World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria and Ethiopia Competition history so far

MTNFootball.com gives a detailed recap of previous clashes between 2014 World Cup rivals Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Altogether, both teams have met seven times with Nigeria winning five of these matches.


Ethiopia recorded a famous victory over their more illustrious opponents in a 1994 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, while another match between them ended in a draw.


1982 Nations Cup Finals – Nigeria 3 Ethiopia 0
 
The first meeting between both countries was at the 1982 AFCON in Libya, where Nigeria thrashed Ethiopia 3-0. Current Eagles coach Stephen Keshi scored a brace in the game with Ademola Adeshina getting the other goal.


Friendly 1993 – Ethiopia 0 Nigeria 0

The second game was a friendly played in Addis Ababa in1993 and the Eagles won 1-0.


1994 Nations Cup qualifier – Ethiopia 1 Nigeria 0

The next game was a 1994 AFCON qualifier, where Ethiopia recorded their one and only victory over Nigeria. April 11, 1993 is still a red letter day in Ethiopia til this day.


1994 Nations Cup qualifier – Nigeria 6 Ethiopia 0

In the 1994 AFCON qualifier return leg in Lagos in 1993, Nigeria thrashed Ethiopia 6-0. Late goal king Rashidi Yekini scored a hat-trick in that game, which also was the international debut for a certain Sunday Oliseh.

How Eagles rate in last match vsEthiopia

2012 Nations Cup qualifier – Ethiopia 2 Nigeria 0

Star-studded Nigeria forced their hosts to a 2-2 in Addis Abba in a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier. Ethiopia star striker Saledin Said scored a brace and it needed a late equaliser to salvage a point on the road for the Eagles against an inspired Ethiopian side.


2012 Nations Cup qualifier – Nigeria 4 Ethiopia 0

In 2011 at the Abuja National Stadium, the Eagles under coach Samson Siasia mauled the Ethiopians 4-0 in an AFCON qualifier, Peter Utaka and Ike Uche scored a brace each to earn Nigeria a convincing victory.


2013 Nations Cup Finals – Nigeria 2 Ethiopia 0

The last meeting was a 2-0 win for Nigeria at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, where Victor Moses scored a brace from the penalty spot to catapult the Eagles into the last eight of the tournament on their way to their third Nations Cup triumph

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Super Eagles media officer buries father in October

Pa Alaiya For Burial October 26


The Alaiya family of Ososo, Akoko Edo Local Government area of Edo State has announced burial programme for the late Head of the family, Pa Moses Jemila Alaiya, who died on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at the age of 72.




A statement from the first son of the late Alaiya, Ben Alaiya, said the burial will commence on October 25, with his laying in state at the Alaiya compound in Ikpena Quarters, Ososo, to be followed by an interdemoniational service.


Burial proper will hold on Saturday, October 26 at the family compound, while entertainments of guest follows at the same venue. The late Moses Alaiya is survived by wives and several children including General Manager/Editor-in-Chief Of SportsDay Newspapers, Ben Alaiya, who is also the Media Officer of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

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Keshi, Mikel Dispel Injury Feigning Theory

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi and Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi, have openly lampooned insinuations in some quarters that Mikel feigned injury to avoid playing in the 4-1 friendly win against Burkina Faso last Tuesday in Kaduna.


Keshi who spoke through Team Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, said Mikel was injured even before he set out for Nigeria for the encounter but out of patriotism he offered to play the World Cup qualifier against Malawi. The doctors of the national team also passed him fit but not 100 per cent.

“In the early part of the game the calf injury nearly recurred but when the doctors signalled to him over what the situation was, he offered to continue the game. But after the game we had to review the situation and ask him to go for proper treatment at his club before their next game, instead of risking him against Burkina Faso in the friendly”, Keshi explained. The coach also said there was never any form of dissent from any member of the national team when Mike was excused and wondered where such stories are emanating from.

On his part, Mikel said he has never chosen games to play for the national team but has been ruled by the coaches choices and patriotism. “It’s sad if people hold such views about me but I am and will always be glad to play for Nigeria. But there is nothing I can do if I am injured and I am sure that Nigerians understand that fact. My teammates also understand because many of them have been excused from the team in the recent past on account of injuries”.

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CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2013: Esperance made it to the Semifinals

Ndjeng Joseph Yannick of EsperanceEsperance became the first side to book their place in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League when they defeated Recreativo do Libolo 3-2 at the Stade Olympique de Rades on Saturday night.

Yannick Ndjeng scored twice for the Tunisian side and Oussama Darragi added the third, while Rúben Gouveia replied with his own double for the visitors.

Ndjeng opened the scoring in the 4th minute to hand his side a 1-0 lead going into the break, but the Angolans were back on level terms soon after the restart as Ruben netted his first goal of the night.

Darragi put the home side ahead for the second time in the 53rd minute, but Ruben responded at the other end two minutes later as Recreativo tried to earn a valuable point away from home.But it wasn’t to be as Ndjeng completed his brace late in the game to ensure that his side walked away with all points on offer.

Esperance remain in top spot in Group B with 12 points, five ahead of second-placed Coton Sport, who will face Sewe Sport in Abidjan on Sunday.


mtnfootball





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Ameobi is a good character to have in the Team - Keshi

The Super eagles coach Stephen keshi has rated the newly invited player, Shola Ameobi higher after his debut for the national team in calabar against , Malawi in a world cup qualifying match and has also boasted that his team is not afraid to play any team after the final Leg of the world cup qualifier.


The Coach who spoke with SPORTDIVA.NET expressed his satisfaction towards his attitude on and off the pitch, Keshi said 'Shola Ameobi is a good player, he's a good character to have in the team, he's not just a selfish player, I like his attitude'

Speaking further if Shola will become part of his regular invite, Mr Keshi said 'Have I ever told you that I have a permanent player in my team, every player is expected to fight for a shirt, you must show that you deserve it'

'anyone that have to play, will show me what he's got'

About the draws, when the coach was asked which team he will love to play at the final leg of the world cup qualifier, Keshi said "we can play any team, all the team in Pot A and Pot B are good teams, people should just stop putting unnecessary pressure on the team, analysing which team we will likely play"

"everybody is scared of us as a team, but we are not afraid to play any team, we just have to respect the team we are going to be playing"

Inside Pot 1 is Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia and Nigeria; while Pot 2 comsost of Egypt, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal and Ethiopia

The draws will hold this week.

Aderonke Ogunleye





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Floyd Mayweather defeated Saul Alvarez

American Floyd Mayweather produced a masterclass as he outboxed Saul Canelo Alvarez to take the Mexican's WBA and WBC super welterweight titles by majority decision in Las Vegas on Saturday night.


The previously unbeaten Alvarez began by attempting to slow down Mayweather with stiff jabs and hooks to the body, but in response Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) snapped back his head with jabs of his own.

The more Alvarez (42-1-1, 30 KOs) stepped forward and became aggressive, the more he left himself vulnerable to Mayweather's rapid counterpunches.After a relatively quiet opening few rounds, Mayweather began to open up in the fourth, snapping back Alvarez's head with a succession of jabs and then landing a sweeping right at the bell.

In the fifth, Mayweather stood in the pocket in front of Alvarez and landed a series of combinations that rattled his opponent.

When Alvarez attempted to pin Mayweather in the corner in the seventh, the American slipped most of his punches and answered with a right hand, followed by a sequence of jabs and an uppercut, before backing the Mexican to the ropes and picking him apart.It was the same in the 10th, Mayweather turning defense into offense as he landed counters off the ropes and sent Alvarez into retreat.

"I think if I had pressed the attack earlier, I could have got the stoppage. I like taking my time. But it was a great fight," five-division world champion Mayweather said.By the end, Alvarez cut a forlorn figure, following Mayweather around the ring as his foe retreated and circled to lure him into a trap.

The final result appeared a formality, and it was a surprise when one of the judges scored the bout a draw.She was overruled by scores of 117-111 and 116-112, which also seemed close but may have reflected the fact that Mayweather, seemingly confident of victory, effectively coasted through the final couple of rounds."I couldn't connect," Alvarez conceded.

"He was very elusive and intelligent. He has a lot of experience and I honestly couldn't find him. In the late rounds, I was frustrated. I recognize he beat me. He's a great fighter."Mayweather praised his fallen foe."I fought a true champion tonight," he said. "A guy like that can take a loss and bounce back from it. I've been in the sport 17 years, so just because I beat him the way I did, doesn't mean he doesn't have a great career ahead of him."


@aderonkew



Reuters

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I almost joined Arsenal in 2000 - Etoo Fils

The Chelsea striker has revealed he was on the verge of signing for Arsene Wenger before making his move to Mallorca permanent, with Luis Aragones key to the decision.

New Chelsea signing Samuel Eto'o has claimed he was on the verge of joining Arsenal earlier in his career.


The striker, who has been reunited with Jose Mourinho after joining on a free transfer from Anzhi Makhachkala in August, was struggling to break into the Real Madrid first team before joining Mallorca after a successful loan spell.

ETO'O SET FOR CHELSEA DEBUT4/1Samuel Eto'o is 4/1 with BetVictor to score over 14.5 league goals this seasonEto'o, however, has revealed Arsene Wenger was keen on his signature in 2000, only for Luis Aragones, then in charge at the Son Moix Stadium, to persuade him to make his temporary move permanent.

"I met Luis at a crucial moment in my life where I had to take the right direction - and thanks to him I did," Eto'o is quoted as saying by The Sun."I was about to sign that very afternoon at Arsenal and maybe I would have never been the player I am today. Luis picked me, then I ended up joining Barcelona.

"That decision changed everything."Eto'o went on score 54 goals in 135 Liga outings for Mallorca, winning the Copa del Rey in the process, before claiming three Liga titles and two Champions League winners' medals with Barcelona.

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My Best is Yet to Come - Ideye

Brown Ideye has told MTNFootball.com his best is yet to come despite his brace against Burkina Faso in a friendly in Kaduna.

He said he is delighted with the goals as he was sure his goals will come for the Super Eagles.



"I can't say this is my best moment for Eagles because I know I’m much better than what I did and it’s just a matter of time for my goals to rain for my country," Ideye told MTNFootball.com "I thank God I scored both goals and I believe the goals will spur me to more in the subsequent matches Eagles bash Burkina Faso 4-1“My priority has always been to contribute my quota to the success of Eagles. But I also understand the critics, but sometimes it does not work except you are more patient."

The Dynamo Kiev striker said he has never allowed the criticisms weigh him down, but rather the knocks have driven him to work harder. "I have never being bothered about the criticisms because I believe in myself so much and the coaches still have the confidence in me," Ideye told MTNFootball.com "I will not give up irrespective of the challenges. I am happy to show that I can score goals and I am happy to say it with the two goals against Burkina Faso."


Twitter @aderonkew

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Kayode Transfer Saga, Ogunjobi has been vindicated

Taiwo Ogunjobi has said he has been cleared of any blames over the future of Olanrewaju Kayode after FIFA stated the player has a contract with Asec.


An investigative panel on Kayode’s transfer logjam would later not sit. And it has now been reported that second division Israeli club Maccabi Netanya have signed Kayode on a year’s deal.

Osun State FA boss Ogunjobi was the guardian of Kayode with his parents’ consent before he claimed that the former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretary-general has blocked his bid to secure a move to Europe.

"I'm finally vindicated! I told his agents that were calling me then asking me to name my price that Kayode must return to status quo, that I have a name to protect and my integrity is at stake, but I give glory to God," said Ogunjobi.

"Kayode’s parents willing handed him over to me to guide him. I have been the guardian to players like Mikel Obi, Edith Agoye, Duke Udi, Abdulahi Heyman, Ganiyu Oseni, Adesope Ahmed, Okiki Afolabi, Dele Ajiboye, Adewale Ibrahim Babangida and Ike Shorunmu.

 “I have said that whatever Mikel is today, has my hand in it and I was not persecuted. "I give thanks to God and I believe Nigerians will now know who is right or wrong."



Twitter @Aderonkew




MTNFOOTBALL

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Anichebe: Osaze thought me about West Brom

West Bromnew boy Victor Anichebehas said ‘The Baggies’ outcast OsazeOdemwingieconvinced him to make his big-money switch from Everton

Anichebesaid past discussions with his fellow Nigeria international persuaded him to make the move after 15 years at GoodisonPark.

Odemwingiefinally ended his Hawthorns nightmare on Monday with a £2.5m transfer to Cardiff after a major bust-up with Baggies officials, just as Anichebecompleted a move that could cost £6m.

The 25-year-old said: “I’ve spoken to Peter in the past and, no matter what people say about him, he has always had good words to say about the club.

“He has always said what a good club it is – a family club. Hopefully, I can help the club by playing well for them and I’m happy to be here.”

And Anichebesaid he believes West Bromcould see the best years of his career after he enjoyed his finest spell at Everton at the end of last season.

He netted eight times for the Toffees last term – his top return in the first team.

And he said: “Hopefully West Bromis where everyone will see the best of me.

“I think people started to see what I can do last season, when I chipped in with some goals and had some consistent performances.

“I was a consistent performer and played most of the goals so hopefully I can carry that on into this season and do well for West Brom.”

MTNFOOTBALL


twitter @aderonkew

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Super Eagles Ahmed Musa was robbed

Nigerian Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa was robbed.

The super eagles player presently in camp told sporadiva.net that his house in Jos was burgled overnight by unknown armed men numbering 11 and he said they went away with valuables in the house.


Ahmed Musa said 'Armed Robbers came to my house in Jos around 8:30pm on Thursday night, they beat up my mother, people in the house and the security men, and went away with valuables, after that my mother was rushed to the hospital but she's back home now after the doctor say she's fine'

Ahmed musa suspected they are kidnappers because the men were busy searching for his son and baby, he further told SPORTDIVA.NET that 'When they entered the men started searching everywhere for my wife and son whom has travelled earlier to Kano and when they couldn't see them was when they hurt my mother and went away with valuables'

'My wife and son is safe, my mother and the rest of the family is fine'

'I am ready for Saturday's match against Malawi, this development will not affect my performance' he concluded


Twitter @aderonkeW

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Ronaldo slams Ozil's £42.5m Arsenal move

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his anger at Mesut Ozil’s departure to Arsenal.

Germany playmaker Ozil was a deadline-day record signing for the Gunners at £42.5million, with Ronaldo becoming the latest Real Madrid star to express his frustration at the move.

According to Spanish paper AS, Ronaldo has told Portugal team-mates his views on Ozil's switch, which came hours after confirmation of Real's world-record £86million signing of Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

'The sale of Ozil is very bad news for me,' he said.

'He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal... I'm angry about Özil leaving.'

Real claim the move to Arsenal is a result of Ozil wanting to leave, but he had been told to go because the club need to pay loans taken out to bring in Bale, costing £100m-plus in repayments. 

Bale will not be able to offer Ozil’s ability to find Ronaldo with a pass anywhere on the pitch, as the Portugal star alluded to.

Ronaldo's words come after a host of other top Real players spoke out on their team-mate's departure for London.

Such was Ozil’s popularity at the Bernabeu, he was one of the few players with friends on both sides of the club’s divide.

twitter @aderonkew


DAILYMAIL

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Kano Pillars Tops Nigerian League

RabiuAli was again Kano Pillars hero as his strike beat AkwaUnited in a rescheduled Week 23 tie to take them back to the top of the table. 

 
Pillars now have 51 points from 29 games. Bayelsaslipped to second place on 49 points, while El Kanemihave 47 points.
 
Central midfielder Ali scored the match winner in the 55th minute for his 11th league goal. He has now fired three goals in five days.
 
RabiuAli star of the Week

Pillars coach Mohammed Babaganarutold MTNFootball.com he is delighted they are back on top because their target is to retain the championship.
 
"We have our set target and that is to retain the league title, and we have been working towards that. I am happy that we are on top now and we are there to stay," said Babaganaru, who is handling his second game after the auto crash.
 
He also said he will back RabiuAli to finish as the Goal King of the league.
 
"RabiuAli is doing well and if he keeps improving, he will win the top scorer award. He has the qualities to do that," he tipped.

MTNFOOTBALL

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I don't know about Sunday Mba's transfer -Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has spoken for the first time on the stories making the rounds that he had a part to play in the stalled transfer of Sunday Mba to french second division side CA Bastia.

"I have absolutely no idea what this is all about. My attention was called to the story and I am as baffled by the insinuations of it all." 

The AFCON winning coach said exclusively to supersport.com from a very rainy Calabar where the team is preparing for the vital world cup qualifier against Malawi.

Keshi believes that "this story has all the hallmarks of people sponsored to cause disharmony in the camp so that we will fail and then Keshi will be blamed. It is still a matter of great surprise to me that there are people charged with our football that would rather the team failed first"

On how the team is going into Saturday's match "everyone in camp is determined. No distractions of any kind at all mentally. Only thing we are praying is that it stops raining because it has been raining for the past two days and heavily too"

This is not the first time that stories are coming out of the Eagles camp brilliantly planted by some people it seems to discredit the head coach.

The Super Eagles are neck deep in preparations for the world cup in Brazil next year so it is hard to understand why stories that can only cause disharmony in the camp keep coming out.

Nigerians will not be very forgiving of the NFF if the team does not qualify so it might be in the very best of all concerned to work together and find harmony from anywhere.

Supersport.com

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FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier: Enyeama, Onazi Promise Victory Against Malawi

Super Eagles stand in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, was in jolly mood as the team held its media parley with the national team on Wednesday morning, declaring that he was not in competition with any of the goalies for the number one shirt of the national team.

Enyeama also gave a hint that sooner than later he will quit the Super Eagles, even as Lazio of Italy midfield youngster, Ogenyi Onazi assured that the team will come out clean against Malawi on Saturday.

Enyeama, who spoke first told the media that all the three goalkeepers in the national team, himself, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim are in the form of their lives and any of them will man the post well if chosen by the national team handlers. “All of us are good and I must say I am not in competition with any of them neither are they with me. Nigeria is blessed with great talents and it’s always good when you are called up to play”.

Onazi on his part said he along with his teammates are fired up for Saturday’s game and assured that the team will not disappoint despite the furore that has been generated ahead of the  encounter.

The team trained under rainfall on Wednesday at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Nigeria’s preferred tourism destination with Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe monitoring proceedings. Keshi said during training that whether it rains or it suns the team was ready for the battle against Malawi, declaring the focus is not only to win against Malwai but to get to the World Cup Championship in Brazil next year.

Despite the heavy rains that prevented some of the players from coming for the evening training, only Nnamdi Oduamadi and John arrived the latest to the Eagles camp.

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FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier: Malawi delegation arrives Thursday

The delegation of Football Association of Malawi to Saturday’s 2014
FIFA World Cup qualifying match against African champions, Nigeria
will land in Abuja on Thursday morning. The contingent will arrive
from Accra, Ghana.

Already, General Secretary of the Football Association of Malawi
(FAM), Mr Suzgo Nyirenda is on ground, having arrived in Nigeria on
Monday, and is now in Calabar to see facilities for himself ahead of
his team’s arrival.

Nyirenda, who fired a letter to world-football governing body, FIFA
last month suggesting that Calabar is not safe for the qualifying
cracker, has turned around to praise the NFF for its professionalism,
maturity and hospitality.

“On behalf of the Football Association of Malawi, I would like to
thank you and the entire Nigeria Football Federation for the warm
welcome that you accorded me and my accountant (advance party) both in
Abuja as well as in Calabar. We are now in Calabar where your Director
of Technical (Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme) gave us a fantastic reception.
Thank you for welcoming us at your offices in Abuja and football is a
unifying factor and we are indeed brothers.

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FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier: Calabar is very safe – Maigari

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has
insisted that the city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State is
indeed very safe, and has always been very safe, for international
matches of all the various National Teams.

Speaking at a brief interactive session with members of the Sports
Writers Association of Nigeria, FCT chapter, on Wednesday afternoon,
Maigari applauded the efforts of Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River
State and his administration in hosting the Super Eagles and the U-17
National Team, Golden Eaglets in their various competitive
international matches for the past one-and-half years.

“The Government and people of Cross River State deserve nothing but
high commendation for their generosity and hospitality. They have
continued to be good and great hosts for the Super Eagles and the
Golden Eaglets.

“On our part, the NFF has perfected all arrangements to host a
hitch-free World Cup qualifying match, and we are assuring the
Government and people of Nigeria that our Super Eagles are adequately
prepared to achieve victory against Malawi on Saturday,” said Maigari.

Nigeria need only a draw in Saturday’s clash at the U. J. Esuene
Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round of the
African series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.



twitter @aderonkew

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Top 5 Nigeria Football player transfer

This is how the players were rated.

The summer transfer window saw a long list of Nigeria stars on the move again and MTNFootball.com now rates the top 5 such transfers.


5. Michael Eneramo (Sivasspor to Besiktas, Turkey)

Powerful Nigeria striker Michael Eneramomoved to a bigger Turkish side Besiktason a free transfer after his goals for Sivasspor.

The former Esperance of Tunisia captain will earn 1.3 million Euros a year and 10,000 Euros as bonus per match.

It’s a big up for his career and he should again show he knows his way to goal.


MTNFootball.com Rating: 8/10

4. Victor Moses (Chelsea to Liverpool)

Ex-Wiganwinger took a giant step to save his career from going down the hill with the loan switch to Liverpool after Jose Mourinhomade it clear that he does not figure in his plans.

His direct style suits the passing game of The Reds at Anfield, who paid £1 million to secure the service of the AFCON 2013 hero on a season-long loan.

He is guaranteed a more decent run in the Liverpool first team than he would have got at Chelsea, where he has fallen down the pecking order.

MTNFootball.com Rating: 8/10

 
3. Victor Anichebe (Everton to West Brom)

Beijing 2008 Olympic Silver medallistwas a surprise mover among the Nigeria stars, but he had to change base if he is to play more regularly after his injury problems seem to now be a thing of the past.

Anichebehas not featured for any other team except Everton until now, but his playing time at GoodisonPark has been limited and at ‘The Baggies’, he is expected to be far more than  super sub.


MTNFootball.com Rating: 8/10

 
2. Osaze Odemwingie (West Brom to Cardiff City)

The Nigeria striker was given an escape route from the West Bromhell when he sealed a three-year deal worth £2.5 million. He is expected to use his experience in the EPL to ensure the Welsh club survive the English top flight.

At a time it looked like he may have to play outside the EPL, but his goals' record in the last two seasons in one of the toughest leagues in the world made sure he was never short of suitors at the highest level.

MTNFootball.com Rating: 9/10


1. Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia, to Fenerbahce,Turkey))

AFCON hotshot Emmanuel Emenikemade the biggest transfer by Nigeria player this summer when he joined Fenerbachefrom SpartakMoscow. Fenerbahcepaid a transfer fee of €13 million euro in a four- year deal in which the big striker will pocket €2.4 million per year for the first two years, while he will earn €2.5 million for the last two years of his contract.

He is back to his favouritehunting ground and should play an important role as Fenerbachefight back from a ban for match-fixing.

MTNFootball.com Rating: 9/10

twitter @aderonkew

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Sunday Mba's SLAVE DEAL cancelled, back to Nigerian League

Nigeria international Sunday Mba did not sign with French second division side CA Bastia because they offered him a “slave deal”. 

Top Warri Wolves officials told MTNFootball.com that they were forced to pull the plug on Mba’s move to Europe at the last minute after they went through a contract that they claimed was not favourable to the player.

But those behind the Bastia deal have also countered quickly, saying Wolves officials were all about the cash they will make and not the player’s career.

Wolves claim Mbato still move

“This deal was not favourable to Mbabecause among other things it stipulated that should he be injured for four months, the deal will be terminated,” said top Wolves chief Amaju Pinnick, who available to MTNFootball.com a translated copy of the contract proposed by Bastia.

“The contract also put the player’s yearly salary at 100,000 Euros, which is not up to what he earns at Warri Wolves.

“Added to all these was the clause that should the club be relegated, the contract will also be terminated. Is Mba a magician? So, if he is playing alongside 10 bad players and the team go down, he should take the responsibility?” 

Wolves were also not comfortable that the 250,000 Euros transfer fee agreed for the player will be paid in several tranches right up to 2015.

However, one of those behind the attempt to get the player signed by CA Bastia told MTNFootball.com Wolves officials blocked the player from getting “the best deal ever”.

“Cash was the problem. They wanted all the cash and this was not possible especially with the financial regulations now in place in Europe,” argued the London-based agent.

“This was to have been a stepping stone for Mba, because they needed a player in his role and by January we are very sure he would have moved to a bigger club.

“Wolves also got a generous 80% sell-on clause for the player and while other clubs demanded he come for trials, this club did not.”

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Official: AC Milan sign Kaka

The Serie A giants have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the attacking midfielder over a two-year deal

AC Milan have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Kaka from Real Madrid. 

Following long negotiations into the early hours of Monday morning in the Spanish capital between Adriano Galliani and Kaka’s representatives, a deal was struck that sees the Brazilian arrive on a free transfer on a contract until 2015, with only performance-related incentives due to Madrid.

The 31-year-old will earn €4 million net per season at Milan and is set to fly to Milan’s Linate Airport on Monday morning to undergo a medical.

Kaka previously wore the Milan jersey from 2003 until 2009, winning one Serie A title as well as the Champions League during his first spell at the club.

The former Sao Paulo youngster then left the club for Real Madrid, but never lived up to the high expectations at the Liga giants as he mainly confined to the periphery at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He announced last week that he wanted to leave Madrid this summer and has now been granted his desired transfer back to Milan.

GOAL.COM

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Victor Moses excited to join Liverpool

Victor Moses unveiled in Anfield

The Nigeria international has left Stamford Bridge for Anfield Road on a year-long loan deal after falling down the pecking order in Jose Mourinho’s squad

New Liverpool signee Victor Moses has expressed excitement at joining up with the Reds on transfer deadline day.

The Nigeria international made a late move to Anfield Road after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea since the return of Jose Mourinho to the side.

Moses will spend a year in Liverpool without the option of a permanent deal, something which shows he might still have a future at Stamford Bridge.

“Really excited to be joining Liverpool this season and can't wait to make my debut now,” Moses tweeted with a photo of him holding up the club’s jersey on Monday.

The 23-year-old is key to Nigeria’s plans for next year’s World Cup and will see this move to Liverpool as a means to guarantee playing time in preparation for Brazil.

GOAL.COM

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Michael Essen loses Dad

Ghana and Chelsea FC midfielder lost his dad today.




The playmaker announced his fathers demise via his twitter handle, he said 'Its hard to take but God knows the best, Thank you for your support and well-wishes. RIP Father'


sportdiva.net

Michael Essien with Dad

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African Football: Sunday African Football Star Watch

Good afternoon and welcome to Sunday’s African Stars Watch on MTNFootball.com.

It is a busy day action for our African stars in Europe before they fly back home to play for their respective national team ah
ead of this weekend's final round of 2014 World Cup group stage qualifiers.

In the English Premiership, at Swansea, Cote d'Ivoire striker Wilfried Bony is expected to be in action when the Swans visit West Brom in a 14h30.

In Serie A, Bony's compatriot Gervinho is in line for a second run-out for Roma when they take on Verona in an 18h00 kick off.

Next door in the French Ligue One, it's derby day on the Riviera when Olympic Marseille renew old rivalries when they host promoted Monaco at 21h00.

Look out for the Ayew brothers in action for OM before they fly home to play for the Black Stars in next Friday's big 2014 qualifying date against Zambia.14h20 - Thulani Serero played the full 90 minutes in Ajax Amsterdam's Dutch Eredivisie match against Groningen which just ended 1-1 and sees Ajax in fourth place on the league table with eight points after five games played.14h30 – Two Barclays Premiership matches are underway as West Brom host Swansea and Liverpool take on Manchester United. Ivorian Wilfried Bony is in action for Swansea.14h34 – Daniel Sturridge scores to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead over Manchester United.14h40 – South Africa’s Kamohelo Mokotjo is also in action for Pec Zwolle up against Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie.

14h45 – South Africa’s Darren Keet is in goals for Kortrijk up against St. Liege in the Belgium Pro League.  Ghanaian Daniel Opare is playing at right-back for St. Liege.

14h50 – Ben Davies gives Swansea a 1-0 lead over West Brom.

15h00 – Two games in the South African Absa Premiership have kicked off as Ajax Cape Town host AmaZulu and Bloemfontein Celtic take on Free State Stars.

15h20 – It is half time in the Barclays Premiership games as Liverpool lead 1-0 over Manchester United and Swansea are winning 1-0 against West Brom. It is 0-0 in Holland between Zwolle and Utrecht and 0-0 in Belgium between St. Liege and Kortrijk.

15h22 – AmaZulu are leading Ajax Cape Town 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Lolo.15h30 – Ivorian Arthur Boka is in action in the German Bundesliga as VfB Stuttgart takes on Hoffenheim.

15h35 – The second halves are underway in England, Holland and Belgium.

15h45 – Stuttgart have taken the lead against Hoffenheim. Utrecht have taken the lead against Zwolle. Free State Stars have scored against Celtic.

15h50 – It is half time in the tow Absa Premiership matches as AmaZulu and Free State lead.

15h55 – St. Liege are 2-0 up against Kortrijk.

16h00 – Hoffenheim pull a goal back and trail 2-1.

16h01 – The CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Zamalek has kicked-off.16h05 – Zamalek take the lead from the penalty spot courtesy of Ahmed Eid, 1-0.16h10 – Zwolle draw level with Utrecht and Free State Stars go 2-0 up against Celtic.16h12 – AmaZulu also go 2-0 up over Ajax Cape Town.16h15 – Celtic pull a goal back against Free State Stars, 2-1.16h25 – The matches in England, Holland and Belgium that kicked off at 14h30 have ended. Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0, Swansea beat West Brom 2-0, Zwolle drew 1-1 with Utrecht and St. Liege beat Kortrijk 2-0.

16h30 – Lennox Bacela draws Pirates level in their CAF Cahmpions League match, 1-1.

16h32 – Celtic have drawn level with Free state stars after being two goals behind, 2-2.

16h50 – The two Sunday Absa Premiership fixtures have ended as AmaZulu beat Ajax 2-1 and Celtic and Free State drew 2-2.

17h10 - Pirates go behind for a second time after Zamalek re-take the lead from a corner-kick, 2-1.17h20 - Stuttgart thrash Hoffenheim 6-2.17h22 - Arsenal take the lead against Tottenham in the London derby in the Barclays Premiership.17h45 - Dortmund take the lead in their Bundesliga match.17h50 - Zamalek beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in their CAF Champions League match.19h53 - Ivory Coast star Gervinho played a full 90 minutes for Roma as they beat Verona 3-0 in the Italian Serie A.

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Premiership: Liverpool and Arsenal won Derby at home

Daniel Sturridge sent Liverpool top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday, while Arsenal clipped Tottenham Hotspur's wings in the north London derby.New United manager David Moyes was without Wayne Rooney due to a head injury that looks set to rule him out of England's World Cup qualifiers and in his absence, the Scot's poor record at Anfield continued.

AFP

Sturridge, who could benefit from Rooney's absence for England against Moldova and Ukraine, scored the only goal in the fourth minute, having also been the match-winner in 1-0 wins over Stoke City and Aston Villa.It means that Liverpool are the only team to have won their opening three fixtures, after big-spending Spurs lost 1-0 at Arsenal later in the day."It is a great win for our belief," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

ast season we drew too many of the big games and we lost both times to Manchester United, but today was another marker for us and since January our form has been very, very good."Although the season remains young, it was a painful defeat for United, who already trail their old rivals by five points."I thought we played really well," said Moyes, the former Everton manager, who revealed after the game that Rooney could be out for three weeks."We had long periods of the game, but couldn't score. Apart from the lapse in concentration for their goal, we played well.

"We got two or three opportunities but it was unfortunate we didn't take them."The game was preceded by a minute's applause for the late Bill Shankly, who would have turned 100 on Monday, and the legendary former Liverpool manager would have appreciated his side's purposeful start.There were less than four minutes on the clock when Liverpool struck, with Sturridge stepping off the line to glance Daniel Agger's header past David de Gea and mark his 24th birthday with an 11th goal in nine games.

The visitors improved in the second half, but Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet repelled a Ryan Giggs header and a rasping drive from substitute Nani before Robin van Persie slashed a late chance wide.The final whistle drew roars from the home fans, but there was concern for watching England manager Roy Hodgson, who saw both United defender Phil Jones and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson hobble off with injuries.

At the Emirates Stadium, Spurs included new record signing Erik Lamela on the bench; the star recruit of a close-season splurge in which they have spent around £110 million ($170 million, 129 million euros) on new players.

It was a familiar combination that saw Arsenal take a 23rd-minute lead, however, with Theo Walcott crossing for Olivier Giroud to beat France team-mate Hugo Lloris with an exquisite near-post finish.Mathieu Flamini, who has returned to the club from AC Milan, made his second Arsenal debut as a substitute for Jack Wilshere, but fears about the injury-prone Eng midfielder's fitness were allayed by the news he had only been suffering from stomach cramps.After Lloris's fingertips prevented Giroud from doubling Arsenal's lead in the second half, Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas sent on Lamela and Sandro, who came on after an injury to Etienne Capoue.

Roberto Soldado vainly appealed for handball after his shot was blocked by Giroud, but while Nacho Monreal was unable to add a second after Lloris saved from Walcott, it did not stop Arsene Wenger's side stealing into the top four at Spurs' expense."To sum it up, their goalkeeper was their best player," Arsenal manager Wenger told Sky Sports.

"We had plenty of chances, but I concede that we did hang on in the end because we just wanted to keep the score."Asked about the chances of Arsenal signing a new player before the transfer window closes on Monday evening, he added: "Maybe we'll have a good surprise for you."Villas-Boas admitted it would take time for his side to knit together.

"We don't have time for the players to gel," he said."We played on Thursday and again on Sunday. We don't have enough time at this moment to put the team together."In the day's other game, Swansea City recorded their first victory of the season with a 2-0 success at West Bromwich Albion.

The home side recalled Nicolas Anelka after he was granted compassionate leave due to the death of a close friend, but they lost to a 22nd-minute Ben Davies volley and a late Pablo Hernandez strike.

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Nigerian Ajayi Shone at Arsenal Trials

Nigeria U20 defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi shone like a million stars for Arsenal U21 team in a friendly against Blackburn Rovers.



 The towering defender apart from being so in the defence got a goal for Arsenal in 3-0 thrashing of Rovers at Leigh Sports Village.

 The 19-year-old Nigeria star, who is at Arsenal on trials from Charlton Athletic, gave coach Steve Gatting’s Arsenal U21side the lead in the 18th minute with a header off Kristoffer Olsson's cross.

 It was certainly the right way for the towering centre-back to make a positive impression on his potential future employers. It is no secret that Arsenal are short of defenders at this level, although, on this early evidence, Ajayi appears a far more promising prospect than fellow trialist Ramy Bensebaini.

Daniel Boateng and another Nigerian, Chuba Akpom, scored the other goals for Arsenal. Ajayi featured for Nigeria U20s at the Toulon International tournament in France earlier this year, but was later dropped for the World Cup party.



Twitter @aderonkew



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Liverpool thrashed Manchester united in Anfield as they sign Victor Moses on Loan

Daniel Sturridge's goal earned Liverpool victory over Manchester United to continue their 100% start to the season, their best for 19 years.

The hosts began at a blistering rate and Sturridge stooped to turn in from a corner after four minutes.United, who lost the injured Phil Jones in the first half, were disjointed but
improved slightly after the break, reports the BBC.Nani went close before Robin van Persie fired wide with David Moyes still looking for his first win at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will complete the formalities of a season-long loan deal for Chelsea's Victor Moses before the transfer window closes.

The 23-year-old has slipped even further down the pecking order at the Blues after the summer signings of Willian and Andre Schurrle.Liverpool will pay the Stamford Bridge club a loan fee, understood to be around £1m, as part of the deal for the former Crystal Palace and Wigan attacker.

West Bromwich Albion, Southampton and Everton had also shown an interest in Moses.Moses, who was at Anfield watching Liverpool play Manchester United on Sunday, signed for Chelsea from Wigan for a fee reported to be around £9m in August 2012.He made 23 Premier League appearances last season, scoring one goal, but has yet to feature for new manager Jose Mourinho this season.

The Nigerian international joined Wigan from Crystal Palace on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2010 for a reported fee of £2.5m.Earlier this week Liverpool agreed to sign central defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori for a combined fee of around £25m.Sakho, 23, will cost £18m from Paris St-Germain with Ilori, 20, moving from Sporting Lisbon.

And at the Hawthorns, a goal in each half from Ben Davies and Pablo Hernandez secured Swansea's first Premier League win of the season while West Brom remain without a league goal.Davies scored only his second-ever goal for the Swans with a thunderous volley, before Hernandez netted his first goal for the club from close range.

The returning Nicolas Anelka went closest for the hosts before the break.

EPL RESULTS

Liverpool 1 - Manchester United 0

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