COPA LAGOS 2015 KICKS OFF WITH KIDS BEACH SOCCER CLINIC TOMORROW

COPA LAGOS 2015 Beach Soccer fiesta is set to kick off 10am tomorrow 16th Dec’ at the Eko Atlantic Beach side with the Kids beach soccer clinic, the clinic which is a partnership initiative with Lagos State Sports Commission will have Fc Barcelona Beach Soccer team captain Romiro Amarelle as facilitator he will be supported by the Super Sand Eagles captain Bartholomew Igbenegbu and five local coaches.

In a related development the Lagos State Sports Commission has thrown its weight behind COPALagos 2015 Beach Soccer fiesta by making provision for 100-150 kids between the age of 8 and 14years from various schools around the coastal areas in Lagos state to attend the COPA LAGOS 2015 Kids Beach Soccer Clinic.

The commission through her media department has sent a clarion call for supports from all stake holders in the sports industry. The commission expressed delight at the partnership as the event is geared towards developing Beach football stars from the state.

According to the chairman of the commission, ‘the partnership is an investment into the future of Nigerian football as young stars will be trained from the tournament. This partnership will equally improve the line up of activities for the tournament by incorporating a younger audience’.

Durban, South Africa – March, 7:
African Trophy Durban 2015 at South Beach Durban on March 7, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Lea Weil)

He promised that the partnership will be the beginning of further collaborations with Kinetic Sports. Lagosians were also urged to be at the Eko Atlantic City from December 18 to 20 2015 to enjoy the activities for this year’s tournament.

Some of the sponsors and partners of the tournament which include FCMB and Supersport will be providing kits and balls with other gift items, while Pepsi will be providing refreshment during the tournament. Copa Lagos is Nigeria’s entertaining international beach soccer festival with other lifestyle events which include fashion, music and food festival.

Men’s African Olympic Volleyball Qualifier Attracts record participation

Congo Brazzaville is now getting ready to host the historic 2016 Men’s African Qualification tournament for Rio de Janeiro which will feature a record of participating countries.

The qualifiers will be hosted in Brazzaville January 7 to 14, 2016 in presence of 23 countries competing for the African slot at the 2016 Olympics, while the runner up and third placed teams will have other opportunities throughout the World Olympic qualifiers.

At the top of the list of participants comes Tunisia who qualified to the last Olympics in London 2012. Tunisia carries the record of qualification to the Sports prestigious event with 6 times at the Olympics 1972 (Munich), 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 (Seoul), 1996 (Atlanta), 2004 (Athens) and 2012 (London). Beijing

Tunisia’a outside hitter Ismail Moalla in action

With a star studded team, Egypt wants to continue their successful run in the last 10 years during which they grabbed the African Nations Championship’s title for 6 consecutive times. They also want to revenge their defeat against their compatriots Tunisia in the last qualifiers in Cameroon 2012. Egypt qualified to the Olympic Games in 3 occasions: 1984 (Los Angeles), 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing).

With a promising team, Algeria dream to qualify to the Olympic after 26 y of absence since their last qualification in Barcelona 1992 which is the only time they existed in the quadrennial event. The team comprising of youngsters won early this year the gold medal at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

All Africa Games big surprise Congo Brazzaville who stood for the first time in the silver medal podium come as a new force aiming for the first qualification for the Olympics.

Congo team celebrating during the last AAG

The registered teams for the Olympic qualifier are Algeria, Tunisia, Gambia, Cape Verde, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Congo RDC, Cameroon, Gabon, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Madagascar and Senegal

History of African qualifiers for Olympic Games
– Tunisia : 6 times: 1972 (Munich), 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 (Seoul), 1996 (Atlanta), 2004 (Athens), 2012 (London).
– Egypt : 3 times : 1984 (Los Angeles), 2000 (Sydney), 2008 (Beijing).
– Algeria : 1 time : 1992 (Barcelona).
– Libya : 1 time : 1980 (Moscow).

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2015 Rivers SWAN Cup Fixtures Released

The draws for the 2015 Rivers state SWAN 5-A-Side football competition tagged “Henry Kalio Cup” were conducted yesterday (Monday) at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt.

In the pick of the pairings, Wave FM were drawn in the same group A alongside local rivals Garden City Radio. Both organizations are merely 3 electric poles apart and it serves for a tantalising local derby when both teams meet on Matchday 2.

Other teams in Group A are the combined force of Tide/Independent Monitor Newspapers as well as the overhyped CoolWazobiaNigeriaInfo team.

In Group B, Rivers State Television (RSTV) will lock horns with the youthful Today FM as well as the boastful Treasure FM and Rhythm FM.

Competition starts on Wednesday at the Sharks Football Stadium, Port Harcourt.

In a related development, 1980 Nations Cup winner and former Commisiioner of Justice in Rivers State, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka has opted to donate a gigantic trophy to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State chapter in honour of the late Henry Kalio. Amiesimaka says it is his own way of immortalizing Kalio, who he describes as an “icon in Sports journalism”.

DRAWS AND FIXTURES
Group A
Wave FM
The Tide/Independent Monitor
Garden City Radio
CoolWazobiaInfo

Group B
R.S.T.V
Today FM
Rhythm FM
Treasure FM

FIXTURES
Wednesday 16th December;
A – Wave FM vs Tide/Independent Monitor
A – Garden City Radio vs CoolWazobiaInfo
B – R.S.T.V. vs Today FM
B – Rhythm FM vs Treasure FM

Thursday 17th December
A – Wave FM vs Garden City Radio
A – Tide/Monitor vs CoolWazobiaInfo
B – R.S.T.V vs Rhythm FM
B – Today FM vs Treasure FM

Friday 18th December
A – Wave FM vs CoolWazobiaInfo
A – Garden City Radio vs Tide/Monitor
B – R.S.T.Vvs Treasure FM
B – Today FM vs Rhythm FM

Saturday 19th December

Semi-finals
Match 13 – Winner A vs Runner-up B
Match 14 – Winner B vs Runner-up A

Losers’ Final
Loser Match 13 vs Loser Match 14

FINAL
Winner Match 13 vs Winner Match 14.

Dates and Venues Confirmed for 2016 BNP Paribas World Team Cup Wheelchair Tennis Event

The ITF has announced details of the regional qualifying events for the 2016 BNP Paribas World Team Cup, the ITF’s flagship wheelchair tennis team event. The main event will be hosted by the Japan Tennis Association (JTA) at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo on 23-28 May 2016.

This is the first time that the BNP Paribas World Team Cup will be staged in Japan, and only the second occasion that the event will be held in Asia following the 2012 edition in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The BNP Paribas World Team Cup, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015, is the ITF’s flagship wheelchair tennis event, often referred to as the Davis and Fed Cups of wheelchair tennis. The initial event took place in California in 1985 involving six men’s teams. The women’s competition began the following year, with quad and junior events introduced in 1998 and 2000 respectively. Due to the increased number of teams wanting to take part, the ITF introduced regional qualifying for the men’s and women’s events in 2012.

Over 100 teams from around 50 countries will take part in the 2016 competition. Four regional qualifying events will determine the six men’s and four women’s teams to join the direct entries in the finals in Tokyo. In Tokyo, teams will contest the men’s World Group (12 nations), men’s World Group II (12 nations), women’s World Group (12 nations), quad event (8 teams) and junior event (8 teams).

Ariake Colosseum
photo credit Hideya HAMANO
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode

The current list of dates and venues is as follows:

18-21 February: Africa Qualification – Nairobi Club, Nairobi, Kenya

27 February-1 March: Asian Qualification – Sri Lanka Tennis Association, Colombo, Sri Lanka

5-8 March: Americas Qualification – Cuenca Tennis and Golf Club, Cuenca, Ecuador

22-26 March: European Qualification – Kaya Belek Resort Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

23-28 May: Finals – Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan

The Ariake Colosseum will also be the venue for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events. It regularly stages Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties, in addition to the Japan Open ATP event.

BNP Paribas has been the event’s title sponsor since 2012, and recently extended its sponsorship through 2021 as part of its overall agreement with the ITF.

ITF President David Haggerty said: “We are pleased to see the continued growth of the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, which is the most prestigious team competition on the ITF’s wheelchair tennis calendar. The ITF is delighted that the main event will be staged for the first time in Japan, a nation with a long tradition of wheelchair tennis and some of the sport’s most recognisable stars.”

Liverpool Get Lovren Injury Boost

Liverpool and Croatia international Dejan Lovren, has not suffered Knee ligament damage as first feared when he was stretchered off in the Reds 2-2 draw against the Baggies.

The 26 year old defender was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches but result from the scan shows he would only be out for three weeks.

Lovren who has regained form under new manager Jurgen Klopp will now miss Liverpool games against Watford, Leicester, Sunderland and West-Ham.

Dejan Lovren, photo credit: Dudek1337
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode

Ademola Adejuwon

Newfanzone BPL Team of the week (Game Week 16)

Formation: 4-2-1-3

Goalkeeper- Joe Hart (Manchester City):

The England No 1 shot stopper was at his best at the weekend making top saves against a rejuvenated Swansea attack. He made six saves at the Etihad on Saturday.

Right back- Allan Nyom (Watford):

The Cameroonian international defender had an outstanding game against Sunderland at the weekend. He had a good defensive performance, minimising the threat of Jermain Defoe from the flank and he set up Odion Ighalo’s 10th goal of the season.

Centre back- Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion):

Jonas Ollson was a “rock” at the heart of West Brom’s defence at Anfield on Sunday. He co-ordinated the Baggies defence, making 10 clearances in the process. He capped off his fine performance by scoring a lovely header against the Reds.

Centre back- Simon Francis (Bournemouth):

Simon Francis had an outstanding game against Manchester United at the weekend. He was “solid” in defence and made runs forward to support the attack.

Left back- Nathan Ake (Watford):

The young Dutch defender continued his fine form against Sunderland at the stadium of light on Saturday. His darting runs help his team pile a lot of pressure on Sunderland’s defence.

Centre midfield- Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace):

The French midfielder dictated the pace of game in the midfield and capped off his fine performance with a well-taken goal.

Centre midfield- Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):

The Welshman is enjoying life in the centre of the Arsenal’s midfield. His creativity and build-up play is a joy to watch. He capped off his stand-out performance with a fine goal.

Attacking midfield- Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City):

The Algerian playmaker continued his “magical” form against Chelsea on Monday night, setting up Jamie Vardy’s 15th goal of the season and also scoring a stunning goal to send Claudio Ranieri’s men back to the summit of the Premier League table.

Forward- Joshua King (Bournemouth):

The former Manchester United striker tormented the “red devils” young defence through out the match and scored the winning goal.

Forward- Odion Ighalo (Watford):

The Nigerian international striker continued his blistering form against Sunderland, he simply can’t stop scoring as he got his 10th goal of the season at the weekend.

Forward- Romelu Lukaku (Everton):

The Belgian striker is “on fire” scoring in his sixth successive Premier League match in Everton’s 1-1 away draw with Norwich.

918.com Sponsor Snooker’s German Masters

World Snooker is delighted to announce that 918.com will be title sponsor of the German Masters for the first time.

The 918.com German Masters will run from February 3 to 7 in Berlin and it will be the first world ranking event of 2016. It is staged at the famous 2,500-seater Tempodrom, widely recognised as one of the best venues on the snooker circuit. The event will receive extensive live television coverage from Eurosport and throughout the Middle East and Asia.

The qualifying rounds will run from December 17 to 20 in Wigan, with 128 players each needing to win two matches to make it to the final stages in Berlin. Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, John Higgins and defending champion Mark Selby will be among the top stars in action.

Ronnie O’Sullivan photo credit “DerHexer, Wikimedia Commons, CC-by-sa 4.0”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to welcome 918.com to the snooker family. Our sport is tremendously popular in the Asian markets and they will get some fantastic exposure for their brand.

“The German Masters has become one of the highlights of the calendar as the fans in Berlin have taken snooker to their hearts and the event always generates a wonderful atmosphere at the Tempodrom. We look forward to working with the 918.com team on another top class event.”

Chloe Tseng, Commercial Director of the sponsor, added: “This is the first time the 918 Group will be on the stage of World Snooker. We are so excited and more than happy to be connecting with the world’s most gentle and beautiful sport! The German Masters is a wonderful event with so many snooker talents.

“We believe all snooker fans will enjoy a great time. And this is simply the start of our involvement with snooker. The 918 Group will work closely with the snooker world to present more excellence in the sport in the near future.”

Tickets for the final stages in Berlin are on sale now but sessions are selling out so fans must book fast – for details see http://www.snookerstars.de

For the qualifying rounds at Robin Park sports centre in Wigan, access for fans is free.

UEFA Names Atkinson, Rizzoli & co As Refs For Euro 2016

EPL Referees, Martin Atkinson and Mark Clattenberg have been selected by UEFA to officiate the European championship next year in France.

The host country are represented by 33-year old Clement Turpin who officiated in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

One notable name on the list is Italian Nicola Rizzoli who was the centre referee at the World Cup final in Brazil last year.

Other referees that represented UEFA at the mundial in Brazil include; Cunyet Cakir, Milorad Mazic, Bjorn Kuipers, Carlos Carballo, Felix Brych & Jonas Eriksson.

Martin Atkinson
photo credit:Egghead06
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode

The Full List Of Referees;

– Martin Atkinson & Mark Clattenberg (England)

– Cunyet Cakir (Turkey)

– Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

– Clement Turpin (France)

– Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

– William Collum (Scotland)

– Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

– Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

– Sergey Karasev (Russia)

– Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

– Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

– Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

– Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

– Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

– Svein Moen (Norway)

– Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

GLO – CAF AWARDS: AUBAMEYANG, AYEW, TOURE IN TOP THREE

Yaya Touré
photo credit Football.ua
https:::creativecommons.org:licenses:by-sa:3.0:legalcode

The top three contenders for the 2015 African Player of the Year have been revealed.

They are; Andre Ayew (Ghana/ Swansea City), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/ Borussia Dortmund) and Yaya Toure (Cote d”Ivoire/ Manchester City).

Andre Ayew photo credit: Pierre-Yves Beaudouin http///creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode

The trio was unveiled at a press conference attended by CAF Excutive member Anjorin Moucharafou and Glo representatives on Monday, 14 December 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria.

For the African Player of the Year – Based in Africa, the top three finalists are; Baghdad Boundjah (Algeria/: Etoile du Sahel), Mbwana Aly Samata (Tanzania/ TP Mazembe) and Robert Kidiaba (DR Congo/ TP Mazembe) ‎.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund and Dante of Munich compete for the ball photo credit ar.fifa.com

The winner to be decided by votes from Head Coaches or Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF ‎will be announced at the Glo-CAF Awards Gala on 7 January 2016.