Cristiano Ronaldo Ruled Out of Copa Del Rey Final | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Cristiano Ronaldo Ruled Out of Copa Del Rey Final

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 16, 2014

Real Madrid will be without winger Cristiano Ronaldo for their Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona today.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Tuesday that the 29-year-old Portuguese has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the Cup El Clasico in Mastela, Valencia.

Cristiano is not available because we dont want to take risks and we have other very important games to come this season, said the Italian boss.

Cristiano Ronaldo Will Sit Out of Wednesday Nights Copa Del Rey Final.

Ronaldo have missed Reals previous three matches and Ancelottis men have only lost one of the ten games the World Player of the Year has missed this season.

We are going to lose a player with an incredible quality, but his absence has provided motivation for the team to run more and play more as a team, added Ancelotti.

The Los Blancos have a European Champions League semi-final tie against reigning champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday, 23 April, to complete a double, as they sits second, trailing leaders Atletico Madrid by three points in the Spanish La Liga.

Gus Poyet Will Not Quit Sunderland | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Gus Poyet Will Not Quit Sunderland

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 16, 2014

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has denied that he is on the brink of quitting his position at the club.

The Black Cats are rock-bottom of the Premier League standings- seven points from safety with two games in hand.

It looks to me that people are expecting me to walk out. I dont know why they have that impression. Im not going to quit, Poyet said.

The Uruguayan however does not believe a change at the helm is the solution for the league strugglers and losing Capital One Cup finalists.

Gus Poyet Will Not Quit as Sunderland Boss.

And when asked if he is confident a solution can be found at the Stadium of Light, he said: I hope so. If not, we have got a massive problem.

The more solutions I find, the easier my job is going to be and I want that job to be as easy as possible.

The Uruguayan also said he was not afraid of changing his own approach if that was deemed to be the root of Sunderlands poor form.

Its not my way or nothing. Here we are talking about solutions for the club and maybe my way is not right, and then I am the problem, he added.

If I am the problem, it would be nice if somebody told me and thats it. I have got no problem with that.

Nigeria’s Coach Reveals They Are Not Afraid Of Argentina Team | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Nigerias Coach Reveals They Are Not Afraid Of Argentina Team

Posted by: Deolu on April 16, 2014

Stephen Keshi, coach of Super Eagles denies the rumours that the team is afraid of Argentina in World Cup.

Stephen Keshi and NFF at Loggerheads Again: Coach Delays World Cup Provisional Squad.

Head Coach of Nigeria’s team dismissed the insinuations that Super Eagles were afraid of meeting its opponent, Argentina, in World Cup games.

This was the reaction to what was said last week by coach of Argentina team, Alejandro Sabella. According to Sabella, all the teams that got into the same group with Argentina, that includes Nigeria, were afraid of the teams’ strikers.

Group F includes teams of Argentina, Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“I respect people but I don’t fear people, Keshi said. “I am not afraid of any team. I don’t see my team (Eagles) scared of any team in the group.

“When we meet in June we will know what happens,” He added.

This was announced at the flag off of the Consumer Promo for Peak Milk, aimed at supporting Eagles World Cup campaign.

The campaign was launched entitled World Class Nutrition, World Class Team.

In addition to that, according to Chris Green, head of the federation Technical Committee, the team was suspected to surpass its previous records – second round World Cup that was taken by Nigeria team twice in 1994 and 1998.

“We don’t want to take anything for granted. Our target in Brazil is to surpass our previous records at the World Cup,” Green said.

Green also added that NFF was doing everything possible to assist Keshi in preparations for the World Cup.

“As a federation, we have worked hard to improve the position and status of Nigerian football from the days when everything that could go wrong always seemed to do so.”

He went on adding that “We have also secured a very good, world-class base for the team in Brazil that everyone is happy about, and we are working even harder behind the scenes to make sure this team does well at the World Cup.”

Bale’s Moment of Brilliance Clinches the Copa del Rey for Real | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Bales Moment of Brilliance Clinches the Copa del Rey for Real

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

Gareth Bale delivered a stunning individual goal five minutes from the dead, to help clinch Wednesdays Copa del Rey final for Real Madrid at the expense of arch-rivals Barcelona.

The Welshman sprinted past defender Marc Bartra from the halfway line to shoot past Jose Manuel Pinto, standing in Barcas goal for the injured Victor Valdez.

Argentina international Angel Di Maria gifted the Los Blancos the lead within ten minutes of play.

Bartras second-half header leveled affairs for Barca before Bales solo effort proved the former Tottenham Hotspur mans worth in the absence of Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo through a hamstring injury.

Gareth Bale in CLoud Nine, After Helping Real Madrid Clinc the Copa del Rey. Getty Image.

Barcelona dominated the match, yet couldnt mount any form of pressure on Spanish goalkeeper Iker Cassillas.

The Catalans playmaker Lionel Messi was reduced to a figure head in vital areas in the heat of the proceedings.

Real were organised and committed as they defended every piece of their opponents prodding carefully, while on the other end didnt fail to take their chances with Di Maria and Bale always on rampage.

Di Maria was at the end of a Karim Benzema pass and then shot across Pinto for the opener.

Barca patiently pressed for an equaliser and earned accord for their fighting spirit when they drew level on 68 minutes, courtesy of an unmarked Bartra. The defender powerfully headed Xavis corner into the top corner of goal.

Having restored parity, the reigning La Liga champions fought for the winner but Carlo Ancelottis men were bound to outwit their opponents, considering their class and determination all through the night.

Fabio Coentrao launched the attack with a long ball down the left towards Bale, and the latter knocked the ball into the deserted Barcelona half with Bartra the only piece left to defend the jigsaw, he managed to keep his cool before prodding Madrid back in front.

The win kept Reals treble hopes alive as they currently sit second in the Spanish League, with a Champions League semi-finals tie against Bayern Munich in line.

On the contrary, the pressure on Argentine coach, Gerardo Martino, increased after 90 minutes, despite doing a league double against their rivals in the El-Clasico.

Everton Slips in the Race for a Champions League Football | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Everton Slips in the Race for a Champions League Football

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

Everton handed the initiative back to Arsenal in the race for fourth as their seven-match winning streak ended with a damaging defeat to Crystal Palace.

Jason Puncheons half-volley and Scott Danns header put Palace in control before Steven Naismiths tap-in.

Cameron Jerome added a third for the Eagles before Kevin Mirallas reduced the deficit from close range.

Defeat for the Toffees mean they remain fifth, a point behind the Gunners, with four matches remaining.

Cameron Jerome fires in Palaces 3rd during their stunning 3-2 win at Everton. Getty Image.

Palace, who go 11th, have reached the 40-point mark often seen as a benchmark for top-flight safety with a fourth successive win.

Manager Tony Pulis appears to have accomplished the mission of Premier League survival he took on when he accepted the job in November with the club bottom of the table.

But Everton boss Roberto Martinez now needs a response from his side when predecessor David Moyes returns to Goodison Park with Manchester United on Sunday.

City’s Title Hopes Dented With Sunderland Draw | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Citys Title Hopes Dented With Sunderland Draw

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

Manchester City suffered a serious blow to their Premier League title ambitions after they were held to a draw by bottom club Sunderland.

City gained a second-minute lead with Fernandinhos powerful effort, but went behind as Connor Wickham scored twice in quick succession after the break.

With two minutes left, Black Cats goalkeeper Vito Mannone fumbled Samir Nasris fierce strike into his own net.

City are six points behind leaders Liverpool and four behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

Sergio Aguero Tries to Nick Home His Shot Against Sunderland. Getty Image.

They could have been even further adrift of the top two because Manuel Pellegrinis team were fortunate to earn their late equaliser, as Mannone agonisingly let Nasris shot slip out of his grasp.

Nasri then went close to snatching a winner in the 90th minute, but his anguished reaction showed how his teams prospects have now changed.

Citys hopes of repeating their Premier League success of 2012 now rely on both Liverpool and Chelsea slipping up during the final weeks of the season.

The draw was just as unsatisfactory for Sunderland, who were the better team for large periods of the game, and missed out on a chance to further close the gap on their relegation rivals.

Gus Poyets side are six points from safety with a game in hand on the three teams above them Cardiff, Fulham and Norwich and the Sunderland boss will curse the way his team let victory slip.

Source: The BBC Sport

Sturridge Faces Late Fitness Test for EPL Leaders’ Trip to Carrow Road | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Sturridge Faces Late Fitness Test for EPL Leaders Trip to Carrow Road

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

Liverpool have confirmed Daniel Sturridge may yet be fit to play at Norwich Citys Carrow Road on Sunday.

The striker limped off in the 66th minute of the 3-2 win over Manchester City last weekend.

The Anfield club said in a statement: Sturridge has since undergone further assessment with the clubs medical team at Melwood and a small strain was detected following a scan.

Daniel Sturridge Celebrate His Equaliser After Coming On as a Second-Half Substitute Against Neighbours Everton.

The 24-year-old will now undergo a treatment programme in order to try and be available for the trip to Carrow Road.

Sturridge, who joined the Reds from Chelsea in 2013, is the second highest Premier League goal-scorer this season with 20 strikes. He trails teammate Luis Suarez by nine goals.

Crown Court Serves Businesswoman Jail Term for Defrauding Odemwingie Out of Over N6m | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Crown Court Serves Businesswoman Jail Term for Defrauding Odemwingie Out of Over N6m

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

A lifestyle coach who defrauded Stoke City forward Peter Osaze Odemwingie and six other clients out of more than £80,000 has pledged to pay them back.

Claire Duke of London Colney in Hertfordshire, admitted seven frauds.

Stafford Crown Court heard how the she had charged clients for holidays and flights but used the money for herself.

I would just like to pass on my sincere apologies to everyone, Duke said on leaving the court.

Osaze Odemwingie was defrauded out of £22,000 by Claire Dukes concierge service business.

The court heard that Odemwingie was defrauded out of £22,000 by the 38-year-old, who had run a business offering concierge services and organised holidays and trips abroad at the time of the fraud.

Judge David Mason QC accepted that Dukes business had encountered difficulties and had not been set up or designed as a fraud from the outset.

The Nigerian striker, 32, and the six other victims money had been shifted in different directions by Duke, the judge said.

Duke was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Chelsea Set To Sign Another Prolific Striker | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Chelsea Set To Sign Another Prolific Striker

Posted by: Deolu on April 17, 2014

Barely a month before the end of the 2013/2014 football season in Europe, Chelsea is set to complete the signing of Hajduk Split forward Mario Pasalic next month.

According to reports, the striker is said to worth £3million and he is expected to be sent out on loan by Chelsea for next season.

It could be recalled that it was reported in January that the 19-year-old was to sign for Chelsea.

* Pasalic, right, is set to join Jose Mourinhos Chelsea in England

Pasalics agent, Ivica Loncar, confirmed then that: There are several interested clubs from Italy, Germany and Spain, and it is possible that the first two weeks of preparation activity will be with Chelsea. But the decision is Jose Mourinho’s.

Pasalic has scored 11 goals in 25 games for Hajduk this season.

Another player that has been reported to be on his way to join the Blues in the summer is Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has admitted he may be powerless to stop Costa leaving for Stamford Bridge.

It depends on him and what he believes is best for his future. I will support any decision, the Argentinian told newsmen recently.

It is normal that Chelsea are interested in him. They have good economic potential. (Samuel) Etoo is getting older and Diego Costa can do his work, but right now hes ours.

How Does it Work? Wenger Questions League Games Reschedule for TV Coverage | INFORMATION NIGERIA

How Does it Work? Wenger Questions League Games Reschedule for TV Coverage

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on April 17, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has raised question of the switching of league games, after the Gunners trip to Hull City was rescheduled for Sunday.

The North London outfits visit to the KC Stadium came earlier than expected, following the decision by the Premier League to move Chelseas home game with Sunderland forward ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, April 22.

We never got any help on that front, Wenger said at his pre-game news conference for Sundays league game at Hull. Never. There is no written rule.

Arsene Wenger During the Pre-Match Media Briefing for Sundays League Game at Hull.

When you speak to the Premier League, it is not the Premier League.

As many as five league games will be moved to be shown on Sky Sports or BT Sports (sole broadcasters of the English league), but kick-off times for TV games may be moved if one of the teams involved play in the European Championship the following week- say teams involved in Tuesdays Champions League tie slated for Sundays league game.

Earlier this season, Wengers men had to play at Manchester City on a Saturday after returning from a crunch Champions League tie at Napoli.

It is the television companies who help- they decide who plays when and some clubs have maybe better introductions with television companies, Wenger added.

We never had and we never tried to influence the decision of Sky or any other company.

The manager also re-echoed club chief, Ivan Gazidis concerns that both FA Cup finalists have not been allocated more FA Cup final tickets for their supporters.

The FA has made available for both Arsenal and Hull, 25,000 seats for the Wembley final on May 17- a number nearly half that of Arsenals 45,000 season ticket holders.

The French boss said: I dont know well enough the rules but, before, I think one of the charms of the FA Cup final was always that the stadium was really divided in two [sets of fans], he said.

Its a shame that it doesnt happen anymore because that was always an absolutely fantastic atmosphere. I remember Ive been at European Championship finals of the nations and World Cup finals and always theres a little bit of a lack of atmosphere because its so divided. I think the atmosphere will lose a little bit.

Midfielder Mesut Ozil could return for the FA Cup dress rehearsal against Hull City after a hamstring injury.

Its good to have him (Ozil) back because we had so many offensive players out. He gives you always opportunities to score and I have to test him physically tomorrow and Saturday to see if he can travel, Wenger said on the Germans fitness.