Mikel denies being punished by Chelsea

Nigerian midfielder, John Mikel Obi has rubbished comments credited to the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr claiming he was being punished at Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August. Mikel maintained that the national team manager’s remark was taken out of context by the Nigerian media adding that he got the club’s backing to attend the event. The 29 year-old has however released a statement to that effect.

“I’d like to clarify that the recent media claim that I’ve been punish the Suoeed by Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate.
“Unfortunately, comments made by Gernot Rohr before yesterday’s 3-1 win over Algeria were both mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media as English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or much of the Nigerian media’s first language.
“To be absolute clear, Mr Conte and Chelsea were always in support of my captaincy of the Nigerian team in Rio.
“The manager gave me his full blessing to participate at the Olympics and even encouraged me to bring back the gold medal- something I spoke to the media about that time.
“It goes without saying that there’s nothing but absolute respect between myself, the Nigerian national team and Chelsea FC, something that was demonstrated by Mr Rohr’s recent visit to Cobhams.
“My only focus now is on winning more silverware with Chelsea and getting Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup. Two challenges I can’t wait to face.”

World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles beat Algeria

 
Two goals from Victor Moses and one from John Obi Mikel gave Nigeria the expected win over Algeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Moses who is in top form for both country and club opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 24th minute before sealing the victory with another goal in added minutes and that earned him the man of the match honour.
Mikel who scored his 5th goal in 76 appearances for the Eagles also put up a very impressive display.
Nigeria has now secured 6 points from 2 games and are now in firm control of group B 
 

Cristiano Ronaldo wins 2016 Goal50 award.

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a very momentous week.

The Portuguese signed a new Real Madrid contract worth £19m-a-year, a whooping new Nike life-time deal worth £21m-a-year and he’s just picked the #Goal50 prize for best player in the world for 2015/16 season. He dethroned arch rival, Lionel Messi to win the prize.

From firing home the penalty that handed his side the 2015/2016 UEFA Champions league trophy  to inspiring Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, the Real Madrid star has enjoyed a wonderful 2015/2016 campaign and is in a pole position to win the next FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

“It is an honour to receive this recognition again”. Said Ronaldo who has now won the award for the 4th time. It’s for all my teammates at Real Madrid and in the national team. I feel very happy and proud. Nothing is achieved without ambition, personal effort and without a team of colleagues and workers who support you day in day out. That day-day is the most important thing.”

The 31 year-old said while receiving the award in Madrid.

Gernot Rohr reckons Mikel is being punished by Chelsea

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr reckons Chelsea are punishing Mikel Obi for participating in the RIO 2016 Olympics. The Blues midfielder hasn’t laced his boot for the premier league outfit this season and Nigeria’s chief technical adviser claims he  is being snubbed for missing out on pre-season preparations.

Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the German said, 
“I can never punish a player because he played for his country, and I am not happy with what is happening to Mikel at his club because he is my captain. The only thing that has not made Mikel to play for Chelsea this season is because he went with the U23 team that won bronze at the 2016 Olympics games, and that is why he is being punished. He has not featured under the new coach, Conte, since then. But I will still build  the   team playing against Algeria around him because he is in a  good shape and fit for the match. Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players.”

Neymar reaches goalscoring landmark for Brazil

Neymar reached a goalscoring landmark in the colours of Brazil yesterday as his side romped Argentina 3-0 in their 2018 World Cup Qualifier. At 24, the former Santos player has become the youngest South American or European player to net 50 international goals. He’s 27 away from legend, Pele’s record for Brazil. He also recorded 30 assists  in 74 caps. Neymar is now fourth on Brazil’s list of all-time top goalscorers

Brazil’s top scorers

77 – Pele
62 – Ronaldo
55 – Romario
50 – Neymar

Hector Bellerin signs new 6-year contract to join top earners at Arsenal

 
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has put pen to paper a new 6-year deal which has seen him become one of the club’s top earners on over £100,000 per week.
The Spanish right back’s contract worth about £30million was also to fence off interests from other clubs; specifically Barcelona and Manchester City.

Gareth Bale named 2016 Wales Player Of The Year

 
Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale has for the sixth time in 7 years emerged Wales´ Player Of The Year. The Welsh star who has been in a scintillating form in the year received the honour at a ceremony at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) awards on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old who had an impressive outing at the Euro 2016 semi-finals is also on course to become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.  

“Massive honour to be named @FAWales Player of the Year! Big thank you to all the Boys, Staff and Fans #TogetherStronger ” He wrote.

NFF unable to pay clearing costs of new Nike kit

 
We heard about NFF’s financial crisis but when did things go this bad?
According to reports,  Nigeria are yet to pay the clearing costs of the new Nike kit which was unveiled few months ago.
The solid green kit with white ribbing around the back of the modern crewneck collar is made with breathable, mesh fabric for optimal ventilation and sweat-wicking for lightweight comfort.
Albeit the team would don the shirt against Algeria this weekend the bulk of the consignment is still at the ports.
“They have been there for weeks and we have been unable to pay the clearing costs because the federation has no money,” a top official told KweséSports.
 
 
Credit: kwesesports.com

Robin Van Persie allays fears over horrific eye injury

Saw pictures of the injured eye and almost cringed.

Former Arsenal player, Robin Van Persie has allayed fears over his horrific eye injury which he suffered during Fenerbahce’s clash with Akhisar Belediyespor in the Turkish Super league on Sunday evening.Fenerbahce team doctor, John Kunduracioglu earlier on dismissed reports making rounds that the injury had damaged his eye.

“Van Persie received a blow to his eye, it was torn and bleeding. After investigating, we sent him to an ophthalmologist at the hospital for further checks. We learned that nothing serious has happened, so the situation is good.” He said

The ex-Manchester United forward who opened the scoring for his side in the 3-1 encounter has however posted a positive update about the situation.

 

Super Falcons coach, Florence Omagbemi has not been paid for 8 months

8 months after taking the reins as Super Falcons coach, Florence Omagbemi is yet to receive any payment from her employers; the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The organization confirmed they are going through some financial crisis and are working to resolve the situation.

 “It’s been a challenging year for the federation financially but we’re working hard to resolve this before the team depart for Cameroon. Omagbemi has been very calm about it and it has to be sorted out as soon as possible.”

NFF’s Chris Green told BBC Sport. The 41 year-old is reportedly not the only one affected by the situation, some players are also yet to receive wages and camp allowances.

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