Siasia Impressed With Port Harcourt Stadium
Nigeria’s Under-23 team coach, Samson Siasia says he is satisfied with the quality of the playing surface at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium were his side will face Congo in the 2016 Olympic qualifier.
The team held their first training on the venue which will host Sunday’s match and Siasia was left impressed with the playing pitch.
The winner of the tie will qualify for the 2015 CAF Under-23 championship in Senegal between November 28 and December 12, 2015.
The Local Organising Committee set up by the Rivers State Government for a successful hosting of the qualifier had assured the Under-23 National Team of total support in their quest to earn a big win against their Congolese counterparts on Sunday.
The Chairman of the LOC, Boma Iyayi, gave this assurance on Monday when he led members of the committee to formally welcome the team to Port Harcourt at the team’s training session at the Adokiye Ameisiamaka Stadium.
Coach Siasia, while responding to the LOC, said that the only way they can make Nigerians happy is to play well and win well on Sunday.
Wimbledon 2015: Serena Williams Beats Garbine Muguruza In Final
erena Williams has defeated Garbine Muguruza, 6-4,6-4, in Wimbledon ladies singles final.
The world number one defeated her Spanish opponent to win her 6th title at SW19 and 21st Grand Slam title.
Williams is on course for a calender Grand Slam after wining the Australian and French Open title.
“It Feels So Good”
Williams withstood a late fightback from 20th seed Muguruza, to come through in one hour and 23 minutes.
After receiving the trophy she said: “It feels so good holding the trophy. I have to give thanks to Jehovah God for the day. I just really relied on His strength.
“Garbine! She played so well I didn’t even know it was over because she was fighting so hard in the end…
“Congratulations! Don’t be sad. You will be holding this trophy very, very soon believe me. You are a great champ.
Serena Williams says it feels good holding her sixth wimbledon title trophy
“I am just happy it was such a great match”.
She will head to the US Open next month, aiming to complete the first calendar year Grand Slam of her career.
Williams thrashed Maria Sharapova to reach the final, extending her winning run against Sharapova to 17 matches over 11 years with a 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Muguruza, who is 21-years-old, was playing in her first Grand Slam final and took a 4-2 lead, before giving the top seed a mighty scare by battling back from a set and 5-1 down with two breaks of serve.
She became the first Spanish woman to reach the Wimbledon final since 1996 when she beat Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
In the men’s championship, Roger Federer defeated Andy Murray in the semi-final match on Friday to book a place in the final.
Man City Sign Raheem Sterling From Liverpool For £49million
Manchester City have signed Liverpool and England forward, Raheem Sterling, for a fee that could reach £49million.
Raheem Sterling admitted he was delighted to finally become a Manchester City player and says he excited by the prospect of playing alongside new team-mates he describes as ‘world class’.
The 20-year-old agreed a five-year contract with the Blues and the deal makes him now only behind Gareth Bale on the list of most expensive British players.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini described Sterling as “one of the best attacking players in world football”.
The England international had been under contract at Liverpool until 2017 but turned down a £100,000-a-week deal to extend his five-year stay at Anfield. He instead asked to leave the club.
Several former Liverpool players, including former captain, Steven Gerrard, have criticised the player since he told Manager, Brendan Rodgers and Chief Executive, Ian Ayre he wanted to leave the club.
Sterling, who will wear the No.7 shirt for City, said, “It’s a good feeling and this is really happy time for me and my family. I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field.
“The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.
He revealed he’d spoken with Joe Hart recently about the Club and that the England keeper had given the Club a glowing reference.
“I spoke to Joe briefly on the last England trip,” he said. “He just told me what a really good football club this is and how nice the fans are – nothing too serious, but it was a bit of a heads up.
“It has been a long journey from QPR and I’d like to thank a few people who have helped me along the way.
“I’d like to thank Rafa Benitez for taking me to Liverpool as a 15 year-old – that was a massive step for me and a new challenge. Also to Kenny Dalglish for showing such faith in me and putting me in at such a young age.
“I want to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me a chance and an opportunity in the first team, giving me my full debut – against City funnily enough – and giving me a real chance to cement a place in the first team and show the world my talents.
“Finally, I’d also like to thank all the people around me – my mum and sisters, my management team and Aidy Ward for helping me focus and get where I am today. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone.”
Chelsea Sign Asmir Begovic From Stoke City
Chelsea Football Club have announced the signing of Asmir Begovic from Premier League club, Stoke City.
Goalkeeper, Begovic, who is 28, has signed a four-year contract, and he becomes the team’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.
Begovic told Chelsea website, “I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC. After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour.”
Begovic had spent the previous five-and-a-half years with Stoke, having joined from his first professional club, Portsmouth, in early 2010.
Playing with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, he made 172 appearances, quickly establishing himself as first choice. He scored the Premier League’s longest-ever goal when he netted a clearance from inside his own penalty area against Southampton in November 2013.
Born in the former Yugoslavia, Begovic spent his childhood in Germany and Canada, representing the latter at the Under-20 World Cup before opting to play at senior level for Bosnia-Herzegovina.
He was their first-choice goalkeeper at their 2014 World Cup finals debut in Brazil, and has accumulated 41 caps so far.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech joined Arsenal on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee in June.
Begovic takes over the vacant number one shirt while Thibaut Courtois will retain his number 13 shirt.
Chelsea has also announced that Radamel Falcao will wear the number 9 shirt during the 2015/16 campaign.
Sunday Oliseh Gets Super Eagles Coaching Job
A former Captain of Nigeria’s national football team, Sunday Oliseh, has been officially unveiled, as the new coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
At the ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Nigeria’s capital, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, assured the former national team captain that “the federation will give him all the support he needs to succeed”.
In his acceptance speech, Coach Oliseh said players not playing top flight club football would no longer be invited, with exception to those graduating from the age grade teams.
The 40 year-old is taking over from Coach Stephen Keshi and will after the unveiling, begin preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in the first week of September as well as an international friendly yet to be announced.
Man United Unveil Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin
English Premier League side Manchester United on Monday announced the signings of midfielders Bastian Schweisteinger and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Schweisteinger joined from Bayern Munich, while Schneiderlin joined from Southampton.
The club wrote on their official website on Monday: “Manchester United is delighted to announce that Bastian Schweinsteiger has completed his transfer from Bayern Munich. Bastian joins on a three-year contract.
Schweinsteiger, 30, has made 500 appearances and scored 70 times for Bayern Munich since his debut in November 2002. During his time at Bayern Munich he has won over 20 major honours including an incredible eight Bundesliga medals. The German international midfielder has 111 caps for his country and is their current captain. He was an integral part of Germany’s World Cup-winning team in 2014.
Bastian Schweinsteiger said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn’t take the decision to leave lightly. Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.
“I will never forget my time at Bayern Munich and I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for the great memories.”
Louis van Gaal said: “Bastian is, of course, no stranger to me. I worked with him during my time at Bayern Munich and I am truly delighted he is joining Manchester United. His record speaks for itself; he has won every honour at club level and was a major part of the successful Germany World Cup-winning team last summer.
“Bastian is the ultimate professional and there is no doubting his talent and his ability to control games. He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad.”
The club added: United is delighted to announce that Morgan Schneiderlin has completed his transfer from Southampton. Morgan joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
Schneiderlin, 25, has made 253 appearances and scored 15 times for Southampton since his debut in 2008. The French international has made nine appearances for his country.
Morgan Schneiderlin said: “I am delighted to be a Manchester United player. Once I learned that United were interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make. I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart. But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss.
“I’m excited to be starting that journey on our trip to the USA. I know what Manchester United means to fans all over the world and I’m looking forward to experiencing that.”
Louis van Gaal said: “Morgan is a very talented player with great energy and ability. His skills will complement the players that we already have and I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this deal before the tour to the United States. That training camp will be very important in our preparations for the new season and gives Morgan and the other players a chance to show our fans what they can achieve together.”
Awoniyi: My Father Still Wants Me To Become A Doctor
Taiwo Awoniyi is seen by many Nigerians as one of the new generation players who will propel the Super Eagles back to the zenith of African nay world football. In this exclusive interview Complete Sports’ Correspondent, RICHARD JIDEAKA, the Flying Eagles striker says he will work hard to get to the top and appease his father, who has not completely forgiven him for taking to football instead of going to the university to study medicine.
Tell us briefly about yourself and how you became a footballer?
I was born and brought up in Ilorin, Kwara state. Together with my twin sister, I am the last child with in a family of six. I began my football career playing for my primary school in Ilorin then moved to Seyi Olofinjana Academy in Ogun state. From there we went to a Coca- Cola youth tournament in London, and I have not looked back since then.
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Did your parents encourage you to play football or you did do so against their wish?
It was miserable for me any time my dad caught me playing football or got to know that I went to play football. In school, I was a very intelligent student and my dad wanted me to be a doctor. My teachers and my fellow students called me doctor but they also knew that I was very good when it came to playing football. My father tried severally to stop me from football but my other siblings and twin sister especially, always covered up for me
Does your father regret your decision to take up football as a career?
He is happy with me for the little success I have attained in the game of football. He still reminds me that I should be studying medicine in the university. He has not completely forgiven me but he has no regrets for allowing me to be a footballer.
What has playing football brought to your family? Are you rich?
Football has made my family name popular and it has taken me to countries, I never dreamt I would travel to in my young life. I have also met and shaken hands with very important personalities in the world. I am not rich now but by the grace of God, things will change for the better as I hope to take my career to the next level. To tell you the truth, I don’t think being a doctor could have brought me the kind of popularity football has brought me.
Talking about your career, Nigerians have been waiting to know which European country you will be plying your trade in next season..
I have been very patient because I don’t want to play in the Academy and just for any club in Europe. I am now of age and by next month they will know where I will play.
You have been compared to the late Super Eagles legend, Rashidi Yekini and looked upon as the man to solve Nigeria’s goals scoring problem, do these expectations put you under any pressure?
I am not under any pressure. I will play my game and whatever will be will surely be. It is an honour to be compared to a legend like Rashidi Yekini and for Nigerians to expect so much from me. I will not shy away from any responsibility given me but only God can tell what I will be. All I know is that I will continue to work hard and leave the rest to God
So much was expected of you and your colleagues in the Flying Eagles at the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand but it was not to be, what went wrong?
Yes, we went there hoping to go all the way and win the Cup. We prepared for it but we failed to get going after that loss to Brazil. First of all, I want to apologise to Nigerians for disappointing them. I cannot say what went wrong but I guess that is how God wanted it to be.
Is it that your coaches did not tell you what to do or that you met superior sides at the World Cup?
Our coaches did their best and told us how to play but somehow we never got it right. We were not at our best all through the tournament. We failed the nation and we are sorry about that.
Was it that you and your teammates were over confident and that cost you against Germany?
We were not over confident, neither did we underrate them. I believe it was not our day. Like I said before, only God knows why we crashed out early.
Are you disappointed by the team’s performance and your contributions at the World Cup?
I am disappointed with both the team and my performance at the U-20 World Cup. I did not just play to my level in New Zealand and I guess that also affected the team. If we were at our best, the two games we lost against the Brazilians and Germans should have gone in our favour. They are not better than us. On a good day, we should have beaten Germany and Brazil.
Which was your best game at the World Cup?
It is certainly the game against Korea, aside from the fact that I scored a goal, the team played very well.
What is your mission with the Under-23 side?
My being in the Nigerian Olympic team is a step up in my career and I just have to keep working hard to ensure that I keep on developing. I thank Coach Samson Siasia for considering me good enough to play for Dream Team.
Are you looking forward to playing for Super Eagles soon?
It is every player’s dream to play for their country’s senior team and I am not an exception. I will keep on improving my game and if the coaches find me good enough for Super Eagles, I will gladly take the chance.
Finally, how do you handle female admirers and are you into a relationship?
I am a young lad. I don’t have a relationship with any girl. As for my female admirers, I treat them like my male fans too, just by being nice to them and appreciating their support.
DStv league: Police, FCT Rocks relegated
Police Baton and FCT Rocks have been relegated to lower league after finishing the 2015 DSTV Premier Basketball League regular season at bottom of the tables in the Atlantic Conference and the Savannah Conference respectively.
Police Baton finished eighth in the Atlantic Conference with 17 points. They won three matches and lost 11. Delta Force, who also finished with 17 points, had better aggregate score in the season than Police Baton. In the Savannah Conference, FCT Rocks finished eight, winning with 15 points.
In the Week 14 matches played on Friday, Police Baton lost 65-61 to Kwara Falcons;
Customs beat Oluyole Warriors 65-48, Dodan Warriors prevailed over Lagos Islanders 65-60, while Delta Force defeated Union Bank 69-66 in the Atlantic Conference.
In the Savannah Conference, FCT Rocks lost to Gombe Bulls 72- 59, Plateau Peaks beat Kada Stars 60-54, Bauchi Nets thrashed Immigration 72-47, and Mark Mentors overpowered Kano Pillars 97-67.
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According to the table released by the league managers, Lagos Islanders, Dodan Warriors, Kwara Falcons, Union Bank, Customs and Oluyole Warriors qualified for the post-season playoff from the Atlantic Conference, while Mark Mentors, Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls, Plateau Peaks, Kada Stars and Bauchi Nets made it from the Savannah Conference.
Am the best replacement for Gyan-Emenike
Nigerian striker Emanuel Emenike, who was officially unveiled by Al Ain late on Friday, was straight away put under the pump by the UAE media, Gulf News reports.
He was bombarded with questions as to how he would fit into the shoes of Ghanaian star striker Asamoah Gyan, who has scored 95 goals in 83 games helping Al Ain win the league thrice and in the process finishing as UAE Pro League top-scorer on three occasions.
“I’m happy to be here and in a great club like this. I also like to be in a club that wins title and I’m here to win more trophies,” said Emenike, who hasn’t been in the best of touch in the Turkish League having scored just 16 goals from 55 matches for Fenerbahçe. Last season, he only managed four goals in 27 appearances and hence there is a lot of apprehension in the media and among the Al Ain fans about Emenike being an ideal replacement for Gyan.
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However, the Nigerian tried his best to justify his selection saying that he has the striking prowess and can deliver the goods to see Al Ain achieve its goals.
“I have scored goals starting from when I was with Karabükspor and then Fenerbahçe. I have won trophies in Turkey but last season wasn’t that great for me but I made a lot of impact as I got a lot of assists. However, yes, it wasn’t a good last season for me,” said Emenike, adding, “Gyan is a very good player and I’m here to replace him and I hope I do well. He has achieved a lot in his career and so have I. I have won the African Cup. It doesn’t worry me that I’m replacing Gyan as my plan is to work as a team-man and then do well as a player.”
Al Ain board member Mohammad Bin Badawa came out in support of Emenike saying it would be unfair to draw a comparison between the Nigerian and Gyan.
“Emenike is a very good player and you can’t make any such comparisons with Gyan as each one has their own qualities. Gyan succeeded because he got assistance from all our players. You also have to understand that last year, we achieved a lot of things and won crucial matches in the absence of Gyan,” said Bin Badawa, who was also impressed with what Emenike said about being a team-man.
“I liked what Emanuel said as he didn’t speak about himself and that is what we are looking for. We don’t have to fear with Gyan leaving the club as we have the resources to do well and achieve our goals.”
Emenike was also looking forward to playing with Al Ain’s ace Medio Omar Abdul Rahman. “To play with a player like Omar is great and I have seen a few of his videos. He is special and gave some good passes to Gyan. I think I will work well with him and I’m looking forward to training with him,” said 28-year-old.
City agree Sterling fee
Manchester City have agreed a transfer fee for Liverpool striker Raheem Sterling, according to Sky sources. City appear to have finally got their man after Brendan Rodgers’ side reluctantly accepted a bid believed to be around £49m for the England international. The transfer is subject to contract negotiations and a medical. The wantaway forward
was…
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left out of Liverpool’s squad which flew out on Sunday for their pre-season tour of Thailand as talks over the big-money switch progressed.
