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RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Messi Penalty Helps Below-Par Barca Beat Real Valladolid
By Daily Sports on February 17, 2019
![[Image: Messi_9.jpg]](https://dailysportsng.com/images/news/Messi_9.jpg)
Lionel Messi scored a penalty and missed another as La Liga leaders Barcelona ground out an unconvincing 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, while Antoine Griezmann surpassed Fernando Torres with his 130th goal for Atletico Madrid.
Messi's fitness was again in the spotlight on Saturday after a niggling thigh strain in recent weeks, but he completed the full 90 minutes at the Camp Nou and hit the 30-goal mark at Barcelona for the 11th straight season.
The Argentine coolly dispatched a spot-kick just before halftime, drilling beyond the reach of Jordi Masip after Gerard Pique was bundled to the ground by Valladolid midfielder Michel.
Masip brilliantly tipped over a Messi volley soon after the interval and Luis Suarez wasted a huge opportunity to double the lead shortly after replacing Kevin-Prince Boateng with an hour gone.
Messi found himself booked for dissent after an apparent foul on him went unpunished, and he then blew the chance to kill off Valladolid when Masip kept out his second penalty of the night – awarded following a trip on Philippe Coutinho.
The excellent Masip alertly gathered Messi's follow-up header and again denied Suarez late on as Barca pulled seven points clear of Atletico ahead of their trip to Lyon in the Champions League. (SuperSport)
•Photo shows Lionel Messi
Source Daily Sports
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Stubborn Rayo Vallecano
Griezmann Scores As Atletico Pip Stubborn Rayo Vallecano
By Daily Sports on February 17, 2019
Views: 41
![[Image: Antoine%20Griezmann.jpeg]](https://dailysportsng.com/images/news/Antoine%20Griezmann.jpeg)
Antoine Griezmann scored a second-half winner as Atletico Madrid defeated neighbours Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday to provide a timely boost ahead of next week’s Champions League showdown with Juventus.
The French forward surpassed Fernando Torres with his 130th goal for the club – the fifth most in Atletico history – as Atletico shook off two successive defeats, including last week's 3-1 loss at home to Real Madrid, to reclaim second place in Spain.
Griezmann struck for the ninth time in his last 11 outings, forcing home from six yards on 74 minutes after Alvaro Morata laid off a high, looping ball inside the area.
“Griezmann is an extraordinary player, he always adapts to what the team needs. He's very important for us,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.
The late Luis Aragones, who coached Spain to the European Championship title in 2008, is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 172.
“It’s always tough at this stadium. We started off well and we had chances in the first 15 minutes such as Saul’s header, but then they improved,” Simeone added.
“Our second half substitutions gave us more offensive strength and that allowed us to get our goal. It was a very tough match.”
Atletico moved to within four points of leaders Barcelona, who host Real Valladolid later, ahead of Wednesday's visit of Italian champions Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid, two points behind Atletico in third, could move back into second when they host Girona on Sunday. (SuperSport)
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Balotelli On Target Again As Marseille Continue Revival
By Daily Sports on February 17, 2019
![[Image: Balotelli.jpeg]](https://dailysportsng.com/images/news/Balotelli.jpeg)
Mario Balotelli scored for the third time in four games for Marseille to seal a 2-0 victory over Amiens in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
The Italian failed to find the net in 10 matches for Nice this season but has found his goalscoring touch since arriving at Marseille last month.
Florian Thauvin bagged his 12th goal this term to give Marseille the lead on 19 minutes at the Stade Velodrome, and Balotelli swept in a second on the turn just six minutes later.
Balotelli appeared to have grabbed a second midway through the second half when he nodded in from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Marseille have recorded three straight wins for the first time this season and jumped to fourth, six points behind Lyon in the final Champions League spot.
“It’s much too early (to talk about the top three) with the start to the season we had,” said Thauvin.
“We were left behind a bit and now we’re starting to come back well, but if we get carried away we’re going to quickly fall back on the ground.”
Monaco will bid to pull clear of the relegation zone later at home to Nantes, while leaders Paris Saint-Germain go to fifth-placed Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
Lyon overcame bottom side Guingamp 2-1 on Friday in their final outing before Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at home to Barcelona. (SuperSport)
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Rita Chikwelu Inspires Kristianstads’ Victory Over Limhamn Bunkefl
By Daily Sports on February 17, 2019
![[Image: Rita%20Chikwelu.jpeg]](https://dailysportsng.com/images/news/Rita%20Chikwelu.jpeg)
Nigeria international Rita Chikwelu was on target as Kristianstad secured a 3-0 victory over against Limhamn Bunkeflo at Kristianstad Arena on Saturday.
After scoring against Kalmar in the last outing, the 30-year-old continued with the impressive form with yet another strike.
The Super Falcons star opened the scoring seven minutes into the game to inspire her Damallsvenskan side to a back-to-back win in the Swedish Women’s Cup. Svava Ros Gudmundsdottir doubled the lead nine minutes after the restart and Josefine Rybrink made it 3-0 for Elizabeth Gunnarsdottir’s ladies in the 68th minute to silence their topflight rivals.
Chikwelu featured for the entire duration of the encounter and has now scored two goals in as many games this season.
With the win, they remain Group B leaders on a two-goal advantage with six points from two games – tied with second-placed Rosengard.
To advance, Kristianstads must beat closest-challengers Rosengard to sole ticket in the last group game on March 3. (Goal)
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Alex Ferguson Set To Manage Manchester United Again
By Daily Sports on February 17, 2019
![[Image: Alex%20Ferguson.jpg]](https://dailysportsng.com/images/news/Alex%20Ferguson.jpg)
Legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson will manage a Manchester United XI in a 20th anniversary repeat of their dramatic 2-1 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.
The match, which will feature players from the 1999 game at the Nou Camp, will be at Old Trafford on 26 May.
United interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored the injury-time winner, is expected to be in the side.
Ferguson retired in 2013 and the Scot, 77, said it will be a “special day”.
The most successful manager in the history of British football, he won 38 trophies during 26 years in charge of United.
The Champions League triumph – with victory over German giants Bayern secured thanks to two injury-time goals by Teddy Sheringham and Solskjaer – was part of a 1998-99 Treble that also included the Premier League title and the FA Cup.
The anniversary match will raise funds for the Manchester United Foundation. Manchester United managing director Richard Arnold said: “The ’99 Treble is one of the most important and historic moments in Manchester United’s story, with a team made up of some true legends of the game.
“The final against Bayern Munich is a night etched in the memory of all our fans, and for so many of those names to be returning to Old Trafford to celebrate the anniversary of that momentous achievement is testament to the Manchester United Foundation and the work it does in our community.” (BBC)
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Salah’s move to Juventus: Italian football giant Juventus are planning to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, but would love to seek the advice of Ronaldo before making a bid.
And the report suggests that the forward has given the green light to sign the Egyptian and would be happy to share the dressing room with him.
Salah has emerged as top target for the Italian giants, who are looking to complete a big-money move for the Egyptian when this season ends.
Salah won’t come cheap however, with a reported £175million being prepared to sign the forward who has been exceptional in the past two seasons at club level.
Juventus have already secured the signing of Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal on a free transfer, but clearly have enough money in the kitty to go and buy a talent like Salah.
Gist via :- https://nairatrend.com.ng/salahs-move-to-juventus-ronaldo-reacts/
![[Image: 8789698_images4_jpeg_pngc9058c17b47615a8...41d22a8420]](https://www.nairaland.com/attachments/8789698_images4_jpeg_pngc9058c17b47615a85b1c7a41d22a8420)
And the report suggests that the forward has given the green light to sign the Egyptian and would be happy to share the dressing room with him.
Salah has emerged as top target for the Italian giants, who are looking to complete a big-money move for the Egyptian when this season ends.
Salah won’t come cheap however, with a reported £175million being prepared to sign the forward who has been exceptional in the past two seasons at club level.
Juventus have already secured the signing of Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal on a free transfer, but clearly have enough money in the kitty to go and buy a talent like Salah.
Gist via :- https://nairatrend.com.ng/salahs-move-to-juventus-ronaldo-reacts/
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-17-2019
Manchester United 'receive whopping £3.8BN takeover bid' from Saudi Crown Prince
![[Image: 5c694bf1bc6ff.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c694bf1bc6ff.jpg)
Premiership club, Manchester United have reportedly received a whopping £3.8BILLION takeover bid from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
This comes after United chiefs were last year seen spending an increasing amount of time in Saudi Arabia over the proposed takeover bid
According to The Sun, the Saudi royal family, who are worth a staggering £850bn, are hoping to tempt United's current owners the Glazers into selling the club before the start of next season.
Sources close to the Glazer family claim that they are against selling the Premier League club but an offer that big could certainly tempt United's owners.
One of the insiders also added that the £3.8bn valuation from the Saudi Prince is dependent on whether or not United can secure Champions League football next season.
![[Image: icon_share.png]](https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/images/icon_share.png){kind=icon}
by Linda
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-20-2019
A new research conducted by TheSportsman.com has revealed the top 10 Overpaid players in the English Premier League and Chelsea have three players on this list.
Chelsea have been sorely overpaying a number of their first-team stars, based on new data analysing wages compared to playing time.
The Blues enjoyed an excellent start to the season under new manager Maurizio Sarri but their form has tailed away of late andthe Italian is now under pressure to keep his job.
According to TheSportsman.com, Victor Moses (now on loan at Fenerbahce), David Zappacosta and Gary Cahill are among the top 10 players who have beenearning most per minute of Premier League action.
MySportDab reports Victor Moses earned £75,000-a-week before his switch to Turkey but only played 26 minutes of top-flight action.
When subtracting any wages accrued while out injured, this means Moses clocked up £66,346 per minute of Premier League action.
(Data collected from August 10 to February 11)
Highest Paid Players Per Minute Of Premier League Action
10.Stefano Okaka (Watford) - £33,409 (Earnt £35,000 a week, played 22 minutes in the Premier League)
9.Sam Gallagher (Southampton) - £50,000 (Earns £40,000 a week, played 8 minutes in the Premier League)
8.Miguel Britos (Watford) - £50,000 (Earns £25,000 a week, played 13 minutes in the Premier League)
7.Victor Moses (Chelsea) - £66,346 (Earnt £75,000 a week, played 26 minutes in the Premier League)
6.Jermaine Defoe (Bournemouth) - £98,759 (Earnt £103,462 a week, played 22 minutes in the Premier League)
Jermain Defoe has moved to Rangers after being stuck on the bench at Bournemouth
5.Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea) - £101,111 (Earns £70,000 a week, played 18 minutes in the Premier League)
4.Gary Cahill (Chelsea) - £123,810 (Earns £100,000 a week, played 21 minutes in the Premier League)
3.Georges-Kevin N’koudou (Tottenham Hotspur) - £218,750 (Earnt £35,000 a week, played 4 minutes in the Premier League)
See more;https://www.mysportdab.com/2019/02/3-chelsea-stars-in-top-10-overpaid.html
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-20-2019
End is near for Chelsea boss after defeat by Man United
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 SPORT
![[Image: 000_1DL3G1.jpg]](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/000_1DL3G1.jpg)
As Maurizio Sarri watched his side limp out of the FA Cup, he resembled a jaded end-of-the-pier entertainer going through the same old act that once brought him acclaim but is now greeted with open hostility and – even more painfully – mockery.
The early weeks of the season, when the ‘Sarri-ball’ philosophy that won him the adulation of peers such as Pep Guardiola brought optimism to Chelsea, seemed an age away as Manchester United breezed into the FA Cup quarter-final without needing to raise a gallop.
Sarri cut a solitary, dejected figure as his predictable moves and the inevitable results saw Stamford Bridge turn its fury on him with a force that begs the question not if his short time as Chelsea manager is drawing to a close, but when?
On this nightmarish evidence, and the fierce reaction of the supporters to their increasingly hapless and disconnected manager, the end may be very near.
Chelsea managers are wise not to book in for the long haul, even Premier League and Champions League winners, so it goes without saying that Sarri is a man clinging to his job in these reduced and struggling circumstances.
The rot was exposed by the 4-0 loss at Bournemouth and the 6-0 humiliation at Manchester City – their heaviest defeat for 28 years – but here they were embarrassed in their own home. And how the fans let Sarri know it as they loudly registered their disapproval.
As chairman Bruce Buck looked on with an expression set in concrete, it felt like the credits were already rolling for the manager who only arrived in July amid much fanfare.
Buck’s bulletin to owner Roman Abramovich as he follows from afar will have been an ominous one. Sarri, barring an almost instant and unexpected upturn, now faces the fate that befell other high-profile managers – such as Luiz Felipe Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas – who were gone before their first season was out.
Chelsea’s fans have already decided. Sarri has lost them.
And once a fanbase is lost, it usually takes something out of the ordinary to win them back, something Sarri shows no signs of delivering.
As Chelsea failed to respond to first-half goals from Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba that put United in complete command, the atmosphere turned toxic.
Sarri has not, and does not, help himself with a stubborn refusal to change tack to such an extent his substitutions are now so predictable they are greeted with sarcastic applause and the sound of laughter.
When, with grim inevitability, Mateo Kovacic was yet again replaced by Ross Barkley, there was a burst of ironic cheering followed by the chant of “you don’t know what you’re doing”.
Yet this is what Sarri does, repeatedly, with diminishing returns. Inflexible, stubborn and – to the fans at least – infuriating.
He is the master of the like-for-like substitution – all very well if the results are good, but managerial madness when Chelsea end up well beaten again.
‘Sarri-ball’ – which is meant to be high-paced attacking football combining pressing and short, quick, passing exchanges – has turned out to be tedious, predictable and easily rumbled by teams of higher quality.
Jorginho, very much Sarri’s man as he arrived from Napoli on the same day as his appointment, is the symbol of its shortcomings. Once teams worked out he could be negated by being crowded out and blocked off, much of the game was up.
Same Sarri story. Same Sarri result.
Jorginho’s struggles are only emphasised further by the fact the uncomplaining N’Golo Kante, widely regarded as the world’s best midfield anchor, has been shunted to the margins to accommodate an inferior player who wins Sarri’s favour. It is a point of serious contention, and a valid one. It makes no sense and yet Sarri persists.
Chelsea’s fans even called for the return of Frank Lampard, who is in his managerial infancy at Derby County, before Sarri was treated with arguably the most dangerous reaction of all – mockery.
As United’s supporters chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, it was taken up by Chelsea’s fans and swept loudly around Stamford Bridge.
It was a significant moment and a measure of just how badly Sarri is currently regarded by his own supporters. He has not received this sort of hostile treatment before but this was the dam of frustration bursting and he was the catalyst.
Sarri’s body language was hardly encouraging, agitated from the first whistle, increasingly frustrated as Chelsea slid further into the abyss and in the end gesturing angrily at his own players as they were reduced to a succession of aimless long balls.
It was a night that had all the feeling of the end of an era, albeit a short one, although it would be incredibly bold, even for Chelsea, to sack a manager as they prepare to meet Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday followed by the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.
Sarri is trying the patience of an owner not known for that particular commodity and, presuming he survives, the acid test will surely come against City, with a Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge three days later.
The Italian recently questioned his own ability to motivate Chelsea’s players after the lacklustre defeat at Arsenal and questions about his methods and whether they were cutting through became more pointed after the humiliation by Manchester City.
This loss, a stroll for United once they went ahead, only drove deeper into the concerns about Sarri’s approach.
Chelsea’s players look lost, short of inspiration and devoid of ideas. The big worry for Sarri and Chelsea’s hierarchy is he looks exactly the same.
Sarri said Chelsea played “confused” football in the second half. There is a reason for this – the gameplan looks confused and the manager looks confused, so it is hardly a huge surprise the outcome is confused.
Every detail of this night will be relayed back to Abramovich who, despite the distance, will be well aware of just how restless the natives are.
It is hard to see Sarri coming out of this crisis unscathed.
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-21-2019
Sarri’s trophyless philosophy is Chelsea’s nightmare
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 SPORT
![[Image: Maurizio-Sarri-957x598.jpg]](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Maurizio-Sarri-957x598.jpg)
Famed after a distinct playing style that made him a household name first at Empoli and later at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri first season in Chelsea is already a nightmare.
His famous Sarri-ball has been less than effective and at a club where the owner’s patience wears thin faster than the speed of light, he may well be on his way out of reckoning at Stamford Bridge.
Maurizio Sarri’s impressive stint at Empoli, where he guided them to Serie A after finishing second a year after losing the Serie B play-off final, landed him a job as Rafael Benitez’s replacement at Napoli in the summer of 2015.
While he was with Napoli, the team won more games (25) and scored more goals (80) than any other season following their promotion to a 20-team Serie A in 2007, and Sarri’s efforts were recognised as he was awarded the Panchina d’Oro – handed to the best coach in a Serie A season.
Also, Gonzalo Higuain – now reunited with Sarri at Chelsea – breaking a Serie A record with 36 league goals in the 2015-16 season.
Yes, the 60-year-old’s attractive ‘Sarri-ball’ approach received many plaudits during his three years at Napoli, but he is yet to add a trophy to the individual accolades he has been awarded.
Presently, his Chelsea spell has been marred with struggles and has alienated the fans: with his refusal to adapt his system, many fans growing frustrated at his repetitive substitutions.
In fact, Sarri after the 2-0 loss at home to United in the FA Cup on Monday agreed that his team now plays “confused football”.
To some, the replacement of Ngolo Kante with Jorginho in the defensive position is the reason for Chelsea’s ills. Others say Chelsea’s defence is too weak especially the left wing-back, Marcos Alonso, while some others explain that Sarri’s rigid remains the reason for the woes.
Of all the reasons, Sarri’s inflexibility encompasses it all. Sarri does not have a plan B. Much like Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp or Arrigo Sacchi.
Maurizio Sarri has made 124 substitutions since he’s in charge of Chelsea, Rose Barkley on for Kovacic 13x, Pedro on for Willian 8x, Kovacic on for Barkley 7x, Giroud on for Morata 7x, Willian on for Pedro 6x. Willian subbed off most (22), followed by Kovacic 2nd (19) and Pedro (18)
In December Sarri openly acknowledged he was adviced by Guardiola.
“He told me you have to work only on 14 players otherwise you are in trouble. You need too much time to improve all the squad.”
However, Guardiola changed his formation and line-ups all the time in his first year. Never the same team. And he used a lot of players too.
Besides that, Kelvin De Bruyne said, “We only train tactically 15 mins per day. But we learn to switch between different systems 3-4-3, 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-6-1…”
Chelsea were unbeaten in their opening 12 games of the Premier League season and looked like potential title contenders – ‘Sarriball’ was working.
However, a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham put an end to that run and has been followed by five defeats in 13 league games.
Chelsea now occupying the sixth in the Premier League – one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United – and suffered a humiliating 6-0 against Manchester City two weeks ago.
A 2-0 loss at home to United in the FA Cup on Monday piled the pressure on Sarri, and perhaps his next game will play a role in keeping his job.
Sadly, his next game is the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and the opposition at Wembley will be Manchester City. Do not bet your salary on Chelsea winning it.
Paul Merson, a football pundit, believes Sarri’s replication of his strategy at Napoli seems “lazy” at Chelsea.
Like many other Chelsea fans, Merson is eager to see how Sarri approaches Manchester City game, insisting it will be the same result if tactics aren’t altered.
“I can’t wait until Sunday. Not as a Chelsea fan thinking: ‘We could win here,’ I just want to see what he’s going to do,” said Merson.
“I can’t wait to see how he sets up. If we play the same way, we’re going to get the same result, and it won’t be far off six,” he added.
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-21-2019
Champions League: Allegri speaks on Ronaldo’s performance in 2-0 defeat to Atletico
Thursday, February 21, 2019 SPORT
![[Image: 2SeHEO7gotyWJVuYtFmbAdwrzACjjNy27Imt_E4x...BFR9s=s0-d]](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/2SeHEO7gotyWJVuYtFmbAdwrzACjjNy27Imt_E4x6QKO1JjU1KULv7IV32lGPH9Y8URl_yu01CcnMTHgUzaTRqBNckc9GNke7BGMELJQLBCo9NYINaULHwIOrEBFR9s=s0-d)
Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward’s subdued display, in their 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Late goals from Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin, gave Atletico a deserved win in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Ronaldo had just one shot on target and Godin’s goal deflected in off him in the 83rd minute.
But Allegri backed the 34-year-old’s performance and said the clash would be beneficial heading into the second leg in Turin on March 12.
“Ronaldo played a good game.
“He is confident with these kinds of matches. He was not bad at all.
“We missed all the second half as a team. And this match will be useful looking forward to the second leg,” Allegri told a news conference.
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-21-2019
Osaze Odemwingie, a former Super Eagles forward in a new interview said that 70% of African players use juju as he recounted a past experience.
ho was raised in Russia, recounted how he was taken to a shaman (native doctor) instead of a medical doctor after he sustained an injury on his hand. He went on to disclose that it is not a rare occurrence among his colleagues to use juju instead of a medical doctor.
He told Championat;;
“Just at least 70% of players believe in it. They think that some kind of salve will save them. This is more suggestion. Brainwashing goes. But three years in Nigeria have been helpful to me. They called me to the big league, and there my career developed much faster.”
https://unclesuru.com/2019/02/21/osaze-odemwingie-says-70-of-african-players-use-juju/
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-21-2019
Guardiola speaks on winning Champions League after Man City’s 3-2 win over Schalke
Thursday, February 21, 2019 SPORT
![[Image: Dt6wqUlnKxdOYGkqEUvD9fBmiDHO51DbfXyLBpIB...ZNM5g=s0-d]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Dt6wqUlnKxdOYGkqEUvD9fBmiDHO51DbfXyLBpIBE7otTjuFwNXAHInQunBOFCKG9RbEjVkC52nsp-8wyIpLfKOaXDQ5FZXhGUw5BZNM5g=s0-d)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, believes they are still not ready to compete for the Champions League, despite taking a big step towards the quarter-finals with a 3-2 away win over Schalke.
City gave away two penalties and were reduced to 10 men after Nicolas Otamendi’s second yellow card, but they fought back to win in the final five minutes, with a Leroy Sane free-kick and Raheem Sterling winner.
However, Guardiola was frustrated to concede two goals, insisting they have to make fewer mistakes if they are to compete in Europe.
“It was a great result but we gave away the first penalty, we gave away the second penalty, we gave away the red card, in this competition that is not good, too many things.
“We are still not ready to fight for the latter stages, that is the reality, but the result is really good.
“We played good but we lost some easy balls, which you are not allowed to do in this competition,” he told BT Sport.
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-21-2019
Ex-Man.U star Nani receives hero welcome at his unveiling to Orlando City fans in the US (Photos)
![[Image: 5c6e854b41a89.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6e854b41a89.jpg)
Former Manchester United winger, Nani received a hero's welcome at his unveiling to Orlando City supporters after completing a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon in Portugal earlier this week.
![[Image: 5c6e860f1110e.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6e860f1110e.jpg)
The 32-year-old was presented to fans on Wednesday night before his new club's inaugural Orlando City Invitational trophy showdown with the New England Revolution.
![[Image: 5c6e85d356479.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6e85d356479.jpg)
Sporting the club's jersey, the Portuguese forward showed his football skills by performing a number of keepy-ups in front of the cheering fans.
![[Image: 5c6e85ebc2dad.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6e85ebc2dad.jpg)
Orlando City SC EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi told the club's official website: 'This is an exciting day for our organization. Nani brings tremendous experience to our roster.
'He's a dynamic winger with quality abilities to move and cross the ball, impact games and lead the offensive play.'
![[Image: 5c6e85fa6e1b1.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6e85fa6e1b1.jpg)
by L
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-22-2019
SPORT
Europa League: What Callum Hudson-Odoi said after Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Malmo
[img=46x0]https://1.gravatar.com/avatar/7e5ab1a5a998f33fc8d72f29ed5dd175?s=46&d=mm&r=g[/img]
Published
on
February 22, 2019
[img=309x0]http://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/callum-hudson-odoi_4560459.jpg[/img]
Callum Hudson-Odoi has broken silence on his side’s 3-0 win over Malmo in the Europa League round of 32 second-leg encounter on Thursday night.
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi gave Chelsea all three points against Malmo at the Stamford Bridge.
Hudson-Odoi said Maurizio Sarri’s men won against Malmo because they paced themselves well throughout the duration of the match against the visitors.
“I’m happy with the result first of all,” Hudson-Odoi told BT Sport.
“All of the boys worked really hard, we played really well throughout the game and I think our mentality was strong.
“We knew they were going to come out fast because they needed to get a goal so we paced ourselves well throughout and I think we deserved the result that we got.
“I’m happy with the goal, obviously that’s a bonus for the good work that the team did today.”
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-22-2019
EPL: Rashford identified as the player forcing Lukaku out of Man Utd
![[Image: Lukaku-Valencia-oct2018.jpg]](http://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Lukaku-Valencia-oct2018.jpg)
Romelu Lukaku could be the victim of Marcus Rashford’s rise to Manchester United’s primary attacking option, according to Danny Higginbotham.
Lukaku has been on the decline since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge at Old Trafford, scoring just two goals in five starts under the United caretaker boss.
Rashford has however seized the opportunity to lead the United line with both hands, firing seven goals in his last 10 appearances.
Higginbotham, speaking on The Debate, explained that Rashford’s form and fluidity in attack could leave Lukaku surplus to requirement at Old Trafford this summer.
“It would be a huge step back if Rashford had to take a step backwards after what he has done.
“If Solskjaer does get the job, I don’t see Lukaku staying. We’ve seen he likes the flexible front three.
“Lukaku is a fantastic centre forward but he is a centre forward, whereas Rashford will interchange with (Jesse) Lingard and (Anthony) Martial.
“Can Rashford be that one No 9 at United? I don’t think there is the necessity to have a No 9 because of the way that they play.
“Rashford can play in a number of different ways, and because of that I’d be very surprised if Lukaku didn’t go in the summer,” he said
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-22-2019
Europa League: What Emery said about Ozil after 3-0 win over BATE
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![[Image: Emery-City-Feb2019.jpg]](http://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Emery-City-Feb2019.jpg)
Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, praised Mesut Ozil’s performance in their 3-0 win over BATE Borisov, but admitted he cannot guarantee him a regular start.
Emery said Ozil was “important and positive”, as the Gunners overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit, to secure their place in the Europa League’s last 16.
Ozil played his first 90 minutes of 2019, with his only other two outings since Boxing Day having come off the bench, because of a combination of illness and minor injuries.
“Today he showed what he wants.
“If he is available, like the last two weeks, we are going to play a lot of matches and maybe sometimes we need him in the starting XI and sometimes on the bench because we have a lot of players to also help us.
“His spirit like today is good and his quality and capacity and combination with some players is good.
“I think we need every player and today playing Mesut was important and positive,” Emery told BT Sport after the game.
Ozil himself wrote on Twitter: “Such a good feeling to be back on the pitch again. Great performance from the whole team overall.”
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-22-2019
FIFA bans Chelsea from signing players until summer 2020 for breaking rules over underage players
![[Image: 5c6fe987a719f.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/5c6fe987a719f.jpg)
World's football body, FIFA has banned premiership club, Chelsea from signing players for two transfer windows for breaking rules over the transfer of foreign minors.
In a statement on Friday morning, FIFA confirmed the club was banned for breaking rules over the acquisition of 29 players under the age of 18 and also suggested that there have been a number of other infringements.
In addition, Chelsea were fined 600,000 Swiss francs ($600,000, 530,000 euros) and given a period of 90 days to regularise the situation of the minor players concerned. The ban does not prevent players being released by the club and it does not apply to Chelsea’s women’s and futsal teams.
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In another development, the FA were also fined £391,459 after they were "found to have breached the rules in connection with minors."
In a statement released today, the FA said they plan to appeal. Chelsea have also been given three days to appeal against FIFA’s decision. The move follows a FIFA probe into Chelsea’s signing of foreign under-18 players, including the club’s former forward Bertrand Traore, a Burkina Faso international who now plays for French Ligue 1 club Lyon.
The world governing body have been investigating Chelsea for the past three years and a heavy punishment was expected.
A Fifa statement said: "Chelsea was found to have breached article 19 of the regulations in the case of 29 minor players and to have committed several other infringements relating to registration requirements for players.
"The club also breached article 18bis of the regulations in connection with two agreements it concluded concerning minors and which allowed it to influence other clubs in transfer-related matters.
"The disciplinary committee sanctioned Chelsea with a ban on registering new players at both national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods.
"This ban applies to the club as a whole — with the exception of the women's and futsal teams — and does not prevent the release of players.
"Additionally, the club was fined 600,000 Swiss francs and given a period of 90 days to regularise the situation of the minor players concerned. The protection of minors is a key element in Fifa's overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players and effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as also confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"The decisions issued by the disciplinary committee were notified today and can be contested before the Fifa Appeal Committee."
The FA's statement added: "The FA has cooperated fully with Fifa's investigations, although we have raised some concerns with Fifa regarding its disciplinary processes.
"The FA intends to appeal the decision. We will, however, continue to work with Fifa and Chelsea in a constructive manner to address the issues which are raised by this case."
The club have confirmed they will appeal.
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RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-22-2019
Barca scared it'll cost £87m to get 21 year old 'dream transfer' Marcus Rashford from Manchester United
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According to Top Spanish newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, Barca are willing to make Marcus Rashford their latest signing, as they don't see any future with Luis Suarez and the possibility of Neymar returning to the club appear dim as the days go by.
Rashford, 21, who rose to prominence in 2016 after scoring two goals in his first senior game against Arsenal, is in line to sign a new contract running until the summer of 2025, that would see him earn around £200,000-a-week.
The Catalan giants are realistic that any attempt to sign Rashford, who is undoubtedly Man U's number one striker at the moment, from Old Trafford would cost in excess of €100m (£87m). Rashford is considered 'non-transferable' by the Old Trafford chiefs.
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Rashford was born and bred in Manchester, meaning it will be tough to take the lad from his hometown , where he already has cult- hero status.
Rashford has made 155 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 42 goals for the club.
by Linda
RE: Sports Update - Edoman - 02-23-2019
FIFA World Cup: Africa’s opportunity in 2030 threatened
Saturday, February 23, 2019 SPORT
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West Africa should wake up to the reality of what is going as the world prepares to host the biggest sports event in history in 2030, the Centennial World Cup. In that year, divinely scripted for West Africa, it will be Africa’s turn again to host the World Cup, in accordance to an unwritten but generally accepted arrangement by FIFA.
Two weeks ago, I thought I had come to the end of my tether in making Nigerians and some West African countries see and understand why they should combine forces to host the most lucrative, most prestigious and most coveted sports event in the world.
The last time Africa hosted the event was in 2010. In that year, South Africa was the beneficiaries of Africa’s first attempt to host it. It was considered one of the most enjoyable of the World Cups since the championship began in 1930. It was a colorful and richly cultural event that wowed the world.
Eight years before that in 2003, I had floated the idea of Africa’s first World Cup to be jointly hosted by five neighbouring countries in the West African sub region, led by Nigeria, getting the automatic ticket to participate if it won the bid for the 2010 edition.
Many of my country men were not impressed with the idea, pointing at FIFA’s immediate negative reaction following the relative lack of success of the first joint hosting done by Korea and Japan in 2002. They also considered, justifiably, the dilapidated state of infrastructure and facilities in Nigeria, plus several other factors that stood in the way of such a dream in an African country where its people had no confidence in themselves and in their ability to add any value to their world through the World Cup. They saw it as a potentially wasteful venture, another White Elephant that would be used by corrupt officials in government to siphon the resources of the country again, after the experience of COJA 2003.
My idea was shot down on the tarmac of consideration by a section of the Nigerian media, a public that had been mentally pauperized not to believe in any lofty dreams, and a government perpetually at war with itself (Obasanjo and Atiku were then at each other’s throat). Between these stakeholders they chose not to see the World Cup as a potential burden and in ignorance ceded the rights to an over-joyous South Africa that seized the opportunity and used it judiciously to showcase its potential as the next tourist destination of first choice in Africa.
Many people around the world, had looked at the poor handling of the Korea/Japan championship of 2002, and concluded that joint hosting was not an attractive future option. Whereas even a cursory look at the potential benefits of such an arrangement, something that Mr. Blatter later saw when I presented it to him with the Nigerian Minister of Sports in attendance, and he described as a most brilliant despite the failure of the 2002 experiment, would reveal unimaginable potential benefits.
Since then the unwritten but well understood and operated rotational arrangement of the choice of HOST of the World Cup has gone around the continents (except Australasia):
2010 – South Africa – Africa
2014 – Brazil – South America
2018 – Russia – Europe
2022 – Qatar – Asia
2026 – USA, Canada and Mexico joint bid – (North America).
In 2030, the Centennial year of the World Cup, it should be Africa’s turn again! This event, because of its significance, will not be conceded to the continent on emotional basis only. The continent must fight to justify hosting it through demonstrating the political will, the strength of preparedness, capability and vision, all excellently packaged and presented and made to look even better than the South African World Cup, a truly African show.
The 2030 World Cup must be the platform for West Africa to announce a final break from the shackles of a mental slavery and physical underdevelopment, and promote its emergence as an equal partner in the advancement of humanity through its arts, culture, entertainment and sports.
That’s why Nigeria, the most powerful Black country on earth, the most populated, potentially the richest in terms of resources (natural and intellectual), probably the most successful Black and African country in world football, and an economic, political and cultural giant, must champion this cause.
The benefits of a joint bid, now accepted and embraced as the only way forward for future World Cups with multifaceted benefits to a whole region of the world rather than one single country, will make a West African bid very attractive, feasible, practicable, simple to organize, and a major catalyst for true political, economic, social and cultural development and integration of the sub-region.
In the past one week, there have been developments that could truncate not just the unwritten understanding about rotation of the World Cup, but also Africa’s chances of hosting the Centennial World Cup in 2030.
Asia has come up with a proposed joint bid with 3 giant countries – China, South Korea and Malaysia
The United Kingdom is preparing to launch a joint 5-nation bid of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
South America is conducting a study and has indicated it would launch a bid involving Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Argentina.
An audacious bid across two continents is also been contemplated – an Afro – European bid involving Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
There is another European (the Balkans bid) involving Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece also in the pipeline.
Why this sudden interest in joint bids?
The world has woken up to the power of the World Cup to drive political, social, cultural and economic agenda of entire regions and even a continent, as in the case of the 2026 North American bid.
Nigeria started the process, albeit halfheartedly in 2003, before abandoning it. The documents of that bid still exist and can be re-opened with a new study to be conducted with representation from West African countries that would be interested to be a part of such an ambitious project. It must be done quickly, now!
West Africa will never be the same again after that project. The region would use the World Cup to drive its biggest dreams since the early 1960s when the region was to be turned into one single market, with one currency, common border and security, and common tourism objectives.
The time to start is now. If in 10 years, the region cannot successfully put together a befitting World Cup that would catalyse its overall development, by sharing the burden and jointly enjoying the benefits, then something is definitely wrong with us as Black people!