Efe Ambrose savours Celtic move

Celtic new capture Efe Ambrose is celebrating his move to Parkhead.

The defender has put pen to paper on a three-year deal after spending two years with FC Ashdod in Israel.

"Today is one of the happiest days of my life, signing for one of the biggest clubs in the world - a club I have known about since I was young," Ambrose told Celtic's official website.

"I just can't wait to get started, to play in front of the fans and call this place home."

Celtic face a daunting task in the Champions League, but it is one that their new signing is relishing.

"I have come here to find we are in the same group as Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow," Ambrose added.

"It's a lovely group, you might call it the group of death and it will be hard, but hard work always pays.

"I am just looking forward to meeting my team-mates now, there is no better place for me than Scotland."

Efe Ambrose signs for Celtic on a three year deal

Efe Ambrose has reached an agreement with Celtic.

The Ashdod centre back has become Neil Lennon's first signing of transfer deadline day, joining for three years subject to international clearance.

He joins compatriot, Rabiu Ibrahim in the Scottish club.

Capped 14 times by his country, the 23-year-old moved to Israel in 2010 and has made 67 appearances for Ashdod, scoring three.

Gambo Mohammed Fails To Impress Samsunspor

The dream of Kano Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed playing for Turkish first division club Samsunspor is now an illusion.

After testing with the club for three days, Mohammed who is the second highest goalscorer in Nigeria's elite series with 15 strikes, has not been offered a contract by Samsunspor.

Reports indicate that the 24 - year - old Gambo Mohammed and his agent are currently negotiating a deal with Adana Demirspor, who play in Turkey's second - tier.

Gambo Mohammed is a typical Nigerian forward, very physical with all round attacking abilities. So far, he has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season for The Masu Gida.

Ighalo remains in La Liga

Odion Ighalo will spend his fourth consecutive season on loan with Granada.

The 23 - year - old put pen to paper to play for The Filipinos this morning and will remain with the Spanish side until June 30, 2013.

''I am gong back to Granada. I signed the contract this morning. Udinese don't want to sell me or even loan me to another club. Maybe next week I will be returning to Spain,'' Ighalo said.

Udinese have announced the departure of Odion Ighalo to Granada on the official website.

Ighalo was linked with Everton, Swansea City, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Fenerbahçe in the summer transfer market. The Nigerian and his parent club favored a return to Granada.

Ejike Uzoenyi not good enough for Marseille

Olympic Marseilles did not offer Enugu Rangers exciting winger Ejike Uzoenyi a contract after undergoing tests.

On Thursday, there were speculations at home and abroad that Uzoenyi would be offered a deal by the 1993 European champions. But after waiting all evening to know his fate, the 20 - year - old was told the unfavorable news by the leaders of Les Phocéens.

Previously, Uzoenyi tested with Esperance, Tromsø and Panionios but nothing came out of those tests.

Utaka braced for Champions League Challenge

John Utaka whose goals contributed to Montpellier’s first French league title last season will hope his club go past the group stage of the UEFA Champions League as they will campaign in Group A alongside Schalke 04, who parade fellow Nigeria striker Chinedu Ogbuke, Arsenal and Olympiacos.

  

"It’s a good draw. You know that there are no under dogs in the Champions league," Utaka said

"Like I will always maintain, we will go out there and give our best. We are all looking to begin our campaign then see how it goes."

Montpellier begin their campaign at home against Arsenal in a game that would mark the return of striker Olivier Giroud to his former club.

Nigerian powers USA to World Cup semi final against Nigeria

The Falconets will tango the USA in one of the semi final matches of the on going Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

The pairing was made possible by a player with a Nigerian name, Chioma Ubogagu, who scored an extra-time winner after coming in as a substitute.

The goal lifted USA to a 2-1 victory and into a semi-final match-up with Nigeria at the competition.

Nigeria had beaten Mexico by a lone goal on Thursday to book a place in the last four of the World Cup.

Watch your back Barca-Emenike warns

Emmanuel Emenike has tipped his Russian club Spartak Moscow to shock mighty Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

  

Spartak Moscow, who eliminated Fenerbache of Turkey in the playoffs, have been drawn against Barcelona, Benfica and Celtic in Group C of the competition.

Celtic have Nigeria midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim and are set to add Efe Ambrose to bolster their defence.

Emenike who was instrumental to his team’s qualification into the group stage of the Champions League at the expense of his former team, said he will do his best to see that his team down Barcelona.

"The group is tight as all the teams in group stage of the competition are good for the title, but there are always favourites,” Emenike said.

“We will not be a pushover to Barcelona and the other teams. I know people don't rate us as one of the favourites but we can make history as we will shock everybody. We are capable of going all the way to beat Barcelona and all the teams in our group.”

He added: “I am not afraid of Barcelona and I am sure same goes for my team mates. Our coach will be a big factor in the game against Barcelona as he has played and beaten them while in Spain and that can still happen. We only respect them as they play the best brand of football around, but we won’t be intimidated.

"Benfica and Celtic are also big teams and that is the more reason we need to be focussed on all the games we will play and not think of Barcelona only because the other teams also have a good reputation in Champions League.”

Obasi sure of Champions League success

Schalke 04 of Germany striker Chinedu Obasi is confident that his side will come out of their UEFA Champions League Group B unscathed, despite being grouped with Arsenal, Olympiakos and Montpellier.

Speaking immediately after the draws where held, the former Hoffenheim striker stated that the group was open, but that he was sure his team had the pedigree to emerge as one of the two qualifiers from the group at the end of the qualifiers.

"I do not believe that any team are favorites in this group. All four teams in the group are champions in their own rights. However, I am confident that Schalke 04 has all it takes to qualify from the group. We have developed into a very strong unit and our technical bench is also very good and so we shall do every thing possible to qualify from the group and hopefully go all the way in the competition.

''On my own part I look forward to contributing as much as I can to ensure that we qualify. It would be a pleasure playing against Arsenal in London because I have many friends and family there, some of whom support Arsenal but I am sure on that day they will show me love and if I get a chance to play I will do my best,'' Obasi said.

Speaking on fan's clamour for him to move to the EPL so that they can watch him week in week out, he dismissed such talk, saying that he had a contract with Schalke which he will respect, and that he is happy in Schalke and Germany.

"England is a lovely place and  the EPL is strong. My good friend Demba Ba is doing well there and I'm happy for him. For now, I am a Schalke player and I am very happy here.''

Efe Ambrose close to Celtic switch

A major transfer coup is in the offing as the window closes midnight today.

Reports indicate that Celtic Glasgow are set to snap FC Ashdod of Israel defender, Efe Ambrose.

The club that already has another Nigerian, Rabiu Ibrahim are close to completing a permanent deal for the 23-year-old Nigerian international defender Efe Ambrose.

Nigeria wins second gold medal at Paralympics games

Nigeria’s female weight lifter, Ivory Nwokorie, has won the gold medal in the women’s 44kg power lifting at the on-going Paralympic games in London.

Nwokorie beat Cigdem Dede from Turkey, who won the silver medal, while Lidiia Soloviova of Ukraine claimed the bronze medal.

Nwokorie, last year won bronze in the 44kg category at the third Fazaa International Para-powerlifting Championship in Dubai, to qualify for the Paralympic Games in London.

Her win today brings Nigeria's golds haul to two in two days!

Vålerenga snaps Nigerian youngster

Valenrenga of Norway this morning captured Aaron Samuel Olanare. The 18 year old’s contract runs through 2016 season.

A very happy Vålerenga manager Martin Andresen told fan fotball.no. that the player is an extra ordinary player.

“He's a huge talent and has great development potential. I saw him for the first time in a local tournament in Nigeria earlier this year and took him to Norway in the summer. We are very pleased with what he has shown in training the last few weeks, he learns quickly and has both physical and technical characteristics such that he can be very good.”

The coach sees the player as one for the future, “Aaron Samuel can play both edge and point, but we see him primarily as a center forward. He's big and strong, quick and good technically. He is a young player in development that will have opportunities already this year even though he basically is a signing for the future.”

Real Betis unveil new boy, Nosa Igiebor

Real Betis new boy, Nosa Igiebor was presented to the media this afternoon as a Betis player in the press room of the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

The elated midfielder is excited with his move to the city of Seville.

"I am grateful to the President and Vlada Stosic for your interest. I've always wanted to play here. I think the Spanish league is the best in the world. I am very happy to come here and be part of this great club. "

Nosa also took time out to flaunt his credentials to the manager,"I agree with the views of Vlada Stosic-Defend well and attack- I'm good with the ball, I do well one on one. Don’t  score goals like Cristiano or Messi, but I also consider myself a good player.”

The midfielder also said he is comfortable with any position in the midfield.

"I feel comfortable playing as defensive midfielder or offensive. The coach will decide but I have no problems." 

Nigerian Gets First Gold Medal In Paralympics Powerlifting

Nigeria’s Yakubu Adesokan twice broke his own world record this afternoon as he romped to powerlifting gold at the ExCel.

Yakubu Adesokan twice broke his own world record this afternoon as he romped to powerlifting gold at the ExCel.

The 33-year-old came into London 2012 as overriding favourite for glory in the men’s -48kg class, having taken the world record earlier this year in Dubai with a lift of 177kg.

Adesokan lived up to his billing this afternoon as he broke countryman Ruel Ishaku’s Paralympic record of 169kg from Beijing by three kilos in his first lift.

The Ibadan-born athlete did not stop there as he, roared on by the east London crowd, broke his own world record with a lift of 178kg in just his second attempt.

That record only lasted a matter of minutes, though, as Adesokan went on to lift 180kg – almost four times his own bodyweight – to take gold with style.

“I feel overjoyed,” he said. “I went through a lot of training. I have been training for two months in Korea.

“Once I went through that training, there was no way I was going to fail.

“I can definitely lift more. It is a lot but what I usually lift in training is more than this, like 192kg.”

Adesokan was joined on the podium by Russia’s Vladimir Balynetc, who won silver with a lift of 17 0kg as Taha Abdelmagid of Egypt took bronze with 165kg.

Odemwingie stays in West Brom

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke is confident of keeping striker Osaze Odemwingie.

Odemwingie, the Baggies top scorer last season, has also been the subject of speculation over his future.

Clarke said: "I said a few weeks ago that I expected to keep the player - and nothing has changed.

"I did expect to keep him and it looks as though he is going to stay.

"There is no dialogue or conversation that I've had with Dan Ashworth (technical and sporting director) that makes me think there has been anything (offers) for the player."

Udinese Reject Everton Bid For Ighalo, Granada In Pole Position

A plethora of teams including Everton, Espanyol and Celta Vigo had been eyeing a loan move for Odion Ighalo in the summer transfer market but Udinese have rejected the proposals from England and Spain as they failed to meet the player's rental fee.

The Italian club also turned down a bid from Turkish club Fenerbahçe who were interested in the outright acquisition of the 23 - year -old attacker. 

Udinese snatched Odion Ighalo from under the noses of Norwegian club SK Brann in the summer of 2008. The player has failed to break into the first team of The Bianconeri, and had been sent on loan to satellite club Granada in the past three seasons.

Ighalo's first choice is a return to Granada with some conditions attached. The Egypt 2009 Fifa Under 20 World Cup star had to take a pay-cut to play for the Andalusia club reportedly earning annual wages of 200, 000 euros. He was one of the least paid players at The Filipinos. Now, he is demanding an increase in wages before joining the club on loan again for the 2012 - 2013 La Liga season.

Falconets match winner relishes moment

Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s squad match-winner in the quarter final match against Mexico early today in Tokyo, Japan, Desire Oparanozie can’t stop celebrating.

The attacker whose 109^th minute strike in the tension-soaked encounter gave the Falconets a place in the semi final of the Women’s World Cup for Under-20s continues to relish the moment.

"This is the most important goal of my career," she said excitedly.

She also said the level of opposition was expected.

"I knew all eyes were going to be on me, but thank God l was able to get the decisive and most crucial goal," she said.

Asked if playing at extra time was anticipated, she said," I never imagined it but that is football for you. When you expect the goals to come, they don't.”

Moses is irreplaceable-Wigan Boss

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has conceded former Latics striker Victor Moses is irreplaceable but is still keeping his eye on any last-minute deals despite being happy with his transfer business.

Moses left Wigan for European champions Chelsea in a £9million move last week, leaving Martinez to reshape his attacking line in the form of the returning Mauro Boselli, new striker Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo.

The Wigan boss admitted Moses is a special player and knows he will struggle to find a like-for-like replacement this late in the transfer window.

"It's a case of finding the players we want to try to improve the squad," Martinez said.

"That's been a case of whether we're going to lose any players or not. We have to cope with moving players on.

"I think Victor Moses was such an influential player and such a special player for us I don't think you can replace him with another individual.

"You probably have to replace him with another way of playing in that attacking third or find another way to get the players to fulfil his responsibilities.

"As a whole I'm really pleased with the players we've got but I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't keep my eyes open because sometimes in the last 48 hours you get opportunities you can't turn down."

Oparanozie fires Falconets into World Cup Semi Finals

It was no doubt a hard way to the semi finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup for Nigeria’s Falconets today as they dug deep to stake a claim to the trophy that they lost to Germany the last time out.

It was a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over a resilient Mexico in Tokyo.

The Falconets were dominant throughout the first hour, but were unable to make the breakthrough on the scoreboard until Desire Oparanozie’s decisive goal on 109 minutes.

They made much of the early running and appeared to have a crucial early goal as Francisca Ordega’s shot deflected past goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago on the quarter-hour, only for the offside flag to be raised for an earlier infringement.

Almost immediately Oparanozie forced Santiago into a sprawling save as Nigeria looked to turn the screws in the late afternoon heat.

With far more possession in midfield Nigeria were inching their way closer to breaking the deadlock and Oparanozie rattled the crossbar with her shot eight minutes before the interval.

The always dangerous Sofia Huerta, scorer of three goals in the tournament, made a rare incursion into the Africans’ penalty area just before the break, to provide some impetus for the Mexicans.

However, the one-way traffic continued immediately upon the resumption, much to the delight of a large and buoyant group of Nigeria supporters, whose tunes and singing resonated around the National Stadium throughout the match.

Approaching the hour mark Santiago again thwarted the Africans with an important block from Gloria Ofoegbu’s effort, and then again a few minutes later from Oparanozie.

Mexico slowly started to make an impression and enjoyed a rare sight of goal midway through the second half, only for inspirational skipper Nayeli Rangel to push her back-post header narrowly over.

Nigeria’s midfield play became less cohesive and Mexico could have won it in injury time as a corner looped onto the crossbar.

A fairly disjointed period of extra time was enlivened only on a few occasions, notably by Mexico’s Yamile Franco hitting the bar with an angled free-kick.

With the match starting to swing back Mexico’s way, it was Nigeria who conjured a winner, with Oparanozie looping a perfectly executed header from Ugo Njoku’s cross over a stranded Santiago.

Nollywood calling for Francisca Ordega

Francisca Ordega has scored four goals in helping her side reach the last eight of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012, including a hat-trick against Italy in the final match in Group B. Far from resting on her laurels, however, the in-form forward is still going over a chance she spurned against the Italians.

“I don’t know how I could have missed it,” she asks herself in the company of FIFA.com. “If five chances come my way, I should do my very best to take all of them.”

It might sound as if the Nigerian is being too hard on herself, but given the objectives she has set, she has no option but to be demanding.

The first of those targets was to reach the second round at Japan 2012, one Nigeria have achieved thanks in no small part to Ordega’s finishing.

“When you’re a striker you have days when you feel great and you sense that every ball you touch is going to turn to gold,” she said after her performance against Italy, which ensured Nigeria top spot in the section and a quarter-final date with Mexico. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment. I’ve been working hard for it and the dream has now become a reality.”

Let’s dance

The next objective is to combine personal success with a team triumph. Losing finalists at Germany 2010, the Falconets are determined to go one step further this time around, none more so than the Rivers Angels striker, who was not on duty in Germany two years ago but has already endured her fair share of disappointments in her young career.

On the losing side in the last eight at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad & Tobago 2010, she also formed part of the Nigeria squad that exited the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ at the group stage, bitter experiences that she hopes to use to guide her less seasoned team-mates to the top.

“I’ve been trying to encourage them all the way but the best thing you can do is to lead by example,” said Ordega, an Arsenal fan who draws her inspiration from Thierry Henry, Fernando Torres and Abby Wambach. “I give my very best because youngsters look up to the more experienced players and try to follow in their footsteps.”

The trail Ordega is blazing seems to be an easy one for her colleagues to follow, never more so than when she launches herself into one of the celebratory dances that follow her goals, an art she was able to perfect against the Italians: “That dance isn’t rehearsed at all. It’s just an instinctive thing that turned out that way,” she explained with a burst of laughter. “It’s a Nigerian dance called Azonto and I do it with my friends.”

From Tokyo to Hollywood

Dancing and goalscoring are not Ordega’s only talents. As the multi-faceted star explained, her love of the limelight could well take her career in a different direction. “My dream is to be an actress,” she said in deadly earnest. “As soon as I hang up my boots I hope to make it in acting. I’m going to start taking classes this year, after the World Cup.”

Right now, though, Ordega is in no mood to rush things, content as she is to take each objective as it comes. “I need to achieve things one at a time and not get ahead of myself,” she said before announcing, with a firm sense of conviction in her voice: “I think we can lift the trophy. After that I can start thinking about something new.”

When asked if she had a preference for being a successful actress or the best striker in the world, her answer was immediate: “Why choose between the two? Best striker one day, best actress the next.”

Whatever the future holds for Francisca Ordega, should her story ever make it on to the silver screen, there is no question who would be playing the starring role.

Turkish club snaps Kano Pillars star

Turkish club Samsunspor are poised to sign Kano Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed as they are willing to offload a Brazilian for him.

  

The Pillars striker traveled to Samsun Tuesday to join the Samsunspor and has resumed training with the team hoping to put pen on paper

  

Samsunspor officials discussed with Gambo yesterday and may finalise the deal before European transfer deadline tomorrow.

  

Samsunspor, who already have three foreigners on their books, are willing to let go a Brazilian, Bahia, to accommodate the Nigeria forward.

  

Samsunspor have agreed in principle with Gambo Mohammed, who has netted 15 times in the NPL before he jetted out of the country.

Emenike in Cloud 9

Emmanuel Emenike is delighted with his club, Spartak Moscow’s qualification  for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League after they dumped Joseph Yobo’s Fenerbahce 3-2 on aggregate last night.

  

Both teams drew 1-1 in Istanbul as Emmanuel Emenike led the Spartak attack against a defence anchored by Yobo on Wednesday night.

      

“It was a tough game as envisaged but I am happy that we won and advance to next stage. That was what we aimed for and we have achieved that,” said Emenike, who did not allow his arrest on Tuesday over match fixing allegations to affect him.

  

The Russian club, who won the first leg 2-1 at home, again took the lead after just five minutes before Senegal striker Moussa Sow equalised for Fenerbahce in the 69th minute to end the game 1-1.

  

Spartak played the last 10 minutes with a man down after Demy De Zeeuw was red carded after a second bookable offence.

UEFA Champions League goal/qualification excites Ideye

Brown Ideye’s genius gave his Ukrainian team, Dynamo Kiev passage to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League despite a 2-1 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach at home last night and the player is savouring the moment.

Dynamo Kiev were on the verge of crashing out of the most prestigious club football tournament in the world before Ideye scored in the 88th minute to give his team a 4-3 aggregate win.

  

''We are glad for this victory. We won and this is the main thing. Glad that in the end we managed to finish the match with an acceptable score to overcome the barrier and qualify.

‘‘We gave it to the full. Yes i missed i couple of chances but i'm sure that my goal was the highlight of the night'' Ideye said.

Ejike Uzoenyi set for Marseille switch

Rangers flying winger Ejike Uzoenyi is currently in France in talks to join Olympique Marseille, officials said.

The diminutive Super Eagles star has since December been one of the regulars in the national team.

Uche Kalu has already quit Enyimba to move to Turkey and Keshi said both he and Uzoenyi deserve their break in Europe.

“They have been consistent with us for eight months and the idea is for them not to rush into slave contracts, as had been the case, if they are beginning to get attention from clubs abroad, we are happy for them, because they will enrich the national team and also better the lives of their families,” Keshi said.

“I wish them the best, but the two of them are expected early for the game against Liberia.” 

Keshi Gives Foreign Stars Monday Deadline

All invited foreign based players for the September 8, clash against the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia, are expected in camp latest Monday, September 3, 2012, Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has said.

Keshi, who spoke during the weekly media interaction with the team at the Bolton White Apartment camp, said only a few of the players are expected on Monday, as most of them who have Saturday games would have joined the home based stars by Sunday evening. “I can only categorically talk of Efe Ambrose, who has a game on Sunday and is expected on Monday, others will have arrived to join us so that we can have up to four or five training sessions together before we face Liberia”, he said.

‘Big boss’ as Keshi is fondly called also declared that his wish along with that of the NFA is for the team to leave the country 24 hours before the game and come back immediately after, so as to avoid any antics of the hosts.

He also took time off to congratulate two of the home based stars, Uche Kalu, who recently signed a professional contract with a Turkish second division side and dimunitive, Ejike Uzoenyi, who is presently in talks with top French side, Marseille SC.

“They have been consistent with us for eight months and the idea is for them not to rush into slave contracts, as had been the case, if they are beginning to get attention from clubs abroad, we are happy for them, because they will enrich the national team and also better the lives of their families. I wish them the best, but the two of them are expected early for the game against Liberia”, he said.

Falconets Coach positive ahead of Mexico clash

Chief Coach of the U-20 Women National Team, Edwin Okon has reaffirmed his respect for Mexico whom they confront tomorrow in one of the quarter final matches of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.

The match which is scheduled for Tokyo National Stadium will be aired at 8am in Nigeria and it is the 25th match of the tournament.

Speaking at the Pre-Match Conference shortly after the team's official training, Okon described their opponents as one replete with surprises.

"This is a team that came from a 4-0 goal deficit against Japan in their opening match to qualify for the quarter final. It shows that it is a team with great potential and determination," he added.

"But l have told my girls not to be deterred but they should be resolute. All the eight teams left in the competition are targeting the trophy, so it is going to be a tough fight.

In yesterday's training, the girls practiced penalty shoot-outs in case the match goes into extra time. This would be the second meeting between both sides. In 2010 in Germany, both teams played a 1-1 draw at the group stage of the competition.

Both Players and Coaches every evening after dinner take time to study their opponent’s matches.

Unlike Nigeria's falconets which has reached the quarter final five times out of six Women's World Cup participation, this will be Las Aztecas second appearance. Nigeria however has an edge having gone beyond the quarters in 2010, while Mexico were knocked out by Korea Republic.

Meanwhile Singaporean referee, Apbai Abirami will be at the centre for tomorrow's match and will be assisted by Cui Yongmei of China. While Lee Seulgi of Korea and Qin Liang of China are the second Assistant Referee and fourth official respectively.

Keshi confirms our story on Osaze/Mikel Eagles snub

West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie is not ready to return to the Super Eagles, according to Coach Stephen Keshi.

Eagles coach Keshi said today that he is yet to know the readiness of the England-based striker for next month’s Nations Cup qualifier in Liberia.

It’s obvious that he is not ready for the nation right now" Keshi said.

"I called Osaze severally, but he didn't pick, then I sent him a text message to know his state of mind ahead of the Liberia game. In all fairness he replied the SMS, asking me to give him time and up till now he has not got back to me.“

Osaze was not involved in Nigeria’s series of qualifiers in June apparently to allow him focus on his wedding that month.

However, the outspoken striker has over time had a run-in with various national team coaches, from Austin Eguavoen to Samson Siasia.

Keshi also confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi was the one who opted out of the match in Liberia because he cannot play on an astro turf pitch.

“We spoke (with Mikel) and I told him that we play Liberia away on astro turf, so he asked that he speaks with his doctors. Four days later, he called to let me know that he won't make it. And I truly appreciated his sincerity because it helps us plan," said the Eagles coach.

"I don't have any issues with Mikel. You would be shocked that Mikel is one of the players who I speak with more often.”

Nigeria at the Paralympic Games

Nigeria made its Paralympic Games début at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona. It sent a delegation of six male athletes to compete in track & field, powerlifting and table tennis. Adeoye Ajibola won two gold medals in sprint, while Monday Emoghawve obtained one in powerlifting.

Nigeria has participated in every subsequent edition of the Summer Paralympics, though it has never taken part in the Winter Paralympics. Nigerians have won a total of 22 gold medals, 11 silver, and 12 bronze. In addition to his two gold in 1992, Ajibola obtained two more in sprinting four years later, while Emoghavwe in 1996 took another gold in powerlifting.

In 2000, Edith Nzuruike became one of Nigeria's first female Paralympic champions, winning gold in the javelin. The same year, Emoghavwe took his third consecutive gold in powerlifting, while three female powerlifters (Iyabo Ismaila, Victoria Nneji and Patricia Okafor) also obtained a gold medal each. In table tennis, Tajudeen Agunbiade won gold in the men's singles, while the trio of Agunbiade, Tunde Adisa and Femi Alabi took gold in the team event.

In 2004, Adetokunbo Adesoji was a triple champion in sprinting; Silver Ezeikpe took a gold medal in the men's javelin; and Lucy Ejike a gold in powerlifting. Most recently, in 2008, Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi was Paralympic champion in both shot put and discus, while Ejike and Ruel Ishaku each won a gold medal in powerlifting. 

Team Nigeria accorded official welcome

The Team Nigeria contingent to the London 2012 Paralympics Games has been officially received at the games village in colourful ceremony by the Mayor of the Paralympics Games Village; Eve Loffler.

Also, the Chairman National Sports Commission and Minister for Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi has arrived London yesterday evening.

The ceremony which was witnessed by the officials of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Local Organising Committee of the games saw the country's flag being hoisted .

This marks the readiness and acceptance of country to participate at the games which commences today with an opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium., Stratford, East London.

The Mayor of the Village,who is also the daughter of the founder of paralympic games; Ludwig Guttmann having officially received Team Nigeria to the games village and the games proper, expressed wish to see the country do well in their events and also assured of the readiness of the Local Organising Committee to host a befitting games.

Loffler also advised the athletes to be good ambassadors of Nigeria throughout the period the games will last.

Victor Moses set for Chelsea debut

Victor Moses could make his Chelsea debut on Friday against Atletico Madrid just as he has been handed the jersey number 13.

Victor Moses at the weekend joined Chelsea on a long-term deal that sees him earning several times his weekly wages at Wigan.

The 21-year-old forward is now in line for his Chelsea debut on Friday in the UEFA Super Cup when Chelsea take on Atletico Madrid in Monaco.

He will also spot the jersey number 13, a spot after compatriot Mikel Obi’s number 12 shirt, for ‘The Blues’ this season.

Moses’ shirt was last worn by Michael Ballack and the Nigeria star will hope he is a lot luckier at Stamford Bridge than the former Germany skipper.

Eagles charter flight for Liberia showdown

Nigeria will fly to Liberia for a 2013 AFCON qualifier on a chartered flight to ensure victory.

The Super Eagles have flown on chartered flights this year for their two qualifiers away to Rwanda and Malawi because they are more reliable and comfortable on the African routes.

The Eagles are expected to leave Abuja on September 6 to Monrovia ahead of the game, which will be played on Saturday, September 8. They are expected back to the country immediately after the game.

The return leg match will be played in Calabar on October 12.

No deal For NPL Top scorer

Niger Tornadoes forward Sibi Gwar unfortunately was not offered a contract by Israeli club Bnei Yehuda after mandatory tests.

With the approval of coach Stephen Keshi, the one - cap Nigeria international left the Abuja camp of the Super Eagles early last week for Tel Aviv to begin tests with Bnei Yehuda.

The top goalscorer in Nigeria's elite series has not totally convinced Dror Kashtan, coach of The Lions, of his potentials, so was not offered a contract.

Prior to testing with Bnei Yehuda, Gwar had been linked with teams in Portugal, Belgium and Singapore.

Enyeama Racially Abused By Maccabi Haifa Fans

The Israel Federation in association with the England FA runs a campaign in the Israeli Premier League - Let's Kick Racism Out of Football.

Despite the campaign being run, Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama suffered racist abuse from rival supporters of Maccabi Haifa while making his league debut on Monday for The Yellows, Israeli website one.co.il reported on Tuesday.

Observers that witnessed the match reported that they heard racist chants directed at Enyeama, who is on a season - long loan from Lille in France.

Fifa, football's governing body, frowns at all forms of discrimination in football, and this is stated in Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes:

''Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.''

Vincent Enyeama lasted the entire duration of the game in Maccabi Tel Aviv's 2-1 win over Maccabi Haifa. Coincidentally, the 29 - year - old's last game in Israel on May 14, 2011 was against his current employer Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Emmanuel Emenike set for Fenerbahce showdown

Emmanuel Emenike is eligible to face Fenerbahce today in the second leg of the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League.

The Nigeria international arrived Turkey via Turkish Airlines on Tuesday morning ahead of the rest of his teammates at Spartak Moscow to answer questions from the jury on match fixing allegations.

Emenike who came to Caglayan Courthouse with his lawyer told the court that he did not feign injury before last year's game between Karabükspor and Fenerbahce, and did not deliberately miss the match.

The one time Karabükspor attacker joined the Spartak Moscow squad at the hotel after the hearing and is likely to start tomorrow's game at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium İstanbul.

Spartak Moscow defeated The Yellow Canaries by 2 - 1 in the first leg, with Emenike scoring one of the goals for the Russian vice - champions.

Club fans hail Ideye

As Dynamo Kiev and their Nigerian striker Brown Ideye prepare for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff against Borussia Monchengladbach tomorrow, the Ukrainian club fans have voted Ideye as the best player on show in the league match against Chernomorets on Saturday.

Ideye ended a two-match barren spell by scoring his ninth goal of the season and seven goals in six league matches in the 72nd minute to give Kiev a comfortable 2-0 lead over their opponents.

For that fact and his all-round display, the fans gave him the highest mark of nine out of 10.

The club's website said: "The club fans appreciated the African 'motor' in the Dynamo 'machine' that ran smoothly throughout the entire match. Added whist energetic striker and scored a goal, and did a ‘mini-flip' to celebrate his seventh goal in the championship of the Premier League.

Ideye with his goals ratio of a goal a match this season is among the nine Europe-based players that have been invited for the Super Eagles match against Liberia in the crucial first leg Africa Cup of Nations Cup qualifier in September in Monrovia.

But first, he will want to help Kiev over the finish line in the playoffs against Monchengladbach. He scored two goals in the earlier round against Dutch club, Feyenoord, which Kiev won 3-1 on aggregate.

 Sierra Leone withdraw ineligible Nigerian from squad

Sierra Leone have withdrawn uncapped Nigerian Victor Igbekoyi Kayode from their squad to face Tunisia in their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final-round qualifying match against Tunisia on 8 September in Freetown.

The decision came after a story carried by BBC Sport last week that the striker appears not to be eligible to play for Sierra Leone as he does not seem to meet any of Fifa's criteria to qualify him  to play for the West African country.

The 25-year-old was initially invited by Leone Stars coach Lars Olof Mattsson after the Azerbaijan-based player expressed an interest to play for Sierra Leone.

The spokesman of the Sierra Leone Football Association Sorie Ibrahim Sesay has announced a fresh list of 19 invited foreign-based players and Kayode is the only player left out from initial list.

"Kayode is not in the new list and the decision to omit his name came as a result of the BBC story. That's all I can say for now," Sesay told BBC Sport.

However, Kayode has claimed that he does qualify to play for Sierra Leone.

"I believe I'm eligible to play for Leone Stars because my mother has told me that my paternal grandfather was born in Sierra Leone," Kayode told BBC Sport.

"I've got links with Sierra Leone and that's why I've decided to play for Leone Stars.

"After I finish my football career I plan to settle in Sierra Leone."

Apart from five uncapped players in the initial list, three other new faces have made their way into the new list.

They are Moldova-based defensive midfielder Abu Tommy, teenage striker George Davies of Manchester City's youth team and Montenegro-based Lamin Suma.

Moses dreams more silverware for Chelsea

New Chelsea signing Victor Moses says he wants to help bring more silverware to Stamford Bridge.

Moses is in line to make his debut in Friday's night's Super Cup encounter against Europa League winners Atletico Madrid, and the former Crystal Palace youngster cannot wait to get started.

"When I first heard that Chelsea had come in for me I was surprised, but I had a call from my agent saying they were really interested in me and what did I think," Moses told the official Chelsea website.

"I said they are the European champions and anyone would like to play there and now that everything is sorted, I am delighted to be here.

"I am happy to come back to London as I grew up here and it is a great honour to play for the club that won the Champions League."

With the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata already giving manager Roberto Di Matteo plenty of creative options going forward, Moses could find first-team opportunities hard to come by, but he insists he is unfazed by the competition.

"There are a lot of world-class players here and I am here to do my best for the team and to help them win more trophies," he said,

"The club has done well for the past few years, they have achieved a lot, and [it is great] for me to be able to play with these world-class players."

Mikel wants Euro Super Cup success

John Mikel Obi hopes to help Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup on Friday.

  

‘The Blues’ battle another Spanish club Atletico Madrid for the prestigious trophy.

  

Mikel was part of history last season as Chelsea won their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy and he has now said he wishes to add to that piece of silverware inside the Stade Louis II in Monaco.

  

“The game will be interesting and tough. Atletico Madrid are Europa League champions, that says a lot about them. They won this same trophy last season and will want to retain it.”

  

“But I am looking forward to a good game and victory against them. It would be great for me to win this cup, my first and Chelsea’s second.” Mikel said.

  

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, will be aiming to lift this cup for the second time.

  

Juventus, Anderlecht and Valencia are the teams who have won the trophy twice in history.

Drogba and Anelka could make Premier League return

Former Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could face a shock Premier League return, as the pair’s club Shanghai Shenhua face an equity row among stakeholders.

Chairman Zhu Jun, who owns 25.8 per cent of the club, is set to reduce his investment if his demands for a greater share of the side are not met.

He is thought to have ploughed around £60million into Shenhua over the last five and a half years, with an agreement in place that if he invested £15million over two years, his stake would increase to 70 per cent.

But the transfer of shares stalled in both 2009 and 2011, fuelling rumours that Zhu Jun may cut his level of funding.

'It is annoying and has had a bad effect on many of our tasks,' a club official said. 'The biggest problem is that the operation and financing work of the club cannot be carried out normally.

'The equity stakes issue has become the biggest bottleneck for the development of Shenhua.'

Drogba left Chelsea for Chinese side Shenhua following the Blues’ Champions League victory in May, joining former Stamford Bridge team-mate Anelka, who had moved to the club earlier this year.

But the pair could opt to quit the big-spending Chinese Super League outfit, who currently sit 10th in the 16-team league, if their £250,000 a week wages can no longer be met.

NPL plans simultaneous telecast of final day action

To forestall match fixing on the final day, the Nigeria Premier League plans a multiple telecast of live games on September 7.

“The final matches of the season will be played on Friday, September 7 after we agreed with the television company to ensure the matches involving the championship contenders will be shown at the same time,” NPL executive secretary Tunji Babalola has informed.

“We believe this will give all the teams a level playing ground and that a worthy champion will emerge after these games.”

League leaders Kano Pillars as well as closest rivals Lobi Stars and Enugu Rangers all have a chance to be crowned champions on the final day of action on Friday, September 7, and as such officials have agreed that all the matches involving these teams will be shown live on TV simultaneously to forestall any pre-determined arrangements.

Pillars are top of the table on 64 points from 37 matches, Lobi Stars are second and a point behind, while third-placed Enugu Rangers have 61 points.

Rangers will be home to Sharks on the final day of the campaign and would hope to win, while Pillars and Lobi lose tricky away games in Sunshine Stars and Kaduna United, respectively.

There have already been insinuations that some of the games have been pre-arranged, but the organisers said that by showing the matches on TV the public eye will be fixed on any underhand dealings.

Nosa Igiebor set for La Liga bow

Nosa Igiebor could make his Spanish La Liga debut for new club Real Betis on Monday, September 3, against Atletico Madrid.

  

Coach Pepe Mel is expected to consider Igiebor and another new signing, Costa Rica star Joel Campbell, for selection against Atletico Madrid.

  

Betis slipped to seventh on the table after they lost 2-1 at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

The club also celebrated the invitation of both players to their respective national teams.

  

“Players of Real Betis Joel Campbell and Nosa Igiebor have been called by their national teams. Both players, who have arrived this season may be available if the coach Pepe Mel deems appropriate on Monday, September 3 for the clash against Atletico Madrid,” read a statement on club’s website.