UCHEBO moves to Belgium

Ex-Nigeria youth star Michael Uchebo Tuesday penned a two- year contract at Belgian club Cercle Brugge,the club’s official website announced The giant striker also has a year’s option on this contract.

Uchebo, 22, played the last three seasons with the Dutch Eredivisie side VVV Venlo The former Enugu Rangers forward scored the decisive goal which helped Venlo remain in the Dutch top flight after the playoffs.

Standing at 1.94m, Uchebo is a true target forward.At Venlo, he scored a total of 10 goals in 63 matches.He also featured for the Nigeria U20 team.

RAHEEM LAWAL ruled out of sunday's qualifiers

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has confirmed midfielder Raheem Lawal is out of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Namibia in Calabar.

Spain-based Lawal on Wednesday sorted out his work permit issues in Spain and is expected to head to Calabar on Friday."He has called me to confirm that he will be coming in on Saturday.I am sad at the situation but there is nothing I can do.He is ruled out of the Namibia game,but should be available for Malawi and Rwanda,"said Keshi in an exclusive interview.

Lawal made his long-awaited Eagles debut against Peru in last week’s friendly in Lima and has won praise from Keshi,who first scouted him during last year’s 2012 Olympic qualifiers in Morocco where he fired a hat- trick against Algeria.

The former Eagles captain also noted that he was impressed with the spirit in camp,calling on Nigerians to pray for the team."I am impressed at the response level of the players and the spirit is high ahead of the game against Namibia,” he said.“All I want Nigerians to do is pray for the team.

We know every Nigerian wants us to win but they must also play their part by showing support for the team." The Eagles will Thursday begin a once-a-day training at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar,match venue for Sunday's World Cup qualifier.

You can have YAKUBU AIYEGBENI for £2m,Blackburn tells suitors

Blackburn Rovers have placed a price tag of two million pounds on Yakubu Aiyegbeni,who is contracted with the championship side until the end of the 2014 season.

The 29-year-old has stated that he does not want to play in England's second tier, which has alerted a host of clubs for his signature including West Ham,Reading and Southampton.Eskişehirspor are also in the running for the former Pompey man.

If it turns out to be a bidding war,the Turkish club may not have the financial muscle to compete with their rivals from England.

OBIORAH NWANKWO interesting Catania

There is intense interest for Nigerian midfielder Obiorah Nwankwo.

Previously,it was exclusively reported that Italian side Cesena will challenge French club Toulouse for the 20-year- old's signature.

According to mercato365.com, the latest admirer for Obiorah Nwankwo,who is under contract with Inter Milan and Parma,is Catania.

The new Sports Director of Catania, Nicola Salerno has made contact with officials of Parma and Inter Milan for Nwankwo.The idea is that the Nigerian arrives the Elephants on loan.

Best contract ever was marrying Sarah Fallon,says PETER ODEMWINGIE

West Bromwich striker Peter Odemwingie has said that getting married to fiancée Sarah Fallon is the best contract he’s ever signed.

Even though the 30 year-old Baggies striker has said he wants to move away to a bigger club next season, it was with great joy that he tied the nuptials with 22 year-old Sarah whom he had been dating for two years.

“Thank you all for the congratulatory msgs. It was the most beautiful day of my life! A contract I signed with the biggest joy ever!” Odemwingie tweeted to his followers on Sunday.Apparently the striker who is supposed to be on honeymoon in Venice, Italy still has the time to check up on social media.

The Birmingham Mail reports that it was a nice small wedding that had 150 guests at the church.‘The ceremony was followed by a four-course wedding breakfast then “nightclub-style” entertainment with a DJ in a marquee in the grounds of the castle,’wrote the paper.

It published a picture of the newly-wed couple alongside their train.Odemwingie wore a cream-coloured suit with white shirt and tie while Sarah had a boob tube wedding dress that looked amazing on her petite frame.

OSAZE wants to win club titles,may quit WBA

Nigeria star Osaze Odemwingie says he is done fighting against relegation,and instead wants to be competing for trophies at the other end of the table with a bigger club.

As a result the 30-year-old is ready to leave West Brom on his trophy hunt this summer even if it means going back to Russia.The Sun quotes the Super Eagles star as saying: "It is time for me to struggle for silverware not just for survival in the Premier League."

The striker,who was thrice voted the English Premier League Player of the Month in two seasons,added: "I hope I will leave West Brom keeping warm relations with everybody."I would consider any proposals - even from Russia. But my aim is to stay in England.

Odemwingie scored 15 and 11 goals respectively in his two seasons at the Hawthornes, but was never in contention for any title. He is also yet to be a champion for club and country.

Ghana (U20) down Nigeria (U20) 3 - 2 in invitational tournament encounter

Ghana came from behind twice before sealing a 3:2 victory over Nigeria in their opening match of the U-20 Cape Town International Challenge.

All five goals were scored in a thrilling second half after the first 45 minutes dominated by Ghana ended barren.

The win sees Ghana go second behind Argentina in Group A as the South Americans spanked hosts South Africa 3:1 in the opening game of the tournament.

Enyimba star Uche Agbo headed Nigeria in front against the run of play two minutes after the break, but the lead was wiped out moments later when Baba Rahman Abdul's superb shot from outside the box beat Flying Eagles goalkeeper and skipper Samuel Okani.A better playing Nigeria regained the lead just after the hour mark through Wikki Tourists striker Aminu Umar following a goalmouth melee.This time John Obuh's Eagles held the lead for much longer,but Ghana were not to be denied as the enterprising Sarfo Gyamfi restored parity with a brilliantly taken free kick ten minutes from time.The winner which came on 86 minutes was almost an anti- climax,after substitute striker Benjamin Annan-Fadi was left with a simple tap-in.

Nigeria need at least a point to stay in the competition when they play Argentina next on Sunday,same for hosts South Africa who meet Ghana.

TODAY'S FIXTURES:
Kenya v Japan.
Brazil v Cameroon

Cesena wants OBIORAH NWANKWO

According to report emalnating from italy,not only Toulouse are interested in Nwankwo,there is also rival interest from Serie A side Cesena for the signature of Nwankwo who is co-owned by Parma and Inter Milan.

With Cesena's relegation to the Serie B at the end of the 2011 - 2012 season,the management of the club see Nwankwo as a player who can be important in their quest for an immediate return to Italy's elite series.

The problem with the interest from Toulouse and Cesena is that Inter Milan are also interested in prolonging Nwankwo's stay at The Black and Blues.There is talk of a three-year contract offer from the Inter Milan hierarchy.

The club hopes to conclude negotiations with the Nigerian when matches are concluded in Italy's second tier.

Nwankwo, a defensive midfielder,netted twice in 18 starts for Gubbio in the Serie B.

Peruvians turned out to see SUPER EAGLES

The international friendly between
Nigeria and Peru is attracting some
attention in Lima as Peruvians turned
out to see the Super Eagles on arrival
at the airport on Monday and in their
hotel.

The game will be played at 8pm
Peruvian time on Wednesday, which is
2am Thursday Nigerian time.

Eagles secretary Dayo Enebi expects
one of the Nigeria Football
Federation's broadcast partners-
African Independent Television (AIT) -
to air the match live.

Meanwhile coach Stephen Keshi has
given the players extra rest time after
their harrowing travel problems.The Nigerian party's original flight
was cancelled at the weekend
following a problem with drug
couriers aboard the flight by the
Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA). The team was then forced to spend the night at the Madrid
International Airport.

"We will do well against Peru, that is
why I have told them to take enough
rest and tune their minds to the game
at hand and forget the rigours of the
trip," Keshi said.

Already in Lima for the match were
Italy-based Nwankwo Obiorah and
Nnamdi Oduamadi,while Gege Soriola
had also made it in from his South
African base.Turkey-based striker Ekigho Ehiosun
traveled with the 18 locally-based
players from Nigeria, while Spain-
based midfielder Raheem Lawal was
expected on Tuesday morning.

JOHN UTAKA:I am not the man of the match,and its a team victory

Montpellier offensive weapon John
Utaka has shared his thoughts on his
match winning performance against
Auxerre on Sunday night.
Utaka's brace handed MHSC the French
title,the first time in the club's 38-year-
old history.The Nigerian striker,in his
post match comments,remains
modest despite his achievement.
''It was not sacred to Auxerre because
I scored twice,but because we played
well.I am not the man of the match
because one player can not win at
football,it is a team victory. I am very
very happy,''says Utaka to French media.
Utaka,who is in the Nigeria squad for
games against Namibia,Malawi and
Rwanda next month,is under contract
with Montpellier until June,2013.

Fracas as Nigerians celebrate Chelsea's UCL win

At least one person was reportedly killed while two others sustained severe injuries during Chelsea
victory celebration on Saturday.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the deceased, an unidentified pregnant lady,was killed in the Ikotun area
of the state by gunmen who took advantage of the jubilation to rob innocent residents.A resident who craved anonymity said, “The entire area was rowdy after the match and some
gunmen, who stormed the area, went into the shop of one pregnant lady and robbed her.They
shot her before fleeing.She was rushed to a nearby hospital but died soon afterwards.

PUNCH Metro also learnt that in Somolu,a man was reportedly stabbed in the eye after being unable to
pay up his bet. An eyewitness,Mr. Adewunmi Brown,told our correspondent that the violence was envisaged
because of the manner with which Chelsea fans celebrated during their victory over Barcelona FC
on April 24, 2012. He said,“Before the match began, I already knew there would be trouble because the last time
Chelsea won, there was pandemonium. So, on Saturday, I was at a pub on Kadupe Street.After
Chelsea won, two guys began arguing about money and before we knew it, one stabbed the other
in the eye. “I quickly ran away into my compound and locked the gate but the entire area was filled with
jubilation. Some of the fans, who were obviously drunk, took off their clothes and were roaming
the streets naked.”

Another man,whom residents identified simply as Obi,was also stabbed in the eye for mocking
football fans in Orile area of the state.A resident, Matthew Ajie, said after Chelsea had won the match, Obi was insulting the fans,calling
them hooligans for the manner in which they were celebrating. Obi was said to have sustained injuries in the head and eye after irate fans stabbed him repeatedly. “After the match, around Alafia Bus Sop, Orile, the fans were rejoicing and some of them even took
off their clothes.Obi was however taunting them,calling them touts.They immediately pounced on
him and stabbed him in the face.“He was even left for dead but was later rushed to the hospital by some concerned residents.

In Ojota area, some jubilant fans were said to have blocked a part of the Ikorodu Express way to
extort money from motorists. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba,said he was not aware of any death or
pandemonium associated with the match, saying that the police had put in place measures to
forestall the breakdown of law and order.

Four persons were injured on Sunday at the Amike-Aba area of Abakaliki following a
clash between a vigilance group and jubilant Chelsea fans. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the clash occurred around 12.15am when the vigilance
group members were attracted by the unrestrained manner in which the fans celebrated. The vigilance group urged the fans to be moderate in their celebration, an advice that did not go
down well with the fans. The situation led to a verbal confrontation and eventually resulted in a fracas after a fan that had
lost control of his motorcycle almost ran into the vigilance group members. Following the fracas,the vigilance group officials caught some of the fans while the others escaped.When contacted, Mr. Ephraim Ajali, an official of the vigilance group, said those caught had been
released after their parents and other residents intervened. He said, “Luckily for the boys, they were not among the notorious ones who disrupted the peace of
the area as we discovered that they acted under the influence of alcohol. “Their parents signed an undertaking to offset the medical bill of our wounded officer and a pledge
that the boys would be of good behaviour.

Match prevented robbery in Enugu Some youths in Enugu State said for the first times in recent time,no robbery was recorded on
Saturday in the capital city,a situation they attributed to the football match. The youths, led by Nnaemeka Okolie, a human rights activist and lawyer, spoke on Sunday while
celebrating the victory of Chelsea. Okolie said, “The only time when no one complained of car theft, armed robbery, kidnapping or any
murder case was on Saturday when Chelsea was taking on Bayern in the Champions League final. “If not, almost every Friday and Saturday people lose their cars at various

ODUAMADI goal helps club seal promotion

After three years in the Serie B, Torino have sealed promotion to the Serie A,thanks to their 2-0 victory over Modena on Sunday. Nnamdi Oduamadi, on loan to one of Italy's most successful sides from AC Milan, was on the score-sheet in the first half.I an exclusive chat,Oduamadi said: ''I am very happy with my goal because I really worked hard to be on target. I am also delighted we won the title. It was our main target before the start of the season, to return to the Serie A. Thank God, we were able to achieve that objective.'' Next for Oduamadi is a trip to the Peruvian capital, Lima.The winger is in the Nigeria selection which faces the South Americans in an international friendly on Wednesday.

Hammers in hunt for YAKUBU

Newly promoted to the English Premier League, West Ham are eyeing a move for the Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni.The Hammers 2-1 last gasp victory over Blackpool means there are funds available for Coach Sam Allardyce to spend in the summer transfer market. Part of Allardyce's transfer kitty will be used in the acquisition of a striker, with the 29-year-old Nigerian his preferred choice to lead West Ham's attack in the 2012 - 2013 season. According to sources close to Yakubu Aiyegbeni, there has been contact between West Ham and the representatives of the Blackburn Rovers forward, who commands a transfer fee of around five million pounds. West Brom, Queens Park Rangers and Reading are also reportedly interested in Aiyegbeni, who scored 17 goals for Blackburn this past season, but could not save the side from relegation.

FALCONETS grabs U20 World Cup ticket

Nigeria Saturday outclassed their DR Congo counterparts 3-0 to qualify for the 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 7-0 on aggregate.Despite a 4-0 cushion from the first leg in Abeokuta a fortnight ago,the Falconets approached the second leg with determination and succeeded in outclassing their hosts. At the Stade d’Martyrs, deputy skipper Ngozi Okobi scored for Nigeria after just eight minutes. Five minutes later, Desire Oparanozie made it 2-0 for the Falconets, before Francisca Ordega scored her fourth goal for the team in the qualifiers with a sizzler in the 23rd minute. The Falconets thereby emulated the U17 team, The Flamingoes, who qualified for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan two months ago. The U20 World Cup will be staged later this year in Japan.

CARLTON COLE fires West Ham back to EPL

Nigerian-born striker Carlton Cole scored one of the goals to lift West Ham back to the English Premier League ahead of Blackpool. West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in an English Championship play-off final Saturday to make a return to the English top flight after a season in the lower division.Cole, whose father is Nigerian and has twice been called up by the Super Eagles, put West Ham ahead in the first half before Vaz Te's late strike off Carlton Cole's shot rebound fired the Hammers back to the Barclays Premier League. Portuguese winger Te, a bargain £500,000 January signing from Barnsley,earned the Hammers an estimated £90million windfall with the goal which sank Blackpool. Manager Sam Allardyce vowed to take West Ham back to what he calls ‘The Promised Land’ at the first attempt following last season's relegation, and he was as good as his word as his side saw off Ian Holloway's play-off specialists.

MIKEL OBI Joins KANU,FINIDI In Hall Of Fame

Mikel Obi's Chelsea have won the UEFA Champions League after a nail biting 4-3 shootout victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern had taken the lead in the 83rd minute through Thomas Muller. Five minutes later, with a bullet header, Ivorian legend Didier Drogba leveled for the Blues which sent the tie into extra time. Extra time failed to separate the two teams. Luck smiled on Chelsea in the penalty shootout. Manuel Neuer kept out Mata's effort while Cech denied Ivica Olic and Schweinsteiger. Chelsea's victory means Mikel Obi is now the third Nigerian to lift the Champions League, the world's most prestigious club competition, after Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George.

I will be fit for Eagles game,YOBO

Nigeria captain Yobo was named on Thursday by Keshi in an 11-strong Europe-based contingent to prosecute the games next month. But concern about his fitness trailed the announcement as it emerged that he had picked up an injury in Fenerbahce's Cup game on Wednesday night. Yobo was quick to dispel the fears in a phone call to the coach on Thursday. The defender informed Keshi that his club medical staff had assured him he would be fit ahead of the Namibia battle. However, a final decision will only be taken when the medics put Yobo through a thorough medical checkup on Thursday night. “After that I can come out to say whether he would be ready or not, but we have back ups as always but I want all my players in good health whether they are called to play now or in the future, because they are Nigerians and must be encouraged at all times," Keshi said

SONE ALUKO gets debut Eagles call,UTAKA recalled

John Utaka and Sone Aluko have been handed recalls as Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi named 11 Euro-based players for three qualifiers in June. Skipper Joseph Yobo and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama lead the top names called in to the squad.The others are Fegor Ogude,Austun Ejide,Elderson Echiejile,Efe Ambrose,Victor Moses,Ahmed Musa and Ike Uche.Utaka has rediscovered himself with French title-chasers Montpellier while Aluko has shaken off Glasgow Rangers' financial trouble to find the net on a regular basis.

YOBO injured during cup match

Nigeria will now have to sweat on the fitness of skipper Joseph Yobo after he was injured in Wednesday’s cup triumph by Fenerbache. Ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers, Yobo was forced out of the final after just 30 minutes by injury as his club trounced Bursaspor 4-0 to clinch the cup for the fifth time. The nature and extent of Yobo’s injury has yet to be ascertained. This will a great source of concern for Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, who already has been forced to replace Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi who suffered a thigh injury leading to the build-up of qualifying matches for both the 2014 World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Fenerbahce lost the Turkish league title to rivals Galatasaray in a derby on Saturday which triggered violence. As a result of finishing second in the league, Fenerbahce have thus qualified for next season's Champions League while Turkish Cup finalists Bursaspor will feature in the Europa League.

MIKEL to honour late Yekini

Chelsea ace Mikel Obi has revealed he will wear a t-shirt in honour of fallen Nigeria star Rashidi Yekini in the Champions League final. Nigeria all-time scorer at international level Yekini died recently in the country and even though Mikel was too young to really follow the exploits of the striker in his hey days, he specially told MTNFootball.com that he will wear an under shirt in Saturday’s final against Bayern Munich. The former Plateau United player said he has heard about the goal king's exploits for the Super Eagles, which have made him to respect Yekini, who deserves honour from every Nigerian. "I didn't watch him very much, I think I saw him briefly at France 1998, I was about 10 or 11 years old then, but I have read and heard a lot about him,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com “He was a legend who is worth celebrating and so I will celebrate and honour him in my little way at the final of Champions League, where I will wear a t-shirt with a special inscription in his honour under my jersey and I will reveal it after the first half and after the game. “And when we win the final, I will dedicate the victory to him as well." Mikel, who is only the third Nigerian to feature in the UEFA Champions League final, has fully recovered from an ankle complaint in time for the epic battle against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday.

I am ready for Eagles game,MIKEL

Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has again declared his 100 per cent effort and commitment to the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepares for a hectic month of both 2013 African Cup of Nations and 2014 World Cup qualifiers. Mikel said he will be available for all the Super Eagles qualifiers against Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda, if picked by coach Stephen Keshi. Nigeria host Namibia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on June 3 in Calabar and a week later the Eagles will be away in Malawi in continuation of the qualifying tournament. They will then welcome Rwanda in a second leg qualifying match for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations on June 17 after both teams played out a 0-0 draw in Kigali in February. Keshi has demanded for assurances from the Chelsea midfielder before he would be picked for these games. "I am always happy to play for Nigeria and my commitment should never be in doubt,” Mikel who has yet to feature for the country under Keshi told MTNFootball.com Monday from his London base. “I am 100 per cent ready to play for Eagles under new manager Stephen Keshi, who has been doing well since he took charge. “I am ready to honour all the call-ups and give my best on the pitch." He expressed delighted to meet with president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari in London recently. "It was a great honour for me that my country’s federation president was in London to watch me play in the FA Cup final,” he said. “We were together after the match, had a great time and discussed at length on how to move the Eagles forward so that we will return to the good, old days. “I gave him my word that I will do my best to see that the Eagles are great again." Mikel has also allayed fear surrounding his ankle injury, saying he will be fit and ready for Saturday’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich. "I am okay now. I trained on Friday, so no cause for alarm. I will play the final of the Champions League," he concluded.

AKABUEZE smashes hat-trick

Nigeria forward Chukwuma Akabueze struck thrice for his team Brann Bergen to win 4-3 at Lillestrom in the Norwegian Tippeligan. These were the first goals by the former Nigeria youth international in the eight-week-old league and he did that within 35 minutes. Akabueze, who has also been capped at full international level, said his treble has set the tone for more goals. "This is the first time I will score this season and it was hat-trick. It was a good sign for me and I am sure more will come to help my team to do well," he said. His goals came in the 10th, 31st and 45th minutes for his hat-trick, which compounded the woes of Lillestrom who are battling for survival. Brann Bergen are 13th on the table with seven points from eight games.

EMENIKE qualifies for UEFA CL,while MUSA misses out

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike will have a chance to rub shoulders with the best players in Europe next season, after his team Spartak Moscow beat hosts Lokomotiv Moscow 2:0 in Sunday's final round of games in the Russian Premier League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Emenike, 24, missed the game as a result of a red card he received in their penultimate game against champions Zenit St. Petersburg. Obinna Nsofor featured all 90 minutes for Lokomotiv, but was unable to add to the solitary goal he had scored this season. Meanwhile fellow Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa will miss out on the elite European club competition after CSKA Moscow were beaten 3:1 at Rubin Kazan. Musa was an 80th minute substitute in the game, coming on to replace Liberia winger Sekou Oliseh. CSKA and the league's top striker, Ivorian Seydou Doumbia played the entire game but failed to find the net. There will also be no Champions League football for four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o whose team Anzhi Makhachkala lost 2:0 at Zenit and will now settle for the Europa League.

SUNSHINE STARS grabs q-final ticket,HEARTLAND out

Sunshine Stars beat Djoliba 1-0 to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League, while Heartland crashed out of the Confederation Cup. Sunshine advanced to the money- spinning phase of the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate, but Heartland joined fellow Nigerians Warri Wolves to exit the Confederation Cup on the away goals rule after they lost 2-1 at AC Leopard of Congo. Aggregate scores stood at 4-4 but AC Leopard moved to the final round of the qualifiers on the away goal rule as they scored more goals away from home when they lost 3-2 in Owerri a fortnight ago. Heartland woes may be compounded if they are disqualified from the Imo State Federation Cup after their quarterfinal clash with Police Machine FC was abandoned as they languish in 15th place on the Nigeria Premier League table. Sunshine, who reached the last four of the Confederation Cup last year, booked their passage to the last eight of Africa’s foremost club competition thanks to a 35th minute strike by Eagles forward Izu Azuka. Overall, both Sunshine and Djoliba posted a lack lustre display. The group phase of the Champions League will be played from July.

ALUKO signs off season with style,scores hatrick

Nigerian winger Sone Aluko ended the season for trouble-plagued Glasgow Rangers with a superb second half hat-trick in a 4:0 decimation of hosts St. Johnstone. The three points saw the beleaguered dethroned champions finish the season in second place, but 20 points behind bitter rivals Celtic. Despite the club's many problems - including going into administration - the former Flying Eagles star has been on a hot streak since joining from Aberdeen in November last year. Today's goals take his haul to 12 in 21 games for Rangers. It is a form that has not gone unnoticed in Europe and there are speculations linking with clubs in Spain including Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano.

JOEL OBI injured,may miss Eagles friendly

Huge blow for Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi. Inter Milan whiz-kid Joel Obi, one of the players the ex Anderlecht libero is counting on for June's quick-fire games against Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda, has been ruled out of action for a month. The 21-year-old has been diagnosed by club doctors with a muscle problem in his left thigh which has made the youngster unavailable for today's final game in the Serie A with Lazio. Obi will be further examined by club doctors on Sunday to know the severity of injury. Similar injuries keep a player on the sidelines for at least four weeks.Inter could still qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League if results go the team's way on Sunday.They are only three points behind third placed Udinese.

OBUH proud of his boys after 1 v 1 draw with Super Eagles

Coach John Obuh has said he has been encouraged by the Flying Eagles showing in a 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles in a test game Friday. The country’s U20 team opened scoring on the hour when Ugonna Ezenwaka’s free kick from distance beat goalkeeper Okiemute Odah in the Eagles goal. The Eagles will later restore parity in the dying minutes of the encounter off a goalmouth scramble. “Generally, it was a good outing by my team. We are encouraged by what we saw in this game, but they are far from the level we want them to be,” remarked Obuh. “There are a few grey areas but that is what is to be expected when you are rebuilding from the scratch.” The African champions are preparing for an eight-nation invitational tournament in Cape Town from May 24. World champions Brazil, Argentina, Ghana and Cameroon are among the teams who will feature at the tournament first won the Flying Eagles last year. “This tournament will help us to expose the players, many of whom are playing international football for the very first time,” said the Flying Eagles handler.

EMENIKE to miss Lokomotiv game after Ethics Committee rejects appeal

Spartak Moscow's Emmanuel Emenike will miss the final match of the season against Locomotiv Moscow on Sunday, championat.com has informed. The Ethics Committee has rubber stamped the decision of the match referee, Vladimir Kazmenko to send off the 25-year-old Nigeria international in the 43rd round of matches against Zenit St Petersburg for his goal celebration. The Committee's argument was based on the notion that the body could not change the referee's verdict. The RFU's Ethics Committee also ruled on Saturday that the suspended disqualification of Emenike for his obscene gesture in the game with Dynamo Moscow on March 25 remains in place. The decision of the Ethics Committee comes as a big blow to Spartak Moscow as they are competing for a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League with city rivals, CSKA Moscow. The Nigerian who joined the side last summer is a very important member of the squad. Former Chairman of the Referee's Board and ex Fifa referee Sergei Khusainov has criticized the decision of the Ethics Committee, saying it's decision was absurd and the body had the right to overturn Emenike's red card. Three years ago, the Ethics Committee had cancelled the referee's decision to expel the Russian goalie, Akinfeeva in a Premier League match.

VICTOR MOSES will quit Wigan claims agent

21-year-old Nigeria international Victor Moses is set to depart Wigan at the end of the season,his agent,Tony Finnigan has told British tabloid The Sun.Moses is one of the reasons why the Latics survived the drop this season. The former England youth-teamer has netted five times with one game left to play in the Premiership.Finnigan says contract talks between Wigan and Moses have stalled.With certainty, Moses,who runs out of contract at the end of next season,will be leaving a year earlier to enable the club recoup some of its investment.''I think what Wigan have done is tremendous and shows it was the right place for him to go after Palace.But now I think Victor is ready for the next step,'' says Finnigan to The Sun and adds:''He still has lots of improving to do in terms of scoring goals more regularly.But I think that would come if he was surrounded by better players. That's what he wants and is why he won't be extending his contract.I can't see Victor changing his mind." Liverpool, Newcastle United and Sunderland are understood to be interested in the capture of Moses.

Calabar confirmed to host EAGLES

Nigeria Thursday confirmed that the southern city of Calabar will host next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia.Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee member Emeka Iyama disclosed: "It’s official - Calabar has been cleared to host the Eagles June games. We are confident they will do a good job.” The eastern town of Owerri were in the race to stage the June 3 clash after both the Abuja National Stadium as well as the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna was ruled out.The pitch at the Abuja Stadium pitch is in a very bad state,while Kaduna was ruled out following security concerns after recent deadly bomb attacks by terrorists.Calabar hosted a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar,which the Eagles won 2-0.The Cross River State government have also undertaken to cater for the country’s U17 team for a month beginning this week.

JOEL OBI not leaving Inter,says Agent

There is a 99 per cent chance that Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi will remain at the club next season,his agent Renzo Contratto has said.Contratto's position comes in the wake of speculations linking the 20-year- old Super Eagles star with a possible summer move to Napoli."I don't know anything about a deal between Napoli and Inter for Joel," Contratto told Radio Kiss Kiss."I think there is a 99 per cent chance that Obi will remain in Milan.The Nerazzurri believe in youngsters like him and I don't think they'll sell him".Obi came through the Inter youth system and has become an increasing presence in the first team.The left- sided star has played 37 games in all competitions for the Nerazzurri this season,netting once.

AUSTIN EJIDE handed Eagles call-up

ISRAEL-BASED goalkeeper,Austin Ejide will be recalled to the Super Eagles after over five months in international wilderness.Ejide was last in action for the Eagles in coach Samson Siasia’s last game in charge,a friendly against Ghana in London,which ended in a goalless draw with Ejide drawing a couple of top-class saves.His club Maccabi Petah Tikva was relegated this season after it finished 14th in the 16-team Israeli championship.Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer,Ike Shorumu told MTNFootball.com in an exclusive interview that three goal keepers would be named for the June qualifiers against Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda."You know my department is very sensitive.I have settled for three goal keepers for the June games: two foreign- based and one home-based.Vincent Enyeama,Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim," he specially disclosed. “The idea is to have Agbim learn from the two foreign-based like I did during my days with Peter Rufai and Wilfred (Agbonavbare)." Shorunmu, who played professionally in Switzerland for several seasons,added that he was not disturbed that Eagles first-choice Enyeama has yet to establish himself at French club Lille. “For him to be on the bench week in,week out and travel with the team means he is in top shape,so it will be wrong to say he is not fit,” defended Shorunmu.

NIGERIA continues to drop in FIFA rankings

NIGERIA’S ranking on the monthly FIFA ranking continues to nosedive as the country dropped three places on the latest ranking released by the world's football ruling body.According to the May ranking, Nigeria which ocuppied the 60th position in the last ranking released last month is now placed 63rd in the world.Shockingly, Sierra Leone rose two places above Nigeria, climbing to the 61st position for the first time in history to stay atop Nigeria.South Africa were the biggest African risers in the FIFA rankings this month, edging up four places to 67th spot.Ivory Coast remain top in Africa at 15th,with Ghana second highest (22nd).DR Congo were the biggest fallers,dropping five places to 124th position.The 1974 African champions are now rated below the likes of Benin,Central African Republic and Sao Tome and Principe.Similarly,Nigeria - which have competed at four World Cups and won two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments - have now dropped below Sierra Leone in the rankings. Sierra Leone,whose population of six million is dwarfed by Nigeria's total in excess of 160m,have never travelled to a World Cup and have only ever competed at two Nations Cups - in 1994 and 1996,with Tunisia moving up to eight as Egypt dropped down the rankings.World and European champions Spain still top the rankings.

VVV Venlo May offer UCHEBO new contract

VVV Venlo have made a U-turn regarding the contract situation of the Nigerian striker Michael Uchebo.Previously,it was reported that the former Nigeria youth-teamer will be leaving the Limburg based club at the end of the season.Uchebo's recent performances in the Eredivisie has tilted the scales in his favor as Venlo are now interested in activating the clause in his contract of an additional two seasons.''Michael thinks it's time for another chapter.On the other hand,for the first time since coming to VVV Venlo,he is really happy.''But we now await the playoffs first,and will then resolve.Not only finances play a role,Michael needs a longer stay,'' Uchebo's agent,Tony Harris told Voetbal International.The 22-year-old is on the radar of clubs in Ukraine and Russia (Terek Grozny).Should Uchebo remain with Venlo next season,he would be smiling to the bank with at least 450,000 euros (90 million Naira) as annual wages.

CARLTON COLE Thanks Fans For Support

28-year-old Anglo-Nigerian forward Carlton Cole has praised the West Ham supporters who went behind the team in Monday night's second leg of the semi-finals of the Championship play-off against Cardiff City.''Woken up with a smile on my face,now it's time to focus on the biggest day of my career to date,the 19th has me thirsty for success.Can I just add the support our fans have given us has been immense. Brilliant !! Now time to carry that on into wembley and finish the job!'' Cole said on his official Twitter account.West Ham will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Birmingham City and Blackpool in Wembley on May 19.

Chelsea boss Di Matteo hails OBI MIKEL

Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo is delighted with the current form of midfielder John Obi Mikel.Di Matteo agreed that Mikel has been one of the stand-out performers of his spell calling the managerial shots.The Italian said: "Obi played before I took over, but maybe not as regularly. "I just felt there was a need for everybody.I have seen Mikel play many, many times,seen his qualities and just tried to give him the confidence to express himself at the highest level.

Di Matteo just like Hiddink,says MIKEL

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has likened manager Roberto di Matteo to former Blues boss Guus Hiddink.The Nigerian regards Di Matteo's man- management as "fantastic"."All the players, even the big players,look at what he is doing and hopefully the club will make the right decision."For me, he is like Guus Hiddink - very similar in the way both Hiddink and Jose Mourinho did the job.He has come in and noticed where the problem is and put it right and is very good tactically."

KESHI: MIKEL,UTAKA for Eagles

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has revealed that Chelsea ace Mikel Obi as well as France-based striker John Utaka are set to return next month.Mikel has yet to feature under Keshi,who was appointed in November,while Utaka fell out of favour since he made the final squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."For Mikel Obi,he is on the books for players I am looking at for the month of June and like every other player I have been monitoring,for instance John Utaka is doing very well in France and nobody is talking about him,” Keshi told MTNFootball.com in an exclusive interview.“The young boy at VVV Venlo,Michael Uchebo (also interests me),he scored at the weekend and he’s on my books for the June games." Utaka has rediscovered his form after he returned to the French Ligue 1 from England as he has fully established himself at title-chasing Montpellier.Keshi has been equally delighted with the form of winger Victor Moses,who he capped in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Rwanda in February.“Victor Moses has been in a devastating form and I am happy because it’s good for the National team," saluted the Eagles coach.

Wigan tell Spurs,Liverpool £10M for MOSES

The Mirror says Wigan have slapped a £10million price tag on Victor Moses in a final bid to ward off suitors from their prize asset.The 21-year-old forward alerted Liverpool and Tottenham to his availability last month when he broke off contract talks with the Latics,having grown frustrated with the pace of negotiations.

OBINNA OBIEFULE two goals away from setting all-time goals record in Malta

Mosta FC Obiefule was the hero as he scored 4 goals in the 5-0 bashing of Marsaxlokk.Danilo Doncic holds the record with 32 goals and Obiefule is now in a position to shatter the record. "I am fulfilled with this achievement. It was a great night for me. I thank my mate for their support,” the younger brother of former Eagles star Paul Obiefule said in an exclusive interview “Now that I have passed the 30-goal target,I believe I can go all the way to score two more goals and rewrite history in Malta.“I also hope the Eagles coach will give me chance to come and prove myself in the national team”.Obiefule opened his goals rush in the 20th minute with a superb solo effort.He got his second goal in the 47th minute and two minutes later,the Nigerian goal poacher made it 3-0 for Mosta FC.In the 49th minute,Obiefule rounded the opposing goalkeeper before he slotted the ball home to reach his 30- goal target.However, he was not done yet as he scored his final goal of the night in the 53rd minute with another solo effort.

EMMANUEL EMENIKE sent off for obscene Gesture

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike scored a vital goal for Spartak Moscow as they came from behind to record an impressive 3:2 away win over Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg in a league game on Sunday.Emenike,24, was sent off in the 85th minute for what the referee called an obscene gesture.The Nigerian put his right palm on his left elbow when celebrating his goal in the 84th minute.The celebration was reportedly directed to the Zenit supporters.''Until now, I remain shocked on the decision of the referee.I do not understand why I was removed.It was the usual celebration of a goal.I just patted my hand like Samuel Eto'o did in the Champions League final.''And as soon as I scored,if you noticed,I ran towards the podium of the Spartak fans.I am sure that the relevant football authorities will eliminate this misunderstanding,and will make a fair decision - to cancel the red card,'' Emenike told Official website of Spartak Moscow.According to Russian News Agency,Ria Novosti, Spartak Moscow intend to appeal the decision of the referee.''The referee didn’t understand the incident with Emenike’s goal.Emenike was just clapping, just applauding.We’ve got a crucial game with Lokomotiv coming up and we’ve lost our main striker.We’ll submit an appeal against this decision,'' Spartak assistant coach Andrei Tikhonov told RIA Novosti.

FALCONETS spanks DR Congo 4 - 0

Nigeria female team are a foot into the FIFA U20 World Cup in Japan after a 4-0 spanking of DR Congo in a first leg qualifier. In the match played Saturday in Abeokuta,the host team led 1-0 by half time courtesy of a 36th minute goal by skipper Gloria Ofoegbu. Francisca Ordega doubled Nigeria’s avantage,before Ebere Orji made it 3-0 on 79 minutes. Desire Oparanozie fluffed several chances,before Skipper Ofoegbu completed the trouncing four minutes from time to make the return leg match an uphill task for the Congolese in a fortnight. Ofoegbu dedicated her brace to Nigeria all-time top scorer Rashidi Yekini,who passed on Friday. The overall winners of this match-up will qualify for the 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Japan. Nigeria made history two years ago when they reached the final of the global tournament in Germany.

Erstwhile Super Eagles Star RASHIDI YEKINI Dies

Former Super Eagles star Rashidi Yekini has sadly been reported dead on the 4 May 2012.Yekini is known for his exploits with the super eagles successes in both Africa's and word's soccer b4 he retired after a relatively successful career with both country and club football.Rest In Peace Yekini.We will always remember your exploits on the pitch even if we where still very young. SOURCE: NTA

Injured YUSSUF AYILA out for the season

Dynamo Kiev defender Yussuf Ayila will have arthroscopy surgery on his damaged knee in Belgium on Friday writes Sport-Express Ukraine.The Nigeria international has not featured for the Ukrainian vice- champions since March when he slipped and fell in the elevator! The surgery is to be held at the Belgian clinic of Professor Martens. It involves cleaning of the joint which apparently has a foreign body,a microscopic piece is broken off.Ayila won't take part in Dynamo Kiev's last two games of the season,as he has been ruled out of action for one month.He will join the rest of his team-mates when pre-season summer training starts in Austria.

ARSENAL to play preseason match in NIGERIA

Arsenal will play a top African national team in Nigeria this summer as part of the English Premier League side's global preseason tour that also includes visits to China and Malaysia.Arsenal's first match ever on Nigerian soil will be at the 60,000-seater Abuja National Stadium on Aug. 5 against opposition yet to be confirmed. It will be the London club's first visit to Africa since a tour to South Africa in 1993. The match in Abuja will conclude a preseason tour that starts in Kuala Lumpur when the team plays a Malaysia XI on July 24.Arsenal plays Manchester City in Beijing three days later and Kitchee FC in Hong Kong on July 29.

DR Congo arrives Abeokuta for Falconets

Democratic Republic of Congo U-20 women arrived in Abeokuta on Thursday for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Super Falconets of Nigeria. DR Congo arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport with a contingent of 25 persons,before travelling to the Rock City by road. Both teams are in polar position to pick one of the two tickets available for the World Cup slated for Japan later in the year.The DR Congo squad eliminated Cameroon and also pounded Mali,conquerors of Equatorial Guinea,in the last round. Falconet's Head Coach, Edwin Okon, however remains confident of the team's ability. “We are well-prepared for this match,” Okoh said.“Our focus is on a good win ahead of the second leg match in Kinshasa”. The match officials from Uganda also arrived on Thursday aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis Ababa. The winner of this fixture will qualify as one of Africa’s two flag-bearers at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup billed for Japan in August/September.

IGHALO strike ease Granada relegation worries

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo scored both goals for his side Granada as they beat Espanyol 2:1 at home in a Spanish La Liga game on Tuesday.The striker has been in a rich vein of form as he also scored at the weekend when Granada lost 1-3 to UD Levante. Ighalo who has now scored four goals in the La Liga this season scored on the 29 and 34 minutes which helped boost the Andalusian club survival as they are now in 15th place on the table as a result of the crucial victory over the Barcelona- based club.Ighalo was replaced by compatriot Ikechukwu Uche in the 65th minute.

STEPHEN KESHI invites five foriegn based pros fo Peru friendly

Eagles Coach Keshi has listed 31 players including five foreign based professionals for May 23rd friendly game against Peru in Lima.Most of the players that prosecuted the friendly match against Egypt were recalled.Four new home based players have been invited for the tie - Hamza Onwuemenyi,Marcel Obioha from Gombe United,Emma Nwachi of Dolphin and Samson Pius.The five foriegn based players invited are Turkey-based Ekigho Ehiosun,Gege Soriola of Free State Stars in South Africa,Obiora Nwankwo of Parma,Nnamdi Oduamadi of Italian club Torino and Raheem Lawal of Spanish side Atletico Belaeres.The invited players are expected to resume training on May 6 in Abuja.Nigeria departs for the South American nation on May 19.

ODIBE interesting top European clubs

Ligue 1 outfit Marseille and German Bundesliga side,Werder Bremen are the latest top clubs battling for the service of Nigerian defender Michael Odibe who plays for Arsenal Kiev of Ukraine. According to a source close to the player in Ukraine,he said: "Some clubs are coming to Ukraine,specifically to Arsenal Kiev and that has brought doubts on the future of Odibe who could be on his way out of the club if the offers are reasonable. But I can authoritatively reveal to you that Marseille and Weder Bremen are the surest clubs looking for Odibe right now." The source also revealed EPL club Fulham and Shaktar Doneskt are also in the race to sign the player but there are no official negotiation yet. "After he scored his 4th goal of the season,Fulham and Shaktar came for negotiation but it was unofficial through an agent but with the way things are going,he may end up playing in either Germany or France if he chooses to leave the club for now." After the conversation with his close source,9jasoccerboys contacted Odibe in a telephone conversation to hear his own side of the story but he (Odibe) insisted that he is currently enjoying the challenge of consistent playing time with Kiev but did admit that he would one day like to play in one of the top clubs in Europe like Arsenal FC of London. He said "Yes,I love everything here because I was given the chance to prove myself and that was the reason why I could give my best.“Sincerely speaking, I don’t know where my future lies as I’m speaking with you. I just hope to keep my fitness and focus but I wanna play at the top level next season".

UCHE NWOFOR relegated to the stands

Relegation threatened Dutch club VVV Venlo have axed Nigeria striker Uche Nwofor for poor form lately.He has been relegated to the stands as VVV battle for their top flight existence.“Coach Ton Lokhoff has dropped Nwofor because he said he is not in form”,a top source disclosed. The 20-year-old Nwofor was not in the squad for last Saturday’s Dutch Eredivisie tie at home against ADO Den Haag, which VVV won 2-1. However,compatriots Michael Uchebo and Alex Nkume featured in the fixture. The former Enugu Rangers star moved to VVV soon after the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia,where Nigeria reached the last eight. He has so far scored four goals in 17 appearances for the Dutch club. However, VVV are again in the relegation/promotion bracket along with De Graaschap. Last season,they only stayed back in the top flight after they topped the relegation playoffs thanks to the goals of Ahmed Musa,who has since moved on to Russian club CSKA Moscow.