Czech Republic has won its eighth Fed Cup title after defeating Germany 3-1 in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final in Prague, Czech Republic on 8-9 November.
This is Czech Republic’s third title in the last four years, following previous victories in 1975, 1983-85, 1988, 2011 and 2012.
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the World Cup of Tennis. It is the largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with 95 nations taking part in 2014.
The event celebrated its 50th birthday in 2013 in the ITF’s centenary year.
The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Fed Cup. Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) is an international sponsor, and Wilson Sporting Goods (Official Ball) is an international partner.
Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 62 64
Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Angelique Kerber (GER) 64 64
Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Angelique Kerber (GER) 76(5) 46 64
Lucie Safarova (CZE) v Andrea Petkovic (GER) not played
Julia Goerges/Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. Andrea Hlavackova/Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 64 63
Super Eagles midfield gem, Ogenyi Onazi, has set his sights on victory in Congo over the host in next weekend’s Nations Cup qualifier but has stated that there are conditions to be met if victory must come Nigeria’s way next Saturday.
Onazi, who was expected in Nigeria on Sunday night, said Nigerians desirous of the Nations Cup ticket must all join hands and pray and that the football community must be united to achieve success. “Once I arrive Nigeria, I will go to my father in the Lord to pray with me, because I want the Nations Cup ticket and I know we can win in Congo. We must also cooperate and forget past differences to achieve our aim”, he said on phone from his base in Italy.
Preparations for the make or break Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Point Noir is expected to be kick-started on Monday following the arrival of invited Nigerian league stars to Abuja on Saturday, after a highly impressive 1-0 win over Ghana in the maiden Restoration Cup at the ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium last Friday.
The players who came into camp with Head Coach Stephen Keshi, his assistants and other members of staff of the national team are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, scorer of the epoch making goal in Uyo, Emem Eduok, Nasara United’s Tony Edjomari, Christian Osaghuna Ighodalo, Gbolahahan Salami and new comer Kingsley Sokari.
The players are nested at their usual abode in Bolton White Apartment, Zone 7, Abuja and Keshi said all invited players should be in camp by latest Monday. “We have no time for this game and the players know, so all of them must be here early enough for the trip to Congo”, he declared.
Ogenyi Onazi, photo credit fifa.com
Bobby Breaks Into Eagles Afcon Squad
As predicted by many, exciting Enyimba International midfielder, Kingsley Sokari alias Bobby has broken into the Super Eagles squad for the two remaining qualifiers against Congo and South Africa next week and this is official.
Before now, Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi had said the player is as exciting as former Super Eagles skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, a view also held by other assistant coaches, Hyandonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu. But he also put a caveat. “We must allow our boss, Stephen Keshi to make the final decision”.
Last Friday at the Uyo International Stadium inauguration game against the Black Metoers of Ghana, Keshi had a first-hand opportunity to assess the player and his final verdict was that the player is excellent and good enough for the main team. He subsequently ordered him on the plane to Abuja for the remaining two games and Bobby is presently at the Bolton White Apartment with the rest of the stars from the Nigerian league. Invited foreign based stars are expected to start trooping in from Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, has said he believes in the ability of the present squad to nick one of the tickets in the group A of the Afcon qualifiers this weekend in Point Noir. “We have a strong technical crew, formidable players and solid backroom staff, coupled with a new NFF that is visionary and focused, I think with hardwork we can get the ticket” he declared.
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