Real Madrid’s world famous Santiago Bernabéu stadium is set to be renamed the Abu Dhabi Bernabéu, according to the Spanish sports newspaper AS. The report has not been confirmed by Real Madrid but the club’s president Florentino Pérez was reportedly caught on camera admitting to a member of the regional government that the stadium will be called whatever the Abu Dhabi investment group IPIC want it to be called. In October, Real Madrid agreed a “long-term strategic partnership” with Abu Dhabi fund International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) aimed at strengthening the club’s status as the world’s richest, and help fund a planned stadium overhaul. The agreement includes setting up Real museums and expanding their soccer schools around the world, as well as creating content for digital media platforms, said IPIC, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Madrid have not said that the stadium will be renamed, although Pérez has admitted that it might be given a “surname”, reports suggest. The European champions last year agreed a five-year shirt sponsorship deal with Dubai-based airline Emirates that Spanish media reported was worth €30 million a season. Real chose a design led by German architects GMP for the remodeling of the Bernabeu, which was opened in the 1950s and holds just over 80,000 spectators. The club hopes the work, which would see a striking new roof and exterior added to the current structure and include a hotel and a shopping centre, can be completed by 2017.

Former Portugal and Real Madrid star, Luis Figo has declared his intention to challenge Sepp Blatter for the Fifa Presidency. “I care about football so what I’m seeing regarding the image of Fifa, not only now but in the past years, I don’t like it. Last year was a World Cup year, I was in Brazil, I saw the reaction of the fans regarding the image of Fifa. “Something has to be changed. Change in leadership, in governance, in transparency, in solidarity. Now is the time for that.” Figo confirmed he has the five required letters of support from National Associations, making him a serious, and confirmed candidate. Figo was a player of the highest calibre for Barcelona and Real Madrid, winning the World Player of the Year in 2000. He told CNN his first priority as President would be to “increase solidarity.” Figo confirmed he was not being paid by anyone to stand for their position. In contrast to David Ginola, whose recent declaration was supported by a bookmaker and did not have the backing of any national associations. Asked if Sepp Blatter was beatable, he said “No one is untouchable in this life.” The deadlines for nominations close tomorrow. Other confirmed candidates are Prince Ali Hussein of Jordan and Michael Van Praag the head of the Dutch FA. Chilean Football Administrator Harold Mayne Nicholls is holding a news conference later today and may also declare his intention to stand.

Men’s Singles:

Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] Vs Stan Wawrinka (SUI) [4]

Tomas Berdych (CZE) [7] Vs Andy Murray (GBR) [6]

Women’s Singles:

Serena Williams (USA) [1] Vs Madison Keys (USA)

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [10] Vs Maria Sharapova (RUS) [2]

Games will start tomorrow morning.

Jose Mourinho has been fined £25,000 for comments claiming there is a “campaign” to influence referees’ decisions against his Chelsea side, BBC reports. Mourinho made his comments after his side were denied a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on 28 December. The Football Association ruled Mourinho’s quotes were “improper and brought the game into disrepute”. But the Chelsea boss, who was warned about his future conduct, was cleared of implying bias by referees. During the game at St Mary’s, referee Anthony Taylor booked Cesc Fabregas for diving after going down in the box under Matt Targett’s challenge. After the draw, the Stamford Bridge manager told BBC Sport: “The media, commentators, other managers are all doing it [putting pressure on referees].” In his news conference later, he added: “There is a campaign against Chelsea. I don’t know why there is this campaign and I do not care. “Everybody knows it was a penalty.” Mourinho was also issued with a formal warning for comments ahead of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Stoke on 22 December. The Portuguese called on referee Neil Swarbrick to produce a strong performance at the Britannia Stadium.

Hosts Australia will meet South Korea in the Asian Cup final after easing to a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second semi-final. Trent Sainsbury gave Ange Postecoglou’s side the lead after just three minutes with a header from a corner. West Brom’s Jason Davidson fired in a second after 14 minutes and UAE couldn’t mount a comeback in Newcastle. Australia will be looking for their maiden Asian Cup title in Saturday’s final at Stadium Australia, Sydney. The UAE had been impressive in beating tournament favourites Japan  in the quarter-final, but never threatened a repeat of that upset. Swindon Town’s Massimo Luongo claimed both assists for the Socceroos. South Korea qualified for the final after beating Iraq 2-0  on Monday. Uli Stielike’s side also defeated Australia 1-0  in the group stages.

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been given a four-game ban for grabbing Lazio captain Stefano Mauri by the throat during a Serie A match. France international Mexes, 32, was sent off following Saturday’s incident – the 16th red card of his career. Mexes reacted angrily after being tripped by Mauri and minutes later had to be restrained by team-mates. The former Auxerre and Roma player was sent off but had to be dragged away from Mauri and pushed off the field. Mexes has already apologised, adding: “These things should not happen out on a football pitch. I have children and this is not the sort of example that a father should set.” Milan lost the game 3-1.

Stoke City will be without striker Bojan Krkic for the rest of the season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Monday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Rochdale, BBC reports. The Spaniard, 24, was hurt chasing down the ball during his side’s 4-1 victory, and left the ground on crutches. A scan on Tuesday confirmed the ligament damage in his left knee. “It’s bitterly disappointing for the club but even more so for Bojan,” said Potters manager Mark Hughes. “He was making such a big impact on the Premier League and clearly enjoying his football.” The former Barcelona player, who joined the Potters on a four-year deal in July 2014, opened the scoring at Spotland with his fifth goal of the season.

Tue 27 Jan 2015:

Senegal 0 – 2 Algeria

South Africa 1 – 2 Ghana

*Ghana and Algeria qualify for quarter finals from Group C.

Wed 28 Jan 2015:

Cameroon Vs Ivory Coast 7pm

Guinea Vs Mali 7pm

(NB: Time = Nigerian)

Branislav Ivanovic’s extra-time winner sent Chelsea into the Capital One Cup final at Wembley after a thrilling semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, BBC reports. Ivanovic headed home three minutes into extra time to settle an enthralling encounter in which Liverpool made a full contribution but paid the price for missed opportunities. Chelsea were favourites after a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the first leg – but Liverpool were true to the word of manager Brendan Rodgers and played without fear, seeking their first trophy since winning this competition in 2012. And Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who missed Ivanovic’s decisive goal as he was in a heated debate with fourth official Phil Dowd, showed how much another trip to Wembley meant to him by celebrating wildly with his staff at the final whistle. It was a result that helped banish Chelsea’s embarrassment of losing 4-2 at home to League One Bradford City in the FA Cup fourth round in their previous outing. Liverpool will leave Stamford Bridge with regrets, especially after a horrendous headed miss by Jordan Henderson in front of an open goal that could have taken the game to penalties. There may also be a price to pay for Chelsea as striker Diego Costa may face retrospective punishment for two stamps on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel that were not seen by referee Michael Oliver. Costa, as usual, was involved in all of the action and should have been awarded a penalty when he was brought down by Skrtel in the first half, while the Spain international’s head-to-head clash with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard earned both players yellow cards. Mourinho will set that aside for now as he remains on course for his first piece of silverware since returning to Chelsea at the start of last season. As expected, Liverpool did not risk striker Daniel Sturridge even though he is approaching full fitness after a series of injuries that have sidelined him since August, but Rodgers adopted a bold approach that should have brought dividends in the first half. Keeper Thibaut Courtois was Chelsea’s hero at Anfield and he twice came to the rescue here as Liverpool twice opened up Chelsea for the two best opportunities of the half, first when Gerrard picked out Alberto Moreno and then when Philippe Coutinho broke through after wrong-footing Kurt Zouma. Chelsea, however, had a major grievance of their own as they seemed to be refused a clear penalty when Costa was brought down by Skrtel as he attempted to guide the ball into touch. Mourinho was forced into a change early in the second half when Cesc Fabregas came off second best in a shuddering tackle with his own captain John Terry and was replaced by Ramires. It then needed the outstretched leg of Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet to turn away Costa’s deflected shot before he dived at the feet of the striker as he tried to go around him. Liverpool made their first change with 20 minutes left, sending on Mario Balotelli for Lazar Markovic, who had been quiet and ineffective. It was three minutes into extra time when the deadlock was finally broken and Liverpool were undone by moments of sloppiness that led to their downfall. Lucas conceded a cheap free-kick with a foul on Eden Hazard and when Willian delivered the set piece, Ivanovic arrived unmarked to head in. Liverpool should have responded immediately, only for Henderson to somehow head wide when Raheem Sterling’s cross found him only six yards out. It was to be their final opportunity.

Four time African Player of the Year and Former Cameroon international, Samuel Eto’o, has officially completed his transfer to Sampdoria, as they and Everton confirm the move.  The move has been known for some time now, but could not be finalised as all the necessary paperwork had not been completed.  The Cameroonian striker was presented to the club’s fans on Sunday, and is now officially a Blucerchiato, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal. “Everton manager Roberto Martinez has thanked Samuel Eto’o for his contribution to Everton after the 33-year-old striker’s transfer to Serie A side Sampdoria,” the English club confirmed in a statement. “The Cameroon international joined the Club on a free transfer in August 2014, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. “A four-time African Footballer of the Year and former Champions League winner with Barcelona and Internazionale, Eto’o has returned to Italy on a three-and-a-half year deal with the Genoese club. “On behalf of all Evertonians, we wish him well for the next chapter in his career.” Posting on his official Twitter page Eto’o spoke of his delight at the move, and appeared to contradict the length of his contract. “I have the pleasure to announce that I have signed a contract with U.C. Sampdoria for 3.5 years.”

Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Wilfred Agbonavbare, who was also Rayo Vallecano’s goalkeeper between 1990 and 1996, has died from cancer. The Nigerian passed away early on Tuesday morning at the age of 48. Wilfred’s footballing career began at New Nigeria Bank and after a stint at Brentford FC in England, he moved to Rayo Vallecano, where he played for six seasons. In 1996, he signed for Écija Balompie, where he stayed for a year. Wilfred was an international for his home country and in 1994 won the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. In that same year, he also took part in the USA World Cup as Peter Rufai’s substitute. His team, affectionately known as the ‘Super Eagles’, managed to get as far as the group of 16 stage in the tournament. The Nigerian keeper, who was always one of the Rayo fans’ favourites, was being cared for at the Príncipe de Asturias Hospital in Alcalá de Henares near Madrid. Rayo Vallecano did their very best for Wilfred’s children to fly from Nigeria to see their father before he died. To this end, half of the 21,000 euros raised for dona Carmen, the elderly lady who was to be evicted from her home in Vallecas and who insisted that she did not need so much money, was used. The club did all it could to get the ex-keeper’s three children over from Nigeria to see their father for the last time, but all the paperwork and bureaucratic steps to be taken were not completed in time and tragically, Wilfred died before their arrival. His wife died years ago, also from cancer.

Czech, Tomas Berdych ended a 17-match losing streak against Rafael Nadal as he outplayed the Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. The Czech, seeded seventh, won 6-2 6-0 7-6 (7-5) and will face Andy Murray (who beat Nick Kyrgios) in the last four. Berdych, 29, began working with Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu at the end of 2014. An 18th successive defeat by third seed Nadal would have set a new record for men’s tennis. “It feels great,” said Berdych. “The really good thing is the plan that we put together was the right one. “Everything was working. I was able to execute it really well. But still, until the last point you can’t think about anything else. “When it’s done, it’s done. It’s great. I might be think about it and enjoy the time until tomorrow morning. When I wake up, I need to get myself ready for another one. There is a still long way to go in this tournament and I need to be ready for it.” Nine years after his last victory against the 14-time Grand Slam champion, Berdych took full advantage of an opponent struggling desperately to find his game. Nadal, 28, was playing only his 12th match since Wimbledon last summer, and his first against a top-10 opponent since he beat Novak Djokovic in the French Open final in June. He insisted there had been no physical issues, saying it was “just not my day”, but added: “You cannot expect to win matches in quarter-finals of a Grand Slam helping the opponent to play well. “That’s what I did the first two sets. From the beginning of the third, I played with more character. “More the way that I have to play to be where I want to be, where I have been for the last lot of years.”

Mon 26 Jan 2015:

Cape Verde 0 – 0 Zambia

Congo DR 1 – 1 Tunisia

Tue 27 Jan 2015:

Senegal Vs Algeria 7pm

South Africa Vs Ghana 7pm

(NB: Time = Nigerian)

The matches will hold on the weekend of February 14 and 15, 2015.

Newcastle United have announced John Carver will remain as head coach until the end of the season, BBC reports. Alan Pardew’s former assistant, 50, will take charge of the team for the final 16 Premier League games. The Newcastle board will seek a permanent successor in the summer. “Having explored at some length the options available to us, the decision has been taken to defer the appointment of a permanent head coach until the end of the season,” read a club statement.  Pardew left to take charge of Crystal Palace earlier this month, with Newcastle since drawing one and losing three games under Carver. “The head coach will be a long-term appointment that will play a major role in shaping the future on-field progression of Newcastle United,” the statement added. “It is vitally important that we get the right individual.” Carver said: “This is a proud day for me. I have worked with, and learnt from, the best manager that this football club has had in Sir Bobby Robson. I know what this club means to this city and its people.”

Venus Williams overcame sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska at the Australian Open to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2010. The 34-year-old American, who suffers from Sjogren’s syndrome, a disease that can cause fatigue, won 6-3 2-6 6-1. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face teenager and fellow American Madison Keys in the last eight. Venus will play sister Serena, who beat Garbine Muguruza 2-6 6-3 6-2, in the semi-finals, if they both win again. Top seed Serena, who has not advanced past the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park since winning her last Australian Open title in 2010, had trouble breathing at times and coughed throughout her match against Muguruza. She also struggled for form early on, but fought back to avenge her defeat by the Spaniard at last year’s French Open. “I had to play the best match of the tournament or else I was going to be out,” said Serena, who next faces Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova. “She was just hitting winners like left and right. Every shot I hit, she basically hit a winner on. So I had to change my approach.” Venus was pushed hard, too, losing the second set as her level dropped before regrouping and upping the power to clinch the decider. Asked what had inspired her successful run in Melbourne, Venus said: “Definitely my sister Serena, she’s just the ultimate champion. “And definitely a lot of inspiration from all my fans who have stayed behind me through thick and thin.” Venus, whose best performance at the Australian Open is a runner-up finish in 2003, last reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam at the US Open in 2010.

This is sad period for Nigeria’s football community as a former Flying Eagles Coach, Musa Abdullahi, died on Sunday in Lokoja, Kogi State, after being down with stroke for over seven years. He has been buried according to Islamic rites. Known to be an easy going individual, Abdullahi’s travails started on the eve of U-20 World Cup in 2007 when he suffered stroke and subsequently became partially paralyzed; he was relieved of the coaching job after he took ill. His assistant at the time, Ladan Bosso, replaced him and took the team to the World Cup in Canada. Already the NFF has sent out condolences over the painful death even as the Federation paid glowing tribute to the Late Coach. A statement from the NFF Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, described the death of Coach Abudulahi as painful even as the NFF President Amaju Pinnick prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead. “This is terrible news,” said NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who spoke on telephone from Equatorial Guinea where he is on official duty for the Confederation of African Football at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals. “Coach Musa Abdullahi was known by all who came across him as a gentleman to the core, a very humble, highly dedicated and tireless professional who had real passion for the job. He was just a likeable person in every respect. “We feel very, very sad to lose him but God loves him more and he has gone to rest. Our prayer is for Almighty God to grant him peaceful rest and also grant the family he has left behind the fortitude to bear the huge loss,” Pinnick stated. The ever-smiling Musa Abdullahi assisted Coach Fanny Amun to lead the U-17 National Team to a second FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Japan in 1993, before leading the team, several years later, to win the African title in Seychelles in 2001 and win silver at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago the same year. He also served at different times as Assistant Coach of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles.

African Female Player of the Year and Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshola is delighted to start her career at Liverpool Ladies with a goal as she scored in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa Ladies on Sunday in a friendly.  Oshoala scored ‘The Reds’ second goal in the 12th minute, when she excellently finished a good team play.  The ex-Rivers Angels forward thanked God through her Twitter page.  “Great win and team work today. 4-1 victory over Aston Villa Ladies. I thank Allah for giving me a Goal,” Oshola tweeted.  The other goals were scored by England international Natasha Dowie, who netted a brace, and Satara Murray.

Ex Flying Eagles star, Odion Ighalo scored four times as Watford produced a remarkable second-half performance to move within four points of the top of the Championship following a 7-2 victory over Blackpool. The Hornets found themselves two goals down at the break, but they dug themselves out of that hole in sensational style with a devastating seven-goal showing after the break as Troy Deeny, Matej Vydra and Gabriele Angella also joined in the home side’s free-scoring run following last week’s 5-0 win over Charlton Athletic. Blackpool came into the game still searching for a first away win of the season, but they started the brighter and were rewarded with the opening goal in the eighth minute, although it came about largely due to their opponents’ defensive shortcomings. Juan Carlos Paredes, who was under pressure from Ishmael Miller, got involved in a mix-up with Heurelho Gomes, with the ball ricocheting off the goalkeeper’s body and back to Andrea Orlandi, who kept his composure to fire home. The Hornets, who had already gone close through an Angella header, missed a good chance to equalise soon after when Vydra put the ball wide from close range after good link-up play with fellow strikers Ighalo and Deeney. Thereafter, Watford controlled possession and territory for the most part as they probed to get back on terms. Goalkeeper Elliot Parish was extended a couple of times by strikes from Ikechi Anya and Ighalo, but the visitors were defending resolutely, remaining organised and three minutes before the break they went 2-0 up. The Hornets failed to react as David Ferguson attacked the right side of the penalty area before cutting inside and hitting a low cross-shot which wasn’t dealt with, Steve Davies made a real hash of his first effort but he still had the time to recompose himself and fire the ball into the back of the net. It is fair to assume Hornets head coach Slavisa Jokanovic had some harsh words for his side at the interval but it is also reasonable to suggest he did not expect the reaction he got. Within seven second-half minutes, the home side were back on terms as Ighalo tapped home a Miguel Layun centre from close range in the 47th minute before Deeney equalised five minutes later when he glanced home a Daniel Tozser corner. And before the hour was up, Watford were incredibly 4-2 as Ighalo put his side ahead for the first time after a Layun cross was knocked down by Deeney and then Vydra made it 4-2, firing home an Anya cross was knocked down into his path. Blackpool were utterly shell-shocked and in the 66th minute they conceded a fifth, Angella applying the finish after a Deeney header from a corner rebounded off a post. Again an assist from the woodwork following a Deeney strike allowed Ighalo to complete his hat-trick in the 77th minute as the ball cannoned into the net off his chest. And four minutes later the Nigerian had his fourth, with Watford’s latest close-range finish following more good work by strike partner Deeney.

World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for kicking out at an opponent but Real Madrid still beat Cordoba 2-1 away while Barcelona kept on their heels with a 6-0 demolition at Elche. Ronaldo kicked out at defender Edimar with seven minutes to go as Real struggled to create chances but they were gifted the win when a Gareth Bale free kick was handled by Fede Cartabia in the area. Cartabia was also sent off for a second bookable offence and, with Ronaldo off the pitch, Bale fired home the winning penalty with two minutes left. Real have been unable to maintain the form that saw them string together 22 consecutive victories in all competitions before the mid-season break but they remain in top with 48 points, one more than Barca and also with a game in hand. Reports say that with a lenient referee’s report that was submitted, Ronaldo who have since apologized could end up serving only one match ban. This is Ronaldo’s fourth red card in his Spanish La Liga career.