London 2012: Go and Win Medals, Jonathan Tells Team Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged Team Nigeria to go all out for medals at the London 2012 Olympics to be able to surpass Nigeria's best outing in the Olympics - Atlanta '96 Olympics where the country won two gold medals.

Chioma Ajunwa won gold in the women long jump while Nigerian male team, Dream Team captained by Kanu Nwankwo won the mother of all gold.

President Jonathan made the call on Tuesday after his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee conferred on him in a grand reception at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

The President, who was represented by Vice President, Namadi Sambo, said that Nigeria had everything to surpass the two gold medals, which represents the country's best outing in the Olympics.

"I'm indeed grateful for the honour bestowed on me by the Nigeria Olympic Committee. I am happy to know the efforts already put in both the NOC and the NSC to ensure that Nigeria excels at the Olympics. I urge our ambassadors to go all out to make us proud and surpass the feats recorded at the Atlanta Olympics," he said.

The President also commended corporate organisations for throwing their weight behind the efforts of the NOC and the NSC in giving the country a descent outing in the Olympics and promised that such assistance would not go un-noticed.

"For the companies who are supporting Nigeria's efforts in sports, we have good news for them as there will be tax rebates for them," he said as the crowded hall erupted in applause.
Earlier in his address, Supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi assured that Team Nigerian athletes have been striving in their qualification battles and noted that there was good indication that they would do well at the Olympics.

He also thanked the NOC for their onerous efforts in ensuring that Nigeria excels at the Olympics.

In his address, President of the NOC, Sani Ndanusa congratulated President Jonathan on his investiture and assured him that Nigerian athletes will hold there own at the London Olympics.

Ferguson: Our Poor Record at Blackburn is Hard to Explain

 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is surprised about his side's recent poor record at Blackburn Rovers.

The Red Devils have won just two of the last eleven Premier League meetings between the sides at Ewood Park and with the home side battling against relegation this season, Monday's encounter between the two could prove to be another stern test, reports Goal.com.

When asked about the statistic at a press conference the Scot said: "I couldn't answer why.

"When Blackburn score first they make it difficult for you, so maybe the answer is to make sure we keep our noses in front."

After suffering an early elimination from European competition the champions should head into the game with a lot of energy but it is an advantage Ferguson wishes he didn't have.

"We have been used to playing midweek games for so long that you do miss it," he admitted. "The players miss it too. Yes, we do get freshness but you can't have it all ways. We would rather be in the Champions League."

Speaking about the opposition Sir Alex praised fellow countryman Steve Kean and believes Rovers fans will now be regretting how they responded to him earlier in the season.

"I am sure a lot of them are saying to themselves 'I wish I hadn't done that'," he said. "Things can change. You have to dig in and not let it get to you, now no one is talking about fans having protest marches.

"He has held his dignity very well and deserves 100 per cent praise from everyone, including his own supporters. He has shown his mettle in times when it was difficult for him."

NFF, SAFA Agree on Falcons, Banyana Matches

 Nigeria’s Super Falcons 

The Nigeria Football Federation and the South African Football Association have agreed on two international friendly matches between their senior women teams for the month of June.

In a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday, the South African Football Association confirmed that their Senior Women’s Team, Banyana Banyana, will take on the Super Falcons in the first leg in South Africa on Saturday 2, June with the second leg taking place in Nigeria on June 23.

“We are delighted to announce that the two games have been confirmed, as it would be good knock-around for our girls. We believe the Super Falcons will overcome the challenge of Zimbabwe to go and defend their African title in Equatorial Guinea in November.

“Apart from these two matches with the Banyana Banyana, one of the strongest women teams in Africa, the NFF is also working hard to get more games for the Falcons in order to make them much better,” said NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu.

The NFF is also at the verge of consummating other friendlies and invitational tournaments for all categories of national teams, including the U-15 National Boys’ Team, which is set for an Eight-nation Invitational Tournament in Mexico in June.

While the U-20 Men’s Team, Flying Eagles, will defend their title at the Cape Town Invitational Tournament in Cape Town, South Africa in May, the Super Eagles will also play a friendly match against the Panthers of Gabon towards the end of May, after their match against
Peru in Lima on May 21.

‘NSC Committed to Grassroots Sports Development’

Chief Patrick Ekeji, NSC Director General

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reiterated its commitment towards the development and upliftment of grassroots sports in the country.

Stanley Okebugwu, the  South East Zone 1 coordinator of the commission, who stated this Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu, during an interactive session  with executive committee  members of Enugu State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by its chairman, Norbert Okolie, said the NSC Director General, Dr. Patrick Ekeji  has vowed  not to  rest on his oars until  the  nation’s present  dwindling sports situation  especially at the grassroots levels are addressed.

According to him, it is against the backdrop of getting things  right in the sports sector, as well as restoring the lost glory of  grassroots sports in the nation, that the NSC boss, decided to initiate the formation 12 zonal structures arrangement in the country, with a view to addressing the issue squarely.

Okebugwu, who assumed office in the zone not too long ago, however, called on all major stake holders in sports especially sportswriters  from  the three states of Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu that make up  zone 1 to join hands with his office  in realizing the commission’s dream of taking every  sports to the next level .

He further explained that it is because of the importance and seriousness Dr. Ekeji, attaches to the revival of grass root sports in the country, that he decided to deploy senior officers from Assistant Directors cadre, to man the zonal offices for effective performance.

Earlier in a  brief remarks, chairman,  Enugu SWAN,  Norbert Okolie, had assured the zonal coordinator of his members and the association’s  readiness  to partner with the (latter’s) office, describing both bodies as partners in progress hence, the need for an enduring  cordial relationship among them.

UEFA League: Odds Stacked Against Milan as Messi Eyes Record

 Barca's Lionel Messi tussles with Clarence Seedorf of AC Milan during their group clash






Lionel Messi is on the brink of yet another record as title holders and favourites Barcelona visit AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday with the odds firmly stacked against the injury-hit Serie A team.

Although titleholders Barcelona are unlikely to repeat the 7-1 aggregate win they pulled off in the first meeting of the two sides in the 1959-60 European Cup, they have looked unstoppable in the Champions League this season, reports Reuters.

Seven-time champions Milan, on the other hand, have been struggling with injuries in the run-up to the quarter-final first-leg tie, a repeat of the 1994 final which the Italians won 4-0.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won seven and drawn one of their eight games, scoring 30 goals at an average of nearly four per match, and beat Milan 3-2 at the San Siro in the group stage.

They have not lost in their last 14 Champions League games and are unbeaten in their last five against the Italians.

Messi has scored 18 goals in his last eight Barcelona matches and a hat-trick for Argentina. His club tally included the first five-goal haul in the Champions League, against Bayer Leverkusen.

He needs one more goal to break the Champions League season record of 12 goals, set by himself last season and Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003, and also notch up his 50th goal of the competition.

Last week, Messi broke the Barcelona scoring record with his 234th goal for the club and his tally of 55 goals this season in all competitions is already a Spanish record with two months still to play.

The outlook became bleaker for Milan after Thiago Silva, the linchpin of their defence, joined Milan’s lengthy injured list, the Brazilian limping off early during the 2-1 win over AS Roma on Saturday.

Right back, Ignazio Abate and Brazilian forwards, Robinho and Alexandre Pato are also sidelined while the Serie A leaders and defending champions will miss the intimidating presence of Mark Van Bommel in midfield as the Dutchman is suspended.

They good news is that Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored one of the goals of the competition in Barcelona’s 3-2 win in November, is fit again while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in outstanding form in attack.

The volatile Swede, who left Barcelona in acrimonious circumstances 18 months ago, remains Milan’s trump card with 22 goals in Serie A this season and five in the Champions League.

Although Milan have a four-point lead at the top of Serie A, they have struggled in big matches this season, and were outplayed in both group-stage meetings against Barcelona, including the 2-2 draw at Nou Camp.

They have yet to beat Juventus in four attempts, lost 1-0 to arch-rivals Inter in the Milan derby in January and reached the quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth after a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Milan were criticised for fielding Thiago Silva against Roma but chief executive, Adriano Galliani defended their policy on Monday.

“We knew that Thiago Silva had a problem, but he seemed fine,” Galliani told reporters. “Then he got injured and everyone is talking about it.

“Nobody knew that Zlatan Ibrahimovic played with a bad back,” added Galliani. “If he had not played then maybe we may not have won. Risks are part of the game.

“As for Barcelona, we will be meeting the holders who are playing the best football in the world.

“We have not been at all fortunate in the draw but then neither have Barcelona. Milan have been used to facing these types of matches for many years and I am pleased when Milan battle.

“Last year we were in the battle for the title with Inter and this year it is Juventus. The opponents change but we are always there. Win, lose or draw it is important to stay the top club.”

Guardiola, whose side trail Real Madrid by six points in La Liga, dismissed Milan’s injury problems.

“If we are expecting Milan to play below their usual standard, then we’re wrong,” he said after the draw was made. “The fact that we did well in the group stage doesn’t mean we are going to win this tie.”

Teams (probable):

AC Milan: 32-Christian Abbiati; 25-Daniele Bonera; 5-Philippe Mexes, 33-Alessandro Nesta, 77-Luca Antonini; 22-Antonio Nocerino, 23-Massimo Ambrosini, 27-Kevin-Prince Boateng, 28-Urby Emanuelson; 11-Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 21-Maxi Lopez

Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 2-Dani Alves, 14-Javier Mascherano, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol; 6- Xavi, 8-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets, 4-Cesc Fabregas, 10-Lionel Messi, 9-Alexis Sanchez.

Ref Dishes Out Five Red Cards in Dressing Room

 Crawley Town players brawling with Bradford City players

A referee has taken the bizarre step of sending off five players in the dressing room following an ugly post-match brawl at an English fourth-tier match that required the intervention of police, reports The Associated Press.

Three Bradford players and two from visiting Crawley Town were shown a red card by the referee after punches were thrown in the aftermath of the away side’s 2-1 win at Valley Parade on Tuesday.

Bradford manager, Phil Parkinson says “I have never been in a situation before where a ref has come into the dressing room, pulled players on one side and sent them off. He wouldn’t allow me in there.”

Seven players—six from Crawley—were also booked during an ill-tempered match.

The Football Association is expected to investigate the brawl.

Balotelli Gatecrashes Inter Milan Press Conference

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli shakes the hand of new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni (L) when he dropped into the press conference

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has gatecrashed new Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni's first press conference, during a surprise visit to his ex-club.

The 21-year-old striker unexpectedly walked in, to laughter from the crowd, and shook hands with Stramaccioni, who exclaimed: "What a surprise!"

Balotelli had driven to the Serie A club's training ground in a Ferrari to greet his former team-mates, reports the BBC.

Stramaccioni took over when Claudio Ranieri was sacked on Monday.

Balotelli entered the press room as Stramaccioni was being formally unveiled as Inter's new manager.

The striker shook his hand and those of other people at the top table before leaving, continuing his reputation for unpredictable antics.

Balotelli knows Stramaccioni, who has been promoted from youth team coach, from his time at the club.

Stramaccioni led the youth side to a win over Ajax in the NextGen Series final - an international tournament for youth teams - on Sunday.

Inter Milan dismissed former Chelsea boss Ranieri, who took charge at the San Siro in September last year, after only one win in their last 10 league matches.

Following Sunday's defeat by Juventus, Inter sit eighth in Serie A, 22 points behind their local rivals AC Milan, who top the table.

Inter were also knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Marseille earlier this month.