Amuneke Predicts Tough Test Against Niger

Golden Eaglets

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has predicted a tough test for his wards when they open their 11th African U-17 Championship account against Niger at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) in Niamey on Sunday.

The former Barcelona star believed a win against the host would set a good omen as Nigeria push for the trophy yet again. Golden Eaglets nearly won the championship the last time in Morocco but lost to Cote d’Ivoire in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a pulsating 1-1 draw.

“The first game is very important and we want to win irrespective of the fact that we are meeting Niger,” said Amuneke who scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Zambia at 1994 African Cup of Nations Final Match. “Of course, we know it is never going to be an easy match because both teams would like to win. ”

He said he was not oblivious about the huge test of playing against the host in front of a partisan crowd, adding his wards must gird their loins:”We have told the players in clear terms that we want nothing but victory against Niger,” he said.”It’s never going to be easy but we must be tactically and psychologically sound for this match.”

Golden Eaglets’, who are drawn in Group A, would subsequently play Guinea and Zambia on February 18 and 22 respectively but Amuneke further stated that the focus of the team is Sunday’s match against Niger: “Mentally, we must be prepared for the home team but if we win, it will put us on course for other matches.”

Golden Eaglets

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets have started their build up towards Sunday’s opening fixture against Niger with impressive sessions at the practice pitch of Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) on Friday.

All the 21 players featured in the Morning session with players put under their paces in fitness exercises; passing drill; marking amongst others.

Amuneke psyched the players on the stiff test to expect on Sunday as the team fine tunes all the rough edges:”We need to psychologically prepare ourselves in all circumstances because in football, you can never neglect the inconveniences,”he said. “Our idea is that we want to win though we don’t know what the match can bring, we must be able to resolve the issue.”

Birthday boy, Suleiman, eyes Eaglets win

His birthday anniversary coincides with Golden Eaglets’ opening fixture at the 11th African U-17 Championship against host Niger on Sunday and Suleiman Muhammad wants nothing but victory.

Suleiman fondly called Yaro (small boy) by team-mates; is one of the new faces in the team but has been impressive since he was drafted after the team’s last open screening.

“I’m very lucky to be part of this team,” said a very shy Suleiman with a cherry smile.

Suleiman has every reason to be happy after he missed out of the
national Under-15 team that won the soccer Gold medal at the African
Youth Olympic Games in Botswana last year.

“I was not happy when my friends went to Botswana but I’m happy now,” he said.
Hails from Nigeria’s soccer city, Jos, Suleiman said he would be the happiest guy on Sunday should the Golden Eaglets win their opening
match against Niger.

11th CAF African U-17 Championship

“Insha Allah (by the grace of God), we shall beat Niger on Sunday and I have begged my team-mates to make it a special day for me,” explained Suleiman, whose favourite foods include rice and spaghetti.

Born February 15, 2000, Suleiman is the third in a family with three other boys and girls and revealed he wants to make his family proud.

“I’m the first person to play football in the family and it is my prayer that I become a great footballer,” he said.

“The only thing I love besides playing football is prayers; and I pray before matches and Insha Allah, we are going to win on Sunday,” he added.

ITTF President Weikert Steps Down as German President

Elected to the office of President of the International Table Tennis Federation, officially assuming duties on Monday 1 September 2014 in succession to Adham SHARARA, Thomas WEIKERT has announced his resignation as President of the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB).

The 53 year old lawyer will relinquish the role on Tuesday 10 March 2015 after a ten year tenure of office. It is a position he has held since his election on Sunday 12 June 2005, at the General Assembly when becoming the association’s twelfth President.

He succeeded Walter Grundahl.

Weikert waves goodbye to the DTTB after 10 years as President.

“I had hoped to fulfil both functions until the elections in 2017″, said Thomas WEIKERT. “However, I saw this step as mandatory to focus only on my role as President of the International Table Tennis Federation.”

Both are demanding positions with the past decade having seen Germany the focal point of world class events, whilst also being a source of aid for developing countries.

Notably the World Team Championships were staged in Bremen in 2006 and in Dortmund in 2012; whilst Stuttgart was the home for the 2009 European Championships.

High class events staged and also there have been notable achievements for the German National Teams during the Presidency of Thomas WEIKERT. Outstanding success has been enjoyed at the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships.

Thomas Weikert will be succeeded by Michael Geiger as interim President of the DTTB until elections are held later this year in November.

Michael Geiger, 49 years old, is currently the DTTB Vice President of Finance.

Upbeat Flying Eagles Land In Ghana

Nigeria U20s, the Flying Eagles, landed in Accra, Ghana, Friday evening ahead of two warm-up matches against their Ghanaian counterparts.

Both teams are preparing for next month’s African Youth Championship in Senegal.

The 22-man Flying Eagles squad flew into the Kotoka International Airport in Accra by 5pm local time, which is 6pm Nigerian time.

NFF deputy secretary general Emmanuel Ikpeme is the leader of the Nigerian delegation to Ghana.

The team’s first test game against the Black Satellites is fixed for Monday, February 16, at the Accra Sports Stadium, while the second match has been fixed for Thursday at the Tema Sports Stadium.

Flying Eagles

The Tema Sports Stadium has an artificial pitch.

Kick-off time for both matches has been fixed for 3pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time.

The Flying Eagles are booked into the MPlaza Hotel.

They will have their first training by 3pm on Saturday at the Presec Park in Accra.

Referee Agbovi William will handle the first game, while the second match will be officiated by Cecil Fleicher.

LSFA elections 2015: Electoral Committee Concludes screening

The Electoral Committee for the LSFA 2015 elections has today released the list of candidates who have successfully scaled through the screening process in readiness for elections into the executive committee of the Lagos State Football Association.

In a Document obtained from the secretary of the committee Mr Ayobami Morakinyo unsuccessful candidates have a 3 day window (February 13-16th) to file an appeal with the Electoral appeals committee.

Some of the candidates that scaled through the screening process include the incumbent chairman of the LSFA and 1st Vice President of the NFF Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, newly elected Nigeria Referrees Association boss and current Vice Chairman Alhaji Tade Azeez. Renowned sports Jounalist Mr Wale Joseph and Chairman of 36 Lion Fc Alhaji Liaamed Gafaar.

Former international and chairman Surulere Local Government Tajudeen Ajide’s bid to vie for the post of chairman of the LSFA seems to have hit a snag as he failed to scale through the screening process.

By the virtue of Article 18 of the Guidelines for the Lagos State Football Election (Appeals’/Dispute Resolutions), unsuccessful candidates may file an appeal to the Electoral Appeal Committee within the stipulated time (13th – 16th February 2015).

Next up in the Election timeline for the LSFA is the forwarding of the list of successful candidates (after the appeal period as lapsed) to the general assembly and this is scheduled to take place from the 17th-23rd of February.

Elections into the executive committee of the Lagos State will take place on the 24th of February 2015.

Lagos State Football Association

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE 2015 ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LAGOS STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

LAGOS EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT

SN. NAME. POSITION. REMARK

1. SEYI AKINWUNMI. CHAIRMAN. SUCCESSFUL

2. MOJEED ADEGBINDIN. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

3. WALE JOSEPH. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

LAGOS CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

SN. NAME. POSITION. REMARK

1. HON TAJUDEEN ALABI AJIDE. CHAIRMAN. NOT SUCCESSFUL

2. TADE AZEEZ. V. CHAIRMAN. SUCCESSFUL

3. OLATUNDE GREEN. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

4. PRINCE OYEKAN IFALADE. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

LAGOS WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT

SN. NAME. POSITION. REMARK

1. ADEDOTUN COKER. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

2. ADEBANJO MOSES. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

3. GAFAR OLAWALE LIAMEED. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

4. ADEAGBO ISAAC ADESOLA. MEMBER. SUCCESSFUL

NFF Secures Mali’s Agreement On 2016 Olympic Qualifiers…As Okon Calls 36 to Camp

The Mali Football Federation has accepted a proposal by the Nigeria Football Federation for a qualifying fixture of the Women’s Football Tournament of 2016 Olympic Games between both nations’ Women Teams to be moved forward.

African champions, Super Falcons, were scheduled to host the Malians on 23rd May with the return leg in Nigeria on 30th May in the second round of qualifiers for the Women’s Football Tournament of the 2016 Olympics.

“We had to write to Confederation of African Football and the Malian Federation to consider bringing the matches forward by two weeks in order for our team to be able to head to Canada by 19th May, for the final training camp for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals,” NFF General Secretary Musa Amadu said on Friday.

CAF had given the go-ahead for the NFF to contact the Malian Federation for both National Associations to agree between themselves. In its reply, dated 13th February, General Secretary Yacouba Traore said the Mali Football Federation had agreed in principle.

This means that the first leg will now take place in Nigeria on 9th May, with the return leg in Bamako on 16th May.

Coach Edwin Okon

…As Okon calls 36 to camp

Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon, has called to camp a total of 36 players in preparation for the 11th All-Africa Games qualifiers, 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers and the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

The players, made up of 10 foreign-based and 26 home girls, are to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 22nd February with their training kits, international passports and birth cerificates.

Among those listed are goalkeepers Ibubeleye Whyte and Precious Dede, defenders Onome Ebi, Faith Ikidi and Ngozi Ebere, midfielders Halimat Ayinde, Cecilia Nku and Osarenoma Igbinovia and strikers Asisat Oshoala, Uchechi Sunday and Desire Oparanozie.

The Falcons have an All-Africa Games qualifier away to Mali on 22nd March, with the return leg in Nigeria three weeks later, before they clash with the same Malian side in May in a 2016 Olympic Games qualifying fixture. The 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals take place in Canada 6th June – 5th July, 2015.

BELOW IS A FULL LIST OF ALL THE INVITEES:

Faith Ikidi (Pitea IF, Sweden);

Onome Ebi (FK Minsk, Belarus);

Osinachi Ohale (Houston Dash, USA);

Francisca Ordega (Pitea IF, Sweden);

Onyinyechi Okere (Edo Queens);

Alaba Jonathan (Pelican Stars);

Christy Ohieriaku (Osun Babes);

Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels);

Precious Dede (Ibom Queens);

Ugochi Njoku (Rivers Angels);

Mariam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons);

Halimat Ayinde (Delta Queens);

Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels);

Onyinyechi Ohadugha (Rivers Angels);

Esther Sunday (Pelican Stars);

Chisom Henry (Sunshine Queens);

Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels);

Desire Oparanozie (EN Avent De Guingamp);

Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels);

Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool Ladies);

Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens);

Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels);

Chikodi Amaefuna (Edo Queens);

Courtney Dike (Oklahoma State University, USA);

Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pelican Stars);

Patience Agbokadi (Sunshine Queens);

Osarenoma Igbinovia (Ibom Queens);

Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars);

Yetunde Adeboyejo (Bayelsa Queens);

Uchechi Sunday (Belarus);

Sarah Nnodim (Delta Queens);

Ebere Okoye (Nasarawa Amazons);

Sarah Michael (Kif Orebro, Sweden);

Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels);

Ini Umotong (Portsmouth Ladies, UK);

Okewole Funke (Sunshine Queens)

Ademola Olajire

Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns survives the Authority inspired tag team turmoil

In its continued bid to further expand the friction between Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns and also to put the rebelling duo in their place, the Authority decided to create a tag team turmoil which will pitch the two against most of the WWE tag team roaster in one night.

At the beginning of SmackDown, WWE Director of Operations, Kane informed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos, Los Matadores, The Miz & Damien Mizdow, Titus O’Neil & Heath Slater and The Ascension that they will be involved in a tag team turmoil which will see randomly selected teams do battle against each other, the winners of the match will remain in the ring to fight another randomly selected tag team.

Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns survives the Authority inspired tag team turmoil

Kane however stated that Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns are automatically selected to be the first contestant and they will to battle against another tag team within the ranks.

As it turned out, the first tag team to emerge was The Miz and Damien Mizdow. Despite the apparent friction between Bryan and Reigns, they were still able to overcome their foes.

The two WWE Fastlane opponents were able to overcome the rest of the challenges thrown at them by the Authority. However, just as it appears that the two have pass the Authority test, Kane and Big Show took to the ring in a bid to inflict the final punishment on the jaded duo.

Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns survives the Authority inspired tag team turmoil

The Authority had expected the friction between Bryan and Reigns to cause the two to implode under pressure, but ironically, it was Big Show and Kane that appears not to be on the same page.

The two giants kept getting in each other’s way all through the bout and a frustrated Big Show was forced to deliver the KO Punch on his tag team partner in the closing moments of the match.

Roman Reigns took advantage of the confusion to deliver the Spear on Big Show, leaving the World Largest Athletes open to the Running Knee from Bryan for the win.

Shehu Bello

Super Eagles To Play Bolivia In Uyo On March 26

The Nigeria Football Federation and its FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon have confirmed that the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, will tackle the Senior National Team of Bolivia in a grade A international friendly in Uyo on Thursday, 26th March.

“We have had to work at a pace to seal agreement for this match, after the Brazilian Football Federation opted out at the last hour.

“However, we believe that the Bolivia team will give the Super Eagles a good match, as we continue to work on a second match for the Eagles for either 29th March,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick said on Friday.

The game at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, rated as one of the most magnificent sporting infrastructure on the African continent, will be the first for the Super Eagles A this year as they countenance the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later in the year.

Akwa Ibom Stadium, photo internationaltradenes.com

“The NFF is committed to ensuring that the Super Eagles are occupied on every FIFA window, with quality games,” Amaju added.

The NFF is working assiduously to get the Eagles to play a top –ranked African team away on 29th March, as a result of the Presidential elections taking place on 28th March.

Ejo Calls 20 To Camp For Power Horse, Libya

Head Coach Audu Adamu Ejo has called 20 players to the camp of the Beach Soccer National Team as the two-time African champions come together again for next month’s Power Horse Invitational Tournament in South Africa and the qualifiers for the African Beach Soccer Championship.

Ejo, who led the Supersand Eagles to a credible seventh place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy in 2011, has ordered his charges to report to camp for serious sessions between 23rd February and 4th March.

The eight–nation Power Horse Invitational Tournament takes place in Durban, South Africa 6th – 8th March, while Nigeria hosts Libya on 14th March in the first leg of a qualifying fixture for the African Beach Soccer Championship. The return leg takes place in Libya on 20th March.

The 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship is scheduled for Seychelles between 14th – 19th April.

Among the invitees, who are expected to report at the Beach Soccer Camp in Badagry, Lagos are Bartholomew Ibenegbu (nicknamed Mosquito), Victor Talle and Abu Azeez.

Action during the 1st edition of Ekofootball Beach Soccer League

ALL THE INVITEES:

Goalkeepers: Oladipo Olalekan (Owibeseb FC, Lagos); Ehibhi Festus (Bridge Boys, Lagos); Ndubuisi Maduji (Stationery Stores, Lagos)

Defenders: Chinedu Richard (Eko Abete, Lagos); Emmanuel Ohweferi (Owibeseb, Lagos); Victor Talle Shinene (Confluence, Kogi); Idowu Olatunbosun (Enyimba, Aba); Atiku Sulaimon Dayo (Leads United, Lagos); Lati Sani (Bridge Boys, Lagos); Ogunjobi Kamoru (My People FC, Lagos); Isiaka Lawal (Leads United)

Strikers: Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Warri Wolves FC); Abu Azeez (Warri Wolves); Emeka Ogbonna (Leads United); Badmus Babatunde (Owibeseb, Lagos); Jamal Akewusola (Badagry Beach Soccer Team); Samad Kadiri (Union Bank); Edwin Opawe (My People FC); Okeke Leonard (My People FC); Akintunde Idowu (Owibeseb)

Rampant Russian Boxing Team Remain Perfect At Home Against British Lionhearts

A destructive performance in Moscow resulted in a whitewash 5-0 victory for Russian Boxing Team over British Lionhearts, who have still yet to win away from home this season.

Russian Boxing Team

Conversely, Russia are looking sublime in front of their home fans, and have not dropped a single bout when competing in their own country.

The action began at Light flyweight (52 kg) where Russia’s Vasiliy Egorov won his first match of the campaign, and consigned Lionheart Ashley Williams to his third consecutive WSB defeat.

Russia’s 2013 AIBA World Championships silver medalist Bantamweight (56 kg) Vladimir Nikitin then made it 2-0 on the night for his Franchise with a comfortable points win over Enrico La Cruz.

By the end of the third fight, the overall victory was already assured for Russian Boxing Team after Light welterweight (64 kg) Vitaliy Dunaytsev gave Sam Maxwell his first loss of the season with a dominant victory.

Middleweight (75 kg) Petr Khamukov then showcased his power as he stopped British debutant Daniel Woledge midway through the first round of their contest.

victory for Russian Boxing Team over British Lionhearts

The 5-0 victory was confirmed at Heavyweight (91 kg) as Russia’s 2013 AIBA World Championships silver medalist Evgeny Tishchenko easily win against Abdoulaye Diane.

Russian Boxing Team are at home again next week against Ukraine Otamans, while British Lionhearts face a tough test away to Cuba Domadores.

CAVB Development Commission Highlights The Great Era Of African Progress

African Volleyball Confederation “CAVB” President Dr Amr Elwani opened the Development Commission meeting in Cairo, Egypt on Friday with a welcome speech urging all the commission members to be up to the expectations and new challenges facing Africa.

Elwani said that Africa have a great leap forward due to the great work done in Development. “We need to have a good cooperation from the National Federations which will be the only way to progress,” He said. “We also have to present new ideas and creative opinions from the whole members,”

The commission president Nasiwa Sadik said in his speech that we CAVB have now to implement all the Projects we will have in this commission after most of the previous projects have been already launched successfully.

“Now we have also to monitor our previous projects and then evaluate the results to have the full success,” said Sadik

The meeting was attended by CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani, Development Commission President Nasiwa Sadik (UGA), Commission members Ahmed Khanou (SLN), Charles Uyisenga (RWA), Salaheddin Babiker (SUD), Fredreck Ndlovo (ZIM), Paul Atchoe (GHA), Sanga Kone (CIV), Baibamne Kianhykbo (CHD), the Development Centers Directors Mbaye Deme (SEN), Kamal Rakaya (TUN), Omar Elhaj (SUD) and CAVB Executive Director Howyda Mondy.

CAVB web site: http://www.cavb.org
Twitter: CAVB Tweets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAVBVolleyball
YouTube: CAVB Video
Instagram: CAVB_ volleyball

ICC Announces Mondelēz International As official Confectionery Partner For The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is pleased to welcome Mondelēz International in Australia and New Zealand as the Official Confectionery Partner with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, together with brands Cadbury, The Natural Confectionery Co., Pascall and Sour Patch will be celebrated in retail outlets in Australia and New Zealand, connecting fans’ passion for cricket with the popular confectionery brands.

Campbell Jamieson, ICC General Manager – Commercial, said: “We are pleased to partner with such an established brand as Mondelēz International for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup and we are confident that fans across Australia and New Zealand will enjoy their products across all 14 stadia at the game’s most prestigious 50-over event.”

Sarah Calman, Manager Strategic Partnerships & Events ANZ Mondelēz International said, “We are proud to be associated with this event and excited about the opportunity to bring our brands and consumers together via one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world.”

Morocco Proceed To Zonal Phase In Both Genders At CAVB Continental Cup

CAVB Continental Cup- Sub Zonal phase Pool 1 Zone 1

Algeria men’s team in action

Morocco Men and Women teams proceeded to the Zonal phase of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup following both teams’ qualification in Zone 1, Pool 1 tournament held in Kelibia, Tunisia last week.

The continental Cup acts as a qualifier for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games as the winner will book the tickets to the prestigious event.

The Tournament featured three countries in both genders as hosts Tunisia were joined by Algeria and Morocco in both genders.

Morocco men’s team in action

In the men’s tournament Tunisia and Morocco clinched their tickets after they finished first and second with 14 and 12 points respectively ahead of Algeria who finished third.

In the women’s side Morocco surprised the home crowed as they got the top of the ranking with 14 points and will be joined by Algeria who finished second with 12 points, The host Tunisia came third and were eliminated.

Tunisia women’s team in action

Men’s Ranking

Team. Points
01. TUNISIA. 14 PTS
02. MOROCCO. 12 PTS
03. ALGERIA. 10 PTS

Women’s Ranking

Team Points
01. MOROCCO. 14 PTS
02. ALGERIA. 12 PTS
03. TUNISIA. 10 PTS