The most shocking decision ever made by any Football Federation worldwide was unleashed on Nigerians by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) late last week when it decided to let go the most successful Nigerian coach in recent times, Samson Siasia.

 

This decision has fully exposed the hollow-mindedness that the body possesses; their vain quest for selfish glorification at the expense of patriotism has also come to the fore.

 

When professionalism and merit are thrown out of the window and in their place nepotism, greed and selfishness become the yardstick for recruiting people into our various senior national teams, the country is bound to fail. This is a fact that cannot be contested, it is as solid as saying the sun will rise tomorrow!

 

A brief look back into history will show that all the period Nigeria (Super Eagles) has ever achieved any form of glory either in the continent or in the globe; it has always been with a coach that had discipline. The lack of it (Discipline) has ensured that Nigeria has gone years without achieving any form of worthwhile glory. Save Yemi Tella (May his gentle soul rest in peace) and Samson Siasia, there is no discipline-instilling coach in this country anymore.

 

Is it Christian Chukwu? A man that was afraid of his players? A man that lost the right to select his starting team to his Captain? A man that was being controlled like a puppet by the NFA? Definitely not Christian Chukwu! Most definitely not!

 

Or is it Augustine Eguavoen? A man that could not define his role all through his stay with the team? A man that had (still has anyway) a suspicious vacuum in his tactical depth as far as I am concerned? Hell no!  Maybe Keshi, but definitely Not Eguavoen.

 

Is it Amodu Shuaibu? A man that could barely gather enough players to play a grade A friendly match in Columbia a few months back? A man that can not list his career achievements in more than two sentences? This is most definitely not the man for the job! And we all know it, so why do we keep deceiving ourselves?

 

Undoubtedly, the best Nigerian coaches in the last ten years have been Samson Siasia and Yemi Tella, the latter is now deceased leaving only Siasia as the best option for the country.

 

But the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) obviously has other sinister plans and ideas. They hope to crumble our football, probably they would be thinking to themselves…”If Galadima did not die for not taking us to the last World Cup, why should we be afraid?”

 

We are currently at the precipice of another woeful and disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign, the signs are boldly written on the wall, in plain English and yet the NFF can’t see. Their eyes are blinded with fat allowances and bonuses.

 

 

 

 

Awenlimobor Sylvester

Birmingham free Owusu-Abeyie

Ghanaian international midfielder, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has been set free by English Championship side, Birmingham after the club refused to pay the US$10 million requested by his Russian employers Spartak Moscow for a permanent deal.

Manager of Birmingham, Alex McLeish confirmed that the player would not be staying

“His deal was an expensive one for just one player and we will now look to use the money to bring in new faces.

“We thank Quincy for his efforts and wish him well for the future.” He added

Quincy, 22, joined the English outfit last summer on a six months loan deal, and was tipped to remain at the club side by several soccer pundits. This would however come as a blow to the player’s aspiration to return to the Premiership where he once played with London club, Arsenal.

The fleet-footed winger has however played on 13 times for the Blues, netting only three goals.

 

Awenlimobor Sylvester

By Dapo Ajala

At this stage of the season, the league table does make strange reading with 6 points separating the 6^th and 18^th-placed teams. The topsy-turvy state of the table is likely to continue till the end of the season, no doubt causing a lot of headaches for our fantasy football players, and we could see teams being relegated this season despite achieving the magic 40-point mark.

 

Considering Chelsea’s 85 points accrued last season was the most point gained in a season without securing the title, plenty more surprises should be expected for the 2^nd half of this season. Whoever you support, the Premiership promises a fantastic finale this season.

 

The “Big Four”

 

Manchester United

The defending league and European champions seemed to have faltered with a loss against Liverpool early in the season but have been steady if not spectacular since then.

With the purchase of Bulgarian hitman Dimitar Berbatov, much was feared by opponents about the potential to improve the already-potent front-line; safe to say that the new-forward line is still work-in-progress

Much was made of their recent and successful trip to the FIFA World Club Championship in Japan, but Fergie has never been one to rest on his Laurels. With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to full fitness, other teams will do well to stop the Red Devils.

Rating: 8/10

Key player so far: Wayne Rooney. Steady in production and keeping United attack line ticking in absence of the 2008 Ballon d’Or winner.

 

Chelsea

Still seem to be struggling with a post-Mourinho hangover despite being on their 2^nd manager since “the great one”. Big Phil is slowly imposing his style but with two defeats at Stamford Bridge in the current campaign, things are not as well as they could be despite the array of talents within the squad.

 

Bad luck with injuries so far has hindered Chelsea’s assault on the Premiership title but talisman Drogba’s recent return from injury and suspension is perfectly timed for a customary battle for the title after the festive period.

Rating: 7/10

Key player so far: Nicolas Anelka. Leading the league in goals scored. He has reliably and impressively led the line in the Ivorian’s absence.

 

Arsenal

Puzzling denials by the boss in terms of need for reinforcements in certain areas of the team, in-fighting in the early stages of the season leading to the sacking of the captain, and bad luck with injuries have contributed to the Gunners demise this season. Losing Cesc Fabregas at a crucial time this season will not be an easy blow to deal with either.

 

This team’s football is reminiscent of a carefully composed symphony when they are allowed to play, sometimes though sacrificing efficiency for a beautiful and clinical game. However, never count out Arsene Wenger’s young and talented side, even with the current gap to the leaders.

Rating: 6/10

Key player so far: Emmanuel Adebayor

 

Liverpool

Morale-boosting win over the current holders of the title earlier in the season got everyone noticing Liverpool, the only difference this time is that there are less doubts than previous seasons as to whether they can sustain the pace and win the top-flight league title for the first time in 18 years. Many teams will pay to be in Liverpool’s position right now, certainly easier being ahead than chasing.

 

Interestingly, Rafa Benitez is not employing his squad rotation as much as previous seasons; perhaps he is finally embracing a philosophy of stability and employing one’s best 11 for every game. This could indeed be their season.

Rating: 9/10

Key player so far: Xabi Alonso. Nearly sold before the start of the season, but Rafa must be thanking his lucky stars that deal was never finalised.

 

The Pretenders

Aston Villa

So far the only team seriously threatening to displace Arsenal from the “Big Four” clique this season. Their all-out, fearless attacking style, coupled with a steely defence is certainly making everyone to take note and show more respect. Expect them not to tail off like they have in previous seasons.

Rating: 8/10

Key player so far: Ashley Young. Tormentor extraordinaire, who has given every opposition defence a torrid time, has not been found wanting at all so far this season.

 

Hull City

Surprise of the season so far with our fantasy football players having picked up loads of bargain players who are now outperforming other expensive flops in the standings. Phil Brown’s team has embodied hard work and sheer determination, their apparent lack of talent has not been too evident.

Very good candidates for survival in the Premiership, especially after handing out home defeats to North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Rating: 9/10

Key player so far: Deiberson Geovanni. Famously scoring the goal that handed Manchester United the derby defeat last season and surprisingly released by Manchester City in the summer. Found a new lease of life at The KC Stadium and his 6 goals so far has kept The Tigers dreaming this season. There was a reason Barcelona paid €18 million for his services in 2001.

 

The Stragglers

Tottenham Hotspur

Serially touted to break the “Big Four” hence to describe this season as a disappointment would be a gross understatement. Change of managers has brought a change in fortunes but the state of the league so far has meant that they are still down at the wrong end of the table despite a decent run of form. Many fantasy football players gambled on Tottenham players at the start of the season but those same players were traded more than most in the first few weeks of the football season.

 

Having a key player such as Ledley King only available every 4 games through injury is a handicap but selling the free-scoring duo of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov at the beginning of the season hasn’t turned out to be a clever move either. Look out for reinforcements when the transfer window opens.

Rating: 4/10

Key player so far: Luca Modric. The creative Croatian is now starting to look like the player the Spurs hierarchy saw when they forked out so much for him during the summer. The team will climb up the table if his recent form continues.

 

Man City

All wins so far this season have been by three goals or more and consequently lie just above the relegation zone with a positive goal difference. Inconsistency has marred their season so far as Mark Hughes seeks the winning formula and more importantly build a team around Robinho. City possesses incredible talent with the likes of Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the potential will remain there until reinforcements are shipped in during the coming transfer window.

 

Just in the way the old Beatles song reminds us that money can’t buy you love, it seems that money can’t buy you the title in a short space of time either. Manchester City are a work in progress and to expect miracles this season will be like waiting for the next sailing of the titanic. Definite pretenders, there is always next season though.

Rating: 5/10

Key player so far: Shaun Wright-Phillips. Back to his previous best that convinced Chelsea to pay over the odds for him three seasons ago. His mazy runs in midfield are creating the space Robinho needs to display his talents.

 

The promoted hopefuls

Stoke City

Have amassed five points more than West Brom, still one of the favourites to go down despite many gritty performances.

 

West Brom

Propping up the table, no major surprises there but haven’t embarrassed themselves in fairness. The league will be tough this season.

BY ABDUL KASHIF,

 

The biggest game in the history of the New York Red Bulls is just a few days away as they prepare to face Columbus Crew in the MLS final.

After being crowned Western Conference champions last weekend, the Bulls are one game away from winning the Major League title for the first time.

The Bulls traveled to Utah to face Real Salt Lake and came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory to take them to the final.

‘Flying Dutchman’, Dave Van Den Bergh scored the winning goal against Real Salt Lake, but rookie keeper Danny Cepero was the real her with a string of fine saves.

LA Galaxy’s stadium, the Home Depot Center, plays host to the final this Sunday as two teams who have never won a title go head to head.

Former Aston Villa star and Bulls’ captain, Juan Pablo Angel, will lead his team out against Columbus Crew, who had the best MLS regualr season record.

Have you heard the one about the goalkeeper who made history on his MLS debut? Well, that’s exactly what happened when New York Red Bulls debutant Danny Cepero scored from 80 yards to help his team to a crucial 3-1 win over Columbus.

Cepero, a 23 year old rookie, made his first ever start in a must win match for the Bulls as they took on eastern conference champions Columbus Crew.
The Bulls needed to win in order to stay in the play off picture and they did just that with a brace from Juan Pablo Angel and an astonishing goal from Cepero.

Former Aston Villa star Angel opened the scoring on 48 minutes, slotting home after a precise
through ball from Macoumba Kandji.

Steven Lenhart dragged Columbus back on level terms with an unmarked header on 62 minutes, following an excellent cross from former Boca Juniors playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
However, a clinical half volley by Angel almost broke though the back of the net as he put his team ahead on 76 minutes. Angel now has 13 goals for the season.
Columbus threatened regularly but could not convert any possession into meaningful chances.

Danny Cepero provided one of the moments of the season so far as he became the first goalkeeper ever  to score in MLS history. His 80 yard kick upfield caught out his opposite number Andy Gruenebaum in the Columbus goal as the ball took an awkward bounce, sailing into an empty net.

Next up for the Bulls, a final regular season game away at Chicago Fire, who have already sealed their place in the playoffs.
Columbus round off their regular season schedule with a home clash against playoff chasing D.C United.

Abdul Kashif

The seeding for the Third round of qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifying campaign is out and there are hardly any surprises in the seeding. The top five countries in the continent according to recent FIFA rankings are in listed as the top seeds.

Spokesman for the Continent’s football soccer house CAF, Sherif Ahmed revealed that the basis for the stratification was solely based on the current FIFA rankings and nothing else.

The draws for the third stage will see the top seeds each heading a group to be composed of four teams each. The winner of each group will qualify automatically for the 2010 World Cup, while the top three teams would head to the African Nations Cup in Angola.

Seedings for the Third and final round of Qualifiers

First seeds
Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon.

Second seeds
Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, Algeria, Guinea.

Third seeds
Burkina Faso, Gabon, Zambia, Kenya, Benin.

Fourth seeds
Rwanda, Togo, Mozambique, Sudan, Malawi.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

AFTER three straight defeats, the New York Red Bulls battled to a 1-1 draw away at Real Salt Lake to get their playoff challenge back on track.

Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio had asked his team to ’simply play football’ following three losses in a row.
Playing in front of a sellout crowd in the first ever game at Salt Lake’s new Rio Tinto stadium, the Bulls endured an onslaught to gain a crucial draw.

Real Salt Lake, who sit third in the western conference, are within touching distance of a playoff spot and  they attacked the Bulls from the first whistle to the last.

However, the Bulls struck first as Dave Van Den Bergh rifled in a shot on 31 minutes. The raucous home crowd were stunned into silence.

The visitors lead only lasted 10 minutes as Jamison Olave looped a header past Jon Conway on 41 minutes.
The second half opened much like the first, with the Red Bulls forced to defend.

Real Salt Lake created a number of good openings but could find a way past a determined Bulls defence which had been leaking goals of late.

Juan Pietravallo was given a straight red card for an elbowing incident on 83 minutes as the match ended in a draw.
Next up for the Bulls, a tough home game against eastern conference front runners Columbus next Saturday. Real Salt Lake take on FC Dallas at home on the same night as the playoff race hots up.

BY ABDUL KASHIF

Former Nigerian International defender and Head Coach of the Malian National
Soccer team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has urged the Malian press to show
restraint in the news they spread about his team.

In a press conference, the former Togolese head coach told the pressmen to
desist from publicizing news of disunity in his team, stating that this was
capable of causing destabilization in the team.

Mali are set to face Chad in their last game of the first group phase of the
2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifying campaign, a victory would see them
scale through automatically to the next phase, but Keshi has not had it rosy
in Mali at all having several verbal clash with Journalists in the
Francophone West African country.

Keshi stated that some journalists were unpatriotic and want to see his
downfall vis-à-vis the downfall of the team.
“Unfortunately I’ve discovered that some Malians are not patriotic and do
not see anything good in the national team. If the team fails to achieve its
goal, it won’t be because the players or the technical crew did not put in
their 100 percent but because of the attitude of some Malian journalists,”
The “Big Boss” as he was fondly called during his playing days in Nigeria
stated.
Keshi also asked the Journalists to stop comparing him with former French
born coach of the team, Francois Jodar.

Keshi was more upset with remarks made by a local radio commentator working
for Radio Liberty, who made scathing comments after comparing the Nigerian’s
period as coach to that of Francois Jodar.
“The guy said Jodar used to organized pre and post game press conferences
and lectures. It is not necessary to compare me to Jodar. He is French, I am
African,” Keshi stated.

Keshi also pointed out clearly that it was the qualification campaign of the
Malian team that was at stake and “Keshi” would not be the ultimate loser if
Mali fails to qualify but the Malian soccer fans.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

The New York Red Bulls crashed to a 3-1 defeat against eastern conference front runners Columbus Crew in a pulsating match at Crew Stadium.

A confident Bulls team, playing some of its best football in recent times, took a 1-0 lead courtesy of a stunning Juan Pablo Angel free kick. The ex Aston Villa striker struck a bullet free kick from all of 30 yards to put his team ahead.

Angel’s strike was his eighth goal in his last ten games for the Bulls. Alongside Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy, Angel is the hottest striker in MLS at the moment continuing his form from last season.

However, the dream start soon turned into a nightmare as the Crew produced a fight back to demolish the Bulls. MLS veteran Frankie Hejduk leveled matters just before half time with a cross that sailed over Jon Conway and into the back of the net.

Table toppers Crew then turned on the style in the second half as Robbie Rogers scored an unstoppable 30 yard rocket, leaving Jon Conway helpless.

New York were clearly missing influential Dutch midfielder Dave Van Den Bergh, who is expected to miss at least two games through a hernia injury.

Columbus wrapped up the match on the 85th minute when Eddie Gaven scored the third and decisive goal.

There was little positive after that for New York and matters went from bad to worse in the final minute when defender Kevin Goldthwaite was shown a red card.

The Bulls remain in fourth place in the eastern conference on 35 points while Columbus are out in front on 47 points.

Up next for the Bulls, a crucial home game against Colorado. Columbus make the trip to the Gillette Stadium to face New England Revolution.

Abdul Kashif

Borussia Dortmund striker, Mohammed Zidan is expected to make his long
awaited return to the Egyptian senior National team according to the
Pharaohs goalkeeping coach Ahmed Soliman.

The former Hamburg striker was slammed with a three month ban for failing to
resume to the Egyptian training camp ahead of their opening 2010 World
Cup/Nations Cup qualifying game against DR Congo in June. Zidan faked injury
and rather stayed with Hamburg forcing the Egyptian FA to impose a
suspension on him after uncovering the fake injury plot.

The Egyptian technical staff are set to give the striker an early call-up
taking into view his good conduct while serving out his punishment.

“He behaved well during that period. He didn’t make any offensive comments
towards the technical staff after being banned,” Soliman told Modern Sport
on Thursday.

“Zidan will soon return to Egypt’s squad.” he confirmed

He however pointed out that influential Al Ahly striker, Mohammed Barakat
would still remain a pariah in the team, after his continued criticism of
the Egyptian technical bench.

“We were infuriated by Barakat’s repeated criticism of us. We will not
tolerate such comments from any player,” Soliman added.

“Consequently, we decided that Barakat will not be part of our plans for the
future,” he concluded.

Awenlimobor Sylvester