UEFA Champions League 2016/17 Round of 16 Complete Draw, Bayern to Face Arsenal again

Manchester City have been drawn against Monaco in the last-16 of the Champions League, while Arsenal will once again face Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will take on Serie A outfit Napoli. See full List after the Cut

Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa Make CAF Player Of The Year List

Super Eagles’players, Ahmed Musa and Vincent Enyeama have made the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2015 African Player of the Year Glo-CAF award list.
The list was released yesterday from the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Other players listed for the African Player of the Year Award includes England-based stars Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, Yannick Bolasie of DR Congo, Andre Ayew of Ghana, Mame Diouf from Senegal, Kenya’s Victor Wanyama and Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Reigning and African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure is also on a long list of nominees.

Happy dad! Mikel Obi And His New Born Twins

His baby mama, Olga Diyachenko shared this picture of the footballer carrying his twin girls in their nursery

Pastor Taribo West exposes footballers who use charms to play

Growing up, watching football matches and WWF fights makes you wonder what super-humans God specially created with superpowers to do what they did.
But the bubble burst as one got older and realized that WWF (now WWE) was indeed entertainment and not real.

Sad, but at least the super-humans of football are real, right?
Wrong.
Well that is the gospel according to Taribo West.
The former footballer turned pastor, in a recent interview revealed that footballers did in fact use diabolic charms to play, hence their huge success, including himself.

“Of course yes (I was involved). I don’t know why people decline to talk about their involvement with charms. Football has to do with a lot of powers. When there are big events, you look at the stadium, you see people, fans invoking all kinds of things; magicians are there, voodooists are there.

“In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some mallams and babalawos (traditional doctors) to make charms for us, which we took to (national) camp. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.

“In some clubs, before every game, the president or leader of the club will give you a lucky charm to play with. They will tell you to put it in your boots or socks and play. It’s their superstitious belief; that it can help them win matches.

“There are some coaches who are connected to African magicians and soothsayers from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zaire or even Nigeria. These people are consulted to give these coaches results of games even before the matches are played.

“These people see strange things and they can tell you with their magic and charms, what the outcome of a match will be. People believe and use it. It works for those who believe in it. I saw it, I experienced it, I was with players that used it and I used it. So, why are people denying it? There are charms and rituals in football. It still exists.”

[PICs] Mikel Obi & Girlfriend Welcome Twins

Nigerian football star John Mikel Obi has welcomed twins. The Jos-raised Chelsea midfielder announced the birth of his twin girls on Instagram on Friday. He captioned the twin photo, “My whole world in my arms Welcome to the world my angels #poo3 #poo4”.
Mikel has been in a relationship with Russian model, Olga Diyachenko for a while. Although he didn’t disclose the mother of the child, it is thought Olga is the mother of the babies.  The hashtags #poo is usually used by Olga who has been sharing tummy-less photo for more than 6 months.

5 Best Free Football Apps Downloaded In Nigeria

Football, a sport embraced and cherished worldwide, is quite popular in Nigeria. Most soccer lovers in Nigeria no longer have to pay extra charges for cable television or go to viewing centers to watch matches as the smartphone or tablet can now stand in as the perfect companion to their passion, either for checking scores, tweaking their fantasy team or pitting wits against virtual opponents in games.

Despite the numerous free football apps available, Nigerians tend to favor a select few. Jovago, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal reveals the selection of football apps that are frequently downloaded in Nigeria.

Goals.com

There are dozens of apps promising live scores, but Goal.com is one of the top dogs in Nigeria. It is the knowledgeable football choice for keeping up to date with the key leagues and teams in Nigeria as well as latest Nigerian and international football news. Also, it provides live scores, fixtures, results and group standings in the World Cup and UEFA Champions League within seconds, including transfer rumors, team news, live scores and match commentaries. Whether you want to beef up your punditry skills or get an extra edge in your fantasy football career, this is an original app to use.

Live score

An app on the mobile phones of almost all football fans, Live score is one of the the best pocket-sized football game available. It gives users a chance to monitor all the matches played all over the world including Nigeria in one place. Just like the website, the app gives you the score line and even give you updates and statistics – Goal assist, goal scorers ,Yellow and red card receivers etc.- based on an ongoing match.

ESPN FC App

A global site for a global games, the ESPN FC app features worldwide football coverage 24-hours of every week. Nigerian football lovers who follow leagues around the globe have access to comprehensive coverage of all the major club leagues with videos, highlights, news, opinions and personalized reports so you can stay in touch with your favorite teams. It also features a video highlights for Barclay’s Premier League matches; unfortunately this is available in the America only.

BFC Soccer

BFC is one of the most popular ways Nigerian football fans get their news, scores and statistics. group messaging features, it is well thought out and neatly designed. The app gives the latest football tips including news from the Nigeria Premier League, the National League, Women’s League and live scores of local football matches. Its level of detail from global to local leagues is impressive.

[DOWNLOAD EPL HIGHLIGHTS] Manchester United 3 – 1 Liverpool

Anthony Martial scored on his Manchester United debut as the Red
Devils defeated fierce rivals Liverpool 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Daley Blind opened the scoring early in the second half and then saved his side at the other end with a tremendous goal-line clearance before Ander Herrera won and converted a penalty to put the hosts two up.

David de Gea, who signed a new contract this week, could do nothing to stop a stunning Christian Benteke overhead kick on his return to the starting line-up following the collapse of his move to Real Madrid before new signing Martial marked his debut by coming off the substitutes’ bench to seal the points with an excellent solo goal.

The result meant United inflicted a second consecutive loss on Liverpool, while Louis van Gaal’s side move up to second in the early-season table.

Simon Mignolet gave the travelling fans an early moment of panic by directing a throw straight at Juan Mata. The midfielder fed stand-in striker Marouane Fellaini, who was playing in place of the injured Wayne Rooney, but his long-range chip was well over the crossbar.

Poor control from Fellaini meant the rare opportunities United had in Liverpool’s area came to nothing, while Liverpool struggled to provide their lone striker, Benteke, with any kind of meaningful service as neither side registered a shot on target in the first half.

Van Gaal made a half-time change with Ashley Young replacing Memphis Depay and the former Aston Villa winger made an immediate impact, winning a free-kick from Nathaniel Clyne on the edge of the box.

Mata took it, cleverly cutting a pass back to the 18-yard line where an onrushing Blind was unmarked. The centre-back took full advantage of the space, curling a sumptuous left-footed strike into the top corner.

A timely intervention from Chris Smalling gave United a let-off after De Gea’s scuffed clearance had presented Liverpool with a rare opening at the other end before the Spain goalkeeper made amends with a sprawling stop to divert Danny Ings’ bouncing effort away from goal after a free-kick had deflected into the forward’s path.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were starting to become more threatening and Blind had to make two frantic clearances from the goal-line after Martin Skrtel had headed on a James Milner corner to cause a mad scramble.

Any hopes of a Liverpool comeback were seemingly ended, though, when United won a penalty. Michael Carrick fed Herrera, who was felled by a Joe Gomez challenge in the box. The midfielder stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick himself and smashed his effort into the roof of the net.

Milner shot narrowly over with a free-kick and Benteke headed over the crossbar from a decent chance as the away team attempted to respond before De Gea was called into action again with a diving stop to deny substitute Jordon Ibe.

Liverpool continued to press and had hope of a late recovery when Benteke produced a stunning overhead kick after an Ibe cross deflected into his path.

But those hopes were dashed when Martial went on an excellent solo run, beating Skrtel and converting a cool finish into the far corner to mark his debut in style.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE

Missed Nigerian Very Own Kelechi Ihenacho's Goal? [DOWNLOAD EPL HIGHLIGHTS] Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Manchester City

Highly-rated youngster Kelechi Iheanacho climbed off the bench to
grab a 1-0 win for Manchester City at Crystal Palace in stoppage time and preserve the Premier League leaders’ 100 per cent record.

City, who thrust record signing Kevin De Bruyne into a first-half debut from the bench following an injury to talisman Sergio Aguero, were set to be held for the first time this term in a match where emotions ran high on and off the field.

But it was another attacking talent, 18-year-old Nigerian Iheanacho, who stole the headlines with his first goal for City as he converted from close range shortly after coming on as an 89th-minute replacement for Wilfried Bony.

Jesus Navas earlier passed up a glorious chance to break the deadlock for Manuel Pellegrini’s men but Palace could equally reflect on Jason Puncheon and Dwight Gayle going close before the late twist.

City are now five points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit and 11 points better off than ailing champions Chelsea.

DOWNLOAD HERE

[DOWNLOAD LA LIGA HIGHLIGHTS] Espanyol 0 – 6 Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational five goals and became Real Madrid’s
record goalscorer as his side thrashed Espanyol 6-0 on Saturday.
The Portuguese scored a hat-trick inside 20 minutes before Karim Benzema added a fourth, and Ronaldo then grabbed two more in the second half to complete the rout.
The fourth goal moved Ronaldo past Raul in the scoring stakes, with the former Manchester United man now having scored 230 goals for the club.

DOWNLOAD HERE

[DOWNLOAD EPL HIGHLIGHTS] Everton 3 – 1 Chelsea

Steven Naismith scored a hat-trick as Chelsea’s struggles continued with a third loss in their opening five league games following a defeat at Everton.

Naismith came on for the injured Muhamed Besic early on and headed in Brendan Galloway’s cross before rifling in a shot to put the Toffees 2-0 up.
Chelsea responded when Nemanja Matic scored with a superb 30-yard effort.
However, the visitors struggled for chances and Naismith slotted in a late angled strike to complete his treble.
Chelsea’s tally of four points from a possible 15 means they have made their worst start to a top-flight season since 1986.
The Blues lost only three games on the way to the Premier League title last season.

The stats you need to know

• Naismith was the sixth player to score a hat-trick after coming on as a sub in a Premier League game.
• He also became only the fifth player to score a Premier League hat-trick against Chelsea and the first since Robin van Persie for Arsenal in October 2011.
• This is the first time that Jose Mourinho has lost two successive Premier League games since May 2006.
• The last time Chelsea had a worse start to a top-flight season was in 1986-87 (three points – P5 W0 D3 L2). They finished that season in 14th position.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE

[DOWNLOAD EPL HIGHLIGHTS] Arsenal 2 – 0 Stoke City

The two forwards have endured plenty of criticism this season, but both got o
n the score sheet to finally bring the goals back to Emirates Stadium and send the Gunners up to third
Both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud answered their critics with well-taken goals in Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners laid siege to the visitors’ goal in the opening exchanges, twice hitting the woodwork, and finally took the lead through Walcott on the half-hour mark, racing onto Mesut Ozil’s excellent pass and sliding the ball under Jack Butland.
Butland remained in excellent form throughout the contest, thwarting the hosts on numerous occasions, but could not prevent substitute Giroud from nodding in Santi Cazorla’s pin-point cross as the Gunners moved up to third place in the Premier League.

 DOWNLOAD HERE

Jose Mourinho’s reaction to Chelsea’s defeat is beyond epic (WATCH)

Not much can be said to describe Chelsea’s form this season, after losing to 2-0 to Everton today.

Leave it to Jose Mourinho to say it all… even in few words.
Watch;

Yo its well known I don't like Chelsea and their fans don't like me, and I'm cool with that, but I've said from day one I love #JoseMourinho .. I shouldn't but he's a G to me, man said your interviews too long and bopped off 😆😂😆 he killed it lol...

A video posted by london 🇬🇧 (@so.uk) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:45am PDT

Lionel Messi welcomes 2nd Son With His GF Antonella Roccuzzo

 
Lionel Messi this morning welcomed his second son with his girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo. The new born son has been named Mateo. Messi and Antonella are already parents to a son, Thiago.

Chelsea Boss, Jose Mourinho Sets Five World Records (CLICK)

Despite a shambolic start to the 2015/2016 premier league season, Jose Mourinho has something celebrate. The Chelsea manager is now a recipient of five records in the 2016 Guinness Book of World Records.

The 52-year-old won the record for longest unbeaten home run by a manager. The 151 games spanned across his nine years with four different clubs.

He also won the record for being one of five coaches who has won the UEFA Champions League with more than one club having won it with Portuguese side, Porto and Serie A side, Inter Milan.

The Portuguese also holds the record of youngest manager to reach the 100 Champions League games milestone at the age of 49 years and 12 days.

The former Real Madrid boss can also boast of the record of highest points in a premier league season (95 points) with Chelsea in the 2004/2005 season.

Jose Mourinho was presented with the awards at his Cobham office. He expressed gratitude for the awards but made it clear that he was focused on his future achievements as against basking in the euphoria of past glory.

“The fact they gave me the awards in a way that I can put them up in my office is nice.”

“It’s something fun and as a kid you could never imagine that one day you would be in the Guinness Book of Records.

“You know me, these awards are for something I did in the past and obviously it’s nice, but for me what’s more important is what I can do in the future,” the controversial manager stated.

Messi wins Best Player in Europe award

Lionel Messi has won the Uefa Best Player in Europe Award, beating Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo to the prestigious prize.

More to follow...

Man City get tricky Champions League group vs. Juventus; relief for United

Manchester City have been handed a tough Champions League Group stage draw against Juventus, Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Holders Barcelona, meanwhile, are in Group E alongside Roma, who finished second in Serie A last season, Bayer Leverkusen and BATE Borisov in Group E.

Manchester United's return to the competition under manager Louis van Gaal sees them take on Bundesliga runners-up Wolfsburg and Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven in Group B.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich will face Arsene Wenger's Arsenal in Group F while Real Madrid have been drawn against Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona lifted the trophy for the fifth time in their history after Luis Enrique's side beat Juventus 3-1 in June's final.

Barca, who also won La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, are looking to become the first club to retain the Champions League.

 MATCH DATES:
Matchday 1: Sept. 15, 16
Matchday 2: Sept. 29, 30
Matchday 3: Oct. 20, 21
Matchday 4: Nov. 3, 4
Matchday 5: Nov. 24, 25
Matchday 6: Dec. 8, 9

Group A
Paris Saint-Germain	Real Madrid
Shakhtar Donetsk	Malmo

---

Group B
PSV Eindhoven	Manchester United
CSKA Moscow	Vfl Wolfsburg

---

Group C
Benfica	Atletico Madrid
Galatasaray	FK Astana

---

Group D
Juventus	Manchester City
Sevilla	Borussia Monchengladbach

---

Group E
Barcelona	Bayer Leverkusen
AS Roma	BATE Borisov

---

Group F
Bayern Munich	Arsenal
Olympiakos	Dinamo Zagreb

---

Group G
Chelsea	FC Porto
Dynamo Kiev	Maccabi Tel-Aviv

---

Group H
Zenit St Petersburg	Valencia
Lyon	Gent

The official result of the #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Il4iQoqdLU

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2015

Miss the Actions? Watch & Download Manchester City 3 – Chelsea 0 (All Goals Highlight)

 

Goals from Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho were enough to seal an emphatic 3-0 victory for Manchester City over Chelsea
Manchester City continued a strong start to the Premier League season with a thoroughly convincing 3-0 victory against reigning champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Download the Goal Highlights below:-

DOWNLOAD THE HIGHLIGHT HERE

Meet The Rich And Single Nigerian Footballers (PHOTOS)

Football is a lucrative sport, and if a player is lucky to find himself in one of the top leagues in Europe, he can earn as much as $5m per annum if sponsorships and other royalties are put into consideration.
Nigerian footballers who are lucky enough to find themselves in the bigger leagues are usually the toast of ladies who in turn want a taste of their sweet life and huge earnings. Rumours repeatedly filter of Nigerian footballers dating one certain actress, model or singer and most of them do not publicly declare their relationships.
While there are many married, settled footballers like Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Vincent Enyeama, Taiye Taiwo, Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose, there are many others who are yet to walk down the aisle and get committed due to reasons best known to them, despite the huge earnings to start a decent family.

Mikel Obi: Chelsea FC’s midfield enforcer might not be getting too many minutes on the pitch for his club but he can take succor in the fact that his beautiful fiancee, Olga Diyachenko, the daughter of a Russian millionaire will always be around when he returns to the house they share.

John Mikel Obi

Due to his sponsorships with the likes of Samsung, Mikel is reportedly worth as much as $57m. So much money to burn.

John Ogu: Ogu plays as a central midfielder for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The left footed midfielder used to ply his trade in Portugal for Academica and he is not married or in any confirmed relationship.
In early July, rumours emerged that Ogu had completed his multi-million Naira house at his home town in Owerri, Imo State worth around N50m.

John Ogu

In 2013 the midfielder released pictures of his topless self on instagram and ladies went gaga over the new rich kid in town.

Lukman Haruna: Another midfielder for the Super Eagles who plays for FC Anzhi Makhachkala on loan from FC Dynamo Kyiv.

The midfielder has never been linked with any woman in his professional career but ladies always flock around him whenever he returns to his Akute base in Nigeria.

Ogenyi Onazi: The 24 year old Lazio engine room, Ogenyi Onazi lives a very quiet life outside the pitch, his aggressive style of play sometimes put him at risk of being sent off the field of play. He has not been sighted or rumored to be dating any woman.

Ogenyi Onazi of Nigeria during the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations final match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso on the 10th February 2013 at National Stadium in Johannesburg

Kenneth Omeruo: Omeruo is a Nigerian defender who recently signed a year long deal with Kasımpaşa of Turkey on loan from Chelsea. Although he is pretty young, Kenneth as he is fondly called is yet to be seen with any girl, both in his Abuja home base or England. He was rumored to be dating Super Falcons and Liverpool Ladies striker, Asisat oshoala, a report he denied. Omeruo has also been linked to actress Lilian Esoro

Omeruo and Lilian Esoro

Obafemi Martins: Obagoal as fondly called by people close to him is blessed with children, he is single and living large. He had baby mamas and kids from different continents, he is indeed blessed. The latest  of his ‘baby mamas’ is Liverpool striker Mario Ballotelli’s younger sister, Juliet Bawuah who had a child with him and they are co-habituating with no signs of wedding bells ringing soon.

Ikechuckwu Uche: He is a super eagles player and at the same time the younger brother to Kalu Uche  who is playing for Tigres in Mexico. Ike has been linked to many actresses including Rita Dominic but he is yet to be confirmed dating anyone.

Ikechukwu Uche

Emmanuel Emenike: The top scorer at the 2013 Nations Cup now plies his trade in Dubai at Al Ain on loan from Fenerbache of Turkey. The striker is rumoured to be the playboy in the Eagles camp as reports suggest he has dated as much as five big time Nollywood actresses.

Emmanuel Emenike playing for Fenerbache

Recently it was reported by gossip blogs that the former Spartak Moscow man is in a relationship with Nollywood beauty, Ebube Nwango. According to Linda Ikeji, Emenike is a close friend of Limpopo crooner Kcee who is an ex-boyfriend of the actress. This makes the relationship between the three all the more awkward.

Sone Aluko: Sone Aluko is a Nigerian born left-footed attacker who pays for Hull City in the English Championship division. His sister Eniola Aluko was born in Nigeria and is also a professional footballer who plays for Chelsea Ladies and England ladies.

Sone Aluko

The man is single and though little is known about his personal life it has been suggested by some media that the striker is keen to settle down.


Sunday Mba: Mba  plays as a midfielder for CA Bastia and the Nigeria national team. At the 2013 Nations Cup, Mba scored the winning goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 quarter-final win over Côte d’Ivoire.

Sunday Mba celebrating his AFCON 2013 final goal

On February 10, 2013, in the final against Burkina Faso, he scored the first and only goal of the game, to hand Nigeria their third Africa Cup of Nations title. The midfielder plays for Bastia of France and like other players on this list, he is yet to be linked with any lady.

Saraki’s Son Becomes Youngest Ever Club Chairman

Oluwaseni Saraki, the second child of senate president, Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Sunday, 10th of August became the youngest ever chairman of a professional football club.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

The Saraki familyy

The law graduate, 22, is now the Chairman of the Ilorin based Nigeria National League side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC).

Club chairman, Jimoh Bashir in a press release said Saraki was appointed chairman after a meeting with the new Chairman and the general manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka in Lagos over the weekend.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Seni and Didier Drogba

Bukola Saraki however remains the proprietor of the club, while Seni Saraki assumes duty as the Chairman, and general manager Alloy Chukwuemeka retaining his position.

Seni Saraki has already said the necessary expertise to move the club forward will be engaged while he assured players and officials of the club that their salaries and incentives would be reviewed as the club management shows more interest in their welfare.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Seni is a diehard Arsenal fan

The also begged the team to work earn so it can earn a promotion ticket at the end of the on-going season. Saraki is expected to address the players, officials, coaches and supporters in Ilorin on assumption of duty when avaliable.

ABS FC formerly BUKOLA Babes is a privately owned football franchise in the NNL, and is owned by Senate President Saraki, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial district in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

Cech Reacts After Blunder In Arsenal's 2-0 Home Defeat

The memories of the Barclays Premier League opener on Day 2, Sunday, August 9, is one Petr Cech will never want to remember.

This follows his blunder that led to Cheikhou Kouyate’s opener in West Ham 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Cech flapped at a Dimitri Payet free-kick just before half-time to allow West Ham midfielder Kouyate to nip in front of him and head into an empty net.

Cech fluff his lines allowing Kouyate to nod into an empty net for West Ham’s opening goal

Again, a wrong-footed Cech was then beaten by a long-range Mauro Zarate strike at his near post 12 minutes into the second half and Arsenal were unable to summon a response, as they suffered a first defeat to West Ham in eight years.

But the experienced goalkeeper who crossed-over to the Emirates from Stamford Bridge in June, has taken to his twitter handle to react shortly after the game.

See his tweet below;

First game like this was not in the script - Mistake and no points 😒 but tomorrow is another day to get ready for the next game ! 😉 #COYG

— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) August 9, 2015

 Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger has refused to lay the blame solely with Petr Cech.
Wenger said: “Our performance was not convincing. On the two aspects of our game, going forward and defending, overall we were punished. On top of that, we gave two very cheap goals away.
“I haven’t spoken to him [Cech] yet, but I can’t see many convincing individual performances. It is difficult to single one out.”
“It’s not only him; if you look at the back line we have plenty of experience at the back. I think the youngest is 30.
“We were punished for our defending. We gave two very cheap goals away and gave ourselves a mountain to climb.
“The way we conceded a goal just before half-time with the experience we have in our team is difficult to understand.”
Wenger added: “West Ham are a bit more advanced in their preparation. They’ve played more competitive games than us and we knew that.
“We were a bit nervous and we didn’t respect the basics. There were no individually convincing performances.
“A successful season is how we respond to disappointment. We have to respond quickly because we have a tricky start. We play Crystal Palace, a very good team, we play Liverpool, a very good team. You could see fitness-wise, physically we are not there yet.”
Meanwhile, the social media has been buzzing following Arsenal’s opening day defeat in the hands of West Ham. The game ended 2-0 as Kouyate and Zarate goals did the damage in front of the Gunners home fans.
The defeat leaves Arsenal at the bottom of the table as football enthusiasts and critics are already reacting to the news.