Kogi United Survives Jigawa Scare,

A last gasp header from Abdulkadir Aminu ensured Kogi United survived a pulsating match with a 2-1 win over 10-man Jigawa Golden Stars in Lokoja on Saturday.

The visiting Jigawa side who had their keeper, Emma James sent off in the 13th minute for a dissent almost ran out with a point against Kogi United after Victor Okoro had jabbed in a goal in the 47th minutes to cancel out Ebenezer Odeyemi’s 24th minute header.

The Confluence State club had to wait till the added time of the game before Aminu scrambled in header from Afolabi Abiodun’s cross which eventually salvaged the maximum points for the home side.

Technical Adviser of the Lokoja based club, Abdul Sule admitted that his side faced a stubborn side in Jigawa Stars but believed his boys got the paramount needed points to keep their promotion hope alive.

“We thank God we got the three points which is important, we played one of the weakest teams in our group, but unfortunately we couldn’t convert all the chances we had today. It was a very difficult game, I knew it wouldn’t be easy to play against a team like Jigawa who seat back all the while, we thought we could score more goals today, but its like that at times, we will go back and do something about our mistakes ahead of next game.”

Kogi Utd live against Jigawa Golden Stars

Meanwhile, Team Manager of Kogi United, Ameh Henry noted that his side lacked the finishing touch in the match as it almost cost them the victory.

He however pleaded for support from fans and supporters of the state’s club as he promised would amend for the scrappy displays at home.

While reacting to the game, Chief Coach of Jigawa Golden stars, El-Shama Yunus admitted his side lost a better side, but commended his boys for their performance against Kogi United.

“It was a good match for us, as you know most matches is always a pressure game, Kogi United really played well, they allow us to settle till they scored, but I believe they can do more.

We capitalized on that pressure as we knew Kogi United are fighting for Premier League ticket, we are not contending, it almost work for us, its unfortunate we lost this match, I think that red card to our keeper destabilize our plan a bit, but we can take some positives from this game.”

Kogi United who have garnered 40 points from 25 games and will make a trip to Minna for their next game against Niger Tornadoes.

Latest Football Transfer Rumours And Titbits

Well its one of those days when the Big clubs refuse to bring out their cheque books, but not to worry we’ve got the Rumours and Speculations making the rounds at this moment courtesy of our man Paul.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Petr Cech. photo credit chelseafc.com

Today’s reports and rumours:

– According to Skysports sources, Manchester United are set to sign Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria in a deal worth £48million

– Napoli are reigniting their interest in signing Tottenham midfielder Sandro.

– Fulham are reportedly close to signing Hellas Verona goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov.

– Petr Cech would be allowed to leave Chelsea if he wants to, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho as been quoted as referring to Cech in the past tense in a recent interview.

– According to reports, QPR are in advance talks to sign Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Younes Belhanda

– According to reports in Italy,Napoli are interested in signing Arsenal winger Lucas Podolski

– Blackburn Rovers have confirmed they have rejected two Hull City bids for Jordan Rhodes.

– Mario Balotelli will seal his move to Liverpool on Monday,but will not have a good behaviour clause in his contract,according to the striker’s agent

– Leicester City are closing in on Basle midfielder Marcelo Diaz

– According to reports in Italy, Roma will sell Mehdi Benatia to Bayern Munich on Monday.

– Benfica have reportedly made a bid for Parlemo striker Abel Hernandez

– AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani was pictured meeting Roma director Walter Sabatini this afternoon for Mattia Destro

– West Brom have stepped up their interest in Sporting Gijon midfielder Alex Barrera

– Kostas Mitroglou may not play again for Fulham after a fallout with Felix Magath

– Marco van Ginkel has held talks with Chelsea over his future

– Sunderland boss Gus Poyet will look to take Fabio Borini on loan if his £14million permanent switch from Liverpool falls through

– Wolves have line up a £1million swoop for Sunderland striker Danny Graham

– According to reports, Napoli have agreed terms with liverpool for Lucas Leiva on loan

– AC Milan have reportedly inquired about the availability of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao

– QPR will meet with Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabare’s agent at the beginning of next week over a possible transfer

– Lille striker Salomon Kalou is close to joining German side Wolfsburg

– Manchester United are reportedly planing a final bid of £40million plus Javier Hernandez for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal

– According to reports in France, Montpellier midfielder Benjamin Stambouli prefers a move to Swansea City.

– According to reports, Samuel Eto’o has completed a medical at Liverpool and will sign a one-year contract

– Arsenal are close to signing Olympiakos midfielder Kostas Manolas

– AC Milan want Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on season-long loan

– Hull City are on the verge of signing Tottenham defender Michael Dawson

– Sunderland are keen on signing Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck on loan

Angel Di Maria- (AP Photo/Paul White)

Football tit bits:

– Libya has announced they won’t be able to host the African Cup of Nations in 2017 because of security concerns.The Confederation of African Football gave countries interested in hosting in Libya’s place until the end of September to submit their bid

– Shakhtar Donetsk stadium,the Donbass Arena has been hit with two explosions,no casualties have been reported

– Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has apologized for tapping the back of the head of the fourth official during his side’s 1-0 second leg Spanish Super cup win over Real Madrid

– Coach Roy Hogdson believes England can win Euro 2016,despite failing to get out of the group stage at this summer’s World Cup

President Jonathan Applauds Falconets

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the country’s representatives at the ongoing FIFA
U- 20 Women’s World Cup, the Falconets, of the Federal government’s support ahead of the final match against the German side on sunday.

The president applauded the Falconets for making the country proud at the World Cup in Canada.

President Goodluck Jonathan who spoke to both players and officials through the phone said Nigerians awaits sunday’s victory over the German team.

You are going good in the tournament, i have been following your matches and am very impressed with your performances. I urge you to put in your best to win the cup for Nigeria for the first time in the history of the U-20 Women’s World Cup”.

Mr president said the country awaits the arrival of the team with the cup, noting that the presidency will treat them to a rousing welcome.

Falconets With Coach Dedevbo Talking to President Jonathan on the phone

Leader of delegation and NFF board member Chief Felix Ayansi Agwu told Mr President that speaking to the team has further motivated them to put in their best in the finals tomorrow, he assured that the team will bring home the trophy.

Team captain Patience Okaeme thanked the president and said they will make the country proud.

The Falconets have scored 15 goals in their last five matches and conceded just 5. They came out top of Group C with 7 points.

Three of the team’s players Asisat Oshoala, Halima Ayinde and Loveth Ayinla have recieved FIFA’s most valuable players award with Oshoala winning thrice.

Tomorrow’s finals according to coach Peter Dedevbo will show the world that the Falconets are a better side.

“We shall redeem our 2010 image. Germany is a strong team but we are prepared for them. We will do our very best to seal our hardwork with a win”.

The match comes up sunday by 19 hours that is 12 midnight Nigerian.

China Completes Clean Sweep Of The Youth Olympic Games Table Tennis

China has capped off a dream Youth Olympic Games by claiming gold in the Mixed Teams event to add to their Men’s and Women’s singles crown they won earlier in the week.

The Chinese team, made up of Men’s and Women’s singles champion FAN Zhendong and LIU Gaoyang, were too strong for their Japanese rivals KATO Miyu and MURAMATSU Yuto in the gold medal match in front of a crowd in excess of 4,000.

Both FAN Zhendong and LIU Gaoyang won their singles matches to take an unassailable 2-0 lead, which meant the third and deciding mixed doubles match was not needed.

An ecstatic FAN Zhendong, who is currently the senior world number three, and read the athletes oath at the Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony stated:

YOG Medallists of the Mixed Doubles Team event taking a selfie to celebrate their win. Photo Credit- Remy Gros:ITTF

“I was happy with the way I played, I was happy with my level of play. MURAMATSU played very well, and the match was close which made me nervous. It is a dream come true to win two gold medals at such an important event in my home country. Bring on Rio!

International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, was that impressed when meeting the teenage prodigy whilst watching the Table Tennis yesterday that he promised FAN Zhendong that if he wins gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, he will personally present the gold medal to him.

Before the event begun, FAN boldly stated that he plans to be the first ever Youth Olympic Champion to also win Olympic gold, so who would bet against him doing the double in Rio!

LIU Gaoyang, who secured her second gold medal, added: “Two gold medals was my goal here. I was scared the whole event that I would not achieve my goal, so I am so, so happy that I am standing here with my goal fulfilled.”

The Hong Kong team represented by HUNG Ka Tak and singles silver medalist DOO Hoi Kem defeated the surprise semifinalists of the event from Thailand, Padasak TANVIRIYAVECHAKUL and Tamolwan KHETKHUAN, to secure the bronze medal 2-0.

The Mixed Teams event brings to a close a very successful and historic Table Tennis event at the Youth Olympic Games. The 2nd Youth Olympic Games saw Latin and North America win their first table tennis (Youth) Olympic medals, with Hugo CALDERANO (BRA) and Lily ZHANG both winning bronze medals in the singles events. Reflecting on the event, ITTF CEO Judit FARAGO stated:

“We are very happy with how the Table Tennis event went here in Nanjing. We had very large and vocal crowds for all the days, excellent sport presentation, live TV coverage all days as well as receiving the most views of any sport on the IOC YouTube channel. We are all thrilled to see the emergence of Latin America and North America here at the YOG and we look forward to these countries winning medals at the Olympic Games soon! FAN Zhendong from China is a real contender to be even Olympic champion in Rio”

The next big challenge for the world’s best under-18 table tennis players is the Wisdom 2014 ITTF World Junior Championships to be held in Shanghai, China from 30 November to 7 December 2014.

NANJING YOUTH OLYMPIC TENNIS EVENT (FINAL) RESULTS – 23 AUGUST

2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC

Please find below Saturday’s results for the Youth Olympic Tennis Event being held at the Tennis Academy of China in Nanjing on 17-24 August.

The second Youth Olympic Games, being held on 16-28 August, have welcomed around 3,800 athletes from the 204 National Olympic Committees to Nanjing. Young athletes – aged between 14 and 18 years – are competing in 28 sports.

For the latest news from the event visit the ITF Olympic website and social media platforms:

http://www.itftennis.com/olympics

http://www.twitter.com/olympicstennis

http://www.facebook.com/ITFOlympicTennis

http://www.weibo.com/itfofficial

RESULTS

BOYS SINGLES GOLD MEDAL MATCH

(7) Kamil Majchrzak (POL) d. (2) Orlando Luz (BRA) 64 75

GIRLS DOUBLES GOLD MEDAL MATCH

(3) Anhelina Kalinina (UKR)/Iryna Shymanovich (BLR) d. (2) Darya Kasatkina/Anastasiya Komardina (RUS) 64 64

GIRLS SINGLES BRONZE MEDAL MATCH

Akvile Parazinskaite (LTU) d. (7) Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) 63 75

BOYS DOUBLES BRONZE MEDAL MATCH

Ryotaro Matsumura/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. Kamil Majchrzak/Jan Zielinski (POL) 64 06 [10-4]

MIXED DOUBLES SEMIFINALS

Ye Qiu Yu (CHN)/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. (7) Fanni Stollar (HUN)/Kamil Majchrzak (POL) 76(5) 64
(5) Jil Teichmann (SUI)/Jan Zielinski (POL) d. Ioana Ducu (ROU)/Matias Zukas (ARG) 62 61

International Tennis Federation

Golden Eaglets Beat Promising Ace FC 1-0

Nigeria’s Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets, on Saturday wrought another win courtesy of a first half goal by winger Promise Orji against a promising Kaduna-based Ace Football Club at the Abraham Ordia Stadium inside the University of Calabar.

“Maybe we would have even played better than we did against the Golden Eaglets today,”volunteered Ace FC’s Coach Al-Amin Ibn-Musa.”We didn’t arrive Calabar until the early hours of the day but that should not take anything away from the victory of the Golden Eaglets because they played a good match against us.”

Both team used the early part of the match to size up each other but it was Ace FC that nearly went in front in the 10th minute after Uzama Douglas conceded a free kick in front of the Golden Eaglets’ goal area; but goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokeocha making just his second starting line up held firmly to Shefiu Dauda’s resultant free kick.

Then in the 39th minute, Eaglets’ midfielder, Jack Ipalibo finally came out of his shell by snaking his way through the left flank before slicing a cross on the path of Orji; who cleverly evaded on rushing Ace’s defender, Christopher Nwaeze, before hitting the ball behind goalkeeper Nurudeen Mudashir.

golden Eaglets line up against Egypt in Cairo.

Thereafter, there were few chances in between but it was Nwokeocha’s agility that robbed the Kaduna lads the opportunity of getting the needed equalizer time and again. In the 79th, Nwokoecha deflected a goal-bound shot from Nwaze and equally did a Yeoman’s job in the 85th minute when he punched away a blind header by Peter Obochi.

Yet unimpressed with the team’s overall performance, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke gave his wards ‘hairdryer’ asking them to gird their loins in the days ahead:”We don’t need to remind you every time that this is a national team and there is a certain standard expected from us but I’m
not impressed with your performance today.

“Of course, we are constantly evaluating ourselves with this sort of matches and we must continue to show why we are in the national team with better performance always, “advised the former African Footballer of the Year.

Golden Eaglets Vs. Ace FC

E. Nwokeocha-A. Mohamed; A. Usman. Ipalibo; A.Bamidele; D.Uzama;
K.Michael; P.Orji; S.Abdullahi; E.Osinachi; V.Osimhen

Light Wind And A Freak Storm At Youth Olympic Sailing Competition

Sunday 24 August will be used for the final races of the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Sailing Competition after light wind, a freak storm and further light breeze forced a third day of postponements.

After a day of waiting for wind to materialise the breeze suddenly picked up late in the afternoon. Those on shore away from the windows could have been forgiven for thinking that was that for the day when they heard the horn sound around the sailing venue but upon looking outside a consistent breeze around 10-15 knots was blowing. As the Byte CII sailors launched things started to get a bit fruity on the water as the winds picked up and started gusting up to 30 knots.

The Race Committee did not hesitate in sending the sailors back ashore to wait for the storm to pass through and once it did, the breeze dropped considerably and the decision to cancel the day was made at 16:30.

The competition was scheduled to conclude on Saturday 23 August with a non discardable, single race for all fleets on the agenda. The pre-planned reserve day will be utilised to ensure the completion of the regatta. Sunday’s outlook is positive with 4-5 knots predicted from three sources with gusts of seven, nine and even up 12 knots possible. Moderate to heavy rain is also on the forecast.

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, four new Youth Olympic champions will be crowned in the Boy’s and Girl’s Byte CII and Techno 293 fleets.

Racing is scheduled to commence at 11:00 local time. The Girl’s Byte CII fleet will be up first followed by the Boy’s Byte CII, Boy’s Techno 293 and Girl’s Techno 293.

China’s Linli Wu is perfectly primed to take gold for her nation in the Girl’s Techno 293 fleet. The Chinese sailor is seven points clear of Russia’s Mariam Sekhposyan and France’s Lucia Pianazza and needs to finish seventh or better to claim gold. Wu has yet to finish outside of the top seven and has mastered the light winds of Lake Jinniu so she will be hard to overthrow on the final day.

Behind Sekhposyan and Pianazza, who are tied on 16 points, Aimee Van’t Hoff (NED) has 22 points and Duangkamon Phongern (THA) has 31 points. The Dutch sailor will need to put in a good performance to take a medal whilst the Thai racer would need to win the race and hope the others finish at the back of the pack.

It is all to play for in the Boy’s Techno 293 with eight points separating the top seven. As it stands, Russia’s Maxim Tokarev is at the top of the pack on 16 points but that will count for very little on the final day with Argentina’s Francisco Saubidet Birkner a point behind and Dutch sailor Lars van Someren on 19 points.

Israel’s Yoav Omer sits on 22, France’s Tom Monnet and Hong Kong’s Tsz Kit Chan have 23 and New Zealand’s Finn Croft has 24 points. The top racers have shared the victories over the six race period and it will be game on for gold on the final day.

Four points separates the leaders and second place in the Boy’s and Girl’s Byte CII. Odile van Aanholt (NED) tops the pack in the girl’s whilst Bernie Chin (SIN) sits in the medal position in the boy’s fleet.

Smiles in the rain. photo credit ISAF

The Dutch sailor leads Singapore’s Samantha Yom who has worked her way up the field following a 21st in Race 4. Van Aanholt and Yom have a considerable advantage at the top of the Girl’s Byte CII leader board with Italy’s Carolina Albano 23 points off Van Aanholt in third.

Albano is only a point ahead of Jarian Brandes (PER) in fourth with Kateryna Gumenko (UKR), Caroline Rosmo (NOR), Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif (MAS), Celeste Lugtmeijer (DOM) and Cecilia Wollman (BER) all in with a shot of the podium.

In the Boy’s Byte CII, Chin took the lead from Pedro Correa after a solid third day of racing that saw him take a 1-5-3, the best performance of the day. Going into the last race Chin, on 33 points, has a slender lead over Correa who has 37.

Nine points splits third to ninth with Rodolfo Pires (POR), Apiwat Sringam (THA), Pavle Zivanovic (CRO), Alastair Gifford, Jonatan Vadnai (HUN), Justin Vittecoq (CAN) and Henry Marshall (USA) all in with a shout of at least bronze.

Dolphins vs Sharks Teams News And Preview

Dolphins salute

Dolphins v Sharks

Kick Off 4pm

23 August 2014

TEAM NEWS

Ifeanyi Egwim, Victor Ezuruike and Emmanuel Olowo return to the match day squad for Saturday’s game against Sharks after missing out on last week’s draw in Akure against Sunshine.

Goalkeeper, Pius Ibrahim is a shock inclusion in the squad as he has not been named in a Dolphins team since May, 31, 2014 when Dolphins beat Lobi Stars 3-1 at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium.

He was an unused sub on the day.

Chigozie Ihunda, also named in the match day squad for the first time since July 17 in the Federation Cup Round of 16 game against ElKanemi in Lafia. He as an unused substitute on the day.

Ihunda last made a match day squad in the League on June 14, in the 3-1 road loss to Kano Pillars.

MATCH PREVIEW

Dolphins have been unbeaten in their last 5 league games- at home were wins against Kano Pillars 1-0, Heartland 1-0 and Crown 2-0 while on the road were draws against Giwa FC 1-1 and Sunshine Stars.

Dolphins have also been unbeaten in the last ten games in all competitions as they didn’t lose in five Federation Cup games- Ingas 3-1, Kogi United 1-0, ELkanemi 1-0, Lobi Stars 4-2 and Prime FC 1-0

According to Togolese born Central defender, “Last season we lost at home to Sharks but it will be different this season. We need to win to top the league and we won’t be taking any chances.” Douhadji said

Dolphins have kept 11 clean sheets in the league this season and 14 in all competitions.

The last time Dolphins conceded a goal at home in the League was on May 31 in a 3-1 win against Lobi Stars.

The last time Dolphins lost a home game in the League was one year and one week ago, on August 13, 2013 in a 2-1 loss to Sharks

Goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi has kept 10 clean sheets in the league and 13 in all competitions this season.

Emem Eduok is top scorer in the team with 9 goals in the League and 12 in all competitions.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Apr 5, 2014 Sharks FC 0 Dolphins 0

Aug 14, 2013 Dolphins FC 1 – Sharks FC 2

Mar 31, 2013 Sharks FC 0 – Dolphins FC 0

Jun 10, 2012 Dolphins FC 1 – Sharks FC 0

Feb 25, 2012 Sharks FC 3 – Dolphins FC 1

Match Day Squad

Dolphins salute

Sunday Rotimi, Pius Ibrahim, Victor Alegbe, Emem Eduok, Emeka Atuloma, Ebube Okpokwu, Hope Fiberesima, Isiaka Olawale, Omo Johnson, Victor Ezuruike, Jonathan Zikiye, Ayobami Asekunowo, Emmanuel Olowo, Ifeanyi Egwim, Chigozie Ihunda, Chizoba Amaefule, Tijani Adamu, Chidiebere Okolie