Keshi begs player not to dump Nigeria

Stephen Keshi has asked John Chibuike to be patient and not consider taking up a chance to feature for Sweden.

Rosenborg of Norway star Chibuike has revealed his frustration that he continues to be overlooked by Nigeria and has even now said he would opt for Sweden if approached again.

"After this season, I will look into the matter of my international future, everything for now is still rumour, but I can't resist the opportunity of playing at Brazil 2014 World Cup. If Sweden come, I may have to consider the offer," he revealed.

However, Keshi has said the former Enugu Rangers star is very much in his plans.

“I know of Chibuike in Rosenborg of Norway and I have even spoken to him, telling him his time will come and he will be here with us,” Keshi said.

On the back of impressive displays for BK Hacken in Sweden, the former Enugu Rangers ace caught the eye of several European clubs including one from England before he eventually chose Rosenborg, who feature in this season’s UEFA Europa League.

The 23-year-old who started his career as defender at Rangers, before he was converted to an attacking midfielder at Hacken and now he is a striker for Rosenborg. 

Nsofor dreams Eagles return

Obinna Nsofor has admitted he was disappointed not to be recalled by the Super Eagles but he still believes he has a future with the team.

“I am sad because I want to play for my country every time, but I bear no grudges against anyone.” Nsofor said

 

“I am not the only player who was not called so I am sure there is another time for me to return. I have never seen myself not part of the team even when I am not called, so I am always in touch with the team. I am still a Super Eagles player.”

 

The Lokomotiv Moscow forward last featured for Nigeria in a friendly against Ghana in London in October.

Nsofor will back Nigeria to beat Liberia on October 13 in Calabar to qualify for the 2013 Africa cup of Nations to be staged by South Africa.

“I see us beating Liberia in Calabar. We have all it takes to beat them but the players who are selected for the game should take it with all seriousness because Liberia too will want to win but I don’t see us losing the game.

 

“We want to be at the next Nations Cup after missing out on the last edition. I am wishing the team victory in the game.”

Victor Moses becomes dad

This is surely a great moment for the new Chelsea boy!

Two days after scoring his debut goal for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup, Victor Moses has announced that his spouse, Brentley has just given birth to his first baby @ 21-years-old.

Moses broke the news today to his more than 45,000 Twitter followers, through his account, expressing delight at his status.

“I am really proud to announce I’m now a dad! Brentley Moses born this morning 3.960kg all healthy thank God! fanx 4 ur support” he tweeted.

The former Wigan attacker, who only completed his dream move to Chelsea this summer for nine million pounds, has also been impressive for his London team.

On Tuesday evening, he was handed his first start at Chelsea in a Capital One League Cup game with Wolverhampton. He rewarded his Coach, Roberto Di Matteo, with a goal for the confidence reposed in him. Chelsea won the game by 6-1.

Chelsea faces a tough test this weekend as they travel to the Emirate to play Arsenal, and it is likely that Moses will be gunning for a goal for his new daughter.

Congrats bro! Scoring both on the pitch and at home!

Efe Ambrose comfortable in new Celtic surroundings

Efe Ambrose feels he has swiftly adjusted to life at Celtic following his summer move from Israel.

The 23-year old centre-back, who joined from FC Ashdod, made his full Bhoys debut in Tuesday night’s Scottish Communities League Cup win over Raith Rovers and he believes that he has settled well into his new surroundings.

"It has not been easy because I had a short time to adapt to being in the team," he said.

"There has been no time to train with the team properly.

"But the feeling I have with them is amazing because they helped me to settle down very fast and so there was no problem.

"It is like a home for me. We are like family here. It is a good place to play football and make myself a better player.

"It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the history behind this club is great.”

Raheem Lawal in fresh trouble

Raheem Lawal’s contract with Turkish club Adana Demirspor has been put on hold pending his clearance after he was initially declared free by FIFA.

  

It was earlier reported that Lawal has been cleared to play for the Turkish team after he Spanish club Atletico Beleares reportedly owed him.

  

The midfielder’s problems started when he honoured a Super Eagles call against the wishes of his Spanish team Atletico Beleares, who needed him for promotional playoff games, but he instead chose to feature for his country.

  

During the summer transfer, Raheem Lawal signed a lucrative two-year deal with Turkish second division side Adana Demirspor without the approval of his Spanish club.

Osanga debuts @ last, Uchebo scores...

King Osanga finally debuted for his French Ligue 1 side Sochaux on Wednesday night in a league cup game.

  

Former Heartland star Osanga started the game against Evian Thonon Gaillard and was substituted in the 66th minute by Bakambu, who scored the second goal to take the game to extra time at 2-2 at regulation time.

  

Sochaux won the cup tie 3-2.

  

Osanga has made bench for three straight games before he finally debuted for his team.

  

The 21-year-old player has played for Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunisia and Al-Nasr Benghazi of Libya.

  

Michael Uchebo was also on song in Belgium for Cercle Brugge when he opened scoring in the 12th minute to put his side 1-0 up against Hoogstraten in a Belgium Cup tie.

  

Cercle Brugge went on to win the game by 3-1.

  

In Norway, Daniel Chima Chukwu failed to lift his team as his goal was only a consolation one for Molde, who lost to Tromso 2-1 in the semi final of NM Cupen.

  

Chima struck in the 84th minute to reduce the deficit, while Tromso have now booked a place in the final with this victory.

Chinwendu Ihezuo Makes History with Nigeria

World Soccer governing body, FIFA has revealed that Flamingoes player, Chinwendu Ihezuo has broken the record for number of goals scored in a single match at the Fifa Under 17 Women's World Cup,

The previous record was jointly held by Germany's Kyra Malinowski and Korea Republic's Yeo Min Ji , who both scored four goals against South Africa and Nigeria respectively at the 2010 Fifa Under 17s in Trinidad and Tobago.

Chinwendu Ihezuo has surpassed the earlier record with her five strikes on 5', 32', 37',56" and 70' against host nation Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Yeo Min Ji of Korea Republic won the golden shoe with eight goals in six games at Trinidad and Tobago 2010. Should Ihezuo score four more goals in Azerbaijan, she would set a new milestone in the competition.

Kalu Uche keeps scoring in Turkey

Kalu Uche keeps hogging the headlines in Turkey since his move to the Superlig at the close of last season.

The attacking midfield sensation scored Kasimpasa’s third goal in 3-1 win over Istanbulspor in Turkish Cup game last night.

  

Uche was on song in 89th minute. 

Akpala opens Bundesliga goal account

Two days after Victor Moses got his debut goal in Chelsea colours, Joseph Akpala scored his first goal for German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen against Freiburg last night.

  

Akpala, who joined Bremen during summer transfer window from Club Brugge of Belgium, drew his team level in the 47th minute.

  

Bremen eventually won the game 2-1 and they have now moved to seventh place on the table with seven points from five matches. 

Eagles call up thrills Lazio’s Onazi

Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi has said it is a dream come true to be picked by the Super Eagles.

He was a surprise call-up by Nigeria for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia in Calabar and he says that it has always been his dream to play for Nigeria at full international level after he featured for the country at U17 and U20 levels.

“I will say a big thank you to God because without him, nothing is possible. To play for my fatherland is what I always wanted to do and so to now get a call-up to be part of Super Eagles has excited me.

  

“And I will do my best to lift the team higher. I am sure we will be fine. I am looking forward to be in camp and train with the other member of the team, I am sure it will be great.

  

“This call up to play for Super Eagles is a dream come true for me because that has been my ultimate ambition since I started the game. It is an honour and I will use my chance well,” said Onazi, who failed to make the final cut for the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.

  

This season, the Jos-born star has played three Europa League games as well as made three appearances in the league for Lazio.

  

He will be in action Wednesday evening in a Serie A game for Lazio against Napoli. 

Mikel says he's back to battle for AFCON ticket

John Obi Mikel says he is back to qualify Nigeria to the next AFCON after the Eagles missed out on the last tournament.

On Tuesday, the Chelsea midfielder was picked among 15 foreign-based pros for the return leg clash against the Lone Star of Liberia to be played on October 13 in Calabar with the overall winners advancing to the tournament proper in South Africa in January.

“I am ready to put in my best to see that we redeem ourselves by defeating Liberia to secure the AFCON ticket. Missing out of last edition still hurts and so this is a must-win game and I am ready to do battle," Mikel said.

The Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw in Monrovia by hosts Liberia earlier this month with Mikel opting out of that clash after it was first learnt that the game would be played on an astro turf pitch.

But the Chelsea midfielder has again restated his total commitment to the national team cause despite suggestions to the contrary.

"I have said it times without a number that I have no other nation apart from Nigeria and I am happy to be back in Eagles even though I have always seen myself as part of the team even when I was not playing games for the team.

Mikel, who has won 37 caps and scored two goals since his debut in 2005, has yet to play for Nigeria under Stephen Keshi, who took over from Samson Siasia in November.

In November, he was part of the squad for two friendlies against Botswana and Zambia but did not feature as he was nursing an injury then.

Martins get rave reviews

Levante midfielder Michel was impressed with Obafemi Martins’ debut against Real Sociedad and feels the striker should have been credited three goals instead of just one.

‘Eshin’ has only recently signed for Levante after canceling his contract with Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan.

Levante were lacking in firepower upfront following the departure of main striker Arouna Kone to Wigan and fans were hoping that Martins would be an able replacement for the new season.

The 27-year-old lived up to the expectations on his debut as he scored the match-winner with a late goal.

And it could have been even more impressive as Martins had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the game as well. Impressed by the performance, Michel stated his view that the former Newcastle striker will greatly improve the standard of the Levante attack in the new season.

“Martins was incredible, he came on at half-time and scored three goals, but they disallowed two,” Michel told Spanish daily AS.

“I hope it’s the first of many goals. He will help us a lot, he gives us speed in the attack. In the game we knew he would score one that was going to impress, and look, he did it.”

NSC begins Rio 2016 preparations after Eko 2012

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has mapped out plans to commence preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games immediately after the forthcoming Eko 2012 National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Lagos from November 29 to December 9.

According to the Media and Publicity Committee sub-committee of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 18th NSF, the NSC will select experts to monitor and scout for promising and outstanding athletes during the sports festival to form the nucleus of a new Team Nigeria.

Eko 2012, the MOC said in a statement, is expected to provide exceptional athletes who would be groomed on a periodic basis every year from 2013 till the next Olympics.

“These athletes would form the core of the country’s contingent to future international sports competitions holding from next year,” the body said. “These competitions include the All Africa Games and the Commonwealth Games.”

The statement added that the NSC Chairman/Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has directed that “henceforth, only athletes who have shown enough will and zeal to compete in our national colours will be given consideration in the formation of a new-look Team Nigeria.

“The minister has also directed that the various sports associations must henceforth endeavour to take part in all national and international competitions available,” as that would keep the teams competitive in the build-up to the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed that the various Sports Zones created by the NSC be empowered to scout for and develop talents in their domains, while particular attention should be paid to such sports as taekwondo, judo, wrestling, weightlifting and athletics.

Real Madrid coach Mourinho: I'll work like Sir Alex until I'm 70

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says he intends to match Sir Alex Ferguson's longevity.

Mourinho is good friends with the Manchester United manager.

"I understand perfectly why Alex is still at work at that age and I think I'll do the same. I love football and I love to coach. I'll still be young when I turn 50 (next January) and I have a lot ahead of me," smiled Mourinho.

"It's a number that makes me look far back, but also look ahead. I'm a happy person because I believe what I have achieved is amazing. But at the same time I look forward and I look better than ever, stronger than ever, with more experience, and I think I'm still at the beginning of my career."

NFA declares Eagles ready for Liberian demolition

As Nigerians eagerly await the October 13^th date when the Super Eagles will confront their Liberian counterpart in the last leg of the final for the 2013 Africa Nations Cup, the Nigeria Football Association has declared that it is leaving nothing to chance in its quest to ensure that the Nigerian flag is hoisted in South Africa.

Demola Olajire, image maker of the NFA disclosed that the body will ensure full motivation for the players to deliver the Nations Cup ticket.

“We will do all in our powers to make sure that we win in Calabar and qualify for the Nations Cup. The team is being motivated on all fronts to achieve this. Their winning bonus remains ten thousand dollars and we will ensure that they are in a good frame of mind before the duel.’

When reminded about how Guinea stopped Nigeria from playing at the last edition of the African football fiesta in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea the last time, Olajire beat his chest that such situation will never arise again as they are sure the players will deliver this time around.

Liberia will suffer in Calabar-Azuka

The October 13^th clash between Nigeria and Liberia is keeps generating heat with both parties spitting fire ahead of the final qualifying match for the 2013 Africa Nations Cup.

One of the players invited by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, Sunshine Stars of Akure star, Izu Azuka is very definite about the team’s chances against the Lone Star, saying it’s victory or nothing in the Canaan City next month.

‘We will leave nothing to chance in that match. Liberia will be beaten silly. Our dream is make Nigerians happy again by qualifying after missing out on the last Nations Cup. They will be thoroughly roasted” Izu boasted.

He was however quick to add that they do not expect an easy game but also said there will be no hiding place for the Liberians who forced them to a two-all draw in the first leg in Monrovia some few weeks ago.

How Gabriel Agbonlahor nailed Villa

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored his first goals since January as Aston Villa twice came from behind to knock Manchester City out of the Capital One Cup at the Etihad Stadium.

England international Agbonlahor bagged a brace against the Premier League champions to end his drought as Villa triumphed in extra-time.

Mario Balotelli and then Aleksandar Kolarov had twice put the hosts ahead while Villa old boy Gareth Barry’s helped his former team’s cause with an own-goal equaliser and Agbonlahor swept home to ensure the 90 minutes ended at two apiece.

Charles N’Zogbia scored only his third goal since his summer 2011 move from Wigan to put Villa ahead early in the additional period.

And Agbonlahor then ensured there was no way back for the hosts with his second goal, a deflected effort, seven minutes from the end.

The result and last-16 spot will be a welcome boost for Paul Lambert’s men, who had started the season in poor form and were spanked 4-1 by Southampton at the weekend.

Keshi denies pressure to invite Mikel

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has insisted he was not forced to recall John Mikel Obi to his team.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel is one of 15 foreign-based professionals called up for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations return leg qualifier against Liberia.

There has been a clamour by fans and officials alike for Mikel to return to the team, but Keshi maintained he alone took the decision to pick the player for the Liberia clash.

"I hear people say Mikel Obi was forced on me. That's not true. I speak to Mikel almost every day and he has declared his readiness to make the Liberia game,” Keshi said.

“He wants to play for his country and I hope he brings his best to the national team.”

Mikel has yet to play for the Eagles under Keshi, who replaced Samson Siasia in November.

Keshi has gone for a larger contingent of foreign-based players than previously and he said this is to ensure that Nigeria qualify for next year’s Nations Cup in South Africa.

"I increased the foreign-based players because we need all our best legs for the final game,” he defended.

“You know we have some players that must prove their fitness and as such we have enough to fill any space should it happen any of these players are not fit for the Calabar."

Kano Pillars pair of Gabriel Reuben and Papa idris as well as Joel Obi of Inter Milan have been picked after long-term injuries and Keshi said he wishes to ascertain their fitness levels.

"Gabriel Rueben and Papa Idris, I included them to ascertain their fitness level same goes for Joel Obi," he disclosed.

The 23 players from the Nigeria Premier League will resume training camp on Sunday in Abuja, while the foreign pros will join up in Calabar from October 8.

Below is the full list.

LIST OF HOME BASED PLAYERS

GOALKEEPERS

1. AGBIM CHIGOZIE                        -           WARRI WOLVES, NIGERIA

2. AKPEYI DANIEL                           -           HEARTLAND FC, NIGERIA

DEFENDERS

EGWUEKWE AZUBUIKE     -           WARRI WOLVES, NIGERIA

PAPA IDRIS                           -           KANO PILLARS, NIGERIA

OBOABONA GODFREY                  -           SUNSHINE STARS FC, NIGERIA

ZANGO UMAR                                  -           KANO PILLARS, NIGERIA

KWAMBE SOLOMON                     -           SUNSHINE STARS FC, NIGERIA

EZEKIEL BASSEY                 -           LOBI STARS FC, NIGERIA

KINGSLEY UDOH                -           HEARTLAND FC, NIGERIA

MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS

UZOENYI EJIKE                                -           RANGERS FC, NIGERIA

MBA SUNDAY                                  -           WARRI WOLVES FC, NIGERIA

GABRIEL REUBEN                -           KANO PILLARS FC, NIGERIA

HENRY UCHE                                   -           ENYIMBA FC, NIGERIA

CHRISTIAN OFILI                -           ABS KWARA, NIGERIA

JABASON SOLOMON                     -           AKWA UNITED FC, NIGERIA

SANUSI SANI                                    -           GOMBE UNITED FC, NIGERIA

PHILIP ASOQUO                  -           3SC FC, IBADAN, NIGERIA

IZU AZUKA                           -           SUNSHINE STARS FC, NIGERIA

BRENDON OGBU                 -           HEARTLAND FC, NIGERIA

ANTHONY OKPOTU                       -           LOBI STARS FC, NIGERIA

UBALE MANIR                                  -           KANO PILLARS FC, NIGERIA

OHANDUKU GOMO                        -           SHARKS FC, NIGERIA

FIDELIS FAVOUR                 -           NASARAWA UNITED, NIGERIA

2. LIST OF FOREIGN BASED PLAYERS

GOALKEEPERS

ENYEAMA VINCENT                       -           MACCABI TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

EJIDE AUSTINE                                 -           HAPOEL BE’ER SHEVA, ISRAEL

DEFENDERS

YOBO JOSEPH                                  -           FENERBAHCE FC, TURKEY

EFE AMBROSE                                  -           CELTIC FC, ISRAEL

ECHIEJILE ELDERSON                    -           FC BRAGA, PORTUGAL

MID FIELDERS AND FORWARDS

NOSA IGIEBOR                                 -           REAL BETIS, SPAIN

NWANKWO OBIORA                      -           CALCIO PADOVA FC, ITALY

MIKEL OBI                            -           CHELSEA FC, ENGLAND

JOEL OBI                               -           INTER MILAN FC, ITALY

VICTOR MOSES                  -           CHELSEA FC, ENGLAND

 AHMED MUSA                     -           CSKA MOSCOW, RUSSIA

 UCHE IKECHUKWU                       -           VILLARREAL FC, SPAIN

 EMENIKE EMMANUEL      -           SPARTAK MOSCOW, RUSSIA

 IDEYE BROWN                    -           DYNAMO KYIV, UKRAINE

 OGENYI ONAZI                   -           SS LAZIO, ITALY

Moses in Cloud 9

Victor Moses has declared that he is enjoying life at Chelsea after scoring his first goal for the club in last night’s 6 nil whitewash of Wolves in a League Cup match.

The Nigerian winger who joined the Blues from Wigan at the start of the season made one and scored another.

Seven minutes into the second half Oriol Romeu struck home a well-struck penalty after Moses was adjudged to have been fouled by De Vries and the impressive player headed home his first Chelsea goal and a sixth of the evening for the rampant home side.

Everything is going well at the moment, Moses tells the official Chelsea website. 'I'm enjoying life at the club. It's exciting for me to be back in London and playing for a massive club such as Chelsea, particularly as I'm a London boy, I'm just delighted to be here.

'It's a quality feeling to be playing alongside some of the most talented players in world football at the moment, and that's what you need around you. The more you play with these type of players, the more you improve and the more experience you gain.'

Azerbaijan Coach says Flamingoes are good for the trophy

Sissy Wright, coach of Azerbaijan Women's Under 17 Team, has poured superlatives on the Flamingoes after yesterday's 0 - 11 loss to Nigeria’s under-17 women’s team. The defeat means the hosts are technically out of the championship and their last group game against Canada is a mere formality.

She told reporters after the game: ''I congratulate the opponents.  Nigeria deserved to win, very strong team. I can not be happy for this result. But all saw my girls fought to the end. I am proud that despite the 0 - 7 in the first half, the girls did not give up and continued to play, I'm not going to blame the team. This team (Nigeria, ed) deserves the championship.''

Though Sissy Wright praised the fans for their support, she was disappointed at their behavior when the Flamingoes scored their eighth goal in the second half.

''Thank you for supporting Lankaran stands. Do not want to belittle the achievements of fans, but after the eighth goal of Nigeria, all were so happy, as if we scored. Then they started shouting Nigeria, Nigeria. I did not like it. "

Obi ready for Liberia

Inter Milan whiz kid, Joel Obi is staging a bold return to the Super Eagles after months out to injury.

The player who has not played an official game for the past four months due to a hamstring injury he suffered at the end of last season revealed in chat on our radio programme, Megasports on Star FM (runs 7am, Monday-Friday) that he looks forward to seeing the Eagles roast the Lone Star of Liberia in Calabar next as Nigeria attempts to qualify for the 2013 Afcon, after missing out of playing in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea 2012.

“I have started training already and hopefully would be in Nigeria to see to the downfall of Liberia if the coach send be an invitation. I have missed the national team so much that I can’t wait to wear our colours again.”

His agent Renzo Contratto has also seconded Obi’s claim to full wellness.,

''He's almost ready, we'll see him in a few days. Inter has handled his case admirably. Muscle injuries are difficult, and the Nerazzurri have done everything in the best way, without thinking of the date of return to the field, but put the player in a position to heal without hurry. "

Obasi returns

Chinedu Obasi could play his first game for Schalke 04 this season against Mainz tomorrow, the official website of the Bundesliga club has hinted. On Sunday, the Nigeria international had a running session without difficulties.

With Klaas-Jan Huntelaar questionable for the tie at the Veltins-Arena (Gelsenkirchen) , coach Huub Stevens may replace the Dutch forward with Obasi.

Obasi has not played for Schalke 04 this season after having surgery at the end of the 2011 - 2012 campaign.

Since joining The Royal Blues from Hoffenheim in the winter transfer market, the 26- year -old former Lyn Oso ace has scored one goal in ten appearances.

Goal king Utaka outshines big-name recruits

The current Chinese Super League season has been highlighted by the quantity of imported players, with no fewer than 80 foreigners plying their trade amongst the nation’s 16 top-flight clubs. Few of them, however, have proved more successful than Nigerian forward Peter Utaka, who has taken no time in making every post a winner in his adopted country.

Since joining newly-promoted Dalian Aerbin at the start of this year, Utaka has racked up 16 goals in 23 appearances which leaves him second in the league's goalscoring chart. Indeed, Utaka has adapted so successfully, that he plans to move his mother to China and also encourage older brother, John, who is currently playing with Montpellier, to join Dalian next season.

"Everything here is enjoyable in China," he told FIFA.com in a recent exclusive interview. "I feel comfortable about the life here and I appreciate the help from everyone around me - my coach, team-mates, supporters etc. I hope my mum will come here to join me next season. As for John, we’ve chatted much about the Chinese league via phone and so it is also possible for him to move here."

The notion of the Utaka siblings forming one of C-League's most formidable attacking line-ups with Aerbin resonates strongly with the younger Utaka. "That would be fantastic," he says. "It is not about the family reunion but goalscoring work. John is a good player and he can prove that with any team."

Like most of the kids in football-mad Nigeria, the two brothers started playing football in the streets of Enugu, a city in the nation’s south-east. “John is two years older than me so he started a bit earlier," he recalled. "Even then he showed he is very talented in the game but when I started playing I quickly caught up with him."

The two brothers made a smooth transition to Europe, where they soon made a name for themselves. While John spent four seasons with Portsmouth before moving to France’s Ligue 1 last year, Peter made waves in the Danish league with OB Odense, managing an impressive return of 52 goals in 108 appearances.

His goalscoring form didn't go unnoticed by Aerbin's Serbian coach Aleksandar Stanojevic, who secured his move to Dalian. Shouldering the goalscoring responsibility for his ambitious new side, though, provided some early difficulties and Utaka failed to find the back of the net in his first six matches.

The level of competition in the C-League was well beyond my expectations and the players here are of good quality.

"The opening games were hard," said Utaka. "To be honest the level of competition in the C-League was well beyond my expectations and the players here are of good quality. The attack is more pacy here and the defence tough. I had to work hard in both training and playing as I tried to adapt to the style quickly."

The breakthrough finally came when he, firstly earned a penalty, before striking a late equaliser as Aerbin came from two goals down to draw with Guizhou Renhe. From there, the Nigerian has never looked back, adding 15 goals to his tally, including a run of scoring in 10 consecutive fixtures to establish a new C-League record. Notably, he famously set up newly-signed Seydou Keita for his maiden goal, before scoring the match-winner as his side edged Guizhou 2-1 in the return in August.

Life returns to Abuja National Stadium January

The pitch of Abuja National Stadium will be back in top shape by January, according to the Nigeria sports minister Bolaji Abdulahi.

The minister, who paid an unscheduled visit to the National Stadium on Monday, said work will start soon on the pitch which is in state of deplorable condition.

"I am not happy with the condition of the pitch and I am assuring Nigerians that it will soon be fixed to meet world standards. In two weeks time, work will start here," promised Abdullahi.

The pitch is now expected to be ready to host matches again from January.

The deplorable state of the pitch forced the Eagles to shift to Calabar their home qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

It is therefore likely that the Eagles World Cup qualifier at home against Kenya in March will be played on this Abuja Stadium pitch.

Di Matteo makes Moses confession

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is delighted with the arrival of former Wigan Athletic winger Victor Moses.

Moses has impressed during his brief time at Stamford Bridge with two excellent substitute performances, and he is now expected to go in to the Blues' starting line-up for tonight's Capital One Cup clash against Wolves.

"He's young and he'll still improve and develop but he's an exciting player that I tried very hard to sign, not just this year but previously as well, years ago," said Di Matteo.

"He's a player I like very much and he will have a big influence in our season. He's strong at holding the ball, his dribbling ability is very good, he can go past defenders, which not many can, and he's got the pace as well.

"He's very good at making runs in behind, he's a very good player. It's good that nobody else noticed."

Unbelievable but Mikel Obi vows to score

Chelsea star John Mikel Obi has said he believes he will soon score his first goal in the English Premier League after six years.

  

He came close to breaking his duck against Stoke City on Saturday, but his goal-bound effort was blocked, meaning he has now gone 165 EPL games for ‘The Blues’ without a goal.

  

Mikel said he is so optimistic that if given the role he played on Saturday more often, he will score goals this season.

  

“My lack of goals in EPL does not worry me so much, because I have been doing my job well  though I wanted to get goals no matter how few but my positions have denied me that, but my role on Saturday against Stoke City was different as I joined the attack often and almost scored,” he said.

  

“I am sure I will get goals this season if I continue to get such a role. It is a matter of time before I will break the jinx.

  

“I thought the ball had crossed the goal line on Saturday only for the Stoke defender to throw himself at the shot to block it. I will do more to score this season.”

  

On the entire game, Mikel said Stoke had a game plan which almost worked, but he was happy Chelsea have maintained their unbeaten run in EPL this term.

  

He said, “It was a tough game, Stoke came with a plan to frustrate all our attacks and see if they could break on counter, and it almost worked for them, but our determination made us won the game. It is a good result for us at least we remain on top. We will get better game after game,” he assured.

Martins sets Levante target

Obafemi Martin is set to write his name in Levante folklore by scoring more goals than last season’s highest scorer, Arouna Kone. The match-winner in the 2 -1 victory over  Real Sociedad on Sunday says he wants to outperform the Ivorien forward.

"I want to score as many goals as possible so that the memory of Kone is banished.”

In the first practice I saw that the club Levante is not as small as some think and I'm very happy to be here,'' Martins was quoted as saying by superdeporte.es.

The former Inter Milan star said that he was very happy for his debut goal and the three points.

27 - year -old Martins is the 11th Levante player to score on his debut in the Spanish championship.

Romanian club remember fallen Nigerian player

Romanian club Delta Tulcea have bid farewell to Nigerian midfielder Henry Ihelewere, who died in action and was buried at the weekend.

Ihelewere slumped and died while in action for Delta Tulcea on August 6 in Romania and has been buried in Isikwato LGA of Abia State

‘Awilo’, as the late mercurial midfielder was called, was at the weekend celebrated by his club mates after they beat Dunarea Galati II 1-0.

The players all wore t-shirts carrying a tribute on behalf of Ihelewere with his picture and an inscription in Romanian which said ‘"We are all thinking of Henry, you will be next to us every day."

Emenike relishes playing against Messi

If there’s a moment Spartak Moscow forward, Emmanuel Emenike won’t forget in a hurry, it was when he played against Lionel Messi and his Barca pals.

The player who scored a brace against Rostov in the ninth round of matches in the Russian Premier League last weekend fondly remembers the game.

''Of course, playing against the best player in the world is an honor. I respect Messi as a player, but do not understand how in such circumstances can learn something from a football player who plays against you.'

On his two goals last weekend, Emenike hopes the goals rain continues.

“I want to score in every match but the previous games have been problems with implementation. Well, I scored twice! I hope the fight with Rostov will be a starting point, and then I'll score goals more often. Yet the most important thing - it is not that Emenike scored , but the victory of Spartak Moscow.''

Nsofor Vows To Please Fans Of Lokomotiv Moscow

Victor Obinna Nsofor has shared his thoughts to the official website of The Railway Men on the 3 - 0 away victory over Terek Grozny in the ninth round of matches in the Russian championship.

Obinna playing his eighth game of the season scored one of the goals for Lokomotiv Moscow, a special delivery with his left foot.

''It is true I have scored similar goals. Moreover, almost all the goals in my career - and in the clubs and the national team - I scored it with my left. I do not want to brag, but this shots with my legs are placed very well. Hopefully, I'll be more likely to please fans of Locomotive with such attack, as in Grozny,'' Obinna, who started the game from the bench, told the official website fclm.ru.

Next for Obinna and his teammates is a tricky trip to face champions Zenit St St. Petersburg on September 29.

He said: ''It is the strongest club in Russia with the selection of the most powerful players - and even their past failures in this sense, there is little change. But we ourselves are growing as a team, making progress every week and we are one of the top three on the table.  To all the games we go out with only one purpose - to win and play in St. Petersburg is no exception. ''

Moyes hails Anichebe

Everton coach David Moyes has praised the performance of Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe.

For the first time in his career, Anichebe scored in successive games in the 3 - 0 win over Swansea City on Saturday.

''He did okay in midweek against Newcastle as well and did not get the credit he deserved for his goal and the one that should have been. We are playing with confidence and he is contributing well.

"He does not possess an awful lot of self-confidence but if he gets that and has a bit of belief he is a handful for defenders as he has a lot of attributes that are difficult to deal with in the modern game.'' said Moyes.

Anichebe, 24, has scored in every season in the Premier League apart from the 2010 - 2011 campaign.

Keshi to replace flop Nwankwo

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is looking at several other players to replace Italy-based Obiora Nwankwo who struggled in Liberia this month.

Nwankwo was slow and sluggish against the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia and as such they are on the look-out for a more capable replacement for the player, who has failed to make the grade at Inter Milan.

Chelsea star Mikel Obi is already a sure bet to be recalled for the return leg match against Liberia on October 13 in Calabar, but should he again opt out, officials are also weighing other options.

Joel Obi from Inter Milan, Kano Pillars star Gabriel Reuben and Nigeria U20 star Kenneth Omeruo are among the names that have been suggested to replace Nwankwo.

However, there remains doubt over the match fitness of both Joel Obi, who has just returned from a long-term injury, and Rueben, who was ruled out of the Liberia game on account of a groin injury.

Omeruo, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form for his Dutch club ADO Den Haag playing at right back but can also play at central defence or as a defensive midfielder.

The 18-year-old shone at right back on Sunday night at home against champions Ajax Amsterdam in a game that finished 1-1.

He has confirmed his availability for the Flying Eagles return leg qualifier against South Africa on October 7.

It remains a big mystery why this Chelsea loanee has yet to be capped at full international level by Nigeria.

Man City, Montpellier And La Coruna scouts Watch Echiejile

Portugal's number one sports daily A Bola claims that representatives of Manchester City, Manchester United, Montpellier, Deportivo La Coruna and Brighton & Hove Albion were on hand to see Uwa Echiejile play for Sporting Braga against Rio Ave last weekend.

It is unclear the mission of the scouts at the AXA Stadium but it is being speculated that they came to assess some players in the Braga squad.

Reports in the local media had linked Uwa Echiejile with a move to Spanish side Real Mallorca this past summer transfer market.

Uwa Echiejile made a rare start for Sporting Braga in the 4 - 1 trashing of Rio Ave.

Echiejile, absent from those three matches, lasted the entire duration of the game.

Sunderland trials for Rabiu Afolabi

Rabiu Afolabi has been trialling with Sunderland.

The Sunday Sun says the Rabiu Afolabi – who was released by French side Monaco at the end of last season – has been training with them, although Martin O’Neill ultimately opted not to offer the 32-year-old a contract.

He said: “I did not take up the option to sign him but he has experience, so it was worth seeing him.”

 Obuh wants big fight in South Africa

Coach John Obuh has asked the Flying Eagles to fight to defend Nigeria’s colours against Amajita of South Africa in today’s AYC qualifier.

Obuh told his Flying Eagles that he expects them to play as African champions that they are and so ensure they win this first leg tie at the impressive Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

“This is your chance to defend your country’s colours as well as your name. I expect each and every one of you to come out and fight so that you will also make a name for yourself in this game,” Obuh charged the players after the squad trained at the match venue for an hour Thursday night.

“Victory here will raise your name and so I expect you to make the most of this opportunity and do just that.”

Obuh led a largely experimental team to the Cape Town International Challenge in May and they fell 1-0 to the Amajita.

The overall winners of this match-up will qualify for next year’s African Youth Championship in Algeria.

The Flying Eagles had a light work out at their Protea Hotel camp in Nelspruit early Friday morning.

The match will kick off at 7pm local time, which is 6pm Nigerian time.

The weather at Thursday’s training was not as chilly as first feared and with a little warm clothing you are okay.

The Mbombela Stadium pitch is in very excellent condition. The arena played host to the 2010 World Cup and will also stage the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

We almost punished Barca says Emenike

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has said Barcelona came very close to paying a big price for underrating his Russian club.

  

Spartak fell 3-2 to hosts Barcelona in a Champions League group game on Wednesday at the Camp Nou after they took a 2-1 lead late in the game.

  

Emenike said  he was disappointed that they left Camp Nou empty handed as it was his dream to beat Barcelona right in front of their home fans.

  

“I said before the game that we will shock Barcelona, which we almost did. Let me say we lost the game because we were unlucky, we were not completely overran by Barcelona as we made them know we are equal to the task,” he said.

  

“We were determined to beat them and we almost did it. They are the best team in the world no doubt, they underrated us in the early minutes of the game and we punished them.”

  

He continued: “I am not satisfied with the result because my dream was not fulfilled. It was a victory I wanted, but I pleased with our confidence, self believe and composure on the pitch. I am very sure Barcelona will be beaten in the return leg but Celtic are our next opponent, that’s our target now.”

  

On his cross that was turned in by Dani Alves for an own goal, Emenike said he was happy with his contribution, but would have loved to have scored by himself.

  

He said, “I was happy that I was involved somehow in that goal. I would have loved to have scored, but will do that in return leg.”