D’Tigers ambush Lithuania

Nigeria’s newest brides, D’Tigers will step unto the court for the 2nd time in Olympic history this afternoon to battle Lithuania in the basketball event of the London 2012 Olympics.

The squad that beat Tunisia 60-56 in their 1^st game on Sunday will definitely win more basketball faithful to their side should they outwit one of the world’s power houses in the slam dunk game.

Both sides will be locking horns for the 2^nd time in one month after Nigeria beat them in one of the qualifying matches for the Olympic Games in Venezuela.

Derrick Obasohan, who completed his collegiate career at Texas-Arlington in 2004, led Nigeria in that game with 20 points, while New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu added 16 points and nine rebounds. Lithuania trimmed an eight-point, fourth-quarter deficit down to one, but was unable to get any closer

The game dunks off 2.30pm.

NIGERIA

Roster: G Tony Skinn, F Ekene Ibekwe, F Ike Diogu, F Al-Farouq Aminu, G Ade Dagunduro, G Chamberlain Oguchi, F Koko Archibong, G Richard Oruche, F Ejike Ugboaja, F Derrick Obasohan, C Alade Aminu, C Olumide Oyedeji

Coach: Ayo Bakare. He coaches the Ebun Comets in Nigeria's pro league. He also coached Nigeria's national team in the mid-1990s and early-2000s before Nigeria used to American coaches (Sam Vincent and Robert McCullum).

Qualification: Finished third by beating the Dominican Republic at Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela in July.

Best Olympic finish: First Olympics

Players you know: F Al-Farouq Aminu, who played college ball at Wake Forest, averaged six points and 4.7 rebounds for the New Orleans Hornets last season. … PG Tony Skinn played on the George Mason team that reached the Final Four in 2006. Skinn, who has spent his professional career in France, Italy and Germany, averaged 10 points and 2.8 assists in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. … F Ike Diogu, who played at Arizona State and averaged six points for six teams in six NBA seasons, averaged 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. … F Alade Aminu, Al-Farqouq's brother, played at Georgia Tech and has spent last season playing in France. F Ekene Ibekwe played at Maryland.

Expert Analysis: The key with Nigeria and the reason they had success in the Qualifying Tournament is that they play very, very hard and with passion and energy on defense. Diogu is an NBA-level player. Al-Farouq Aminu is certainly an NBA player. They're not going to medal, but they played their win in on the basis of toughness and team chemistry. The Nigerian players I've been around have a fierceness about them. They just play very confidently. They're very quick to the ball. They get all those 50-50 balls. They play very loose. Diogu has done a nice job down low. Their guard play has been good. They're a fun team to watch because of the way they attack and they play very free.

LITHUANIA

Roster: G Rimantas Kaukenas, G Mantas Kalnietis, F Jonas Maciulis, G Martynas Pocius, F Darius Songaila, F Linas Kleiza, F Paulius Jankunas, G Sarunas Jasikevicius, F Simas Jasaitis, C Jonas Valanciunas, C Antanas Kavaliauskas, G Renaldas Seibutis

Coach: Kestutis Kemzura. He played professionally in Lithuania, and after his playing career, he coached in Turkey, Lithuania, Russia and Italy. He was Latvia's national coach before taking Lithuania national team job in 2009.

Qualification: Advanced to finals of Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela in July.

Best Olympic finish: Bronze in 1992, 1996, 2000

Players you know:Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza (Missouri) averaged 19 points and seven rebounds in the 2010 world championship but a knee injury kept him out of the 2011 European championship in Lithuania. … Guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (Maryland) averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 assists in 2011 European championship and forward Darius Songaila (Wake Forest) averaged 8.4 points and three rebounds in the 2011 European championship.

Expert Analysis: They're coming off a downer. They hosted the European Championship a year ago and ended up finishing a disappointing fifth. There's redemption involved for them. Their team right now has a bunch of solid European level players but for them to have a chance to medal, it has to be about Linas Kleiza. He's healthy. He's capable of being a scoring threat for them. Kleiza is Lithuania's Andrei Kirilenko (of Russia). A little different style obviously, but Kleiza was one of the top players in the world championships. They had a great run to semifinals and they won the bronze. Kleiza was hurt last year, now he's back. He's healthy. He's a proven NBA talent . … It will be a great sneak peek at Valanciunas who was taken fifth in the 2011 NBA Draft and likely would have been the second player taken in this year's draft behind Anthony Davis. He is a pure low-post center with the requisite nastiness to make a quick adjustment to the NBA despite his age."

Lampard says 'brilliant' Mikel is underrated

Frank Lampard says fellow midfielder John Mikel Obi is underrated by outsiders, but valued by his Chelsea team-mates.

Critics of the Nigeria midfielder point to his uninspiring, simplistic style of football and question his contribution to the Chelsea team, but Lampard says the 25-year-old is given flak unfairly.

"He's a brilliant player. I think he's improved a lot over the last few years. He's at a level now where he's playing some great football," Lampard told KickOffNigeria.com exclusively.

"Maybe the reason people say that is because he's playing a position that is really underrated.

"He's not a player that's going to score you goals in a season but his value to the team is measured by how his team mates talk about him and we all have nothing but high praise for him."

Lampard goes on to explain why Mikel is such an asset for Chelsea.

"He does a lot of work for us in the holding role, keeps the ball moving for us. He's great at tackling, intercepting balls, winning balls, and has great feet."

Mikel arrived at Chelsea as an 18-year-old in 2005 burdened with a £16million price tag and Lampard suggests that this may have played a art in piling up the pressure.

"I think he had a lot of pressure on him as a young player. He came with a big responsibility because of the way we brought him into the club, but I think in the last two or three years he has improved greatly. He's a top top player now."

Man Utd deal with Chevrolet worth world record £210 MILLION

Manchester United's new shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet is worth an amazing £210 MILLION.

The Sun says United have signed a world-record shirt sponsorship deal worth £210million.

The seven-year contract with US Car firm General Motors will see Chevrolet on United’s shirts from the start of the 2014-15 season.

It is worth an incredible £10m a year more than their current deal with AON.

The £30m-a-year deal eclipses the current highest shirt sponsorship contract of Barcelona’s with The Qatar Foundation, which is worth £25m a year.

United’s deal with AON was worth £20m a year over four years — and the one before that with AIG was worth £14m a year.

Arsenal superkid Chuba Akpom not neglecting his studies

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom says his education remains important to him.

Akpom, a Nigerian is only 16 but has been given pre-season opportunities against Boreham Wood and Stevenage.

He played 15 times for the Under-18s last season despite being a schoolboy and the youngster admits that keeping a close eye on his studies was not easy.

“It was kind of hard actually because I was full-time at London Colney and I had to balance everything,” he told arsenal.com. “My mind was just focused on football to be honest and I was late with homework and coursework - all I wanted to do was play football!

“I did Sports, English, Maths, Science, Business and Media Studies for my GCSEs. I haven't got my results yet but hopefully I'll have done OK.”

Moses is best Nigerian in the EPL-Bacary Sagna

Arsenal FC of England right back, Bacary Sagna has made a bold declaration that Wigan’s want-away winger, Victor Moses is the best Nigerian player in the English Premier League.

The French international who was in Nigeria with his Arsenal colleagues, Lucas Podolski and Per Matersacker last weekend said the hugely talented player wanted by Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool is a delight to behold on the field of play.

“I enjoy watching him so much. He is so gifted, confident on ball and forward-looking. He is no doubt Nigeria’s best in the EPL.”

Nigeria boasts of prominent players like John Mikel (Chelsea), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), Shola and Tomi Ameobi (Newcastle) in the English Premier League.

Eagles will not underrate Liberia

Barely two months to the 1^st leg of the Afcon 2013 qualifier between Nigeria and Liberia, Super Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi has insisted that the Lone Star are not under-dogs and will not be treated as such.

“We should learn to respect every nation because they all have their strength and Liberia is no exception. Yes, we are seen as a better country than them in football but that is not to say that we will run over them, especially now that we are rebuilding the squad.”

Keshi also said the Liberian team is one of Africa’s fastest growing soccer nations and must be faced with all seriousness.

The Lone Star are currently in the USA preparing for the crunch encounter with the Super Eagles and have vowed to stop Nigeria’s ambition to make to South Africa 2013 Nations Cup.

Chelsea up Moses bid

Chelsea are set to make one final offer of £7.5million for Wigan forward Victor Moses but it still may not be enough to do a deal.

The European Champions have failed with at least three bids this summer and if reports of the latest offer are correct then it could also be thrown out by Latics.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is holding out for £10million but all of the clubs showing an interest, which includes Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers, are not willing to go that high.

The latest offer will also include add ons to take it closer to Wigan's valuation and could really test the resolve of Whelan. Moses has 12 months remaining on his contract but while he is under the age of 24 Wigan will be entitled to compensation next year, although it is unlikely to be anywhere near £7.5million.

Moses and his agent are also pushing for the move to Stamford Bridge and will be hoping that Whelan will reach a compromise with Chelsea officials over the fee.

Ede is a Mainz man

Chinedu Ede has finally ended speculation about his future by agreeing a four-year deal that will take him to Bundesliga side Mainz.

The protracted deal to take the 25-year-old from second division side Union Berlin looked to have fallen through last week only to be completed after the clubs agreed a £1million fee.

"We are delighted to have signed Chenedu," Mainz chief Christian Heidel told the club's official website. "He has an exceptional technique.

"He is not yet that consistent in his performances, and so on, but we will be teaching him all he is missing."

Making way for the exciting winger are Tunisian striker Sami Allagui and veteran Germany defender Malik Fathi.

Olympic flops back in Nigeria tomorrow!

The Table Tennis and Boxing teams to the London 2012 Olympic Games would leave London for Lagos tomorrow after their disappointing and lethargic performances. 

The team have lost out in their events.

The Table Tennis quartet of Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong and the Boxing duo of Muideen Akanji and Lawal Lukman would fly Lufthansa(8.a.m) in the six-hour flight to Lagos.

Olympics-Another Nigerian boxer bites the dust

Lawal Lukman has everything to be your ideal Boxer. Height, frame and agility. But his display in his first outing of the Boxing event of the London Olympics left many wondering if he was a journeyman.

Lukman looked awful and conceded points easily to his conqueror, Jordanian Almatbouli Ihab who raced to a 5-3 lead in the first round. A pep talk by his coaches, many thought would bring him back but he continued to let down his guards and allowed Ihab who showed awesome power and speed to hit him with a flurry of punches.

The second round was pathetic and he lost it 2 – 6. At this stage, it became apparent that the only miracle that would allow him to cross the hurdle would be a knock-out punch. He came out smoking with some left and right combinations but the Jordanian was in mood to suffer humiliation.

He danced away from trouble and allowed the Nigerian to exhaust himself chasing him. While moving away from Lukman, he repeatedly picked precious points before the seconds ran out.

Lukman lost and ended Nigeria’s journey in the men’s boxing event following his compatriot, Muideen Akanji’s ouster in his earlier fight on Sunday.

Ogoke Edith Agu, the only female boxer remains the only survivor in the sport.

Kano Pillars ace set forTurkey trials

Kano Pillars top scorer Gambo Mohammed will soon be in Turkey for trials with Bucaspor, a division one outfit relegated from the top flight last season..

The striker who has plundered who has netted 13 goals so far season is excited at the prospect of playing in Turkey.

“I have been offered a trial by a Turkish team Bucaspor after which I hope to get a contract. I have been to the Turkey embassy in Abuja to process my visa and I am sure it will be ready soon. I am optimistic I will get the visa this week then I will proceed for the trial.” 

Kanu's Portsmouth exit buoys administrator Trevor Birch

Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch says he has been "encouraged" by the progress the club have made in their attempts to avoid liquidation following the exit of Kanu from Fratton Park.

Birch has given the club until 10 August to get rid of all their remaining senior players or reach compromise agreements with them.

With Kanu now gone, the side have just three senior players at the club.

"We've made encouraging progress," Birch said.

Administrators PKF also confirmed today that the former Arsenal striker, who has reached the end of his 14-day notice period, is still involved in a dispute over unpaid wages.

Because of that dispute, PKF are now filing a submission to the Football League and are pushing for a hearing to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Kanu, who has walked out on the final year of his contract, is reportedly claiming up to £3m in periods of unpaid wages since 2006 and Birch has asked for a tribunal to intervene.

Anichebe fighting fit for new campaign

Victor Anichebe is confident of his fitness for the forthcoming season after a career dominated by injury concerns.

The 24 year old having featured heavily in the club's pre-season matches this summer the striker is looking forward to the big kick-off against Manchester United on 18 August.

"Everton have always been good for me," he told the club's official website. "When I have come back from injury, they've brought me in gradually.

"Hopefully this year I can cement a place. I think I need to be starting games now. Maybe if it wasn't for my injuries, I already would be and I'd be fit all the time.

"But that's already happened - I put that into the past. I'm 24 now, so I think it's the time where I'm supposed to mature into whatever position and kind of player I am.

"Hopefully people will see more of that now and I can start starting more games and put all my injuries behind me - I pray to God that I do anyway. Everything from there will be fine, I'm sure."

Robin Van Persie wants Wayne Rooney’s wages

Robin van Persie will join Man United if he’s promised the same mega-wages as Wayne Rooney.

The England superstar is United’s highest earner on £220,000 a week and Arsenal striker RVP wants the same.

What D’Tigers said after victory over Tunisia

Ike Diogu:

We are glad that we won. We came here to prove that we are the best in Africa and I'm happy we did that. But credit must go to Tunisia. They are a very good team. In the first half we got on to a 16 point lead and that was good. But we got sluggish and they closed in on us. They were excellent in defence and we were doing a little bit one on one. We are happy that we have made a lot of people happy at home. This is history. It is our first time in the Olympics and we won our first match. It feels good. This is history and I'm happy to be part of it.

Dagunduro Ade

It was great that we won. We now have to stay focused. At a time we thought we were coasting to victory. That affected our mentality and Tunisia closed up. It happens in basketball and that's why I said we really need to be focused in our subsequent matches.

Coach Adel Tlati of Tunisia

It was the first match and we were under pressure. At half time I told the boys that we would lose going by the way we played. Pressure was a big problem. Nigeria is a strong team and I have no regrets. When we were preparing we knew that Nigeria would be strong. We have seen it and I have no regrets.

Ayo Bakare, Nigeria's coach

First, I must thank God for the grace of being here and winning our first match. We expected a strong Tunisia side and that happened. It's not easy to be 16 points down and still come up the way they did. It was a good game, a good outing for two African teams. We have showcased Africa's basketball and proved that we both deserve to be here

Milan loan out Taiwo again!

AC Milan has agreed a loan move for Taye Taiwo to Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev. Milan and Dynamo Kiev are reported to have already signed a contract for Taiwo for a season-long loan deal worth €500.000.

According to Sky, there is also a buyout clause set at €2m paid over three years, should Dynamo Kiev want to keep the left back.

Last season, Taiwo was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League during the January transfer window after he failed to impress at the San Siro on arrival as a free agent from French club Olympique Marseille.

He will help the London club to escape relegation.

In pre-season, he was handed jersey number 19 by Milan and he was a part of the AC Milan team who finished bottom of 2012 TIM Cup in Bari.

Other teams who featured in the competition which ushers in the Italian Serie A, were Inter Milan and Juventus Coach Allegri picked Taiwo in the final 23-man squad for the pre-season competition. His former squad number 2 has been assigned to De Sciglio.

Siasia lands megadeal

Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles player and coach has been unveiled as the first Nigerian Johnnie Walker® Giant. 

Attended by a host of high profile Nigerian entrepreneurs, politicians, businessmen and celebrities, including Bimbo Adeola, guest speaker, Samson Siasia, made one of his rare public addresses and inspired the esteemed guests with his own story of personal progress. 

The first Nigerian to be recognised as a Johnnie Walker® Giant, Siasia’s ideals as a person, a former player and coach are in harmony with those of Johnnie Walker himself and the brand philosophy of ‘Keep Walking’. 

Sharing with the assembled guests the story of his own journey through life so far and how he is determined to Keep Walking to achieve his goals, Siasia moved the audience as he told how, throughout his life, he had always believed in himself and had been determined to make a success of his life. 

Relating personal progress to his passion for football, he summarised, “One thing I have learnt: when life tosses you the ball, play it; because nothing can stand in the way of a man who believes in himself.”

A poignant video featuring Samson Siasia narrating his own story of personal progress was unveiled at the glittering, Keep Walking Nigeria event.  To view it, go to www.keepwalkingnigeria.com

Okocha is Nigeria’s best-Meter sacker

German international and Arsenal FC of England defender, Per Matersacker has crowned former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha as Nigeria’s best player of all time.

Speaking in Lagos at an event put together by Malta Guinness for Arsenal football Club Stars on Sunday, the Gunner said Jayjay alongside other Nigerian stars showed class in their playing days.

“Okocha is the best Nigerian player I have ever seen. He was awesome on the ball and a delight to watch. I still remember his days in the Bundesliga and how he punished Oliver Khan.”

‘Some other Nigerian players like Victor Ikpeba and Sunday Oliseh also did well in the Bundesliga”

Bacary Sagna and new signing Lukas Podolski were also at the launch of the Malta Guinness Low Sugar Workout, which took place at the Ball Room of Eko Hotel. Gunners’ forward Tomas Rosicky missed the trip after he sustained an injury in a pre-season game.

La Liga dream ends for Igiebor!

Nosa Igeibor's dream move to La Liga is in shambles after negotiations between his club, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Real Betis was called off because of his wage demands.

His agent Atta Aneke sheds light, ''The economic aspects of the contract Real Betis offered Nosa Igiebor were unacceptable. He was offered only an increase of 20,000 euros in wages, and could have been one of the least paid players in the club if we had agreed to the financial terms.

''Nosa Igiebor is not desperate to leave Hapoel Tel Aviv. There are several clubs still interested in his services. The transfer window remains open until August 31st; we shall make a decision before then.''

There are suggestions that discussions would continue between the parties involved in the contract if Real Betis improve their financial offer to one of the future stars of African football.

Chelsea still target Moses and another player

Chelsea are hoping to sign at least two more players with Victor Moses and Cesar Azpilicueta on the list of targets.

Blues boss Robert Di Matteo has been busy already this summer when spending a combinded £66million on Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar but the spending will not stop there and is expected to go through the £100million mark.

Chelsea are reported to have already failed with four bids for Moses, the last being £6million that could rise to £9million with add ons, and they are expected to go back in with a new improved bid.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is determined to keep hold but Chelsea will not give up and a deal is expected to be hammered out before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Marseille's 22-year-old Spanish right-back Azpilicueta is also a target and Chelsea are hoping to conclude a deal for £8 million

Chief executive Ron Gourlay confirmed the club are still on the look out for new signings when stating: "We are still looking to strengthen in one or two areas. If the right players become available things could develop over the next couple of weeks."

A striker is also on Chelsea's wanted list as Didier Drogba has yet to be replaced with Hulk, Edinson Cavani and Stevan Jovetic all players thought to be on the wanted list.

Obi Mikel insists no concern over Chelsea defeats

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel insists there's no reason for concern after defeat to AC Milan in Miami.

"I feel good, I think it was a good game for us," he told the club's official website.

"It was not the result we would have wanted but there are positives we can take and try to build on it.

"We didn't create many chances, but there were opportunities and maybe we were just one pass or one run short, so we are getting closer to how we want to be, and if we can keep doing what we are doing we will start to open teams up and improve our play.

"It is still pre-season and we have time to work on a few things before we get to the competitive games."

Arsenal Stars To Arrive Nigeria on Saturday

Arsenal stars Bacary Sagna, Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker will be arriving Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday

The Club announced on their Facebook Page:

Arsenal initially cancelled their pre season visit to Nigeria and feel they needed to compensate fans in Nigeria by sending some first team players.

at 10:03 AM

Osaze threatened at West Brom

Osaze Odemwengie faces a fresh threat in the Midlands as West Brom are reported to have snared Sweden international Markus Rosenberg, despite a late bid from Serie A side Pescara.

The 29-year-old star, who is a free agent after leaving Werder Bremen in July, is set for The Hawthorns according to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Rosenberg, who started his playing career at Malmö FF when he was only five years old, brought his five-season stay at Werder Bremen to a close at the end of last season and West Brom head coach Steve Clarke is thought to be keen to bring in another forward.

As speculation continues to surround the futures of Odemwingie and Shane Long, Clarke is said to be finalising his move for Rosenberg, who notched 11 goals in 34 outings last term.

Newcastle, Fulham target Bolton striker Sanmi Odelusi

Bolton Wanderers striker Sanmi Odelusi is attracting Premier League interest.

The Daily Star says Newcastle United and Fulham are keeping an eye on Bolton striker Odelusi, 19.

The youngster is expected to push for a first team berth at relegated Bolton this season.

Moses pushes for Chelsea move

Victor Moses wants showdown talks with Wigan after the club rejected a new, improved £6.5m bid from Chelsea, according to reports.

Chelsea are keen to land the player but Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is refusing to budge on the club's £10million valuation and Moses fears his dream move could fail to materialise.

It is the fourth bid that Chelsea have failed with and reports claim they are not prepared to go any higher and will switch to other targets unless Wigan accept.

Moses only has 12 months left on his contract and has no intention of penning a new one, so Latics face the prospect of losing him on the cheap in 12 months unless they cash in now.

Wigan would be entitled to compensation next year if he did move but it is unlikely to be anywhere near the £6.5million that Chelsea have just offered.

QPR and Liverpool are also keen but will not pay £10million and Moses will push for a move when he meets up with boss Roberto Martinez.

Taye Taiwo on the move

Taye Taiwo could be on his way to France after not being given a squad number at AC Milan for this season.

The defender has found his chances limited to just an handful of appearances since signing from Marseille last summer and ended the season on-loan at QPR.

But despite helping the west London side avoid the drop he was unable to play his way to a permanent deal.

The Nigerian full-back could now be on his way back to the French side he joined from Lobi Stars in January 2005 where he is still a crowd favourite.

"I have a contract with Milan unless they want to let me go for free," he told Sky Sports. "I am relaxed.

"Knowing the qualities I have there will be many teams interested in me. I never had the chance to show what I am capable of doing for a great time but that is life."

Anichebe eyes starting spot

Everton forward Victor Anichebe believes the time has come for him to be playing regular first-team football.

Anichebe has featured in more than 100 Premier League games for the Toffees since making his debut in 2006 but the majority of those appearances have come from the bench.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international has been utilised as a centre-forward as well as in a deeper role on the flank but he feels his career must start to take shape soon.

With Tim Cahill moving to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls, Anichebe is eyeing a breakthrough season.

Anichebe said: "I think I need to be starting games. Maybe if it was not for my injuries I would already be starting games, but that's in the past now.

"I'm 24 now and it's the time you're supposed to be maturing into whatever position or kind of player you are."

He added in the Liverpool Echo: "Hopefully I can start more games and my injuries are behind me. I pray to God I can."

Amokachi recommends Ik Uche to Besiktas

Villarreal forward Ikechukwu Uche is one of the objectives of Besiktas to strengthen the attack next season informs Fanatik.

Daniel Amokachi, Super Eagles Assistant Coach, had proposed Sone Aluko to the Besiktas hierarchy . But Aluko preferred to remain in the United Kingdom, and completed his move to Hull City on Wednesday.

The new name being bandied about to replace Aluko is the in-form Super Eagles forward Ikechukwu Uche. This is Daniel Amokachi's last trump-card to the Besiktas chiefs.

Technical Director of Besiktas, Samet Ayababa has reportedly met with Ikechukwu Uche's agent to negotiate a transfer, and deal is in the offing if the Turkish side can meet the player's valuation of  €3.5 million.

Kalu Uche, the elder brother of Ikechukwu, signed a three - year contract with Kasımpaşa last week.

Yobo wants Everton understanding

Fenerbahce and Everton continue to negotiate for the permanent transfer of Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo. 

The central defender had spent one week training with Everton, but is currently in Nigeria waiting for positive developments regarding his switch to the Yellow Canaries.

Thus, Yobo can not return to Turkey for pre-season training with Fenerbahce until his future is sorted out.

''I want to plan my future. My club (Everton, ed) should show understanding, and reduce their valuation. Now, I will wait to hear news from you ( Fenerbahce). I will wait in my country until there is a positive development,'' Yobo was quoted as saying by Hurriyet.

In the last two seasons whilst on loan at Fenerbahce, Joseph Yobo made 69 starts in the Super League.

Galatasaray want Taiwo

Fatih Terim, coach of Galatasaray, has made inquiries on the availability of AC Milan wing back Taye Taiwo.

It's one of the worst kept secrets in the summer transfer market. Taiwo has been deemed surplus to requirements at AC Milan, who are doing everything possible to sell or loan him .

Taiwo , 27, had chosen the number 19 jersey at trainings and friendly games. But when the official numbering was released by AC Milan, Taiwo's name and preferred number were omitted, fueling speculations of his impending exit from Massimiliano Allegri's side.

Galatasaray will compete with Benfica and Marseille for Taiwo's signature. Under contact with the Red and Blacks until June 2014, the ex Gabros defender is valued at 6.5 million euros by transfer market experts.

Eguavoen quits Enyimba

Austin Eguavoen has quit Nigeria Premier League side Enyimba, citing “personal reasons” for his decision.

The former Eagles captain and coach said that he is leaving the club for personal reasons.

"I have put in my resignation from Enyimba," revealed Eguavoen, who joined Enyimba early this season after he quit as coach of Nigeria Olympic team following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

"I am leaving on personal grounds, but I will first wait for the club chairman to return so that the team manager could forward the letter of resignation to him.”

This was Eguavoen’s second spell at the two-time African champions after he led them to win the 2009 Federation Cup.

On Monday, Enyimba, six-time winners of the league and twice cup winners, were upset by lower league Prime FC in the quarterfinal of this year’s Federation Cup.

Both players and officials were promptly placed on half salary following their shock cup ouster.

‘The People’s Elephant’, as the Aba club are known by their fans, are currently third on the NPL table with 52 points, six points behind leaders Enugu Rangers with four rounds of matches to be played.

Keshi makes Mikel Obi U-Turn

Chelsea ace Mikel Obi will stage a long-awaited return to the Super Eagles for a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier in Liberia, officials disclosed.

From the programme Eagles Stephen Keshi submitted to the Nigeria Football Association for the AFCON qualifier in Monrovia on September 8, the Chelsea midfielder who was sensationally left out of the June qualifiers, has been handed a second chance with the national team.

Keshi has been at odds with Mikel’s commitment to the national cause and that was why he overlooked him in June, just weeks after he starred in Chelsea’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph at Bayern Munich.

Also staging a return to the Eagles is Olympic team standout star Nosa Igiebor, who last featured in November’s friendly against Zambia in Kaduna.

The midfielder, who can play either as a playmaker or an offensive player coming from deep, has continued to shine at Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv.

And with Keshi desperate for creativity in the middle of the park, the former Warri Wolves star has thus been reconsidered.

Another player set for a comeback is Russia-based striker Emmanuel Emenike, who has already got off to a flying start in the new season with Spartak Moscow. 

Redknapp to rescue Portsmouth from Kanu’s grip

Harry Redknapp has vowed to step in and help save Portsmouth from extinction.

Pompey’s administrators have warned that the club will go bust if they do not get their finances in order by August 10.

The League One team need to sell players or persuade them to agree wage cuts to stay afloat.

But they are in dispute with striker Kanu and defender Tal Ben Haim, who are owed millions of pounds.

Kanu has lodged a legal claim for £3m in unpaid fees.

Former Fratton Park boss Redknapp said: “I will be ringing Kanu to see if there is anything I can do.

“I signed him for Portsmouth on a one-year contract and Tony Adams told me: ‘You must be mad, he is finished’. Six years later, he is still there.”

Unrepentant Emenike Vows To Repeat Goal Celebration

Spartak Moscow forward Emmanuel Emenike has vowed to repeat his goal celebration, which got him sent off in the 43rd round of matches in the Russian championship last season against Zenith St Petersburg.

''Without a shadow of a doubt, I will use this gesture as there's nothing offensive about it. I repeat: it is only a means to thank my parents for the blood that flows in my veins.

And that red card in St. Petersburg, complete nonsense. Judge committed an obvious error,'' the 25-year-old Nigeria international told the official website of the red and white.

Emenike is full of praise for his teammates and the club's supporters for standing by him in the next game played by Spartak Moscow after the incident at the Stadion Petrovskij.

''I felt more supported in the field from the very first seconds when I was only shown the red card. It especially touched me, in the next match with Lokomotiv Moscow, the whole team came in T-shirts with my picture, and the stands were banners in my support. But most of all I liked the fact that we won that game,'' Emenike said.

Spartak Moscow had appealed the decision of referee Vladimir Kazmenko to red-card Emmanuel Emenike, but it was rubber-stamped by the Ethics Committee of the RFU.

Hull completes Sone Aluko’s capture

Sone Aluko has joined Hull City after he refused to allow his contract to transfer to the Rangers newco. He will be reunited with Steve Bruce, the man who gave him his debut in 2007 for Birmingham.

Aluko joined Rangers from Aberdeen last November on an initial deal until the end of the season and scored an impressive 12 league goals in 21 games for the club.

A Hull spokesperson said: “Hull City have completed the signing of Sone Aluko.

“The 23-year-old, who can operate in midfield, out wide and up front, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the club.”

Team Nigeria to wear traditional attire

Team Nigeria athletes taking part in Friday’s opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will wear traditional clothing in an unprecedented act of solidarity with other competing nation's  athletes who will also be wearing traditional dress.

The Nigerians will be led out by flag bearer, Boltic Sinivie competing in the 96kg Freestyle wrestling. 

The Nigerian contingent will be clad in their white attire that is sprinkled with green, making up the national colours of the largest black nation in the World.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27

Don’t expect Wrestling gold in London-Confession of Daniel 

Dr Daniel Igali knows a potential medalist when he sees one. For a man who won gold in the Olympics, the Nigerian is in a better position to say which wrestler is as good as a medalist.  And he said yesterday that Nigerians should not expect any gold medal in the wrestling event but should look forward to the 2016 Olympics.

‘’Realistically, I am looking forward to 2016. That is a time I can predict without looking back to tell you what Nigerian Wrestlers can do. We have very good talented Wrestlers but you know that the Olympics is not something you prepare in one year or six months. That is why I am taking it upon myself to do everything possible for these crop of wrestlers for the 2016 Olympics.

Right now, we are in the middle of the pack. I am not going to wait for anybody to put them through immediately after this Olympics. By the time they attain three World Championsips, I can beat my chest and tell you which tree will grow and which one that will not grow’’, the Honourable member of Bayelsa House of Assembly said.

That, however, does not mean that the Nigerian matsmen and women would not pull off their stunts. ‘’Definitely, they are not here for a Circus. They are here to compete and to win. But  I am a realist’’, Igali stated.

Nigeria is presenting four Wrestlers, two males and two females at the Olympics.

They are Boltic Sinivie(96kg Freestyle), Dick Adibo(84kg Freestyle) and Obiajunwa Amarachi(72kg Freestyle and Oborodudu Blessing(63kg Freestyle).

Nigeria's Female Boxer In Ferocious Form

Ogoke Edith Agu is the sole female boxer in Team Nigeria for the London 2012 Olympics and she is raring to show why she is wearing Nigeria’s flag among two other male boxers.

The lass, fighting in the 75kg, is so good that she has sent out warning signals to her opponents after sparring with British and American girls in training. She was in no mood for trivialities. Her foot-works were amazing and her left and right combination overwhelmed  the American and British female pugilists. 

Their coaches had to throw in the towel to save them from further punishment and avert a major disaster even before the bell rings for the boxers to climb the square ropes.

Dr Patrick Uwagbale, the Admin Personnel of the Boxing Team informed yesterday that the girl was too good.

“She has improved tremendously and has been in devastating form.  She is good for a medal’’, Uwagbale said. 

“She is dedicated to her training and adheres to it religiously. She is good. Her punches are too much for a female and her footworks are equally amazing. She dances away from problem and rattles her opponents with lightening punches. We are indeed hopeful’’, Uwagbale said noted.

The two other male boxers representing  Nigeria are Akanji Muideen Olalekan fighting in the 75 kg and Lawal Lukmon Olaiwola fighting in the 81 kg.

Ujah in blistering form ahead of Bundesliga season

Anthony Ujah seems to have finally settled in at Mainz of Germany as he keeps popping up with great goals for the Bundesliga outfit in the pre-season matches played so far.

He has scored in every game played so far and even scored 5 goals in a recent game against an amateur side.

So good is his form right now that Mainz have sold their starting striker from last season, Sami Allagui.

From all indication, Ujah will be the main striker for the team this season (although the Cameroonian lad Chupo-moting will give him some competition).

If all goes well for him, we could see him explode in Germany this year and be the new Pappis Demba Cisse. 

Real Betis hooks Nosa Igiebor

Nosa Igiebor will play in La Liga next season after he sealed a move to Real Betis.

The Seville based club could lose midfielder Javier Magro Matilla in this window and Igiebor is in as his replacement.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will pocket 1.2 million euros as transfer fee for the sale of Nosa Igiebor to Real Betis. The 21-year old midfielder will join the Andalusia based club in the coming days.

Fake Taribo Wants To Defraud Portsmouth

A fraudster posing as a Nigerian businessman and calling himself, West Oftym, has attempted to defraud Kanu Nwankwo’s troubled English club, Portsmouth.

In a letter sent to Pompey which was filled with fictitious information Oftym claimed he may be able to help solve the club’s financial problems and save the English side from dropping out of existence. As is usual with such mails, known as Yahoo Yahoo in Nigerian local parlance, the sender also asked for Pompey’s personal details.

Dear Hello Sir,

I am West Oftym, brother of Taribo West, the very excellent one-time player from Nigeria and Milan. I have been in several meetings and have concluded that we would be liking to buy the Pompeymouth Football Club of Portspey.

We are backed by the Hong Kongolese People's National Bank and would like to be paying 16 Million Pounds for the club and helping make it back to the top like it were when the most gifted Nigerians like John Utaka and Nwankwo Kanu were making it famous.

Our plan is to invest the club and make Fat One Park awesome. We have players in Nigeria with their own boots and fine skills who will play for petrol and a British wife. It will be a most beneficial arrangement.

This email has been sent to you because we found your email on our list of good people who can help.

For more details and for us to be pay you the 16 million pounds purchase price please contact Mr. West Oftym of Hong Kongolese People's National Bank PLC. Please send the below information:

FULL NAME:

PHONE NUMBER:

YOUR OCCUPATION:

YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS:

My Email: west_oftym@ymail.com

Making the world a better place.

Mr West Oftym

Chukwumerije, Isa arrive camp, as doctor declares Team Nigeria drug-free

Nigeria’s captain to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Chika Chukwumerije, and Issah Muhammad Adam, both of who are registered for the taekwondo event, yesterday joined their compatriots at the Games Village.

In company of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria secretary, Chinedu Ezealah, the duo arrived London yesterday from Asia, where were camped for their final preparation for the games.

Chukwumerije, a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and golden girl of Nigerian athletics, Blessing Okagbare, are the captain and vice captain respectively of Team Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Team Doctor, Dr. Kenneth Anugweje, allayed fears yesterday when he said that the Team Nigerian athletes are so far clean to compete.

Nigerian officials have been drumming the dangers of doping to the athletes, whom they warned that Nigeria does not want medals tainted with drugs.

“Team Nigerian athletes are so far clean. Tests earlier carried out in the Surrey camp only confirmed earlier reports at the Athletics championships in Calabar.  Of the three athletes in the team facing charges of doping violations, hearing has been held for two. One is likely to be cleared,’’ Dr Anugweje.

No Liberian headache for Super Eagles

Nigeria is not perturbed by the early preparation of Liberia ahead of an AFCON qualifier against the Super Eagles, officials have said.

The Lone Star of Liberia are currently in the United States of America preparing in earnest for the two-legged encounter against Nigeria fixed for September and October with the overall winners qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

"There is no cause for alarm. We all know that the Eagles are now predominantly made up of players based at home and as such assembling them would not be a problem," said Nigeria Football Association general secretary Musa Amadu.

"We are not under rating the Liberians, but I do not think that their early preparation is a threat to the Eagles. What I do know is that we have put all machinery in place to ensure that the Eagles get adequate preparation in the build-up to the game."

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is presently on holidays in the United States, while assistant Daniel Amokachi is at the Olympics doing television job.

The Eagles will regroup on August 19 with the foreign professionals expected to join up with the rest of the squad a week leading to the first leg game on September 8 in Monrovia.