Iheanacho sues Manchester lawyers

Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has dragged two lawyers in the Manchester area to court over image rights. Iheanacho, claimed that he was lured into signing over rights to his name to area attorneys Robert Zanicky, of Drums, and Raymond Hassay, of Exeter. Iheanacho, 20, met Zanicky in early 2013, when he was 16, after Zanicky approached him following the 2013 African Under-17 Championships. An agreement was signed in late July 2013 by Zanicky and Iheanacho’s father. The contract, which was signed for $1,000, enabled Zanicky, Hassay and their combined venture, First Eleven Management, in Wilkes-Barre, image rights to Iheanacho. Iheanacho When Iheanacho turned 18, Zanicky convinced the striker to sign another contract that turned over 100 percent of his image rights to RHRZ LLC and Team Kelechi LLC, based in Pittston. “The assignment governs all of Kelechi’s image rights, defined to include all legal and beneficial rights and goodwill stemming from Kelechi’s name, nickname, initials, autograph, caricature, reputation and endorsements,” the lawsuit states. It also prohibited Iheanacho from signing with another party for the use of his image or likeness. First Eleven, acting as Team Kelechi’s “exclusive agent” was able to market, sell or licenses Kelechi’s image. Images licensed out garnered First Eleven 20 percent of the gross revenue. The duo also would receive 50 percent compensation from RHRZ LLC. At the time their first contact was agreed upon, Iheanacho said, he was not aware of Zanicky’s suspension from the practice of law after pleading no contest to two counts of corruption of minors. According to Times Leader records, Zanicky, who was president of the United Soccer Training Academy, was charged in 2011 with corrupting the morals of two girls, who were 16 and 17 at the time.

Leave Chelsea now – Okocha tells Mikel

Nigeria legend Austin Okocha has urged compatriot John Obi Mikel to seek a new challenge away from Chelsea. The 29-year-old has struggled to break into the Blues first team this season and he is ready to find a new club. The Nigerian international has struggled to command regular playing time under manager Antonio Conte. And Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has advised the midfielder to look for a new club away from Stamford Bridge. “In my personal view I think he must seek a new challenge elsewhere so he can enjoy his football,” he said “What he is going through at the moment is the worst thing that could happen to a player and I urge him to move on.” Marseille have been heavily linked with the Nigerian as they are ready to splash the cash this January, thanks to money made available by new owner Frank McCourt.

Ballon D'or 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Award For 4th Time

Legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2016 Ballon D’Or award, his fourth time of winning the award.

Ronaldo led Real Madrid to a record 11th UEFA Champions League title in May, before carrying Portugal to an historic UEFA Euro success weeks later. He had previously won the award in 2008, 2013 and 2014.

The 31-year old also had a phenomenal year stats wise, scoring 51 goals in 54 games for club and country in 2016.

“It is a special moment. It means that all my sacrifice was worth it. I feel very happy to win this. I worked very hard,” Ronaldo said in accepting the award.

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“A lot of people helped me get here, and it is not easy to get here. You can count on one hand players who maintain this level year after year. I am one of them, and that is a source of pride for me.”

He beat 5-time Ballon D’or winner, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann to win the award.

With the Ballon D’Or once again separate from the FIFA World Player of the Year award, Ronaldo is expected to win that award when it is announced on January 9.

My kids can’t play for Nigeria, Akide-Udoh vows

Former Super Falcons Striker and Nigeria football Legend, Mercy Akide-Udoh has suggested that her Children “will never play for Nigeria” if the poor treatment of players persists in the Football Federation. Akide-Udoh , who was a member of Nigeria’s pioneer Falcons team, was named the first African Women Footballer of the Year in 2001 and also won accolades in 1999 and 2004 when she was named in the FIFA World All-Star. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads Mercy Akide The 41-year-old slammed the unrepentant Nigeria football administrators for the unpaid allowances of the Super Falcons, who despite the many unsavory conditions, won the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations title. “ They fought with everything, so it should have been a happy ending. These kids have families, their parents are waiting for them to come back and put food on the table,” she told BBC Sport. “ They’ve done their part and should be paid their money. I won’t be surprised if some of these kids don’t come back; opting to stay with their clubs rather than play for Nigeria. “ I am sorry, My kids are Americans, with the situation going on if something does not change my kids will never play for Nigeria. Who wants to suffer? We did it in our own time, this is a new generation, they should not be suffering what we suffered.”

Ideye tops scorers chart in Greece

Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye was the man-of-the-match for his Olympiakos side as they defeated Levadiakos 4-0 in the Greek Super League on Sunday. The former West Brom striker scored a brace as Olympiakos made light work of their visitors to bag the three points at stake. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads Olympiakos went ahead through Ideye just three minutes after the restart to set the defending champions on their way to the win. Luka Milivojevic put Olympiakos 2-0 ahead in the 69th minute with a deft finish before Konstantinos Fortounis made it 3-0 in the 71st minute. Ideye’s acrobatic effort made it 4-0 three minutes later as Olympiakos ran riot over a hapless Levadiakos defence. The 28-year old’s brace will be his 10th and 11th goals in all competitions for the Greek side as Olympiakos push to defend their league title. They are still top of the Greek Super League log with 28 points after 11 matchdays.

Moses: My dream is to play for Barca

Victor Moses remembers with difficulties his infancy and the tragic death of his parents. The now Chelsea player, wanted by Barcelona, indicated that his escape to England “was a long journey, really tough. What I wanted was to arrive, to work hard and to become a professional footballer.” He adds that “now I can thank God for everything that has happened. My dream has become a reality and if I continue in the same way I think I can achieve my dream one day of playing for Barcelona.” They were quotes recorded a few years ago which now take on more significance. Moses says that “when I was a kid I didn’t have shoes, but that didn’t stop us playing football.” The winger, who Barça see as a right-back, who sought asylum in England has since returned to Nigeria to represent his country. “When I was there, everyone was supporting Chelsea,” he explained. “It was good to meet fans dressed in Chelsea shirts with my name on the back. The same happened when I went to Liberia. In Africa everyone likes the Premier League.”  

Mikel gets N66m a week offer from Chinese club

Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has been offered $212,000 a week (about N66m official rate) by Chinese club Shanghai SIPG. The offer according to owngoalnigeria.com was made to the player’s agent after the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria. Mikel has been frozen out by Chelsea coach Antonio Conte despite being in a rich physical form. He has been linked to a move in January to French club Marseille. Mikel is now faced with the choice of taking the huge pay or settle for the former UEFA Champions League champions, where he faces a pay cut. Shanghai SIPG is rated third in terms of wealth and revenue in the Chinese league and the club is currently managed by former Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas. It also has Sven Goran Erikson former England coach in the management team. Last season Mikel turned down a move to Shanghai Shenhua, which currently have in its squad, former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins who is living large in China.  

Mikel faces hard transfer choices

January, the Super Eagles captain is faced with the choice of taking a pay cut to play in France or settle for a big money move to China. Mikel, despite being in a fine form has not featured in Antonio Conte’s plans for Chelsea this season. Conte has indicated that Mikel will be allowed to move. However, reports in France L10Sport stated that Marseille are anxious to beef up their squad with Mikel, but he must have to take a pay cut. Mikel Obi There is also interest from China where the player would be guaranteed an annual salary of almost £3.4m, matching what he currently earns at Stamford Bridge. Mikel has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and four FA Cups with Chelsea. The player returned to London on Wednesday after helping Nigeria to a 3-1 win over Algeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifier. Moses opened the scoring after 25 minutes of play after a neat one-two with Mikel, with the latter Blues midfielder bagging Nigeria’s second himself just before half-time

FIFA WC: Algeria defeat marks Nigeria’s 100th win, says CAF

Saturday’s win over the Desert Foxes of Algeria marks Nigeria’s 100th in the history of World Cup qualifiers, the continent’s football governing body, CAF has stated on its website, CAFOnline.com CAF added that apart from the centenary win, the win also brought “plaudits for Rohr as this was his third straight win in as many matches   after the 1-0 home win   against Tanzania   in August   and 2-0 away   win against Zambia in Ndola in October.” The 100 wins had also won for the Super Eagles five World Cup appearances in 1994 when they debuted in the USA with Clemens Westerhof, 1998 in France with Bora Milutinovic, 2002 in Japan/Korea with Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, 2010 with Lars Lagerback and 2014 with late Stephen Keshi. With the World Cup qualifiers taking a long break till August 2017, Rohr affirmed that that his next priority was to see how he can monitor the home-based Eagles to know the ones that are capable of helping him plug the weak links he has discovered so far since taking over the team. “We have a friendly against Egypt in Dubai in January, which will enable me to look at the home–based players, but I will continue to monitor the foreign-based players and we will see how we get matches for them on FIFA free dates,” he stressed.

Mikel disagrees with Rohr, clarifies Chelsea position

MIKEL Obi has again disagreed with Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for the second time this week when he insisted he is not being shut out at his club Chelsea because he featured at the recent Rio Olympics. Nigeria skipper Mikel said in a statement that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte supported him to feature at the Olympics and there is mutual respect between he, the manager and the Nigeria national team. “I’d like to clarify that the recent media claims that I’ve been punished by Chelsea FC for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate,” read the statement. mikel Obi   “Unfortunately comments made by Gernot Rohr before the 3-1 win over Algeria were both mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media, as English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or much of the Nigerian media’s first language. “To be absolutely clear, Mr Conte and Chelsea were always fully supportive of my captaincy of the Nigerian team at Rio. “The manager gave me his full blessing to participate at the Olympics, and even encouraged me to bring back the gold medal – something I spoke to the media about at the time. “It goes without saying there is nothing but absolute respect between myself, the Nigerian national team and Chelsea FC, something that was demonstrated by Mr Rohr’s recent visit to Cobham. “My only focus now is on winning more silverware with Chelsea and getting Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup, two challenges I can’t wait to face in the coming months.” Before the match against Algeria on Saturday, Mikel told the local media he would accept a draw with the North Africans, while Rohr made it very clear the Eagles need to win at home to stay on course for Russia 2018.

Mikel: How we’ll stop Algeria

today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads The Chelsea midfielder, while speaking last night, said the three- time African Champions can come out top against Algeria if the players cover up for each other and maintain premium concentration for the duration of the eagerly-anticipated cracker. Mikel Obi While urging his teammates to present a united front to stop the Desert Foxes, Mikel said the Nigerians have extra motivation to get maximum points today because of their failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. “To win, we must fight for each other, cover up for other and play with a unity of purpose. Missing out on the 2017 Cup of Nations gives us an extra motivation to win our group and go to Russia,” Mikel said. He added that for Eagles to win, “we must convert our scoring opportunities and follow the instructions of the coach”., Continuing, Mikel said, “we know Algeria have great players, but we also have good footballers and there is a family-like atmosphere within the squad”. The midfielder also said the mixture of the experienced and youngsters was shaping the team into a potent force to reckon with in Africa. “It is nice to play with young footballers who are hungry to establish themselves as first-team players. I recall my early days in the national team, playing with top stars like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu. It was a great pleasure playing with them. “It is the same with guys like Iwobi and Iheanacho. We enjoy representing our country,” said Mikel

Nigerian footballer and Fulham FC foward, Omatsone Aluko named English Championship Player of the Month

Nigerian and Fulham FC winger, Omatsone Folarin Aluko, has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the month for October. The 27-year-old scored a solo effort against Barnsley, then had a hat-trick of assists in a memorable display against Huddersfield.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said:

"I am very happy for Sone getting this award as he has worked hard for the team over the past months, so it is a good reward for him.
"We have seen an improvement to our results of late, so it is also a reflection on the whole team, and I want that hard work to continue so that many of my players will be eligible for this award in future months.”

Aluko said it's a great feeling to be recognised with this award.
"It’s a nice feeling to be publically rewarded for your efforts. Ultimately I think it’s a team award. I wouldn’t get this award if the team weren’t winning and it’s a credit to my team-mates and all the staff who have provided me with a platform to play well on. The results have gone our way recently and because of this I’ve been able to show my best form."

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said:
"It’s great to see Sone doing so well under Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham after he was so unlucky with injuries at Hull.

Born in England, Aluko was capped by England at all levels up to under-19 before accepting an offer to play for Nigeria. His sister, Eniola Aluko is also a professional footballer who plays for Chelsea Ladies and England Ladies.

WCQ: Mikel, Musa lead Super Eagles training

Captain Mikel Obi, his vice, Ahmed Musa and 18 others yesterday took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the National Stadium, Abuja. Mikel and Musa were among the latest arrivals at the team’s camp on Monday night. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads The team were separated into three groups and began with a light walk-out and head-tennis training under the watchful eyes of Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and Coach Salisu Yusuf. Mikel, Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon and John Ogu made up the first group. The second group had Victor Moses, Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Kingsley Madu and Uche Agbo. Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Musa Mohammed and Wilfred Ndidi were in the third group, while goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi trained separately. Goalkeeper Ezenwa was very sharp in goal and displayed good reflexes, while his counterpart, Akpeyi was a little jaded and lacked match fitness. Mikel showed some sign of class and precision in his touches and passes, while Victor, Iheanacho and Iwobi were in excellent form. The trio of Leon Balogun, Brown Ideye and Shehu Abdullahi who were nursing knee and ankle injuries were engaged in light ball work. However, Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, Elderson Echiejile and Oghenekaro Etebo have yet to arrive at the camp. The Super Eagles are expected to hold another training session later on Tuesday. The Super Eagles will lock horns with Algeria in crucial Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.

Iheanacho hits camp today, set to become a Nigeria legend

Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho will arrive the Super Eagles camp in Abuja today, according to his father James Iheanacho. With four goals in his last four matches for the national team, the former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles star will be hoping to enter the history books if he finds the net against Algeria. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads . Kelechi Iheanacho’s run for Nigeria began on May 27 when he netted the winner against Mali after coming on as a substitute, then scored against Luxembourg four days later, and he followed this up with goals against Tanzania and Zambia. “Kelechi will be in Abuja tomorrow (Monday). He will definitely come for the match,  “ said James Iheanacho. The 20-year-old replaced Sergio Aguero in the 90th minute in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Boro in the Premier League on Saturday, and will be fresh to face the Algerians next weekend.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah defeat Nassarawa United (Pen. 5-4) to win Federation cup

Nnewi club, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, on Sunday marched through the odds to defeat fellow finalists Nassarawa United 5-4 in penalties, after normal time and extra time produced no goals in the tensely contested affair at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Fc Ifeanyi Ubah's players converted all their spot kicks, while their keeper Uche Okafor saved one from Nasarawa United.
Personalities like Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, NFF President Amaju Pinnick and Dr Ifeanyi Ubah were in the stadium to watch the match.
This is the first trophy for the club owned and financed by Billionaire businessman Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, and one that was truly welcomed by the neutrals, given the injection of funds and foreign talent into the club by the Oil magnate in the last two years.

FC Ifeanyiubah also nicknamed 'the Anambra Warriors', will now play in next year's Caf Confederation Cup. Congrats to them!!

Ikeme’s absence won’t affect Eagles against Algeria — Shorunmu

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu says the team will dearly miss the services of goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme but insists Nigeria can beat the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo without him. Ikeme has been the team’s safest hands since taking over from Vincent Enyeama who retired from the team last year in Nigeria’s goalless draw against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Dar es salam. He was also in goal as Nigeria conquered the Chipolopolo of Zambia 2-1 in Ndola, only to pick up a hip injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn in a Championship game for Wolverhampton Wanderers. “It is very sad that the Super Eagles will miss Carl Ikeme considering the fact that he’s shown to be a dependable goalkeeper since the departure of Vincent Enyeama from the team,” Shorunmu said. “Again, who would have thought that Nigeria would find a good goalie in Ikeme when Enyeama retired? The good thing about the Super Eagles is that we are always blessed with quality goalkeepers. “We have no choice but to depend on   Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu against Algeria. The truth is, Ikeme’s absence won’t stop the Super Eagles from beating the Desert Foxes in Uyo,” he concluded.

Murray wins Vienna title, closes in on No 1

Andy Murray is closing in on tennis’ No.1 ranking after downing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to claim his third straight ATP title at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The Scot can overtake Novak Djokovic atop the ATP rankings next week if he wins the Paris Masters and the Serb doesn’t reach the final. “I get a step closer with every win but it’s still a long way from here,” Murray said. From two to one seems a small jump in a way but it’s the hardest one to make. To go from 100 to 50 is more spots but is a lot easier.” Andy Murray In Sunday’s final, Murray defeated Tsonga 6-3 7-6 (6) for his personal-best seventh title of the season and 42nd overall. Djokovic has also won seven events this year. “I was thinking more about how you are going to win the match rather than what it would mean if you did win it. But obviously it’s nice to win my seventh tournament,” Murray said.” “A lot of them have come in the last few months. After the Australian Open I struggled a little bit for a couple of months but the last few months have been very good.”

Osaze Odemwingie wants to return to Super Eagles for 2018 World cup before he retires - Rotherham coach says

Rotherham United head coach Kenny Jackett who revealed on Monday that Nigeria star Osaze Odemwingie has been signed by the club on a short term deal has said that the former West Brom and Stoke city attacker plans to participate with the Super Eagles in Russia 2018 before retiring from the game on a high.


Odemwingie's last outing for the Super Eagles was at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and Jackett, who took charge of Rotherham for the first time last weekend, insists Odemwingie wants to add to his 63 caps for Nigeria.
“He has been close to one or two moves, but he has signed here and his aim is to work through to the World Cup in 2018, and finish his career off at the highest level he possibly can,” Jackett told Rotherham’s official website on Wednesday.
“He is looking to get playing and I am pleased that he can join us straight away,” Jackett said.
“He is up for the fight, he is up for the challenge in terms of where we are in the league and I am looking forward to working with him. I think he will be fine for Saturday, he has been training hard and we are really pleased with what we have seen.”

Gernot Rohr Visits Ighalo At Watford, England

Super Eagles German handler, Gernot Rohr, probably missed the presence of Odion Jude Ighalo who was not available for Nigeria's last away match against Zambia and pays him a visit in England.

Ighalo made this known on his wall when he wrote:

"Thanks for the visit coach Gernot Rohr... NG"

Hopefully, Ighalo will be available for invitation in the next Russia 2018 World qualifier match against Algeria on the 12th of November, here in Nigeria.

My players deserve a clap – Conte

Chelsea Manager, Antonio Conte on Sunday, said his players deserve commendation for the way they played against Premier League rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to reporters after the match Conte said: “I am pleased with the performance, we started well, moved the ball quickly, created chances to score the goal. “I see the commitment in training and the players deserve this. We are improving, we must continue to work, only through the work we can improve. “It is very important after the Arsenal and Liverpool defeats. It was important to understand our mission. We must look to Wednesday against West Ham and prepare for that,” he said. On why he was urging the fans to cheer on towards the end of the game, he said: “I was listening to the supporters of Manchester United, always supporting their team and I was asking my team to do a clap for my players. “All the players deserve this clap,” he said.