centre forward go if as much as £13m is on the table. Awoniyi's future at Liverpool could change again depending on the United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union.

Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool are keen to retain Awoniyi but remain open to another loan deal if his work permit status is not resolved.

Awoniyi has spent spells on loan with FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Gent, and is currently on his second loan stint in Belgium with Mouscron.

He has scored six goals in seven games since returning to the club in January, having spent the first half of 2018-19 with their Jupiler Pro League rivals Gent.

Awoniyi came to limelight in 2010 when he was voted the most valuable player a Coca-Cola football competition in London

His performance at the competition was spotted by for Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana who made him join Imperial Soccer Academy, to begin his gradual upward improvement. 

He subsequently joined Liverpool on 31st August 2015 for a fee put at £400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt.

Rohr 23: No Seychelles challenge for Mikel, Iheanacho

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has decided there is no need to stress team captain John Obi Mikel over the forth coming AFCON qualifier against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt respectively.

Rohr who is looking to parade a formidable team at the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt released a 23-man team for the two matches on Monday leaving out the Super Eagles captain who only recently joined Championship side Middlesbrough after quitting Chinese super league side Tiajin Teda. 

The decision is not unconnected with the need to allow the former Chelsea star stablise in his new club where he has already made an instant impact. 

Also left out of the squad is embattled Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.  The former Manchester City ace has been struggling to maintain a regular place at the King Power Stadium, starting most of the times from the bench.  Teammate Wilfred Ndidi who has been enjoying regular playing slot at Leicester however made the squad.

Ndidi it will be recalled missed the last qualifier against South Africa following a caution card.

The tie against Seychelles is a mere shape up match with Eagles already qualified for the Nations Cup.  In the first leg played in September last year in Seychelles, Eagles recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory with Odion Ighalo, Chidozie Awaziem and Ahmed Musa on target.

Samuel Kalu who made Rohr's 23-man team will however need to ginger his spirit at a time when efforts are still being made to rescue his mother Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu from Kidnappers den.

His case is like a replay of the experience Mikel had during the World cup in Russia when he had to endure the pain of his father's kidnap to play

Nigeria's match while efforts eventually yielded fruits as security agents rescued his father.

Here is a list of players invited for the Seychelles and Pharaohs ties billed for  22nd and 26th March respectively

Goalkeepers:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa

Daniel Akpeyi

Francis Uzoho

Defenders:

William Ekong

Leon Balogun

keneth Omeruo

Olaoluwa Aina

Chidozie Awaziem

Abdullahi Shehu

jamilu Collins

Valentine Ozornwafor

Midfielders:

John Ogu

Wilfred Ndidi

Oghenekaro Etebo

Semi Ajayi

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa

Odion Ighalo

Moses Simon

Alex Iwobi

Victo Osimhen

Paul Onujachu

Henry Onyekuru

Samuel Kalu

Mind your Language: Rape charity group warn Anthony Joshua

Nigeria born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has come under heavy attack from Rape charity group after the group picked holes with his comment over Ronaldo and his rape allegation.

Joshua who is full of admiration for the Portugal international who he noted keeps waxing strong despite all the distractions, highlighted  tax and women as some of the obstacles of success for athletes.

'I've always said two things you'd get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he's got f***** for both and he's still smiling, still strong,' said Joshua at a promotional event in New York. 'You need mental strength, he's proved that.

'He's a family man, he's got that aspect, but still out working and he's dedicated to what he does.

'So as a sportsman he's had the issue of one side, he's got the family on the other side, and he balances what he's passionate about," he said

But Joshua's submission has been condemned by the Rape crisis body for England and Wales who described the submission as inappropriate and trivialisation of a serious issue.

The comment it added should not be coming from a person like Joshua considered a role model.

Katie Russell, the Rape Crisis England and Wales national spokeswoman, told The Telegraph: 'It's inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful to make jokes or flippant remarks about allegations or instances of sexual violence and abuse in any context.

'Arguably, those in the public eye, who may be considered a role model to many, including impressionable young people, have a particular responsibility not to trivialise such serious issues.

'Experiences of sexual violence and abuse, can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on victims,' and survivors' health, lives and relationships.

'As a society, we need to develop more empathy and understanding about that if we are ever to see more of those impacted by sexual violence and abuse get the support they need, want and deserve.'

Ronaldo has denied raping Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009 even as Mayorga claimed she was paid £280,000 hush money to keep quiet about the incident.

Elderson Echiejile goes spiritual craves divine favour

Journey man and Super Eagles left back Elderson Echiejile may have declared March a month of prayer with intent to receiving wave making divine favours.

The former Braga ace who has made no fewer than four loan stopovers since joining Monaco in 2014,went spiritual in a post on Saturday while ushering in the month of March."Praying to receive all the favours of the month🙏🏾 #Eue3" he enthused

Echiejile who is on loan with Belgium league side Cercle Brugge since 2018 has been on loan since 2016, moving from Standard Liège to Sporting Gijón and Sivasspor respectively.

The former Under 20 ace that was part of Super Eagles squad to the last World cup in Russia will no doubt be hoping to in contention as the Eagles prepare for final Nations cup qualifier against Seychelles this month.

Though considered inconsequential tie with the Eagles already qualified for the Nations Cup in Egypt, the match nonetheless is being used by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to shape up his team for the continental fiesta which 7-time winners Egypt have hinted they intend to double effort to host and win.  

Nigeria will be hoping to put a good fight at the event after missing two back to back editions. Many say having an impressive outing is not negotiable especially after the team failed to fly in Russia.

Echiejile who broke into the senior national team in 2009 after has so far made 59 appearances for the national side scoring three goals in the bargain.

N90.6million up for grabs in FIFA's eNations cup

Young men and women with skills and passion for electronic sports and video games are in for a huge opportunity to earn millions of pounds while having fun.

Fifa have expanded their esports portfolio by adding a new tournament called the eNations cup.

The competition, which will take place on April 13-14, will be part of the video game FIFA 19 Global Series where the best 32 players compete to play in the FIFA eWorld Cup.

The winner of the eWorld Cup, which takes place in August, will earn prize money of nearly £190,000 (about N90.6million)

Sixteen national teams representing all of FIFA's confederations, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, OFC, AFC and UEFA will be invited to take part in the eNations Cup.

Nations can host their own eFootball Championships to find their national team where two players will be invited to represent their country.

Luis Vicente, Chief Digital Transformation & Innovation Officer at FIFA said: 'The involvement of our member associations with a dedicated nations tournament is another significant and exciting step forward for FIFA and the development of eFootball globally.

'After the successful introduction of the FIFA eClub World Cup™ in recent years and the new team mode, we are looking forward to integrating this nation vs nation competition into our eFootball portfolio.

'Furthermore, the FIFA eNations Cup represent for us another great step in the growth and development of eFootball, further enhancing engagement with fans and players worldwide as well as allowing our member associations to develop and activate eFootball programs and competitions in their country.'

Poland 2019: Flying Eagles to know opponents February 24th

*Fans to pay between N1,000 to N3,800

*We are ready for Nigeria others declares host nation

Flying Eagles of Nigeria will know their group opponents at this year FIFA under 20 World cup holding in Poland on February 24th.

 World soccer ruling body FIFA made this known on Tuesday even as organisers revealed that tickets sales for the championship will open on February 26th. 

The announcement also marks exactly 100 days to the kickoff of the championship in which four African countries  Nigeria,Mali,  Senegal and  South Africa have already been listed among qualified countries.

Organisers further revealed that fans will be paying a considerably reasonable fee ranging from N1, 000 to N2, 850 for category one ticket and N1, 900 to N3, 800 for cagtegory two tickets. The Championship will hold in six Polish cities of   Bielsko-Biala, Bydgoszcz, Gdynia, Lodz, Lublin and Tychy

Records show that Since its inception in 1977, the FIFA U-20 World Cup has attracted more than 13 million fans from around the globe to its Venues.

"Tickets for the first-ever FIFA competition to be hosted on Polish soil will be available on 26 February in two categories and start at PLN 10. The only official platform on which to secure these tickets will be FIFA.com/tickets/U20WC" the information said

FIFA Deputy Secretary General Zvonimir Boban highlighted the importance of the tournament when he added

"I was blessed to be able to play in both the opening match and final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 1987 in a full stadium.

That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that really shaped my career. Poland is a country with a big football tradition and Polish fans will provide the appropriate setting for an exciting competition. Celebrating this tournament in Poland in the year of the Polish FA’s centenary and with a legend like Zbigniew Boniek as the Polish FA President is definitely something very special,"

The decision to have minimal ticket fee is not unconnected with an attempt to ginger massive attendance as revealed by president of Polish football Association Zbigniew Boniek

We want the stands of our stadiums to be filled with fans. Attractive ticket prices will surely contribute to a high attendance. In less than two weeks, we will be hosting the official draw ceremony in Gdynia, and ticket sales is due to

kick off soon afterwards. We encourage all fans to mark the dates of the tournament in their calendars and before that, of course, go ahead and buy tickets. You simply cannot miss such an event in Poland," he enthused

Sala Search Re-start: League Players, crowds raise N76.3million

The search for missing Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala and pilot Dave Ibbotson could restart after a GoFundMe campaign supported by Premier League stars Laurent Koscielny and Ilkay Gundogan raised more than £160,000 about (N76.3million)within a day.

Over 2,000 people had responded to the appeal for funds. The target had originally been set at £129, 00 (€150,000) euros but was bumped up to £431, 00 (€500,00) after a spate of generous donations.

Footballer Adrien Rabiot boosted donations Saturday afternoon by putting up €25,000 (£21,500), to help with the private search for Sala.

Several other footballers, including Arsenal captain Koscielny and Manchester City midfielder Gundogan also donated large sums to boost the total.

The cash appeal was launched by Sport Cover, the name of Emiliano's agent Meissa N'Diaye's Paris-based football agency.

A message on the web fundraiser, which carries the Spanish language hashtag #NoDejenDeBuscar Emiliano Sala and means

'Don't Stop Looking for Emiliano Sala', said: 'This fund was created in response to the urgency of the situation and the authorities' decision not to pursue the search.

'Its sole objective, through a specialized non-profit organization, is to help the family of Emiliano and pilot Dave Ibbotson continue the search.

One fan who donated 20 euros wrote: 'Emiliano, if there's only the slightest hope I'm donating these 20 euros for the resumption of the search.

'You are in my heart and I want to help your family find you in any way I can.

'Whatever happens, you will always be in my thoughts. You are a great footballer and a wonderful person.

Debutant Mikel plays for 62 minutes in Boro's victory

Super Eagles captain john Obi Mikel made a starting debut for Middlesbrough Saturday, playing for 62 minutes in the 4th round FA cup tie against Newport.

 Mikel who had vowed shortly after signing the deal few days back to help the Championship side get back to the elite division was handed number 2 jersey for the match playing directly in front of the back four of the Tony Pulis tutored side.

The new club appears determined to give their new buy a fresh identity as his name on the lineup was indicated as Nchekwube Obinna.

The former Chelsea midfielder’s full name of course is John Michael Nchekwube Obinna.

The debut ended in a victory for Middlesbrough who shot into the lead in the 54th minute of the match thanks to Spain import Daniel Ayala. 

Middlesbrough dominated proceedings and no doubt deserved their victory with Mikel getting a replacement in Adam Clayton in the 62nd minute.

With the FA cup tie sorted out Mikel will turn his attention to the regular championship ties beginning from next Saturday when they take on West Brom away.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is happy with Mikel's move to the Championship side in England noting that it is important that he has a place "where he can play regular football".

Middlesbrough are 5th on the 24-team championship log with 47 points in 28 matches played so far.

Ahead of Middlesbrough on the log are Leads United, Norwich City, Sheffered Wednesday and West Brom in the 1st to 4th position in that order. 

In some other FA cup matches played on Saturday,Manchester City made mince meat Burnley, hammering the premier league side

5-0  while Swansea city beat Gallingham 4-1.

AFCON 2019: Salah Predicts Pharaohs vs Taranga Lions final

Liverpool talisman and Egypt international Mohamed Salah may have ruled out the possibility of Super Eagles making it to the finals of this year's African Cup of Nations in Egypt. 

The two time African footballer of the year rather predicted that the Pharaohs will play Taranga Lions of Senegal in the final. 

Interestingly Senegal international Sadio Mané who missed the African football of the year gong by whiskers is Salah's teammate at Liverpool and will be expected to lead Senegal in the continental battle of supremacy billed for 15 June and 13 July.

Salah is not only looking forward to Egypt who were handed the hosting right after Cameroon was disqualified hosting a very impressive tournament but also hoping that the Pharaohs will make it all the way to the final and win the trophy.

The 27 year old who had close to a rough ride at the World Cup in Russia, is eager to inspire his nation to the AFCON title, the 8th time they will be winning it if his dream comes to pass.

"It’s very exciting to play at home and we will do our best to win the title," Salah said on King Fut.(an English-based Egyptian website providing a variety of news and statistics for the sports in Egypt, especially the local football and covering the Egyptian expatriate footballers news).

The left-footed attacker predicted that they will face West African giants Senegal in this year's final.

“I think we will face Senegal in the final," the former AS Roma and Chelsea winger continued.

“This is the best time for Egypt to host the tournament. We may not have the best league in Africa, but we can be the best from now,” he added.

Egypt are the most decorated team in the history of the AFCON competition having won a record seven titles.  The last time they won the tournament was in 2010.

Super Eagles who qualified for the tournament with a match against Seychelles to spare in March missed the last two editions and will be hoping to bounce back to reckoning in the land of the pharaohs.  

Although Coach Gernot Rohr has not expressly been mandated to win the tournament many believe it is one title the team should aspire to win after a below par performance the World Cup in Russia.

The last time Nigeria won the title was in 2013 in South Africa, beating Burkina Faso by a lone goal in front of 85,000 spectators under late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi.

Liberated Moses happy to join Fenerbahce thanks Chelsea

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses has expressed joy following his successful Fernerbahce deal which was concluded Friday. 

The former Wigan Athleitic still basking in the euphoria of the move which many have dubbed liberation move judging from his bitter experience in recent times at the Stamford Bridge took the opportunity to prove that he was not having grudges for Chelsea, thanked the club and wished the team and the fans the very best in their future endeavors.  He further described his new club as a huge club with incredible fans and amazing history.

"Delighted to have joined @Fenerbahce 💯 A huge club with incredible fans and an amazing history 💪🏿 Can’t wait to get going!🇹🇷I’d also like to thank everyone at @ChelseaFC and I wish the team and the fans the very best for the future!"

Moses who made appreciable impact at the World cup in Russia despite Super Eagles eventual poor run announced shortly after the Mundial that he was quitting the national team to concentrate on club assignment, unfortunately the club assignment refused to come as Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri looked the other way most times preferring to leave the Nigerian on the bench.

An evidently excited Moses believes the move will return him to action on the pitch once more at a time when the super Eagles coach has made it clear that the doors of the national team remains open should the 28 year old decides to make a U-turn concerning his international career.

With his Chelsea contract due to expire next month strong indications abound that the move could become permanent after the agreed 18 months especially if he becomes an instant hit for the Turkish side that is eager to move up the ladder.

Moses who dons number 15 jersey at the Stamford Bridge and 11 with the Super Eagles, will don number 8 jersey at Fenerbahce.  Moses may debut for the club when they host Yeni Malatyaspor on Monday.

Heartland woo fans ahead Go Round clash in Okigwe

Still basking in the euphoria of their lone goal away victory over Nasarawa united at the weekend, Heartland have given their supporters a pat on the back for standing by the team all the way. 

The Nazi Millionaires who can be said to have re-structured ahead of the new season by engaging a whole lot of fresh legs, believe they stand a good chance of pulling weight this season.

The five premier league and three time FA cup winners believe the away victory will further serve as a huge ginger ahead of weekend fixture against Go Round Fc at the new Okigwe Stadium even as they called on their supporters to troop out in large numbers to support the boys.

One of the young chaps making it happen for the Owerri based side is Samuel Nnoshiri and the team did not hesitate to celebrate his contribution in tie against Nasarawa United. “What a way to get three points away from home than 17 year old Samuel Nnoshiri calmly beating his marker and banging the roof of the Nassarawa United goal. And what an assist from Nnamdi Egbujor! YES! Heartland is back! #NPFL19" the club enthused while announcing #NPFL our next game comes up this Wednesday at the sparkling new Okigwe Stadium. Once again, we will be counting on your support to cheer the lads to victory"

Heartland began the season with a lone goal defeat to Kano Pillars in Kano, recovered quickly to hammer Plateau United 3-0 in their second match before grabbing an impressive lone goal away victory against Nasarawa United.

The Nigeria Professional football league (NPFL) is featuring 24 teams for the first time, and many have hailed the successful take off of the new season.

Meanwhile a number of soccer fans who spoke  on the kickoff of the season say the League management board must do everything to curb incessant fracas that have been the trademark of the league.

A situation where the possibility of having a fight before, during, or after a match cannot be ruled out, they reasoned cannot attract the much needed fans to our match venues.

Some frowned at the banishing of teams and playing behind closed doors as punitive measure suggesting instead that deduction points in what they dubbed "Operation three goals and three points" will do the magic. “If a team knows three points will be deducted and three goals awarded to the harassed or attacked team, they will be more careful" they chorused while reacting to the fracas that occurred in the match between Remo Stars and returning premier league side Insurance of Benin.

Rangers seek icing on the cake as lobi battle Asec Mimosa

After an impressive away performance against Bantu FC of Lesotho in the CAF Confederation cup play off, hard fighting Rangers international will on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium consolidate on the smooth run so far.

The flying Antelopes will not only be hoping to win again with a 2-1 first leg advantage but will also be hoping to use victory at the Cathedral to formally celebrate the birthday of team coach Gbenga Ogunbote whose effort so far has continued to yield positive result. The club has already wished their darling coach a happy birthday but there is no doubt that victory on Sunday will be like icing on the cake.

"Wishing our very hard working Coach, Olugbenga Ogunbote 'The Oracle', a happy birthday today,  as he adds one more year to his age. Happy birthday sir!!!!! #NeverSayDie" was the expression Ogunbote woke up to find on the club's twitter handle Friday January 18.

 It did not stop there as the club went ahead to announce time for the upcoming match in an apparent call on supporters to turn out in large numbers to cheer their team to victory

"We play host to @BantuFC this Sunday in the third round second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu from 4 pm" the club announced.

Meanwhile Champions league contenders Lobi Stars who have already hit the Ivorian capital Abidjan ahead of Saturday's clash with Asec Mimosa will be up against a side that will be all out like wounded lions at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Unlike Lobi who are heading into Saturday's match fresh from a 2-1 home victory against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Asec are heading into the match fresh from a 5-2 defeat by Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. 

Wydad are leading Group A with Lobi stars in the second place and while Mimosa are occupying the fourth place on the log. 

Two players Mimosa’s Salif Coulibaly and Lobi Stars Yaya Kone might find themselves working a bit under pressure for taking the bull by the horns against opponents last weekend. 

While Salif Coulibaly,hit the back of the net against the Moroccans despite Mimosa's defeat, Kone  ensured Lobi enjoyed a well-deserved victory at the Cathedral against Mamolodi.

Many believe it promises to be full of fireworks with Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal set to be at the centre in the Mimosa versus Lobi battle.