Archive | June 2015

Benitez promises more signings for Real Madrid….

Rafa Benitez

New Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has said Real Madrid will be bringing in more reinforcements this summer, but has not divulged who they might be or which players might be on their way out. “Of course there will be,” Benitez told his club’s official website, when asked about new arrivals. “But let me just say that to improve the current Real Madrid side is enormously difficult. “This team has won it all and has proved the level it has. The fans can be certain that the team will have the level of competitiveness that this club demands.”

NFF to investigate Keshi’s Cote d’Ivoire application….

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it will investigate reports that national team coach Stephen Keshi applied to manage Ivory Coast. On Friday, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced it had received 59 applications  in the race to succeed Herve Renard. The list will be then be narrowed down to three who will be interviewed. The FIF initially published the name of every man to declare interest in the job, including Stephen Keshi. He is still employed by Nigeria having signed a new deal in April. The page on FIF website listing Keshi and 58 other applicants for the Elephants job has been taken down but the NFF insists that will not prevent ‘a full investigation’. “The NFF will open a full investigation to determine whether Mr Stephen Keshi actually applied for the vacant Ivory Coast job,” NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport. “There will be no hasty decision. We hope to get a full part from the Ivory Coast football federation before making an official statement.” Keshi returned as Nigeria coach for the third time in April by signing a two-year contract with the NFF.

Tanzania sack Coach Nooij….

Tanzania coach

Mart Nooij has been sacked as national coach of Tanzania following a 3-0 home defeat to Uganda in the first leg of their preliminary round African Nations Championship (CHAN)) qualifier. The match, one of three in East Africa this weekend in the competition for locally-based players, was dominated by Uganda who completed a double over Tanzania in the last CHAN qualifiers. Erisa Ssekisambu scored in each half before Farouk Miya converted a late penalty to secure a first leg victory and signal the end of Nooij’s reign. Nooij has paid the price for a string of poor results since taking over as coach of the Taifa Stars 14 months ago. Last weekend, Tanzania lost 3-0 to Egypt in their first 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Tanzania Football Federation announced the news on their website   and say they will name a replacement in due course.

Serbia are U-20 World Cup winners….

Players of Serbia celebrate winning the FIFA U20 World Cup

Serbia on Saturday made history as they won the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in New Zealand. They defeated Brazil by two goals to one in the final match. Mali took the bronze medal as they defeated Senegal 3-1 in the third-place match.

Canada 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round-16 fixtures

Big names and bold newcomers shine

Saturday 20 June 2015:

Germany vs Sweden 9pm

China PR vs Cameroon 12:30am (June 21)

Sunday 21 June 2015:

Brazil vs Australia 6pm

France vs Korea Republic 9pm

Canada vs Switzerland 12:30am (June 22)

Monday 22 June 2015:

Norway vs England 10pm

USA vs Columbia 1am (June 23)

Tuesday 23 June 2015:

Japan vs Netherlans 3am (June 24)

*Time = Nigerian.

Richards signs for Aston Villa….

Micah Richards

Aston Villa have signed Manchester City right-back Micah Richards on a free transfer. The 26-year-old, who has 13 England caps, has agreed a four-year deal and will move to Villa Park on 1 July after his contract with City expires. Richards was a key member of City’s Premier League-winning side of 2011-12 but found his chances limited under manager Manuel Pellegrini. He spent last season on loan with Serie A side Fiorentina. Richards is Villa’s first signing of the summer, delighting manager Tim Sherwood, who said: “I’m sure he will prove to be an excellent signing for the football club.” He joined City as a 14-year-old from Oldham and made his Premier League debut in October 2005. A year later aged 18, he became the youngest defender ever to be called up to the England squad. Richards made almost 250 appearances for City. He won the FA Cup with the Blues in 2011 and a second Premier League title in 2013-14, although he only made two league appearances in that season.

Barca’s Neymar and Bartomeu face fraud inquiry….

A Spanish court has agreed to allow a fraud case against Barcelona’s Brazilian star Neymar, weeks after the club itself was ordered to stand trial. He was signed by Barcelona in 2013 for a reported €57m ($65m; £41m) and helped the club to success in this season’s Champions League and La Liga. But the courts believe the real price paid by Barcelona was far higher. A Brazilian investment firm which owned 40% of his transfer rights argues it was defrauded out of millions of euros. Barcelona’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, his predecessor, Sandro Rosell, as well as Neymar’s father and his former club Santos have been named in the complaint by the company, DIS. Investigators allege that Barcelona paid €83.3m for Neymar, but declared only €57.1m. A judge ruled last month that the initial case, which centres on allegations that the club tried to mislead tax authorities, should be heard by a court in Barcelona rather than in the National Court in Madrid. That case is already being challenged by the club, its president and former president. As part of the latest investigation, the court said several European clubs had been asked for details of bids they had made for Neymar between 2009 and 2013, while he was at Santos. The clubs named included Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The allegations surrounding Neymar’s move to Barcelona prompted Sandro Rosell to resign as president in January last year.

Wilshere fined £40,000….

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere has been fined £40,000 by the Football Association and severely warned as to his future conduct after admitting to a charge of misconduct. Wilshere was found guilty of making and/or inciting certain comments during the club’s open bus trophy tour after their FA Cup Final victory, with his conduct deemed to be improper and bringing the game into disrepute.

Dangote still hopeful of Arsenal takeover….

Aliko Dangote

Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote says he is planning a bid to buy Arsenal. The Nigerian billionaire believes the building of an oil refinery in his homeland will give him the finance to secure a takeover. The 58-year-old, who has an estimated wealth of £11.5bn, says he has supported the Gunners since the 1980s. “When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for,” he told BBC Hausa. “The club is doing well, but they need more direction than the current situation, where they just develop players and sell them.”

Real Madrid’s Prieto wants to play for Nigeria….

Derik Osede

Former Spain youth international defender Derik Osede Prieto has revealed to BBC Sport why he wants to play for Nigeria. The 22-year-old centre-back, who is known simply as Derik, has played at all youth levels for Spain including two appearances for the Under-21 team. But Derik, a regular for European giants Real Madrid’s B side, is eligible to play for the Super Eagles because his father is Nigerian. And under Fifa rules he is free to switch because he has not yet played for a country’s senior national team. Despite possessing the talent to potentially make the step up to Spain’s senior side, Derik has issued what appears to be effectively a come-and-get-me plea to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “I have lived in Spain all my life and I am not sure the people in Nigeria are aware that I have Nigerian blood,” Derik told BBC Sport.

Continue reading

Canada 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Results….

Abby Wambach of USA scores her team's first goal

Tuesday 16 June 2015:

Switzerland 1 – 2 Cameroon

Ecuador 0 – 1 Japan

Nigeria 0 – 1 USA

Australia 1 – 1 Sweden

Super Falcons of Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire women are out of the Women’s World Cup. Cameroon is Africa’s sole representative in the Round-16 stage.

van der Vaart joins Real Betis….

Rafael van der Vaart

Rafael van der Vaart has joined La Liga newcomers Real Betis. The 32-year-old, who has won 109 caps for the Netherlands, has signed a three-year deal and moves on a free transfer from Hamburg. “Betis is a great club and I am happy to come to the best league in the world,” he said. “I have had two poor years at Hamburg but I still believe I am a good player. I was talking to the coach (Pepe Mel) and we want to win the league.”

Goalkeeper Ulreich joins Bayern Munich….

Sven Ulreich

Bayern Munich have added Sven Ulreich to their stockpile of keepers. The 26-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, had played for Stuttgart for his whole career. Manuel Neuer is Bayern Munich’s first choice, while ex-Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was his back-up last season. Tom Starke, 34, is also at the Allianz Arena. “I was looking for a new challenge after many years with Stuttgart. FC Bayern is exactly the right place for me to be,” said Ulreich.

Cycling Cup organisers sorry for bikini women….

Podium at Flanders Diamond Tour

Lotto Cycling Cup organisers have apologised after the winners of a women’s race in Belgium were flanked by models wearing bikinis. A picture of the podium was posted on Twitter after Wiggle-Honda’s Jolien d’Hoore won the Antwerp to Nijlen stage of the Flanders Diamond Tour. Dutch racing cyclist and journalist Marijn de Vries described the scene as “an utter disgrace”. Lotto Cycling Cup organisers added they were not responsible. In a series of tweets, they said plans had been made by local organisers and they found the podium “inappropriate”.

AC Milan sack manager Inzaghi….

AC Milan have sacked coach Filippo Inzaghi after just a year in charge. Inzaghi, 41, replaced former Milan team-mate Clarence Seedorf – who only lasted five months – as manager last June. Milan finished in 10th place in Serie A in 2014-15.