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Sports

Amaju Pinnick defends absence at Keshi's burial

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick has come in for harsh criticism for missing the funeral of the late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi few days ago. Even though he attended the lying-in-state ceremony which preceded the burial, a lot of Nigerians expressed disappointment at his absence at the funeral service which took place at his home town, Illah, Delta State on Friday.

Responding to criticisms on social media, Amaju said “It’s really sad the way we just use extreme languages. Right from the moment he passed, I have been actively involved greatly,” 

“I followed the motorcade from the morgue to the church in Benin. I was at the service throughout. I followed the motorcade to the stadium. I was there again throughout again.
“I did a two and half hour journey to Asaba. I did the entire programme with them. I had a private meeting with the family to reappraise plans.
“I woke the next morning unwell, threw up. On my way to Illah, I was struggling but had to reverse immediately, I got a member to leave Port Harcourt to attend which he did.
“You people should kindly find out the role I and the NFF played from his death to date.”
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Photos : Stephen Keshi buried

The remains of former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Stephen Keshi was interred at his home town of Illah in Delta State. The former player died  of a heart related ailment on June 8, 2016 in Benin State at the age of 54.
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Mikel denies donating $30,000 to Nigerian Olympic squad

Photo published for Chelsea’s Mikel denies donating $30,000 to Nigeria Olympic squad
Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi has rubbished reports which gained traction today that he gave $30,000 dollars to his teammates in the U-23 football team. The Chelsea player who was recently made captain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics debunked the claim at the team’s camp at the Hyatt Place in Atlanta, USA.
“I was first told of this unfortunate story by a friend who called me from Nigeria. I thought he was joking until he sent me the link. “I don’t know the source of this story which to me is all out to divide us as a team. I would have thought that stories that should be coming out in the media are stories that will unite the team instead of dividing us. Our target in Rio is to excel, but if they continue like this, then I wonder how we can be united.”

He added “Tell me the players who are in this team that are so hungry that will be looking up to me for survival? Is it (William) Ekong, (Oghenekaro) Etebo, (Shehu) Abdulahi, (Daniel) Akpeyi, (Kingsley) Madu, (Okechukwu) Azubuike or (Stanley) Amuzie, who are my team mates in the Super Eagles, that I will be donating to, or other players who are plying their trade abroad and are doing well for themselves? To me, this is just mere distraction that won’t help this team going into a major tournament like the Olympics.” He said
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Photos from Stephen Keshi's funeral rites


The funeral rites for the late ex Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, began on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State. It started with a service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Benin, Edo State. Present were the deceased’s family members, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and many others.
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FA has introduced fourth substitute for the 2016-17 FA Cup competition

As from next season, FA Cup teams will be allowed to use a fourth substitute
during extra time, the Football Association have announced. The 4th substitution
will only apply to teams playing in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Wembley
final. Clubs. Teams who have used their regular three substitutions in normal
time would be able to make an additional replacement should the game go beyond
90 minutes. The scheme was employed in the 2016 Copa America competition which
ended last month.
‘The Emirates FA Cup is renowned for its great
history and tradition but, as the game’s governing body, it is important The FA
continues to look at how it can further add to the drama and spectacle of a
competition loved by millions around the world. With the cup now adopting a
straight knock-out format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of
a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest.’ FA chief
executive Martin Glenn stated.

Credit; Dailymail.co.uk
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Sports

Why Chelsea are the most hated team in the Premier League


Chelsea have been voted the most hated team in the Premier League. 
We are least surprised.
Let’s face it, Chelsea FC are hated. This fact isn’t subject to any form of debate. Ever wondered why people loathe the club so much? The reasons (my point of view) are two and are not far-fetched. From observation, most of their fans are aggressive and loud-mouthed. No apologies!
Chelsea fans are ubiquitous. In a football viewing center consisting of 50 fans, 25 support The Blues, others root for Manchester United, Arsenal and the rest. 15 out of the 25 will shout you down when you say anything against the club, the other 10 only watch and nod in agreement or disagreement. The ones that are active on social media will shut the internet down when they win and maintain pin-drop silence when they lose. Infact they come after supporters of other clubs and remind them of how their manager has failed to produce an epl title over the years. (Whispers Arsenal)  or how they walloped them 5-0 several seasons ago. Don’t get me wrong, fans of other club do this too but Chelsea fans take the lead.
The second reason, Jose Mourinho. He revels in conflict. His inflammatory statements and personal attacks on colleagues and (other) football players excite not a few Chelsea fans. Infact, during one of his reigns at the club, he criticized their supporters saying he found their lack of noise (have Chelsea fans ever lacked noise?) frustrating adding that they make it difficult for his players.   

Maybe everything will change now that they have a new manager.

Most hated Premier League clubs

1.Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Liverpool
4. Manchester City
5. Arsenal
6. Tottenham
7. Stoke City
8. West Ham
9. Sunderland
10. West Brom
11. Crystal Palace
12. Everton
13. Hull City
14. Middlesbrough
15. Swansea City
16. Southampton
17. Watford
18. Burnley
19. Leicester City

20. Bournemouth

Club-by-club hatred

Arsenal
Most hated by: Tottenham (92% of fans), Chelsea (87%), Stoke (82%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea (90%), Tottenham (86%), Manchester United (83%)
Bournemouth
Most hated by: Watford (47%), Middlesbrough (16%), Southampton (12%)
Mostly hate: Manchester City (70%), Liverpool (65%), Chelsea/Manchester United (61%)
Burnley
Most hated by: Middlesbrough (35%), West Brom (25%), Leicester/Stoke (21%)
Mostly hate: Middlesbrough (64%), Manchester United/Chelsea (60%)
Chelsea
Most hated by: Tottenham (91%), Arsenal (90%), Liverpool (87%)
Mostly hate: Arsenal (87%), Tottenham (85%), Manchester United (82%)
Crystal Palace
Most hated by: Watford (68%), Sunderland (63%), Stoke (41%)
Mostly hate: Manchester United (74%), Chelsea (63%), Liverpool (55%)
Everton
Most hated by: Southampton (66%), Liverpool (65%), West Ham (42%)
Mostly hate: Liverpool (94%), Chelsea (82%), Manchester United (71%)
Hull
Most hated by: Sunderland (59%), Swansea (48%), Burnley (44%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea/Liverpool (79%), Manchester City (62%)
Leicester
Most hated by: Tottenham (25%), Watford (21%), Swansea/Burnley (16%)
Mostly hate: Tottenham (76%), Arsenal (71%), Manchester United (65%)
Liverpool
Most hated by: Everton (94%), Manchester United (93%), Hull (79%)
Mostly hate: Manchester United (93%), Chelsea (87%), Everton (65%)
Manchester City
Most hated by: Manchester United (93%), Chelsea/Bournemouth (70%)
Mostly hate: Manchester United (96%), Chelsea (76%), Liverpool (73%)
Manchester United
Most hated by: Manchester City (96%), Liverpool (93%), Arsenal (83%)
Mostly hate: Liverpool/Manchester City (93%), Chelsea (82%)
Middlesbrough
Most hated by: Burnley (64%), Sunderland (59%), Watford (37%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea/Sunderland (63%), Manchester City (59%)
Southampton
Most hated by: Bournemouth (39%), West Ham (21%), Swansea (20%)
Mostly hate: Liverpool (71%), Everton/Tottenham (66%)
Stoke
Most hated by: Swansea (56%), West Brom (55%), Arsenal (54%),
Mostly hate: Arsenal (82%), Liverpool (71%), Manchester United/West Brom (68%)
Sunderland
Most hated by: Middlesbrough (63%), Swansea (52%), Crystal Palace (43%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea/Crystal Palace (63%), Hull/Middlesbrough (59%)
Swansea
Most hated by: Stoke (47%), Sunderland (18%), Burnley (16%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea (76%), Manchester United (60%), Manchester City/Stoke (56%)
Tottenham
Most hated by: Arsenal (86%), Chelsea (85%), Leicester (76%)
Mostly hate: Arsenal (92%), Chelsea (91%), Manchester United (64%)
Watford
Most hated by: Leicester (31%), Crystal Palace (27%), Bournemouth (26%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea/Crystal Palace (68%), Manchester City/United (58%)
West Brom
Most hated by: Stoke (68%), Crystal Palace (45%), Sunderland (44%)
Mostly hate: Manchester United (60%), Chelsea/Stoke (55%)
West Ham
Most hated by: Tottenham (63%), Crystal Palace (52%), Chelsea (48%)
Mostly hate: Chelsea (78%), Tottenham (74%), Manchester United (59%)
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RIO 2016 : Mikel Obi named captain of Team Nigeria

Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel
Obi has been named captain of Team Nigeria for the forthcoming 2016 Olympic
Games in Rio de Janeiro scheduled to hold from August 5 to 21. He will be assisted
by table tennis star, Funke Oshonaike.
The duo were chosen due to
‘their consistency, patriotism and dedication to national assignments.’
“Mikel
is a young, patriotic footballer of international status and we believe he will
be a role model to the upcoming athletes while Funke Oshonaike is experienced
and is one of the oldest athletes in the team. We believe that their combined
efforts will bring goodwill to Team Nigeria and project the county’s image
positively to the world.” The Sports ministry said in a statement. 
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Inside Lionel Messi's new restaurant

To start with, Lionel Messi has a blonde new hairstyle….and the world keeps wondering what is going on in his life.

To the main news.
Lionel Messi has unveiled a new restaurant in Barcelona

The eatery contains a number of tasty meals and drinks

Remember the Lionel Messi restaurant, the Bellavista del Jardin del Norte i talked about here? It is now open for business. And we managed to get sneak peek pictures from theSun.co.uk

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Pic shows: Restaurant Bellavista del Jardín del Norte The Messi family restaurant - featuring the best player in the world’s favourite dish - has just opened its doors. Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, 29, and his two brothers Rodrigo and Marisol have unveiled the ‘El Bellavista del Jardin del Norte’ in the Spanish city of Barcelona. For just 10.50 EUR (8.77 GBP), customers can taste Leo’s treasured Milanesa napolitiana a caballo - breaded veal accompanied by cheese and tomato sauce, a dish with strong influences from Italian cuisine. The locale is owned by the footballer’s brother Rodrigo and can be found at number 86 on Enric Granados Street close to the centre of the Spanish city. It has a 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) garden and is the result of a collaboration between the Messis and the Iglesias brothers – well known restaurateurs in the area. According to local reports, the restaurant is an homage to life in Rosario – where Leo Messi grew up and first started playing football before going to train at Barcelona at the age of 13. The eatery aims to become an important space in the neighbourhood and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with several snacks, and a variety of alcohol including vermouths on the menu. (ends)

Source

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Man City's new away kit is all shades of cool.

Mixed reactions have continued to trail Manchester City’s new away kit but i think it is cool. see what the club had to say about it on its website, mancity.com.
Inspired by the iconic red and black striped away kit of the 1960s, both colours return to City’s change strip for the first time since the unforgettable 2011/12 title winning season.
The 2016/17 instalment also includes a Manchester icon, with the yellow detailing referencing the worker bee, which has been synonymous with the City of Manchester since the Industrial Revolution and has featured on the city’s coat of arms since 1842. 

As a nod to the bee’s eye-catching stripes, vibrant yellow detailing, including a reimagined version of the new club crest, embellish our new away kit’s distinctive black body and red shoulder and sleeves.

As with the 2016/17 home kit, the alternate also has two tributes knitted into the design: the word “City” at the back of the collar, and, on the inside of the cuffs, “Est. 1894” feature as another reminder of the club’s storied history and reference to the new badge.
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Flying Eagles fail to qualify for AYC

For the first time since 2003, The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will not be in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. An own goal by Victor Osimhen denied Nigeria qualification for the Africa Youth Championships scheduled to hold in Zambia in 2017.
Although they won on the first leg in Khartoum 2-1 two weeks ago, they were defeated 4-3 by 10-man Sudan Goals by Samuel Chukwueze and Femi Bamgboye couldn’t help them secure the ticket.
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