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More troubles for Mourinho as he is sued….

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro in addition to the action she is bringing against the club for constructive dismissal, it can be revealed. Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro – papers are to be served this week. The constructive dismissal claim now has two respondents – Chelsea FC and Jose Mourinho – both are legally liable so whilst linked are also separate. In the case of Jose Mourinho the claim will argue that Carneiro was subject to victimisation and or discrimination. The claim against Mourinho will be on the basis that he was instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from first-team duties and effectively demoted. It means the Portuguese manager will have to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand. Under employment law, an individual can be personally liable for damages if victimisation or discrimination can be proved.

Nigeria thrash Brazil to reach U-17 World Cup Semis….

The team of Nigeria line up for praying during the FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup 2015 quarter final

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria cruised into the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals after stunning Brazil with three goals in five first half minutes in a 3-0 victory. Victor Osimhen, with his eighth goal in five games, Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu battered Brazil, and the Golden Eaglets played the rest of the game out at a canter to reach the final four. Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits. A Seleção were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao. Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out. The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. They will head to Concepcion for Thursday’s semi-final against the winner of tomorrow’s quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico. Mali, another Africa’s representative also reached the semis by beating Croatia with a lone goal.

English Premier League results….

Watford v West Ham

Saturday 31st October 2015:

Chelsea 1 – 3 Liverpool

Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Manchester United

Manchester City 2 – 1 Norwich (Kelechi Iheanacho made his first premier league start for City)

Newcastle 0 – 0 Stoke

Swansea 0 – 3 Arsenal

Watford 2 – 0 West Ham

West Brom 2 – 3 Leicester

Liverpool win adds to Mourinho troubles….

Philippe Coutinho scores his second goal for Liverpool at Chelsea

Liverpool piled the pressure on Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as Jurgen Klopp secured a hugely impressive first Premier League win since taking charge at Anfield by beating Chelsea 3- 1 at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho was recently given the backing of Chelsea’s hierarchy after their poor start to the season – but whether their faith remains after this desperate defeat remains to be seen. Chelsea made the perfect start when Ramires headed them into the lead after only three minutes but Liverpool’s confidence was not dented and Philippe Coutinho equalised spectacularly in first-half stoppage time. Coutinho put Liverpool ahead with a shot that deflected off John Terry with 16 minutes left before substitute Christian Benteke wrapped up a victory Klopp’s side thoroughly deserved. How long more will Jose stay? We’ll get to see.

Ighalo scores twice as Watford win….

Odion Ighalo

Watford secured their second win in a row with victory over West Ham as Odion Ighalo continued his goalscoring form. Ighalo turned home the opener after Nathan Ake robbed a dallying Andy Carroll in defence and crossed low. The Nigerian doubled Watford’s lead just after the break, firing home from Ikechi Anya’s cut-back for his seventh goal of the season. Enner Valencia intercepted Craig Cathcart’s poor backpass but hit the post, before James Collins saw red. The centre-back was dismissed for a foul on Ighalo, who was then replaced by Adlene Guedioura. Watford’s win, their second at home since promotion from the Championship last term, moves them up to ninth, while West Ham drop to fifth.  Odion Ighalo is now the highest scorer in Watford’s Premier League history, overtaking Heidar Helguson and Hameur Bouazza. This is the first time Watford have scored more than once at home in a Premier League game since April 2007 (4-2 v Portsmouth). Ighalo has now been involved in Watford’s last nine Premier League goals, scoring seven and setting up two.

Figo backs Infantino for FIFA president….

Gianni Infantino and Luis Figo

Former candidate Luis Figo has come out in support of UEFA’s Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. In a statement, Figo has praised Infantino, saying he “knows football inside out and his experience, competence, hard work and honesty make him the best candidate for the FIFA presidency”. “I fully support him in this race and I humbly ask all of those who will vote on the 26th of February to back Gianni Infantino. He won’t let football down”.

Russia bans foreign football managers at club level….

It has emerged that the Ministry of Sport in Russia has signed a document banning all foreign head coaches. According to Eurosport, the bill was signed on September 21st and published on the official web portal of legal information on October 28th. Interestingly, the Russian national team can still be run by a foreign coach. At clubs, they can employ foreigners as coaches – but not the head coach. Of the sixteen clubs in the Russian Premier League, six are run by foreigners. It’s unclear how soon they will be forced to leave their jobs. Former Chelsea coach, Andre Villas-Boas who now coaches Zenith St. Petersburg is one of the coaches to be affected by this new development.

 

Iheanacho hails Big Brother Bony….

Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed how “big brother” Wilfried Bony has made him feel part of the Manchester City family. Kelechi gave another glimpse of his exciting potential in City’s 5-1 Capital One Cup win over Crystal Palace, scoring one and making two others, and says Bony is a big help to him. The Nigerian teenager made his first start alongside Bony against Palace and says his fellow African has taken him under his wing. “Wilfried is a very good striker who is strong and intelligent,” said the forward. “He talks to me all the time and advises me. “We sit together in the dressing room and he’s like a big brother to me. Yaya too, I’m happy being with them.”

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Oliseh unveils Super Eagles team for Swaziland tie….

Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh has released a team of 24 players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Swaziland. The two–legged fixture will take place over four days next month, with the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, November 13, and the return at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, November 17. Obafemi Martins is making a comeback to the team after announcing months back that he has retired from international football. Kelechi Iheanacho is being called up to the Super Eagles for the first time. The list is made up of 18 foreign based pros and 6 home based players.

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Golden Eaglets soar into Quarterfinals in style….

Kelechi Nwakali of Nigeria celebrate with his team mates after he scores the 2nd goal

Reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria advanced to a quarter-final meeting against Brazil on the back of a hat-trick from the impressive Victor Osimhen, ending Australia’s run with a one-sided 6-0 victory in Vina Del Mar. The tale of the first half was compacted into a three-minute period as Nigeria scored twice sandwiched either side of a gilt-edged opening for Australia. It was 2-0 at the interval, and the game was still a contest until the final 17 minutes before Nigeria ran riot against an Australian side looking flat after surviving the ‘group of death’. The Aussies started in pro-active fashion, but it was Funsho Ibrahim Bamgboye who hit the post with a rasping shot from the edge of the penalty area as Nigeria’s first effort narrowly failed to break the deadlock. That moment came on 22 minutes as Osimhen showed just why he is the tournament’s leading goalscorer by bursting forward with pace and power on the left, before turning his defender and sliding the ball impressively inside the far post.

Australia could have drawn level immediately with Cameron Joice seeing his shot saved, while Lucas Derrick pushed the follow-up wide as a golden opportunity was spurned. Almost immediately Nigeria were two in front as Funsho Bambgboye went to ground in the penalty area, and Kelechi Nwakali coolly slotted home the resultant penalty. The two goals seemed to inspire the Nigerians who took a greater hold as the half wore on creating several half-openings around the Aussie goal. Nigeria continued their powerful performance after the break, and although Australia dominated possession for periods, it was the Africans who ended the contest with a third. Osimhen scored twice in the space of six minutes, the second with another laser-perfect drive into the top corner. The deflated Aussies conceded to more goals in the dying minutes as firstly substitute Edidiong Michael Essien, and then Samuel Chukwueze, inflicted further pain as Nigeria stormed into the last-eight in confident fashion.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen scored the first hat-trick of Chile 2015 to see him stand alone as the outright top goalscorer in the competition so far with seven goals. The Golden Eaglets 6-0 victory over Australia is the joint-biggest win in the history of the FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stages, level with Japan’s 6-0 win against their antipodean neighbours New Zealand in 2011, which also come in the Round of 16.

Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Results….

Former champions reign as hosts depart

Wednesday 28th October 2015:

Brazil 1 – 0 New Zealand

Mexico 4 – 1 Chile

Nigeria 6 – 0 Australia 

Korea Republic 0 – 2 Belgium

Today’s Fixtures (Thursday 29th October 2015):

Croatia vs Germany 9pm

Mali vs Korea DPR 9pm

Russia vs Ecuador 12am (Friday morning)

France vs Costa Rica 12am (Friday morning)

*Time = Nigerian.

FIFA Presidential election candidates confirmed….

Fifa candidates

Seven candidates will stand in FIFA’s presidential election on 26 February. The candidates are: Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, Musa Bility, Jerome Champagne, Gianni Infantino, Michel Platini, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa and Tokyo Sexwale. Trinidadian ex-footballer David Nakhid was not included on the list, despite saying he had submitted his candidacy. The election is to find a successor to the suspended Sepp Blatter, who is under criminal investigation. The Swiss 79-year-old announced he would be stepping down in June, with world football’s governing body at the centre of a corruption scandal. Nigeria’s Orji Uzor Kalu and Segun Odegbami who decleared interest did not make it to this level as they later bowed out.

PhotoSpeak….

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Boxer Floyd Mayweather chilling with his new 2015 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse that cost $3,498,000. The Money Man indeed.

 

 

Mourinho charged by FA with misconduct again….

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

How much can Jose Mourinho take these days? He has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over his language and behaviour in Chelsea’s defeat by West Ham United. Mourinho was sent to the stands after going to speak to referee Jon Moss in his room at half-time on Saturday. Both clubs have been charged for failing to control their players and have until 29 October to respond. Chelsea are already facing a £25,000 fine for receiving more than five bookings in the Premier League loss. As well as the two yellow cards given to Nemanja Matic, Chelsea also had Cesar Azpilicueta, Willian, Cesc Fabregas, John Mikel Obi and Diego Costa booked at Upton Park. Mourinho’s assistant Silvino Louro was also dismissed during the match and has been charged with misconduct in relation to his behaviour in the technical area. The club is also going to be asked by the Premier League to explain why Mourinho did not take part in the post-match news conference. On Friday, Mourinho warned that his relationship with the media would be changing after phone camera footage of him in west London was published. Mourinho watched most of the second half from the directors’ box at Upton Park, but disappeared shortly after Carroll headed home West Ham’s winner to make it 2-1, and did not reappear to fulfil his post-match press duties. The Premier League has confirmed that should a club fail to undertake media obligations, the governing body will write to them to obtain their reasons before deciding on any sanction. It added that this can range from a warning to a fine, with each case looked at on its merits.

Rigobert Song is Chad’s new coach….

Chad have named former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song as their new national team coach. The 39-year-old was appointed on Monday to succeed Frenchman Emmanuel Tregoat, who was fired after failing to qualify the team for CHAN 2016. “It’s not going to be an easy task to qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup but we are prepared to give our best,” said the ex-Liverpool and West Ham defender. Song’s first task is a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt in November. Les Sao will host the Pharaohs in the first match of the two-legged tie in N’Djamena on the 14th of the month. During his playing career, Song won over 100 caps for the Indomitable Lions, and also became the first African to play at four World Cups. Having made his international debut against Mexico in 1993, the former Galatasaray defender captained Cameroon for 10 years until Eto’o took on the role in late 2009. In 2003 he witnessed the death of Marc-Vivien Foe, who died on the pitch during Cameroon’s Confederations Cup match against Colombia. Song retired from international football in 2010 after playing at the World Cup in South Africa – the only time the tournament has been held on the continent. Highlights of his club career include a four-year spell at Turkish side Galatasaray and three years in England playing for Liverpool and West Ham between 1999 and 2002.

Aston Villa sack Sherwood….

Aston Villa have sacked manager Tim Sherwood after eight months in charge. Villa are bottom of the Premier League following a 2-1 defeat by Swansea – the club’s sixth straight league loss – and Sunderland’s first win of the season. The club said in a statement: “The board believes the results on the pitch were simply not good enough and that a change is imperative.” The club are expected to speak to a number of potential replacements, and an announcement may not be made until after next week. Appointed in February to replace Paul Lambert, Sherwood reached the FA Cup final and led the club to a 17th-placed finish in his first season in charge, but has won one of ten league matches this term. Villa have not won since the opening day and are four points from safety. Sherwood has overseen just 28 games in all competitions – the shortest spell of any permanent Villa manager. The club’s statement  offered Sherwood “sincere thanks for all his efforts during a difficult period last season and for the many positive contributions he has made to the entire football set-up”. After the defeat to Swansea, Sherwood evaded questions about his future, saying when asked whether he would be in the job next week that he was “not the person to ask”. He added: “I feel like the club is in a hole. At the moment we are short.” Villa’s next game is against Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday. The Villa job was Sherwood’s second Premier League appointment following a spell at Tottenham Hotspur. The former Spurs midfielder was appointed at White Hart Lane in December 2013, but was dismissed in May 2014 despite the club finishing sixth in the Premier League.