Ndidi nails stock for Leicester

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi took defending champions Leicester to the moon on Saturday after he scored just 25 minutes in the match against visiting Stoke City. 

The Nigerian international who has been in superlative form lately converted an assist from teammate Danny Simpson. Jamie Vardy increased the tally 22 minutes later to hand the foxes a two goal lead that was maintained to the end of the match. 

 It is one in the series of victories that the club has enjoyed since the sacking of former coach and league title winner claudio Ranieri

Ndidi just back from national assignment where he played against Taranga Lions in an international friendly to shape up the Super Eagles for World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers, has continued to impress new coach new manager Craig Shakespeare who only few days ago warned his players against allowing their victories get into their head as there is need to do well both in the league and in the Champions League.

The Foxes are now six points clear of the relegation zone, having taken 12 points from a possible 12 with the new manager - Shakespeare becoming just the fifth coach and first Englishman to win his first four Premier League games in charge.

Shakespeare has inspired improved performances from the title-winning stars that were struggling earlier in the season, and it was January signing Wilfred Ndidi has contributed in no small measure to the turnaround being enjoyed by the side.

The current form of the side is considered a major boost with a Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid on the horizon.

Peter Crouch squandered a great chance to bring Stoke back into the game as he volleyed Arnautovic's centre wide, with Mahrez and Ndidi both having chances to add a third goal for Leicester as the visitors' hopes diminished.

Crouch had another glorious opening in the dying minutes, but again failed to test Schmeichel to sum up a miserable day for Mark Hughes' men.

An elated Shakespear described Ndidi's opener as a booster which came at the right time.

"I always thought the first goal in the game would be crucial. It gave us foothold in the game. The second goal just after half time gave us that confidence to go on and win the game," he told reporters at a post-match press conference.

"We're still not safe. I'm really not looking too far ahead. I think we've got to concentrate on each game. I think there's still a lot of points to play for. We're on a good run and full of confidence but we've got another tough game against Sunderland. “he said

Shakespeare's side welcome the Black Cats to the King Power on Tuesday night.

Rohr disappointed over cancelled friendly

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is not a happy man following last minute cancellation of Super Eagles friendly against Burkina Faso at the Hive stadium in London.

An equally disappointed CAF Executive Member and NFF President Amju Pinnick had recalled that Rohr had insisted on playing tough and physical African opposition ahead of the qualifiers, noting that the Glass House duly fulfilled that with arrangements made for Senegal and Burkina Faso, but regretted the ugly turn of event, even as he counted the blessings of the friendly already played. 

              

“Unfortunately, some of the Burkinabe players could not secure entry visas into the UK. It is nobody’s fault. Our joy is that we were able to play Senegal and got a fair result with a depleted squad, and also the objectives of team bonding, team building, team discipline and further imparting the Technical Adviser’s philosophy to the group have been well served, “he said  

The visa palaver is however not the only obstacle against the match as the schedule appears to have also come short of FIFA rule which stipulates that teams cannot play in two different continents within short intervals as the teams are required to have at least a two day rest after travelling to another continent.

The stallions lost 2-0 to Atlas Lions of Morocco at the Stade de Marrakech on Friday. If the FIFA rule is to be followed it means the team will have Saturday and Sunday to rest before heading to London and may not be able to arrive early enough to face waiting Eagles.

 

Super Eagles earned a late hour draw against Senegal on Thursday with Coach Gernot Rohr expressing satisfaction with his team's performance.   

The Monday match would have provided another opportunity to have a second look at the team and newly introduced players as the technical crew seek a formidable team ahead World cup and Nations Cup qualifiers against Cameroon, Algeria and South Africa respectively.

Barcelona to swoop on Moses in the summer

Super Eagles and Chelsea forward Victor Moses has been named among top 10 players that are likely to be hyjacked by Spanish side Barcelona in their bid to fortify and take back the driving seat in the Spanish la Liga and beyond.

The Catalan giants have seriously wobbled this season, and look set to crash out of the Champions League at the last 16 after a 4-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain in the first leg.

Real Madrid look likely to pip them to the league title too, this has got fans and analyst talking to the effect that Luis Enrique  or whoever may replace him should he leave will have no choice but sign  a couple of new additions to the squad.

Moses who has remained consistent in Chelsea line up is seen as having the speed and quality that can easily see him fit into the Barcelona squad 

Topping the list of ten stars that may not escape the eyes of the Catalan giants in the summer transfer according to Dailystar is Tottenham forward Kyle Walker followed by PSG's Marco Verratti and Southampton's Cedric Soares in that order with the Nigerian international Victor Moses coming in as the fourth option.

 The former Wigan Athletic ace has been enjoying reasonable playing time since his return to the Stamford Bridge under coach Antonio Conte. Other players on the Barcelona probability list include Jaunfran Moreno (Depotivo),Ander Herrera (Manchester Utd),Bruma (Galatasaray)Phillip Couthinho (Liverpool) Serge Aurler(PSG)and Hector Bellerin (Arsenal).