Nigerians Abroad: Mikel Obi wins EPL title with Chelsea

ENGLAND

Chelsea claimed their fifth English title with a nervy 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel came on for the Blues at half time as they protected their lead with ease.

Leicester strengthened their bid to stay in the Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 win over Sammy Ameobi’s Newcastle. The 22-year-old was named on the bench but never made it on, his side’s misery compounded by the expulsions of both Daryl Janmaat and Mike Williamson.

Liverpool struck late on through captain Steven Gerrard to deny QPR a point at Anfield. In a game of high drama, defender Nedum Onuoha played the role of villain; first, he gave away a penalty in the 79th minute, earning a booking in the process. Goalkeeper Rob Green spared his blushes by saving the spot-kick, but three minutes later, Onuoha got sent off for a second bookable offence. All in all, a day to forget for the 28-year-old.

Peter Odemwingie continued his return from injury with a 10-minute run-out against Swansea on Saturday. The Swans were comfortable 2-0 winners at the Liberty Stadium – with both sides assured of safety in midtable, there is precious little to play for at this stage of the season.

West Brom pulled off the upset of the week, making away with all three points from Old Trafford. Defender Jonas Olsson diverted a free-kick past David de Gea for the game’s only goal. Record-signing Brown Ideye was good for a cameo in the final 10 minutes, replacing Saido Berahino. Victor Anichebe was on the bench for the duration.

ITALY

Already-promoted Carpi were 2-1 winners away at Modena in Serie B on Sunday. Team topscorer Jerry Mbakogu got his 15th goal of the season, opening the scoring in the 69th minute. Rather less momentously, he also got himself sent off five minutes from time – a mixed bag of an outing for the 22-year-old striker.

SPAIN

There was only a substitute appearance for Kalu Uche, as Levante were trounced 3-0 by Real Sociedad at Anoeta. Despite the loss, Levante remain in a good position in their push against relegation: five points off the bottom three with three games to play.

USA

Obafemi Martins hit a brace for Seattle Sounders at the Yankee Stadium, condemning New York City FC to a 3-1 defeat. The 30-year-old opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the game, and after both sides traded goals early in the second half, rounded up the scoring in the 66th minute.

That makes it six goals in seven games this season for the former Super Eagles marksman, firing him to the top of the scoring charts.

GERMANY

Anthony Ujah’s Bundesliga goal drought stretched to three games at the weekend as FC Koln played out a goalless draw away at Augsburg. The Super Eagles striker struggled to get into the game and was withdrawn in the 56th minute, denying him the chance to add to his ten league goals this term for the Billy Goats.

FRANCE

Vincent Enyeama was rarely troubled in goal as Lille beat already-relegated Lens 3-1 at Stade Pierre Mauroy. The visitors only recorded three shots all game and saw 35 per cent of the ball, hardly enough to make the Super Eagles captain break a sweat.

Monaco were rampant, thrashing Toulouse 4-1 to maintain their five-point advantage in third-place over Marseille. However, Elderson Echiejile was confined to the bench for the duration of the game.

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NPFL Week Seven Round Up: Sunshine humiliate Heartland in Owerri

The Akure Gunners continued with their impressive run in the Nigeria topflight as they dismantled hosts Heartland before their home fans.

HEARTLAND FC 0-3 SUNSHINE STARS

The Naze Millionaires suffered their first embarrassing home defeat in many years as they were drowned 3-0 by visitors Sunshine Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Heartland who went into the game as favorites following their 1-0 defeat of Kano Pillars that saw them move to the summit of the NPFL.

A brace from Tunde Adeniji plus a strike from Prince Aggrey lifted the Akure based outfit to the third position on the log while Heartland slipped to the fifth position.

SHARKS FC 2-2 FC TARABA

The Jalingo Boys shook off their disappointing three match losing streak in the league with a draw in Port Harcourt against the Blue Angels on Sunday.

Twice the home side took the lead and on each occasion FC Taraba showed they were up to the task with the equaliser through Usman Mohammed and Chinedu  Ohanachom.

FC Taraba face Gabros FC in their next game Sharks need to wake quickly to arrest their situation before they visit troubled Kano Pillars.


GABROS INTERNATIONAL FC 2-0 ENYIMBA FC

The Anambra Warriors got another major scalp in the People's Elephant on Sunday after they humbled the Aba side 2-0 at the Gabros Stadium,Nnewi.

Goals from Stephen Chikwendu and Chibuzor Okonkwo in the 52nd and 90th minutes guided Gabros to a surprise league win over the six time league champions.

The Nnewi side will be fired up for their next away trip to FC Taraba while Enyimba must regroup fast if they are to surmount bogey side, Giwa FC in the next game. Gabros are second on the log with 13 points from seven matches while Enyimba fell to seventh with 11 points from seven games.


GIWA FC 3-1 BAYELSA UNITED

The Jos Elephant have  moved to the top of the league table after a sensational 3-1 win over the Restoration Boys at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

Ibrahim Shuaibu scored two goals while Charles Okoro accounted for the third goal before Bayelsa United managed to pull a goal back. Giwa FC are on top with 14 points from seven games while Bayelsa
United are 18th with six points from as many matches.


DOLPHINS FC  2-0 LOBI STARS FC

The Pride of Rivers thrashed hard fighting Lobi Stars at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt through the goals of Jonathan Zikiye and Chiwendu Ali.

Dolphins leapt to 14th on the log from six games while Lobi slipped to relegation zone with only five points from seven games.


EL KANEMI WARRIORS FC 1-0 AKWA UNITED FC

The Promise Keepers put up a better performance than their last road trip to Jos where they were battered 4-0 but they still lost by the odd goal to El Kanemi Warriors in Kano.

The Maiduguri side are sixth on the log with 12 points from six matches while Akwa United must buckle up from the present 15th spot on the log with seven points from seven matches.


WIKKI TOURISTS FC 4-2 ENUGU RANGERS

The Bauchi side produced a first half master class performance to down the Flying Antelopes 4-2 in an exciting league match played at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

Ahmed Mubarak's double and a goal each from Christopher Waziri and Uche Martins put Wikki in the ascendancy but Bobby Clement got one of Rangers' two goals.

Wikki are fourth with 13 points from seven matches while Rangers are 17th with six points.


NASARAWA UNITED FC 2-0 ABIA WARRIORS FC

The Soild Miners recovered well from their away loss to Kwara United FC to hand Abia Warriors a 2-0 defeat in Lafia.

Malachy Ilo and Ugo Leonard's goals proved crucial in Nasarawa United's home win while Abia Warriors must act fast ahead of Kwara United FC's visit in the next game. Nasarawa United are ninth with 10 points from seven matches while Abia  Warriors are 10th with 10 points from seven matches. The Solid Miners visit Warri in the next league game.


KWARA UNITED FC 1-0 KANO PILLARS FC

The Harmony Warriors have cause to celebrate their new found form after another win over the Sai Masu Gida at the Kwara State Stadium on Sunday.

Pillars made life very tough and difficult for their hosts but Kwara United only but managed to win the tie. Kwara United are eighth with 11 points from seven matches while Pillars are 11th with nine points from six matches.

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'My son Floyd should face Khan'- floyd Mayweather Snr

Floyd Mayweather senior says Amir Khan would be 'an easy career finale' for his unbeaten son

The father of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather believes his son should end his illustrious career with "an easy fight" against leading British welterweight Amir Khan.

After 48 bouts as a professional, which have all ended in victory, Mayweather junior is planning to have one more battle, to see out his Showtime contract, before retiring later this year.

And Mayweather senior reckons that fight should be against Khan, who was at ringside to watch the American's victory over Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

After his dominant win over Manny "He don’t need no tough fight. Khan would be a good fight for him. My son would beat him, I know.

"Khan has a pretty decent jab but all the technical things, he can't do."

After beating Pacquiao, Mayweather junior said: "My last fight is in September, and then it’s time for me to hang it up.

Glenn McCrory, Johnny Nelson and Ed Robinson debate what Floyd Mayweather Jr will do next after his unanimous decision victory over Manny PacquiaoPacquiao.

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Van Persie Relieved from penalty duties by LVG

Van Persie reacts to his saved penalty against West Brom

Louis van Gaal has relieved Robin van Persie of penalty-taking duties for Manchester United following his miss in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

The Baggies recorded successive victories at Old Trafford for the first time since 1959 after Chris Brunt's 63rd-minute free-kick deflected off Jonas Olsson and flew past David de Gea.

Van Persie had the chance to grab a valuable point for United 11 minutes later when referee Anthony Taylor ruled Saido Berahino had handled Antonio Valencia's cross in his own box.

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Mourinho hits out at critics

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that his intention when he came back to club was to work hard towards winning the title.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and captain John Terry were in defiant mood after the club sealed their first Premier League title in five years on Sunday.

Chelsea claimed the three points needed for a fourth crown in the last 11 seasons with a 1-0 defeat of Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard's goal proving decisive.

It was Mourinho's third English championship - drawing him level with Bill Shankly, Arsene Wenger and Stan Cullis - and the Portuguese again took aim at his critics.

He said: "We do everything that the team needs. That's why we deserve so much to be champions. And I think everybody knows that

"And the ones that have a big face to say we don't deserve are the ones that in my country we say 'the dogs bark and the caravan goes by'. It's easy is to be a pundit, because as a pundit you win every game.

"When you go back to a place where you had success before you risk a little bit your prestige, your history. I risked it. Now I can say I won titles for Chelsea with two different generations, separated by almost a decade."

John Terry gives his reaction to Chelsea's title win

Terry's disdain was reserved for interim manager Rafael Benitez for writing him off. The totemic centre-back appeared to be on the way out during Benitez's short reign two years ago, but has featured in every minute of all 35 Premier League games this season.

Terry told Sky Sports: "One person said I couldn't play twice in a week. He knows who he is. I have proved him wrong as I'm still fighting, still in the side and feeling great."

Mourinho, Terry and the rest of the squad will be joined by the Academy side - who lifted the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League trophies - for an open-top bus parade to celebrate their resepctive successes on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Three coaches will leave Stamford Bridge and travel east along Fulham Road before turning right onto Hortensia Road and right again onto New King's Road.

The parade will start at 12pm, stopping for a short period at Eel Brook Common where the parade will finish. The buses will then proceed to Parsons Green to depart the area around 1pm.

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Chelsea announce trophy parade

Watch the Chelsea celebrations as they claimed this season's Premier League title

Chelsea have announced plans for a parade on Monday, May 25 to celebrate winning the Premier League and Capital One Cup this season.

Sunday's 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge gave the Blues an unassailable lead at the top of the table and a first Premier League title in five years.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Following our success in winning the Barclays Premier League and with agreement from London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police, we can confirm that a victory parade will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, commencing at 12pm."

The first-team squad will be joined on the open-top bus parade through west London by players and staff from Chelsea's academy, who this season won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League.

Three coaches will leave the west entrance of Stamford Bridge before travelling east along Fulham Road before going to Eel Brook Common, where the parade will finish

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Super Falcons crash 2-0 to Dikko FC in friendly

The reigning African champions bowed to the non-league outfit in a warm up game played in Abuja on Friday.

The Nigerian senior women's national team lost 2-0 to the U23 team of Dikko Football Club in a friendly played at the Fifa Goal Project pitch, Abuja on Friday.

The reigning African queens began the game brightly, piling pressure on the non-league side, but lost glaring scoring chances.

However, Dikko FC went ahead in the 35th minute from a counter attack play. They doubled their lead five minutes later after goalkeeper, Whyte Ibubeleye could not clear her line.

The second half saw the Falcons coming close to reducing the tally but veteran forward, Perpetual Nkwocha failed to connect a floater while substitute goalkeeper Precious Dede's heroics ensured that the Dikko boys did not score more goals.

“They scored their two goals because our girls made some mistakes. We have taken note of the mistakes and we shall correct them,” coach Edwin Okon said after the game.

The Super Falcons have been pooled against the United States of America, Sweden and Australia in Group D of the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup billed for Canada.

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Cabaye frustrated by Lack Of Playing Time in PSG

The former Newcastle man has been struggling to secure regular first-team action with the Ligue 1 champions and fears he could consequently miss Euro 2016.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye has reiterated his frustration at not being a regular starter under Laurent Blanc at the Parc des Princes.
Cabaye came off the bench for the final 14 minutes of Sunday's 2-0 win over Nantes in a victory that kept PSG on course for a third consecutive Ligue 1 title.
However, the France international has started just 18 games in all competitions this term, with the former Newcastle United man struggling to tie down a place in Blanc's midfield during his first full season at the club.
Amid concerns over his place in the national set-up, Cabaye will look to speak with France coach Didier Deschamps to discuss his current situation.
"It is a distinct moment in my career," Cabaye toldCanal Football Club.
"I have never been through this before. You have to accept it but also try to change it. It is very important for me as I want to play at Euro 2016.
"I need to speak to the national team coach and my representatives to see what is best for me."
Cabaye, 29, has a contract with PSG until June 2017.

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Wenger hits back at Henry over Giroud

The former Arsenal striker criticised his countryman after the 1-0 loss to Chelsea in April but the manager says the ex-France international was being urged to be controversial.

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Thierry Henry after the former Arsenal striker criticised Olivier Giroud.

Henry, in his new role as a Sky Sports pundit, claimed that the Gunners need to sign four players before they can be considered genuine contenders to win the Premier League title after they were beaten 1-0 by newly crowned champions Chelsea.

Henry also rubbished the idea that Giroud could fire Arsenal to the title, saying: "I think Giroud is doing extremely well but can you win the league with him? I wouldn't think so.

"He does a job and he does it ever so well but you can't win the league."

Wenger, though, says that Henry's critique of his countryman was wide of the mark and drew comparisons between the 28-year-old and Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer.

"I think he's wrong," the Gunners manager told reporters. "He's paid for that. We know all the system now of the modern media, especially on TV. I know how it works. They push you to be controversial because they give you a lot of money.

"I can accept an opinion but the comment on Giroud was a bit more wrong, especially because I heard the same thing being said about Nicolas Anelka, about Thierry Henry himself and about Robin van Persie - and they all became world-class players themselves."

Chelsea clinched the Premier League title on Sunday as they defeated Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge and Wenger admits that the north Londoners must strengthen their squad this summer, as the Gunners' rivals are likely to splash the cash, too.

"That is the unknown quantity," he said. "How much higher are the other teams going to go? Because you can expect Manchester City to respond. You can expect Manchester United to respond, Liverpool to respond.

"We are not in need of absolute change. We have a strong squad. We have some strong young players behind. We have a very big squad so we need to lose some players as well. We have Lukas Podolski away, Joel Campbell. Yaya Sanogo will come back."

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Why Salisu Yusuf was picked as Keshi’s assistant

The El Kanemi Warriors trainer was chosen based on his wide experience in the domestic scene where he has handled illustrious sides like Enyimba and Kano Pillars.

El Kanemi coach Salisu Yusuf will be named assistant coach to Stephen Keshi this week, Goal can authoritatively reveal.

The El Kanemi Warriors trainer will replace Daniel Amokachi, who looks to have fallen out of favour with Keshi due to recent pronouncements following the Super Eagles’ defeat to Uganda in Uyo and the goalless draw with South Africa in Nelspruit.

Keshi and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation have agreed that Yusuf should join the team as First Assistant Coach because of his wealth of experience on the domestic scene in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Yusuf led Kano Pillars to win the league title before joining Enyimba in 2012. He has been part of the NFF team that has been sent to London to acquire technical skills as well as learn the use of the Prozone technology.
The El Kanemi Warriors tactician was a popular choice because of his pedigree in the local scene, a Goal source claimed.

“Yusuf has coached so many top clubs in Nigeria namely Enyimba, Kano Pillars, El Kanemi Warriors, to mention but a few. He has also had a stint as second assistant coach of the Super Eagles during Samson Siasia’s 11 months tenure as at the time when Dutch coach Simon Kalika was the first assistant coach of the team. So Yusuf is highly qualified to assist Keshi and will definitely help him in scouting for the best legs in the Nigerian league since he is an active coach of the local league,” the source said.
Goal can also reveal that the Nigeria Football Federation will name Keshi’s assistants before the end of this week since camping would start on May 18. 

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Drogba delight at fourth title

Chelsea's Didier Drogba celebrates after winning the Premier League title

Four-times Premier League title winner Didier Drogba savoured his latest triumph with Chelsea as fans and team-mates celebrated around him at Stamford Bridge.

The talisman of Jose Mourinho's 'first coming' to Stamford Bridge was delighted to celebrate the triumphant reclaiming of the league title after Chelsea's 1-0 victory of Crystal Palace confirmed them as champions.

Comparing this title triumph to his three previous victorious Premier League campaigns Drogba said: "I think I prefer to live with the present and this one is sweet, this one is sweet also.

Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba give their reaction as Chelsea secure their first Premier League title win in five years.

"With me or without me, Chelsea will always be number one.

"I'm happy that I'm part of this but Chelsea is bigger than me and they will always win."

It was the third time that Drogba has won the Premier League title in a match at Stamford Bridge, something which he savoured: "Third time here and it's an amazing feeling - fantastic - the fans - amazing, you know, they're the best."

Asked about his future from here he would only say: "A good rest, a good celebration...and that's it."

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Roger Federer Sealed his fourth ATP Tour final

Roger Federer: Sealed his fourth ATP Tour final of the year

Top seed Roger Federer won the final of the Istanbul Open on Sunday with a straight sets win over Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas.

The Swiss world No 2 came through 6-3 7-6 (13-11) with a superb display of tennis to win his first clay title in three years.

Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, showed imperious form ahead of the French Open, beating world No 23 Cuevas to claim his fourth ATP Tour final of the year and the 85th title of his career in his 128th career final.

Federer showed dexterity and power despite resolute defence from his opponent, who required two injury timeouts for treatment on his wrist

The 33-year-old secured the first set comfortably before sealing victory following a thrilling second set tie break.

"It's been a while since I won a title on clay," said a delighted Federer, whose last clay court title was Madrid in 2012.

"It's been a pleasure playing here. I felt unlucky and then I felt lucky," was how Federer described the tie-break which was a fitting conclusion to Turkey's first ever ATP World Tour tournament.

"I think that the match deserved a third set," he added.

With the clay-court season in full swing the Swiss star now head to Madrid where he will join defending champion Rafael Nadal and Britain's Andy Murray ahead of the French Open which starts at the end of the month.

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NFF President Amaju Pinnick to meet Blatter on Monday

The president of the NFF will meet with the world football governing boss on Monday towards enhancing the growth of Nigeria football.

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick is set to meet with Fifa president Sepp Blatter on Monday in Zurich.According to the NFF president, the meeting billed for Home of Fifa is in line with NFF administration’s vision of constantly bonding with the world body, and also to seek more Fifa projects for Nigeria.
“Nigeria is the biggest black nation on earth. One out of every five black people in the world is a Nigerian, so our country can no longer be a silent member of world football,” Pinnick told the Nigeria Football Federation website.
“Nigeria is big deal, not only because of our population, but as a result of what we bring to the table of world football, through taking part in almost all Fifa championships, one of the very few countries in the world that is able to do that.
“Presently, we have the Fifa Technical Centre, and the Fifa Football Turf that we got through the Win-In-Africa-With-Africa programme for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. We also have approval for Centres of Excellence in Bauchi, Lagos and Anambra States.
“However, the present NFF administration is of the view that the outstanding projects, for which approval has been secured, should commence immediately, and that Nigeria deserves more Fifa projects at this stage.”
Pinnick is also expected to hold a meeting with Greg Dyke, Chairman of The Football Association  in London on Tuesday.

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