The Current World Cup trophy Designer, Silvio Gazzaniga dies at age 95

Italian sculptor, Silvio Gazzaniga who designed and created the current version of the FIFA World Cup trophy has died at the age of 95. Silvio designed the trophy in 1971. He was found dead in his sleeping bed on Monday October 31 following series of minor ailment.

A released statement from his son, Giorgio, announced his father’s demise. ‘He just didn't wake up this morning. It was a peaceful death.’

Barcelona stars boycott La Liga award ceremony because their coach wasn’t nominated in the ‘Best Coach’ category

Barcelona stars were all absent at the 2015-16 La Liga award ceremony simply because their coach Luis Enrique wasn't nominated for the best coach of the season category.
Although the glittering awards ceremony which took place in Valencia on Monday saw Barcelona stars, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez winning Best Forward and La Liga World Player of the Year award respectively, the whole Barcelona team didn’t show up because Luis Enrique who guided the them to La Liga trophy last season didn’t even make the nomination list with the Best Coach award given to Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone.

Antoine Griezmann emerge ’Best La Liga player of 2015-2016 Season

Atletico Madrid and France striker, Antoine Griezmann has been crowned the best La Liga player for the 2015 -16 season.

The 25 year old, whose performance was super impressive last season, scoring 22 goals out of 38 appearances for the Spanish giant was announced as the winner at the glittering awards ceremony which took place in Valencia on Monday, while his fellow teammates, Jan Oblak, Diego Godin and his coach Diego Simeone also went home with awards. See the full list after the cut…
Best player: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Best coach: Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
Best goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Best defender: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Best midfielder: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Best forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Best Newcomer: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid*)
La Liga World Player of the Year: Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Photo: Super Eagles celebrate victory as they defeat Zambia 2-1

Super Eagle of Nigeria defeated Zambia 2 goals to 1 in their third leg of Africa world cup qualification match play today. the celebrating eagle took a photo shoot.

See Stunning Photo Of Daniel Amokachi 'The Bull' With his twin sons in Turkey

Daniel Amokachi popularly called "The Bull", former Super Eagles player  who was discovered while playing for Ranchers Bees by Nigerian the then national team coach Clemens Westerhof  was recently pictured with his twin sons, Kalim and Nazim who both play for top Turkish football club, BJK Besiktas.

Football Legend Leo Messi Shares a Stunning Photo Of His Beautiful Family

Ghana dropped to 43 in the latest FIFA rankings

Ghana has been on Thursday, September 15 released the latest FIFA ranking is largely reduced.
Black Star has dropped by the eight point i.e from 35 to 43 can not choose to pay their highest point, Rwanda African countries in the last World Cup qualifiers and a friendly loss to Russia.
The decline came in the country declined 91 points accumulated points.


In Africa ranking, Ghana is currently fifth behind Côte d'Ivoire 1 (in the world 34 with 752 points), Algeria, the second (the world's first 749 point 34), Senegal 3 (No. 39 has 684 points in the world), the Africa ranking, Tunisia 3-4 (42nd in the world with 662 points) details below:

 Brazil in the world ranking, climbed back into the top five for the first time  ever since and South American rivals Argentina and European giants Belgium  remain in their positions as first and second respectively.

Top ten is in the order of:

•  Argentina
•  Belgium
•   Germany
• Colombia
•  Brazil
•  Chile
•  Portugal,
• France
•  Uruguay
• Wales 

 Africa Team Top 10

• Cote d’Ivoire

• Algeria
• Senegal
• Tunisia
• Ghana
• Congo DR
• Egypt
• Congo
• Mali
• Morocco

Football: Newly Super Eagles Coach rejects House Given To Him in Abuja, Says it's Too Big

The 63-year-old German, the newly super eagle signed coach, recently inspected the house which was rented for him by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Jabi, FCT, and insisted that the apartment is too big that he would prefer a smaller apartment.


According to the deal he signed with the NFF, Rohr, is entitled to official accommodation, as part of the terms of the two-year He is also expected to be provided with an official car.

Football: Former Super Eagle Skipper Kanu Nwankwo, Loses His Mother, Susan Kanu Iheme

Former Super Eagle skipper and Arsenal striker, Kanu Nwankwo is bereaved. What a painful lost! The footballer, founder of Kanu heart foundation has just lost his mom, Susan Kanu Iheme. Report had it that she died on the September, 7th in Owerri at a ripe age. May her soul rest in peace.

Arsenal Star Contradicts Manager Wenger Over Man Utd Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

                               

Bellerin is tipped for start for Arsenal against PSG tomorrow in the Champions League.

PSG have endured a mixed start to the season - their first campaign without Ibrahimovic, who moved to Manchester United this summer, in four years.

But Spaniard Bellerin does not believe the absence of the 34-year-old striker makes PSG an easier opponent.

"As a club, they have lots of good players so I don't think it affects them at all," he said. "They have a really strong three and any player up front will be dangerous.

"We have to face the match in the same way that we would if Ibra was playing. We feel up for it."

Ibrahimovic has already scored five goals for United since completing his free transfer from Paris.

Reports emerged on Sunday that United are already considering offering the Swede an extension on his current contract to keep him at the club until 2019.

Ibrahimovic is one a one-year deal at Old Trafford, with an option to extend his terms by a further 12 months.

Contrary to Bellerin, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes PSG have suffered a downturn since losing the striker.

"They will continue to be the dominant team in France but they lost more than a player with Ibrahimovic," Wenger said.

"He was the leader, the captain, a charismatic carrier of the ambition of the club.

"It's always difficult to measure, when you lose a player of that stature, how big the damage is.

"At the moment they have also changed managers so they are trying to find their feet at the moment."

Source: express

Super Eagle Taye Taiwo Shares Photo With His Kids

                                 Happy family...

Former Liverpool ladies Asisat Oshoala Unveiled As Nairabet Ambassador

Arsenal Ladies and Super Falcons forward star, Asisat Oshoala has been named as the latest brand ambassador of leading sports betting company in Nigeria, NairaBET.com. Asisat, who was the best player and was the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada was unveiled at NairaBET headquarters in Lekki lagos, Nigeria last weekend.

The former Liverpool Ladies star, who joined Arsenal Ladies earlier in the year, says, I am very proud to become a brand ambassador for NairaBET.com and I am looking forward to an exciting adventure with them'.

Argentine model Xoana Gonzalez has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s bedroom life

Lionel Messi’s year could get worse, thanks to Xoana Gonzalez’s confession on TV.

Argentine model Xoana Gonzalez has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s bedroom life. In an interview with a Peruvian TV show called ‘the value of truth’ Gonzalez (below) described the bedroom experience with the 29-year-old as ‘having s*x with a dead body.’


Xoana GonzalezMessi, who is currently with the Barcelona squad in their pre-season tour, reportedly got intimate with the model some years ago. She revealed:

“It was many years ago. In truth he was very young. But he knew what he was doing, was not minor, that was the important thing.

“His security told me ‘got someone you want to know’. I was curious to see who it was, and froze when I saw it was my idol Messi I froze.

I said that he is the wimp, though because he sent his security to get me. There I noticed that he is very shy.
We talked about music and cannot remember if he told me he had a girlfriend or not. After a while we went to his apartment in Puerto Madero.

“When one plays across the whole pitch, you expect someone to return the favour. I wanted him to show me more than that. At one point I felt like I was with a dead body.”

Her comments on TV could hurt Leo’s image further after a torrid year. From court cases to losing in the finals of the Copa America Centenario, Messi’s only solace in his football career this year derives from winning La Liga and Copa del Rey with Barcelona.

The legendary footballer is currently married to his childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo.
They have been married since 2008, and blessed with two kids so far; Thiago and Mateo Messi

Source: gossipmill

The indomitable Spirit Of Nigerians Is Alive – President Buhari

President Buhari has said that the victory of the Golden Eaglets over Mali in the final match of 2015 Under-17 FIFA World Cup tournament in Chile on Sunday clearly indicated the indomitable spirit of Nigerians was still active.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president congratulated the team, saying that they had made Nigerians proud.

According to him, the victory also showed that the country was making steady progress to occupy its pride of place in the world affairs.



The statement read thus: “On behalf of the Federal Government and millions of very happy and proud Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on their victory over Mali in the final match of this year’s Under-17 FIFA World Cup tournament in Chile.

“President Buhari applauds the exemplary zeal, determination, commitment, hard work, patriotism and soccer artistry which the youthful Golden Eaglets put on display throughout the tournament to win the championship for a record fifth time.

“The President notes with delight that the Golden Eaglets not only won the coveted Under-17 FIFA World Cup, but they are also bringing home highly-valued individual awards such as the Golden Boot won by Victor Osimhen for being the tournament’s highest goal scorer and the Golden Ball, won by the team captain, Kelechi Nwakali for being the best player.

“President Buhari believes that by their triumph in Chile, the Golden Eaglets have shown the world that the indomitable Nigerian spirit is alive and waxing stronger.

“For the President, the Golden Eaglets’ latest victory on the global stage is an affirmation of the significant progress Nigeria is now making towards positively redefining and rediscovering its potential for greatness in the comity of nations.

“President Buhari trusts that if all other Nigerians imbibe and exhibit the doggedness, determination and patriotism displayed by their youthful compatriots in Chile, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards becoming the strong, united, peaceful, secure and prosperous nation envisioned by its people.

“The President joins other proud Nigerians in awaiting the Golden Eaglets triumphant return to a heroes’ welcome from a joyous and grateful nation”.

Eva Carneiro To Filed A Legal Claim Against Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro in addition to the action she is bringing against the club for constructive dismissal, it can be revealed.

Legal papers will be served on Mourinho this week as part of separate but connected claims against him and against the club.

The claim against Jose Mourinho will be on the basis that he was instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from first-team duties and effectively demoted.

It means the Portuguese manager will have to appear in person at an employment tribunal unless the case is settled out of court beforehand. Under employment law, an individual can be personally liable for damages if victimisation or discrimination can be proved.

Ghana Captain Asamoah Gyan Has Been Named Africa’s Highest Paid Footballer

Asamoah Gyan has been named as Africa’s highest paid footballer, the Ghana captain’s staggering £226,923.07 ($350,000 or GH¢1.429,615.03) a week salary in China placing him just above Ivory Coast captain, Yaya Toure who earns £220,000.00 weekly.

This was revealed by UK based website, Thekingmaker.me’s ratings of 200 best paid footballers in the world today in a list that included highest paid football coaches as well.

Gyan is number 6 in the world behind Lionel Messi (£313,461.00), Cristiano Ronaldo (£288,000.00), Wayne Rooney (£285,000.00), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£275,000.00) and (Gareth Bale £256,000.00) with Yaya Toure just coming in at number 7.
Sergio Agüero (£220,000.00), David de Gea (£200,000.00) and Bastian Schweinsteiger £200,000.00 complete the Top 10 even though number 11, Eden Hazard and 12th, Luis Suárez both also earn £200,000.00 in weekly wages.

Conspicuously missing from the list however are Sulley Ali Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng who both reportedly earn over £100,000.00 weekly wages each even though KP’s brother, Jérôme Boateng is named at number 154 on a weekly wage of £64,800.00 at Bayern Munich.

Michael Essien however is the only other Ghanaian named in the list of 200 highest paid footballers at number 176 on £60,000.00 (GH¢378,000) a week.
On an African perspective, Emmanuel Adebayor is the 3rd highest paid player from the continent on £101,000.00 weekly (66th in the world) even though he remains unattached after his paying club, Tottenham Hotspurs failed to register him for competition this season.

Other African players on the list include Wilfried Bony £100,000.00 (76th), John Obi Mikel £75,000.00 (116th), Demba Cissé £70,000.00 (136th), Kolo Touré £65,000.00 (139th), Seydou Keita £55,000.00 (187th), Alex Song £50,000.00 (197th) and Cheik Tioté £50,000.00 (200th).

Underfire Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho is highest paid coach at number 18 on a reported £160,961.00 weekly wage followed by number 35, Louis van Gaal on £134,615.00, and Arsene Wenger on £126,923.00 at number 38.

Former Chelsea Team Doctor Eva Carneiro, ‘To Sue Chelsea For Constructive Dismissal’

Former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro is to sue the club for constructive dismissal, according to the Press Association.

PA reports that legal papers were served on the club this week which will trigger an employment tribunal – unless an out-of-court settlement can be agreed before a hearing takes place.

Carneiro refused to confirm or comment on the reports when asked by Sky Sports at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday evening.
The doctor was dropped from first-team duties on August 8 after she and physio John Fearn were criticised by manager Jose Mourinho for going on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard, which left the Blues temporarily down to nine men as he left the field for treatment.

Mourinho has since been cleared by the FA of using discriminatory language towards Carneiro but the doctor has criticised the governing body over its investigation.

She said earlier this month: “I was surprised to learn that the FA was allegedly investigating the incident of August 8 via the press. I was at no stage requested by the FA to make a statement.

Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn treating Hazard at Stamford Bridge in August

“I wonder whether this might be the only formal investigation in this country where the evidence of the individuals involved in the incident was not considered relevant. Choosing to ignore some of the evidence will surely influence the outcome of the findings.”

Carneiro’s lawyers served the papers after failing to agree a settlement with Chelsea. The three-month period in which a claim must be notified ends on November 8, but any employment tribunal would be heard in public and such cases are usually settled beforehand to avoid potential embarrassment.

Chelsea have previously said they cannot comment on internal staffing matters.

Source: jumpfon

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Nigeria Eaglets Thrash Australia 6-0 To, Move Quarterfinals

In the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, Nigeria advanced to a quarter-final meeting against Brazil on the back of a hat-trick from the impressive Victor Osimhen, ending Australia’s run with a one-sided 6-0 victory in Vina Del Mar.
The tale of the first half was compacted into a three-minute period as Nigeria scored twice sandwiched either side of a gilt-edged opening for Australia.

It was 2-0 at the interval, and the game was still a contest until the final 17 minutes before Nigeria ran riot against an Australian side looking flat after surviving the ‘group of death’.

The Aussies started in pro-active fashion, but it was Funsho Ibrahim Bamgboye who hit the post with a rasping shot from the edge of the penalty area as Nigeria’s first effort narrowly failed to break the deadlock.

That moment came on 22 minutes as Osimhen showed just why he is the tournament’s leading goalscorer by bursting forward with pace and power on the left, before turning his defender and sliding the ball impressively inside the far post.

Australia could have drawn level immediately with Cameron Joice seeing his shot saved, while Lucas Derrick pushed the follow-up wide as a golden opportunity was spurned.
Almost immediately Nigeria were two in front as Funsho Bambgboye went to ground in the penalty area, and Kelechi Nwakali coolly slotted home the resultant penalty.

The two goals seemed to inspire the Nigerians who took a greater hold as the half wore on creating several half-openings around the Aussie goal.

Nigeria continued their powerful performance after the break, and although Australia dominated possession for periods, it was the Africans who ended the contest with a third.

Osimhen scored twice in the space of six minutes, the second with another laser-perfect drive into the top corner.
The deflated Aussies conceded to more goals in the dying minutes as firstly substitute Edidiong Michael Essien, and then Samuel Chukwueze, inflicted further pain as Nigeria stormed into the last-eight in confident fashion.

Source: guardianngr

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Russia Will Remain 2018 World Cup Hosts - Sepp Blatter

Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter has insisted Russia will not lose the right to host the 2018 World Cup.

Russia were awarded the chance to host international football’s biggest competition in 2010, winning the vote ahead of England as well as combined bids from Holland and Belgium and Spain and Portugal.

Earlier this month, Blatter was suspended along with UEFA president Michel Platini by FIFA’s ethics committee for 90 days as investigations continue over their conduct.
There have been suggestions Russia could be stripped of hosting the World Cup, however Blatter has said this will not happen.

This is despite the head of the Serious Fraud Office confirming that it is looking into potential money-laundering offences related to the 2018 bid. It is also investigating the same offence with regards to the 2022 Qatar World Cup bid.

“It’s ruled out,” the 79-year-old said in an interview with Russian news agency TASS. “Russia will not lose the World Cup.”

Blatter shares the stage with Russia president Vladimir Putin (right) at FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying draw

Blatter claimed in the summer that world football’s governing body had complete trust in Russia holding the competition and met with the country’s president Vladimir Putin prior to the qualification draw for the finals.

Putin confirmed his intention to “do all we can for sportsmen and fans alike to feel at home here”, although his passing of anti-homosexual laws has caused widespread condemnation.

Blatter and Platini are currently appealing the judgement to suspend them from all football related activity, as the worst crisis to engulf FIFA in its 111-year history continues.

The 90-day ban for both men can also be extended by a further 45 days if FIFA’s ethics deems it necessary.

Source: jumpfon

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Wayne Rooney Granted Manchester United Testimonial

Manchester United have granted Wayne Rooney a testimonial after a campaign by supporters to honour their captain’s service to the club.

The game will take place on August 3 next year against yet-to-be-named opponents with Rooney donating all the profits from the match to the NSPCC, Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital, Claire House Hospice, and the Manchester United Foundation through the newly-formed Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Rooney has scored 236 goals in 493 appearances since moving to Old Trafford.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in making this testimonial become a reality,” Rooney said.

“Most of all I want to thank the fans for all their incredible support for me and the team since I joined the club.

“The match night will obviously be special for me and my family but I hope it will be a night of celebration for all involved and that we can also deliver one or two surprises.”

Rooney’s representatives said the club awarded the striker the testimonial following a meeting between “like-minded individuals and Manchester United fans” who wrote to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward asking that a testimonial be awarded following the player’s 11-year spell at the club.

Rooney said: “Most of all I hope the fans will come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for these amazing charities, all of which are very close to my heart for different reasons.”

Since joining from Everton in 2004, Rooney has won the Premier League five times, the League Cup twice and the Champions League once.

The striker has also gained a host of individual accolades and is now just 13 goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record.

Rooney has scored 236 goals since arriving from Everton in 2004 for a then world-record fee for a teenager

“I am delighted that United fans will be able to celebrate Wayne’s amazing years at the club in this way,” Woodward said.

“From his sensational debut hat-trick to the latest of his 236 goals, he has been a central figure in what has been one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, winning everything from the Club World Cup, through the Champions League and League Cup to his five Premier League titles.”

Details of the players and managers who will be involved on the day are expected to be revealed over the next few weeks.


Source: jumpfon

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