Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah Out Of Nations Cup

Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah Out Of Nations Cup

The 25-year-old Juventus player had keyhole surgery on Tuesday to fix a cartilage problem in his left knee.

"The recovery time is estimated at not less than three to four months," said the Turin club in a statement.

Asamoah suffered the injury in November and missed the Black Stars' final two Nations Cup qualifiers.

His absence from the tournament, which will be played in Equatorial Guinea from 17 January to 8 February, will be a big loss to Ghana andnew boss Avram Grant.

Asamoah has made 66 senior international appearances for Ghana, scoring four times.

The Black Stars won the last of their continental titles in 1982 but came closest to adding a fifth in 2010 when they lost the final 1-0 against Egypt in Angola.

Credits: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30262132

5 Reasons Why Renewing Coach Keshi's Contract Is The Right Step

5 Reasons Why Renewing Coach Keshi's Contract Is The Right Step

1. For Continuity: In 2012, England didn't do well at the European Championship. Under coach Roy Hodgson, England crashed out in the quarter finals. Similar performance came at the last World Cup where England crashed out at the 1st round. But the English FA still saw something good in Hodgson. Under him, lots of youngsters like Oxlade Chamberlain, Luke Shaw, Danny Welbeck, Chambers, Adam Llalana, Phil Jones among others have established themselves as stars. the future of the English team is bright. They are also topping their group for the next Euro qualifiers.

Also, Spain did poorly at the last World Cup. A team which boasted of some of the best players in the world including Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba and others. Despite their poor performance and getting whooped 5-0 by Netherlands in their first match at the 2014 World Cup, they stuck with their coach to promote continuity. Presntly, the team is not doing badly.

Retaining Coach Keshi will promote continuity and make our players grow together. Any coach that comes in now will start all over.

2. Learning From Failure: Experience is the best teacher. If another coach takes over, he would not have first hand information why the team failed and those reasons will not be corrected. Coach Keshi knows his mistakes and from the next matches, he will correct them.

3. Emerging Talents Will Continue To Come Out: Coach Keshi was a man who never failed to churn out talents. Many players made their break through in the national team. From Sunday Mba, Godfrey Oboabona, Ogenyi Onazi. Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Michael Babatunde, Victor Moses, Aaron Samuel, Sonny Aluko. Infact, Keshi is the only Nigerian coach with the highest number of invitees to the Super Eagles. 
Coach Keshi gave many young talents their chances in the national team and many shone. Retaining Coach Keshi will maintain this trend.

4. Mikel Obi: Before Coach Keshi, Mikel was seen as a failure and a flop from the promise he showed in the age grade tourneys.
Under Coach Keshi, Mikel has shown promise and reasons why he was seen as a promising youngster. Mikel created so much chances for the team in recent years and has shown great displays in games for the Super Eagles. He was nominated for the African Footballer of the year and finished second.

5. His AFCON Victory Was Not A Fluke: Facts need to be seperated from lies. Nigeria's victory in the last African Cup of Nation was not a fluke. It was not because fellow African power houses like Cameroon and Egypt didn't participated or because Nigeria didn't meet Ghana. At least the team met Ivory Coast who many has tipped to lift the trophy in the quarter final and defeated them. No other Nigerian coach has won a the AFCON except Keshi. It's a pity he won't get the chance to present Nigeria to defend the trophy next year. But his achievement should not be swept away.

Final Say

Under Keshi, Nigeria still has more to gain. Except hiring a world class foreign coach in the league of people like Loius Van Gaal, Louis Phillipe Scolari, Guus Hiidink, Marcelo Lippi, Joachim Low, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, no other Nigerian coach can do the job better than Keshi. At least for now.

Credits: http://passionforgoals.blogspot.com/2014/11/4-reasons-why-renewing-coach-keshis.html

Musa Saves Nigeria As Super Eagles Beat Sudan 3-1

Musa Saves Nigeria As Super Eagles Beat Sudan 3-1

Second-half strikes from Ahmed Musa and Aaron Samuel have saved Nigeria's chances of defending their Afcon crown in 2015.

Under-fire coach Stephen Keshi claimed his side's qualifying campaign was being "sabotaged" ahead of the Group A clash in Abuja, with the African champions bottom of their pool following a 1-0 defeat against Sudan at the weekend.

CSKA Moscow forward Musa opened the scoring three minutes into the second half, but Salah Al Jizoli stunned Nigeria with an equaliser only seven minutes later.

The Super Eagles were not to be denied, though, and Aaron Samuel marked his full debut with a goal to put them back in front before Musa eased the tension with a third goal after 89 minutes.

Neither side really got going in a disappointing first half, but Bakri Abdelgadir - the scorer of Sudan's winner in the reverse fixture - could have put the visitors in front just before the break when he raced into the penalty area and fired wide.

The game came to life in the second half, sparked by a clinical finish from Musa following great work from John Obi Mikel.

Musa raced to the touchline to celebrate with Keshi, but Sudan responded and silenced the crowd as Salah struck from just inside the six-yard box after being picked out by Abdelgadir.

Nigeria knew only a victory would do and Samuel capitalised on a mistake from Akram El Hadi Salim to prod the ball home with his left foot after 66 minutes.

Musa then sealed three precious points when he cut inside and finished with his right foot.

Credit: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/nigeria-vs-sudan/1870077/report

Recent Pictures Of Ahmed Musa's Family

Super Eagles of Nigeria's golden boy in yesterday's match against Sudan Ahmed Musa recently shared his family's pictures on the internet.
Sports Triangle brings you some of them. The CSKA Moscow striker is from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
See the pictures below:

Ahmed Musa & Son

Ahmed Musa & Wife

Ahmed Musa's Wife

Ahmed Musa & Mum

Source: www.okikiodubiyi.blogspot.com

Keshi Sacked As Nigeria Coach

Keshi Sacked As Nigeria Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the sack of Stephen Keshi as coach of the Super Eagles early on Thursday morning. 

He will be replaced, alongside his assistants Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu, by a consortium of local coaches led by former coach Amodu Shaibu who will handle the team’s remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches until a substantive trainer is employed.

Keshi’s job had come under intense scrutiny since the start of the qualifiers in September when the team lost 3-2 to Congo at home before picking one point in a draw against South Africa in Cape Town.

A further defeat in Khartoum to Sudan made his tenure look like coming to an inglorious end after a fairy tale year where he led the Super Eagles to victory at the 2013 Afcon in South Africa.

The title defense in Morocco next year was looking bleak until Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Sudan in Abuja restored a glimmer of hope.

Keshi had also become embroiled in fights over players with Villareal striker Ikechukwu Uche being accused of wanting to be begged to play for the country. The player has denied all allegations.

However, the new NFF board was not convinced about his abilities and has now relieved him of the job, urging him and his assistants to proceed on any training programme of their choice that would be funded by the federation as a form of gratitude to the “national heroes”.

Their exit means that former national team coach, Shaibu, who has been a part of the NFF in a technical role, will now return to the position for the next tow matches against Congo and South Africa.

Shaibu will be supported by Salisu Yusuf, Gbenga Ogunbote and former goalkeeper Aloysius Agu until a foreign coach is recruited to handle the side.

The team also has a new Coordinator in former international Garba Lawal, while Toyin Ibitoye is the new Media Officer and Godfirst Chike is the new Equipment Manager. Team Secretary, Enebi Achor, is retained.

The communiqué also announced the hiring of Samson Siasia as the U23 trainer. He returns to the side he led to an Olympic silver medal at the games in Beijing in 2008. He will be assisted by Fatai Amoo.

Keshi, 52, led Nigeria to their third African title last year, and became only the second person to win the trophy as a player and coach. He also took the team to the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Brazil as they equalled their best ever run.

He will be remembered for bringing into limelight several unknown players from the local league who have become heroes of the Nigerian game. However, he was also accused of favouritism by taking largely untested players to the World Cup and ignoring more experienced campaigners.

Messi Didn't Deserve The 2014 World Cup Golden Ball

Argentine legend Diego Amando Maradona feels the 2014 FIFA World Cup golden ball award should not have been awarded to Lionel Messi...
Messi beat the likes of Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez to the prestigious individual award after scoring four goals in seven performances at this summer's tournament and guiding his team to the final, yet Maradona feels the 27-year-old only won it for commercial reasons.

"But it's not right when someone wins something that he shouldn't have won just because of some marketing plan." 

Maradona then went on to voice his disappointment with Argentina's 1-0 defeat in Sunday's final against Germany following Mario Gotze's goal in extra-time.

"I feel sorry for my country. Mario Gotze's goal really hurt. There's a huge sadness in my heart that we lost the final. 

"All things put together, I think Argentina deserved at least penalties. That Germany won was the result of a misunderstanding in the Argentine defence."

The 1986 World Cup winner also had his say on Alejandro Sabella's decision to replace Ezequiel Lavezzi with Sergio Aguero at half-time and argued that the Argentina boss got things wrong.

"I don't understand the substitution of Lavezzi. He was phenomenal down the wing. Kun Aguero didn't have the same impact. It was not his tournament."

Osaze Odemwingie And Onazi Joked About Nigeria Vs France Match

Stoke Football Club and Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has joked about Nigeria's 2014 World Cup elimination against France...

In a piucture that he tweeted recently, he joked that the Referee forgot to award the French midfielder that injured Ogenyi Onazi a red card. 

Liverpool Signs Adam Llalana For £25million

Liverpool football club of England have confirmed the signing of Adam Llalana from Southampton.
The fee paid for the player is worth £25million. Llalana who played for England at the World Cup in brazil made over 265 appearances for Southampton.
He will wear the number 20 jersey.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27647888

Messi Is From Jupiter-Says Keshi

Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has described Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as a man from Jupiter. Keshi was speaking to pressmen after yesterdays match between Argentina and Nigeria which the Argentines won 3-2.

Messi scored a half-volley and a free-kick as Argentina recorded a third win to finish top of Group F and qualified alongside Nigeria.

Lionel Messi taking a free-kick in the match against Nigeria

In Keshi's description, he described Messi as one of heck of a player, a different guy from his teammates and a blessed man that nothing can be taken away from.

Source: 

Luis Suarez To Face Up To Twenty Four (24) Matches Ban After Biting Giorgio Chielini

Liverpool FC forward Lius Suarez could face up to twenty matches ban if found guilty of biting Italian defender Giorgio Chielini.

The mark of Luis Suarez's tooth on Giorgio Chielini's body

Suarez was seen by spectators and on video replay to have bitten Chielini during the match between Italy and Uruguay at the on-going FIFA World Cup in Brazil...

This is not the first time Luis Suarez has acted in an unsporting-like way as he has previously received lengthy bans for biting Otman Bakal when he was at PSV and also for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during an EPL match... And he once faced an eight match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra...

 

Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28012675

Keshi Blasts Nigerian Fans For Insulting Him And His Family

According to a Vanguard reporter who spoke with Stephen Keshi in Brazil, the Super Eagles coach is angry at Nigerian fans for abusing him over the team's performance at the on-going World Cup in Brazil. Keshi said there was absolutely no justification for fans to insult him and his family.

"It’s a shame, just a shame that we keep doing the same thing and then they come back and they say they are sorry. Sorry for abusing my mum? Sorry for abusing my siblings? For what? That I am representing Nigeria?”

"I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem).

Keshi also lambasted his fellow former football stars who have criticized his team and his tactics in Brazil, saying he had expected much better from them as they ought to know better about the game than the man on the street..

Super Eagles Probable Lineup Against Iran

Super Eagles will play Iran at the on-going FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Here is a probable line-up for tonight's match against Iran.

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama
Defenders: Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo
Midfielders: Mikel, Onazi, Azeez
Attackers: Musa, Moses, Emenike...

Source: Insider in the Eagles Camp.

Picture of Argentina National Team To The World Cup In Brazil

Picture of Argentina National Team To The World Cup In Brazil

Yeah, the World Cup is around the corner... It's 2 days to the kick off...Several teams have already landed in Brazil. Among them are Cameroon, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, England, France, Ghana, Algeria...Today, the Albeceleste of Argentina joined others to land in Brazil... Here is a pic of the team in a plane to Brazil.

Pics of France National Team Going To The World Cup

Pics of France National Team Going To The World Cup

The French national team are on their way to the world cup in Brazil. Here's a picture of the team in a flight to Brazil...

Luis Suarez & Eden Hazard Wins PFA Player Of The Year Awards

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been named as the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in London on Sunday. Suarez beat off competition from Yaya Toure, Steven Gerrard and Eden Hazard.

Suarez's strike partner Daniel Sturridge, 24, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard joined him in the Premier League Team of the Year, along with three Chelsea players - goalkeeper Petr Cech, defender Gary Cahill and midfielder Eden Hazard.

2013/2014 Season's Premier League Team of the Year:

Petr Cech (Chelsea), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Vincent Kompany (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Yaya Toure (Man City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool).

In the young player of the year category, Chelsea's Eden Hazard was voted the best. Hazard beat off Adam Lallana, and Luke Shaw to win the award.

Top 5 Africans To Shine In Brazil 2014

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will kick off in June. Five African teams will try to do Africa proud in the tourney. Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria all boast of numerous football stars across the world. Sports Triangle has chosen 5 stars to shine among others in the World Cup.

They are:

1. Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli & Algeria)

Born in Central France to Algerian parents, Ghoulam is a traditional left-footed left-back. He's quick and makes bursting runs forward to join in with the attack. He's good at playing long balls and is a threat with crosses and from set-pieces.

Having played twice for France U-21 side, he chose to represent Algeria at the 2013 AFCON but was left on the sidelines for the entire tournament.

He finally made his international debut against Benin in a World Cup qualifier and made an instant impact by assisting the first goal. He moved to Italian outfit Napoli from Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne in the January transfer window and is expected to play a vital role in the Brazil-bound Algeria team.

2. Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough & Nigeria)

Nigeria’s defensive stalwart is an indisputable entry onto this list after his impressive showings at the 2013 Cup of Nations. He's expected to burst onto the world stage alongside partner Godfrey Oboabona in Brazil.

His ability will be tested as he's set to face four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko in Group F.

He has been performing consistently for Middlesbrough, since his loan move from Chelsea and should head to Brazil both in form and in good shape.

3. Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnheim & Ghana)

The left footed winger is an undoubted talent and has long been tipped as his country's brightest emerging star.

He sealed a move to European giants Chelsea and was immediately shipped out on loan to Dutch club Vitesse. He has since impressed with four goals and six assists to his name. He's quick and technically astute and has an eye for goal.

He is reminiscent of a young Lionel Messi and he's got the potential to strike a formidable partnership with Marseille winger Andre Ayew for the Black Stars this summer.

4. Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio & Nigeria) 

Tipped for greatness, Onazi is an established member of the Super Eagles and has been burdened with much of the defensive duties in the midfield since making his place in the side. Despite these responsibilities, he’s also not shy of bursting forward to help attacks.

He also has a penchant for taking ferocious shots.

The young Lazio centre-midfielder is expected to keep his place in spite of the recent reshuffle in the middle of the park by Stephen Keshi given his dynamism and versatility.

5. Wilfried Bony (Swansea & Cote d’Ivoire) 

Typically, with Cote d’Ivoire, attention focuses on Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. However, it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old forward can still lead the line effectively for the Elephants.

Bony should not be underestimated, he's an all-out striker who can also play behind Drogba. His agility, strength and goal-scoring can be valuable assets for the Ivorians this summer.

He already has 23 goals in 37 appearances for both club and country this season and is expected to play a vital role in the post-Golden Generation Elephants side.