MIKEL,ENYEAMA,OPARANOZIE,OTHERS NOMINATED FOR NIGERIA PITCH AWARDS

– Three-time FIFA World Cup star Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles’ Captain, John Obi Mikel and France-based striker, Desire Oparanozie, have been nominated for various honours in the 4th Nigeria Pitch Awards. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman, Ademola Olajire, disclosed the nominations in a statement on Tuesday in Ilorin. Mikel, Enyeama and Anichebe “In a letter to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, signed by the Managing Partner, SIAO Partners Ltd, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the auditing firm said that voting was done by Nigeria sports editors/managers. “They are from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), between April 5 and April 23, 2017. “The votes were collated and verified by our team of Auditors and we pride ourselves as one of the best accounting and audit firms operating in Nigeria. “We have approached this collation process with extreme care and with the standard professional ethics required to sustain the core values of transparency, credibility and integrity. “’Therefore, we take professional responsibility for the integrity of the results presented,’’ the letter by SIAO said. The there are 18 categories of awards in all with three nominees for each category. The 4th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony comes up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on June 10, hours after the Nigeria versus South Africa 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match the same day. The nominees are Goalkeeper of the Year: Vincent Enyeama, Carl Ikeme and Ikechukwu Ezenwa Defender of the Year: Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and William Ekong. Midfielder of the Year: John Mikel Obi, Etebo Oghenekaro and Wilfred Ndidi. Striker of the Year: Chisom Egbuchulam, Godwin Obaje and Kelechi Iheanacho. Most Valuable Player (MVP — Men) in the NPFL: Godwin Obaje, Stephen Odey and Chisom Egbuchulam. MVP (Women) in the NWPL: Osinachi Ohale, Rafiat Sule and Chioma Wogu. Queen of the Pitch: Desire Oparanozie, Onome Ebi and Asisat Oshoala. King of the Pitch: Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi and Kelechi Iheanacho. Sam Okwaraji Award: Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Samson Siasia and John Mikel Obi. Club/Team of the Year: Super Falcons, Dream Team and Enugu Rangers. Coach of the Year: Florence Omagbemi, Gernot Rohr and Imama Amapakabo. Referee of the Year: Adebimpe Quadri, Jelili Ogunmuyiwa and Ferdinand Udoh. Corporate Sponsor of the Year: Globacom Limited, SuperSport and Nigeria Breweries Plc. State with Best Grassroots Football Development Program: Delta State, Lagos State and Akwa Ibom State. Football Friendly Governor of the Year: Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos). Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Bimbo Adeola, Olawale Adigun and Arafat Aliu. Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Tobi Emmanuel, Tana Aiyejina and Ade Ojeikere. Football Journalist of the Year: (TV) Mozez Praiz (SuperSport), Austin Okon-Akpan (Channels TV) and Toyin Ibitoye (Channels TV). ***prbxselfnetwork***

ITS TIME FOR MAN UNITED TO PLAY TWO GAMES

  Juan Mata believes it is imperative Manchester United win their final two Premier League games to make sure they are in peak condition for their Europa League final against Ajax. Mata United’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday means they can no longer finish in the top four and leaves the Europa League final in Stockholm on May 24 as their last chance of securing Champions League qualification. United visit Southampton on Wednesday before entertaining Crystal Palace on the season’s final day and while there is nothing riding on the games, Mata says he and his team-mates cannot afford to take them lightly. “Now it’s time to play two good games to close the Premier League and reach the Europa League final in the best shape that we can,” the Spanish midfielder wrote on his blog, published on the United website. “It’s true that the calendar has been hectic over the last two months, but we have to push hard now to try to win the three remaining games. We really want to.” United manager Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the Europa League is now the club’s sole focus, having rested players at Tottenham and in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal that preceded it. He made eight changes to the team that had overcome Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals for the defeat at Spurs, which left United seven points below the top four in sixth place. Mourinho says he already has an idea of the team he would like to align against Ajax and he must now strike a balance between resting his key players and making sure they are fit and firing for the trip to Sweden. He has already revealed that Daley Blind will be rested for Wednesday’s rearranged game at Southampton, with the versatile Dutch defender having started six of United’s last seven matches. Matteo Darmian, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford could all come into the starting XI, having started on the bench at Spurs, while Marouane Fellaini returns from suspension. – Avenging Saints – It is not known if Paul Pogba is in contention to play after he was given compassionate leave following the death of his father. Southampton, who won 2-1 at relegated Middlesbrough on Sunday, are in a straight shootout for eighth place with West Bromwich Albion, who currently lead them on goal difference. They are also out to avenge their 3-2 defeat by United in February’s League Cup final, which left a bitter taste after Manolo Gabbiadini saw what would have been the opening goal ruled out for a dubious offside. As well as missing out on the League Cup, Southampton will be unable to improve on the previous season’s league placing — sixth — for the first time in eight campaigns. But captain Steven Davis believes an eighth-place finish will still represent an acceptable season. “If we go on and finish the season strongly and get ourselves in that eighth position, then we can look back at it and say it’s been an OK season,” said the Northern Irish midfielder. “We got to the cup final, with European experience (in the Europa League) and a decent league position, but we all want more than that.” Southampton manager Claude Puel is likely to restore several of his first-team players after making a number of changes at Middlesbrough. Top scorer Charlie Austin could start after making his comeback from a five-month absence with a shoulder injury as a substitute at the Riverside Stadium. ***prbxselfnetwork***

BARCA PRESIDO SITTING TIGHT DESPITE NEYMAR TRIAL

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted Tuesday he would remain in his post despite his upcoming date with a judge concerning the Neymar transfer case. Injured Brazil star Neymar departed his team’s training base in Terespolis in a helicopter on Saturday and headed home to Sao Paulo, after his World Cup ended in agony on Friday night. AFP PHOTO “To all those who have said that the management team or myself are thinking about resigning, I say we haven’t the slightest intention of doing so,” the 54-year-old Bartomeu told the clubs stake-holding fans known as ‘socios’. “We feel we are in a legitimate position to continue making decisions for the club and we shall continue with enthusiasm and energy.” Bartomeu took over in 2015 after predecessor Sandro Rosell was forced out amid the scandal surrounding the transfer of brilliant Brazil captain Neymar. Ten days ago Neymar, his former club Santos, Barcelona, Bartomeu and Rosell were all told they would stand trial in an investigation into the 2013 transfer. The current Barcelona president feels the player and Barcelona are victims of a conflict of interests between Brazilian tax authorities and Santos. Neymar’s arrival from Santos has been a huge success for the Spanish champions on the pitch but a judicial nightmare off it. The case initiated with a complaint from Brazilian investment company DIS, which owned 40 percent of Neymar’s sporting rights at the time of his transfer. DIS received just 6.8 million euros — 40 percent of the 17 million euros fee paid to Santos — with the company claiming it was cheated out of its real share because part of the transfer fee was concealed by Barcelona, Santos and the Neymar family. The court suspects Santos was actually paid 25 million euros, which would mean DIS was cheated out of 3.5 million euros. Barcelona originally published the transfer figure as 57.1 million euros ($62.6 million), with 40 million euros of that given to the player’s family and the rest to Santos. ADEKUNLE View all posts by adekunle → PREVIOUS POST Enyeama, Mikel, Oparanozie, others nominated for Nigeria Pitch Awards Disclaimer Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof..

Sanchez IS HOT!!


   Alexis Sanchez has developed into a “special” all-round forward while at Arsenal, according to boss Arsene Wenger. Chile star Sanchez netted his 26th goal in all competitions this season in the 4-1 rout of Stoke City on Saturday, while his exquisite pass for Mesut Ozil to score established him as the only player to have double figures in the Premier League for goals and assists this term. The 27-year-old’s future beyond the end of the campaign remains in doubt, even though Wenger remains confident he will sign an extension to a deal that expires in 2018. Sanchez has been linked with a move to Manchester City, among other clubs, and his manager believes one of the hottest properties in Europe is a more complete player than when he moved to Emirates Stadium from Barcelona in 2014. “I think overall at the start he was, as a player, mainly focused on scoring goals and he developed his assist potential with us very well,” Wenger said. “He plays now in a position where he can provide as well as score. I believe he has become a complete player and developed very well here at Arsenal. “It’s an exceptional achievement to score and provide in double figures. That is to be a special player.” Sanchez faces a late fitness test ahead of today’s match at home to relegated Sunderland, although Wenger praised his determination to overcome a blow to his thigh. “He will have a test,” the Frenchman said. “Yesterday [Sunday] he didn’t look too good but, with him, you never know. “It was just a kick on his thigh so it is possible he will be available.” Elsewhere on the injury front for Arsenal, centre-back Laurent Koscielny is doubtful due to a recurrence of the calf problem that ruled him out of last week’s 2-0 win at Southampton, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be unable to assist his team-mates in their bid for a top four spot. The England midfielder sustained a hamstring injury at St Mary’s and will sit out Sunderland and Everton’s visits to North London this week, although Wenger rates him positively as a “80-20” chance to feature in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 27. ***prbxselfnetwork***

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ONLY WINNING MATTERS--south african coach

England-born Stuart Baxter was officially unveiled as South Africa coach Monday on a five-year contract and said winning was all that mattered. Stuart Baxter and SAFA President Danny Jordaan hold up a Bafana Bafana jersey during the official unveiling Asked at a media conference in Soweto if he would encourage players to nutmeg opponents in the South African penalty area, he replied: “No, I would not. “Winning is of paramount importance,” stressed the 63-year-old as he began a second spell in charge of “Bafana Bafana” (The Boys). “Our supporters want to see winning football with a South African stamp and we have enough quality players to be very competitive.” Baxter was named coach earlier this month, but a ceremony to introduce him was delayed because South African football boss Danny Jordaan was unavailable. South Africa have become one of the great underachievers in Africa since making a spectacular return to international football two decades ago. An apartheid-induced ban on the country playing international football was lifted in 1992, and four years later hosts South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations. “Bafana” also qualified for the 1998 and 2002 World Cup tournaments, but there has been a steady decline since. South Africa did appear at the 2010 World Cup, but made unwanted history by becoming the first hosts not to reach the knockout stage. The country were ranked 12th in Africa and 64th in the world this month and have failed to qualify for three of the last five Cup of Nations tournaments. Baxter, who is leaving Pretoria-based top-flight club SuperSport United to become national coach, faces five crucial fixtures between June and November. He goes to Nigeria in June for a 2019 Cup of Nations matchday 1 qualifier against a country South Africa have never beaten in a competitive match. South Africa share the lead with Burkina Faso in a 2018 World Cup qualifying group after two rounds, one point above favourites Senegal. They play Cape Verde home and away, Burkina Faso at home and Senegal away with only the group winners going to Russia. South Africans are sharply divided over whether Baxter is the right man to transform the national team into an African force. His club record in South Africa is impressive — guiding Kaizer Chiefs to two league titles within three seasons and turning around struggling SuperSport. But a previous two-year stint as South Africa coach from 2004 was uninspiring, and he flopped as manager of Finland. Baxter says he “believes in his ability to coach footballers, bring them together and get the best out of them”. He succeeds Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, who was fired last December after publicly criticising senior national football association officials. ***prbxselfnetwork***

MAN CITY DEMAND N9.5b for IHEANACHO

Manchester City are preparing to bid farewell to their Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the summer transfer window. Kelechi Iheanacho Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund were among the teams in Germany exploring ways to sign the Taye Academy product at the end of this season. Now the Daily Mail has reported that Borussia Dortmund would be open to do a deal if they receive an offer of 23 million euros (equivalent of N9.5 billion). Iheanacho may partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack or replace the Gabonese international if he departs the club, with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly interested in him. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen have registered their interest in the Nigerian but Borussia Dortmund are hoping to steal a march on their rivals.***prbxselfnetwork***

GUARDIOLA LISTS IHEANACHO ON MANCHESTER CITY CLEAR OUT LIST


 Reports from London indicate that Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has concluded plans to have a clear out majority of his first team members, including Kelechi Iheanacho, to make room for the new players he feels would help him achieve his ambition of dominating English football. Manchester City will end Guardiola’s first season in English football without any trophy and the Spaniard wants to restructure his squad. German publication Bild has reported that Bundesliga clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim, are keen on bringing Iheanacho to Germany. Iheanacho is expected to join the likes of Ivoirians Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony, Pablo Zabaleta, Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna, Joe Hart and Gael Clichy in being sold or released by City to make way for new recruits, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old Nigeria is expected to bring a transfer fee of around 20-million pounds. Meanwhile, a highly placed source at Borussia Dortmund says any bid for Iheanacho won’t involve star forward, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang going the opposite direction. Manchester City have reportedly offered Iheanacho in exchange plus cash for the Gabonese forward, who is a prime target for City manager Pep Guardiola this summer. However, a club insider revealed the club have put together a package for the signing of Iheanacho, which doesn’t involve Aubameyang, insisting that any move by City for the Bundesliga top scorer won’t involve Iheanacho. Southampton sounded out Manchester City over his availability during the course of last week, but German side Hoffenheim have reportedly held talks with him and are currently locked in talks with City. Dortmund will be hoping to steal a march on their Bundesliga rival as close sources revealed they would later this week make an official bid for the services of Iheanacho to Manchester City.***prbxselfnetwork***

JOSHUA LIKELY TO FACE KLITSCHKO IN CARDIFF

There is the possibility of a rematch between unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October. •Joshua & Klitschko Joshua stopped Klitschko at Wembley in April to add the WBA world heavyweight title to his IBF crown. Oct. 28 could be a potential date for the rematch, with the Pricipality Stadium being considered as the venue. Wales’ rugby union team will play at the Principality Stadium for most Saturdays in November and December, leaving Oct. 28 free. “Talks are ongoing over venues,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. Joshua’s thrilling win over Ukrainian Klitschko was watched by a post-war record crowd of 90,000 at Wembley. Staging a rematch outdoors could be difficult in the autumn, but the 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium’s retractable roof could make it a viable option. Hearn has said he believes a rematch would go ahead in spite of its casting doubt over whether the 27-year-old Joshua could retain his IBF title. The IBF has named Kubrat Pulev as a mandatory challenger, and says a fight with the Bulgarian must be next for Joshua. As such, the IBF appears obliged to strip Joshua should he opt for a return fight with Klitschko, but Hearn has indicated he will put in a mandatory exception request. Martyn Phillips, chief executive of both the Principality Stadium and Welsh Rugby Union, has previously said the governing body is discussing with various boxing promoters. The stadium has already hosted speedway, rugby league, football and boxing, and Phillips says talks are continuing with the NFL. If Joshua were to fight at the Principality Stadium, it would be the fourth time Wales’ national stadium has staged boxing. ***prbxselfnetwork***

I STILL HAVENT RULED OUT SUNDAY BEING MY LAST GAME!!

I still haven’t ruled out Sunday being my last game, says Chelsea’s John Terry I still haven’t ruled out Sunday being my last game, says Chelsea’s John Terry .THE Chelsea icon John Terry scored in what is likely to be his penultimate game for the newly-crowned champions and suggested unless a good offer came along he might retire after Sunday’s final Premier League match. John Terry The 36-year-old — who has spent 22 years at the club winning 15 trophies including this season’s title — opened the scoring in the 4-3 win over Watford at Stamford Bridge his 67th goal in 716 appearances for the Blues. Terry, who hadn’t started a league game since September 11 last year, slightly blotted his copybook in handing their opponents the equaliser sixty seconds later. Terry has been linked with a move to Premier League side Bournemouth whilst Swansea manager Paul Clement who worked with the former England defender at Chelsea has also declared an interest, but he intimated to Sky Sports he had not yet had an offer that might persuade him to keep on playing. “I still haven’t ruled out Sunday being my last game and retiring,” said Terry, who announced in mid-April he would be leaving the club. “It depends if the right offer comes along I will sit down and consider it with my family — whether that’s here, abroad, or wherever that may be. “Genuinely I haven’t made any decisions of yet and I’m evaluating all my options at the moment.” Terry, who has captained Chelsea on a record 579 occasions, said he had never intended in trying to prevent younger talent from breaking through whilst he blocked their way. “I never wanted to be that player that was kind of hanging about, stopping the younger players from coming through,” said Terry, who is unlikely to make the starting line-up for the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 27th. However, Terry, capped 78 times by England, admitted Sunday’s home game against relegated Sunderland — where a win would see Chelsea become the first Premier League champions to win 30 games in a 38 match campaign. “It’s going to be tough. Tonight was tough but next week I’m going to be in bits,” said Terry. Terry, whose achievements on the pitch were often marred by his behaviour off it, told the SOCCERDUET his defensive blunder in letting Etienne Capoue make it 1-1 should serve as a lesson to young children. “It was a crazy minute. I got on the scoresheet and a minute later made a mistake and let him (Capoue) in. Mixed emotions,” said Terry. “I’m delighted to get on the scoresheet. But any young kid watching, if in doubt get it out. That’s what I should have done.” ***prbxselfnetwork***

BALE EATS SIX MEALS A DAY TO BE FIT FOR JUVENTUS CLASH

Bale is tipped to make Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Juventus – despite not yet returning to training. The Welsh flier is battling a calf problem after lasting only 35 minutes of Real’s El Clasico loss against Barcelona on April 23. But boss Zinedine Zidane expects the La Liga giants’ record £85million signing to line up at Cardiff on June 3, according to the Mirror. Gareth Bale The former Spurs and Southampton wideman is reportedly eating six meals a day in a recovery regime that many stars could not cope with. Zidame himself would only say of Bale: “We have to take it one day at a time. he is trained using the indoor facilities, but every day he gets better.” “We will see how he goes, but he’s not back in the group just yet and I can’t tell you when he’ll return. I hope he’s back soon.” Bale, 27, sat out three months following an ankle injury in May. ***prbxselfnetwork***

3 HEART RATE MONITOR MISTAKES COMMONLY MADE

Avoid these and you will be well on your way toward getting the most out of your device. A heart rate monitor can be a useful piece of training equipment. Heart rate is a reliable indicator of exercise intensity, so training with one can help you work hard enough but not too hard in each workout. But using this type of device will not automatically make your training more effective. As with any piece of equipment, there is a right way to use a heart rate monitor, and there are numerous possible mistakes you can make with it. There are three mistakes in the use of heart rate monitors that are especially common. Avoid these and you will be well on your way toward getting the most out of your device. Mistake #1: Using The 220-Age Formula Effective training requires that you perform different types of workouts at various intensities, from low-intensity recovery workouts to high-intensity speed intervals. A heart rate monitor can help you perform each type of workout at the proper intensity by assigning a specific target heart rate or heart rate zone to each. But this only works if the targets or zones are customized to your individual heart rate profile. When heart rate-based training became popular in the mid 1980s, athletes were instructed to subtract their age from 220 to determine their approximate maximum heart rate, and to perform different types of workouts at different percentages of their maximum heart rate. However, this formula is arbitrary and does not generate appropriate target heart rates for most athletes. A much better way to determine appropriate target heart rates is to perform a 30-minute simulated race and use your average heart rate for this effort as your “anaerobic threshold” heart rate. This becomes your target heart rate for threshold workouts. Most of your workouts should be done at lower heart rates. Once a week or so, perform an interval workout at a higher target heart rate. ***prbxselfnetwork***

HULL CITY RELEGATED FROM PREMIER LEAGUE


HULL City crashed out of the Premier League on Sunday as Crystal Palace secured their own survival with a 4-0 thrashing of their relegation rivals at Selhurst Park. Marco Silva's side knew only a victory would give them a realistic chance of staying up, but goals from Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke, Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt consigned them to the drop. Third-bottom Hull, winners just once in their last six matches, return to the Championship just 12 months after their promotion via the play-offs. They paid the price for a chaotic campaign marred by poor signings and boardroom turmoil. The Tigers will join already relegated Sunderland and Middlesbrough in the second tier next season. Palace had needed a point to stay up and their dominant display completed boss Sam Allardyce's latest survival mission after he rescued Sunderland last season. Swansea City's win at Sunderland on Saturday had left Hull with no margin for error and Palace's desire to secure their safety meant the stakes couldn't have been higher. In the circumstances, the first goal would be crucial and Hull, who had won only once at Palace in 32 years, were getting a sinking feeling in south London once again after Zaha punished a terrible blunder to open the scoring in the third minute. When a Palace pass went astray, Andrea Ranocchia had the simple task of hoofing clear, but instead the Hull defender completely missed his kick and Zaha gleefully pounced on the loose ball to slot home. Hull were rocked by that self-inflicted wound and James Tomkins almost doubled Palace's lead with a glancing header from Jason Puncheon's corner. With just one away league win all season, the odds were heavily stacked against Hull and Alfred N'Diaye couldn't find a cure for their travel sickness as he blazed well over. Hull's fate was sealed in the 34th minute when Benteke barged in front of Harry Maguire to meet Puncheon's corner with a close-range header that flashed past Eldin Jakupovic. When Puncheon escaped without conceding a penalty after blocking Kamil Grosicki's free-kick with his hand, Silva and his players must have realised there would be no great escape. Silva sent on Shaun Maloney and Jarrod Bowen at half-time, but Hull lacked poise and Palace held them at bay with ease. Bowen had Hull's one decent chance to grab a lifeline but he screwed wide from a Sam Clucas cross. Time was running out for Hull's condemned men and Milivojevic stroked home an 85th-minute penalty after Michael Dawson's foul on Jeffery Schlupp. Van Aanholt delivered the final blow with a close-range finish in the 90th minute. ***prbxselfnetwork***

CAINEY RESCUES FULHAM IN PLAY-OFF DRAW

Tom Cairney kept Fulham’s Premier League promotion bid alive as his equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw against 10-man Reading in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg on Saturday. Paul McShane was sent off for this challenge on Fulham midifelder Kevin McDonald Slavisa Jokanovic’s side fell behind to Jordan Obita’s strike early in the second half at Craven Cottage. But Cairney bagged a vital equaliser before Reading captain Paul McShane was sent off in the closing stages as Fulham pressed in vain for a winner. With honours even in west London, a place in the play-off final at Wembley remains up for grabs for both teams in Tuesday’s second leg at Reading’s Madejski Stadium. Huddersfield host Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the first leg of the other second tier semi-final on Sunday. Fulham finished the season in the sixth and final play-off place, but they were the division’s joint-highest scorers with 85 goals, including a 5-0 thrashing of Reading in December. Royals boss Jaap Stam, mindful of that mauling, opted for a five-man defence as the former Manchester United star tried to frustrate Fulham’s potent attack. The cautious approach worked well and, after keeping Fulham at bay in the first half, Reading took the lead eight minutes after the interval. Fulham felt Stefan Johansen was fouled in the build-up as McShane ploughed through the midfield and fed Obita on the left. Obita wasn’t closed down quickly enough by Ryan Fredericks and drilled a low drive in off the far post. There was an immediate response from Fulham and they were level in the 65th minute. Scott Malone’s cross was palmed out by Ali Al Habsi straight to Cairney, who nodded into the empty net for his 13th goal of the season. McShane was shown a red card for an awful challenge on Kevin McDonald with 10 minutes left, but Fulham couldn’t find a priceless second goal. ***prbxselfnetwork***

LIVERPOOL CLOSE IN ON TOP FOUR

Liverpool took a significant step towards securing a top-four finish by recording an emphatic 4-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday. Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge celebrates with team-mates after scoring against West Ham The Reds grabbed the lead 10 minutes before half-time when Philippe Coutinho’s 40-yard through-ball sent Daniel Sturridge bearing down on goal, allowing him to round Adrian and slip home. The Hammers should have levelled from Andre Ayew, but he twice struck the base of the post from point-blank range in an incredible passage of play following a corner in the last action of the first half. Liverpool eventually doubled their advantage on 57 minutes courtesy of Coutinho, who found the bottom corner with a precise finish after jinking his way into space. The playmaker then made it 3-0 when he capped off a speedy counter-attack by firing beyond Adrian after the visitors broke at pace from a West Ham corner. Divock Origi rounded off the scoring by steering in a fourth goal from a loose ball inside the area to put the seal on an excellent day’s work for Jürgen Klopp’s men. The result moves the Reds four points ahead of Arsenal in the table ahead of next weekend’s final-day Anfield clash with Middlesbrough, though the Londoners have played a game less. The key points… 1. Sturridge opens scoring on 35 minutes from magnificent Coutinho pass. 2. Ayew spurns glorious chance for Hammers on stroke of half-time. 3. Coutinho doubles lead on 57 with fine run and finish before adding the third soon after. 4. Origi taps in fourth from close range. 5. Liverpool can make certain of top-four finish with win against Middlesbrough next weekend. The team news… With Roberto Firmino ruled out due to injury, Liverpool elected to make two changes with Sturridge and Adam Lallana coming into the line-up to replace the Brazilian and Lucas Leiva. The first half… Liverpool kicked off their first ever fixture at the London Stadium knowing a victory would be crucial to their hopes of securing a top-four finish following Arsenal’s win at Stoke City on Saturday evening. The Gunners stood one point behind the Reds after the same number of matches played prior to kick-off, meaning there was simply no room for error from Klopp’s side with just one week remaining of the campaign. But they could – and perhaps should – have found themselves behind after seven minutes when Jonathan Calleri picked out the unmarked Sam Byram’s run into the area, but his drive across goal rolled the right side of the post as far as the visitors were concerned. At the other end, Sturridge’s turn-and-shot from the edge of the area brought a routine save from Adrian. On 11 minutes, the Reds fashioned a glorious chance to take the lead when Joel Matip’s downward header into the ground from Coutinho’s corner bounced up and cannoned against the underside of the crossbar before the Hammers managed to scramble clear. In what was proving a lively opening, Edimilson Fernandes’ ranger required a low, full-stretch save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out, before Coutinho hammered one into the gloves of Adrian. Next, James Milner fashioned an opening only to see his effort deflect off Winston Reid and into the hands of the goalkeeper prior to Coutinho arching one narrowly over from 25 yards as Liverpool took a grip of proceedings. Nevertheless, on 35 minutes, the Reds finally did seize what was a deserved lead. Coutinho’s magnificent through-ball from deep inside his own half picked out Sturridge in space. The England striker moved in on goal, side-stepped Adrian and duly rolled it into the unguarded net. However, Klopp’s team should have gone into the dressing room on level terms at the interval after Ayew contrived to produce an incredible miss from inside the six-yard box. A corner to the back stick picked out the forward unmarked, but he prodded against the base of the post. It rebounded to him, but again he directed the ball against the woodwork before Mignolet smothered. The second half… Liverpool could have doubled their advantage within 90 seconds of the re-start with a trio of opportunities. First, Lallana’s knock down for Origi was met with a thumping half-volley from the Belgian, which was repelled by the gloves of Adrian. The Reds worked it back into the area, where Lallana then had an effort deflected away by the West Ham ‘keeper’s boot before Georginio Wijnaldum finally saw a low drive towards the near corner turned around the post. By now, the visitors were completely dominant and clinched the all-important second goal just before the hour. A half-clearance to just outside the West Ham area was met with a dipping first-time volley from Wijnaldum that cannoned against the top of the bar and clear. However, Coutinho collected possession, shimmed his way beyond two challenges and steered a low shot across goal and into the bottom corner. And just four minutes later, the Brazilian furthered that advantage as Liverpool sprung forward quickly from a corner from the home side, firing beyond Adrian from close range with outstanding composure. Then, having earlier struck the top of the crossbar with a blast from way out, Origi helped himself to Liverpool’s fourth when he directed a loose ball in the box into the back of the net, capping off an afternoon in which the ambition of securing a top-four berth moved even closer to becoming a reality. ***prbxselfnetwork***

HUDDERSFIELD frustrated in play-off stalemate

Huddersfield were unable to turn their dominance into a priceless goal as gritty Sheffield Wednesday held on for a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals on Sunday. David Wagner’s side controlled possession for long periods at the John Smith’s Stadium, but couldn’t find a way past Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood. Huddersfield, who finished one place below Wednesday in the second tier table, saw Izzy Brown hit the crossbar in the first half, while Nahki Wells twice tested Westwood. Cautious Wednesday failed to muster a shot on target, but the stalemate means they return to Hillsborough for the second leg next week as favourites to reach the Wembley final for a second successive year. Huddersfield almost landed an early goal when Wednesday defender Glenn Loovens failed to clear Wells’s header and the ball landed to Brown eight yards out, but his shot skimmed the bar. That turned out to be the best moment for either side in the first half as Wednesday’s resolute defending kept Huddersfield at bay. Wells threatened after the interval when he turned his marker and produced a chip that had Westwood back-peddling before tipping over. Huddersfield’s Tommy Smith fired over before Wells had another chance when a loose ball fell to him eight yards from goal but Westwood was out quickly to deflect it wide. Wednesday were beaten by Hull in last year’s play-off final and their bid to avenge that painful defeat remains on track after they subdued Huddersfield in the closing stages.***prbxselfnetwork***

RICH FANS DONT INFLUENCE ME-WENGER

Arsene Wenger dismissed protests from Arsenal fans seeking his removal as manager and called on his players to focus instead on the club's push for Champions League football next season. An emphatic 4-1 win at Stoke kept the Gunners in contention for a top four finish and a 21st consecutive season of elite European football. But while Wenger's name was sung out heartily by supporters inside Stoke's stadium early in the game a plane flew overhead carrying a banner calling for the Frenchman not to return next season. "When you say fans, who do you mean? The rich ones?" said Wenger when asked for his reaction. "Look, I am paid to do my job for the club I love and I will do that as long as I'm here with full commitment. I'm not influenced by that at all, all I do is give my best. "We have 69 points today so let's make 72 on Tuesday and after that I will give my best for as long as I'm here for the values of this club and for the club. "I want to focus on football and the rest is less important. I'm not in politics. I'm in sport, I love sport and give my 24 hours a day for what I love. I am in a public job, some agree with me, some not." Earlier in the day, reports in France had even suggested that Wenger has already agreed a one-year deal to remain in charge at the Emirates, but the 67-year-old refused to confirm or deny the claim. "There's no information about that," said Wenger. "Nothing." Arsenal's fifth win in six games lifted them to within a point of fourth-placed Liverpool although Wenger insisted he was only focused on Tuesday's meeting with Sunderland and the final game of the season against Everton. "We have 69 points tonight so we have come through a difficult period in March," said Wenger. "At the moment we have consistency and let's finish well. We have a big game on Tuesday, we play every three days. "I don’t think like that about our chances. I think let's do our job and go to 72 on Tuesday and focus to win the game. Sunderland have nothing to lose." - Out-played - The victory featured two goals from Olivier Giroud and efforts from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez although Arsenal faced an anxious period in the second half after Peter Crouch pulled the score back to 2-1 with a goal that owed much to an obvious handball from the Stoke substitute. After the game, Wenger even referred to his team having kept a "clean sheet" so convinced was he that the Stoke goal should not have stood. "What do you think?" smiled Wenger when asked if that was why he referred to a "clean sheet". "I was suspicious of the noise of the ball. I got to the fourth official after it had been confirmed. I was surprised he got to the ball when I saw his position, then people told me it was handball." The decisive third Sanchez goal was all the more important given that the Chilean appeared about to be replaced due to injury. "I didn't plan to take him off, he asked to come off," explained Wenger. "I thought he had done a stomach muscle so it might go away and I could see how he responds. "After that he stayed on and scored another goal. Sanchez is a fighter and finds resources always. He delivered the third goal and that basically made the difference." Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who had not lost in eight home league games against Wenger, with five different clubs, conceded his team were completely out-played. "We gave good players too much time to get their heads up and make incisive passes and their two opening goals were similar in that respect," said Hughes. ***prbxselfnetwork***

SERBIA WINS DAYAK CHAMPIONSHIP NIGERIA F2

Serbian, Pedja Krstin  has upset top seed Frenchman  Calvin Hemery 6-2, 6-4 to emerge champion of the Dayak Championship Nigeria F2. Futures in Abuja on Saturday – the same day his superstar compatriot, Novak Djokovic was beaten with the same scoreline by Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Open. The fourth-seeded Krstin had in the semifinal  claimed the scalps of Canadian second seed, Brayden Schnur, who won the Tombim Open Nigeria F1 Futures, and showed he meant business breaking world no 279 Hemery, a half-Nigerian, to love in the first game. The final match, which had Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Senator Udo Udoma and former Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada as Special Guests,  saw Hemery responded instantly to tie the game but it was the Serbian that won the next four games to lead 5-1; an advantage he held to see off the set with a 6-2 scoreline. There was only one break in the second set and it went to Krstin, who in 2014, won four Futures titles and one Challenger which helped him to career-high world no 159 in the ITF ranking. Mohammed, in his remarks during the presentation ceremony stated that the three week event,  which will end with the GSL Open Nigeria F3 Futures, is beyond tennis as it has been enhancing Nigeria’s Tourism potential as well as the nation’s hospitality. He said, “With over 60 foreigners from about 25 countries representing six continents of the world staying in our country for over three weeks, this event has served as an avenue to tell more about our dear country that we are a peaceful and hospitable nation. We are happy that a sport like tennis is giving us a very good image because all the players will tell good story of Nigeria when they get back to their countries.” Meanwhile, the 1st GSL Open Nigeria F3 Futures will serve off Monday with no less than six Nigerians in the main draw. ***prbxselfnetwork***

FERNANDINHO RUES CITY


    Fernandinho admits "something went wrong" with Manchester City during Pep Guardiola's frustrating first season in the Premier League. City began Guardiola's reign tipped as title favourites after reeling off 10 consecutive wins in all competitions. But they will end the campaign without a trophy as they scrap to qualify for the Champions League via a top four finish. A 2-1 success over Leicester on Saturday ensured two more victories, against West Bromwich Albion and Watford, will guarantee them a place in Europe's elite club competition. But Brazil midfielder Fernandinho acknowledges there is plenty of room for improvement after a spluttering season. "This season has been tough for us -- something went wrong -- but at the end we still have a chance to go into the Champions League and I'm sure we can improve next season," he said. "Guardiola has his own philosophy and we have proved already we are able to do what he wants. "We are trying to improve week by week, training session by training session. I'm sure we are improving, for the next two games and for next season as well. "Our target, our goal, is to win the next two games. Especially the next one at home in front of our own fans because I think they deserve it. "Then the last game is at Watford, which will be tough again but we are ready for that." ***prbxselfnetwork***

GIROUD BRACE KEEPS ARSENAL IN THE HUNT


   Arsenal's French striker Olivier Giroud (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on May 13, 2017. Arsenal won the game 4-1. Olivier Giroud scored twice as Arsenal won 4-1 at Stoke City on Saturday to maintain manager Arsene Wenger's hopes of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Arsenal endured an anxious spell in the second half after Stoke substitute Peter Crouch reduced the arrears to 2-1 with a goal scored using his arm that was allowed to stand. But eventually Wenger's side turned in a clinical display to move to within a point of fourth-place Liverpool. Giroud scored the opening goal on 42 minutes as Arsenal scythed their way through the Stoke defence impressively. Francis Coquelin picked out the run of overlapping wing-back Hector Bellerin and his low cross eluded a couple of defenders to pick out the unmarked Giroud, who converted from all of two yards. Any doubt about the game's outcome looked to have disappeared when Arsenal doubled their lead through Mesut Ozil on 55 minutes with a stunningly simple goal. Ozil started the move with a short pass to Alexis Sanchez before darting into the area, collecting the Chilean's return pass and lifting the ball over Jack Butland. Two goals behind, Stoke finally burst into life after manager Mark Hughes threw on Saido Berahino and Crouch as forward replacements. After a spell of aerial pressure, Marko Arnautovic darted down the left on 67 minutes and his cross was turned in by Crouch, whose handball went unnoticed by the match officials. The atmosphere at Stoke's ground lifted dramatically as the home support sensed the chance of an equaliser. But Arsenal showed resolve and took just nine minutes to restore their two-goal cushion and secure a fifth victory in their last six games. Bellerin again took up an advanced position and found Sanchez, who drove into the area before unleashing a low shot that went in off the far post via a deflection off Ryan Shawcross. - Sanchez hobbles off - There appeared little hope for Stoke and Giroud's second goal 10 minutes from time ensured that was the case as he again converted from close range, this time six yards out. Ozil picked out the run of substitute Aaron Ramsey, who created room in the Stoke area to cross from the byline for the Frenchman to claim his 12th goal of the league campaign. Ramsey had entered the fray in place of man-of-the-match Sanchez, who hobbled off with an apparent thigh injury. The impressive win must have been particularly sweet for Wenger, who has suffered a poor record on his visits to Stoke and had not won in his previous eight away league games against Hughes's teams. The fact Wenger would have seen a plane fly over the stadium early in the game, carrying a banner demanding his removal, would have made the latest three points all the more poignant. So too the fact the visiting supporters chanted his name approvingly in response. Aside from a 10-minute spell either side of the Stoke goal, a sequence that started with Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf missing an open goal from an Arnautovic cross, there was little to trouble the Gunners. Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland tipped over an early header from Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal struck the post with a header from a Bellerin cross before the scoring started. In the period of Stoke pressure at the other end, Petr Cech kept out a set-piece header from Bruno Martins Indi and smothered a Berahino drive. But the deadly manner in which Arsenal killed off that fightback meant that the visitors were the more likely team to add to the five goals scored. Butland had to dive sharply to keep out a shot from Ramsey as the Welsh international made his impact felt. The England goalkeeper was equally solid in thwarting another Arsenal replacement, Theo Walcott, in the closing stages.***prbxselfnetwork***

NDIDI SHINES AS IHEANACHO,TOSIN

  Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi logged 90 minutes for the Foxes and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute but his header flew over the bar. Teammate Ahmed Musa was a non-playing substitute for this one.Kelechi Iheanacho and Tosin Adarabioyo were omitted from Manchester City 18-man squad in their controversial 2-1 win over deposed champions Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi logged 90 minutes for the Foxes and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute but his header flew over the bar. Teammate Ahmed Musa was a non-playing substitute for this one. All the three goals came in the first half, David Silva and Gabriel Jesus for City, while Shinji Okazaki pulled a goal back. However, former England U-21 international Jordon Ibe played the last three minutes of Bournemouth's 2-1 win versus Burnley. Junior Stanislas broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, only for Sam Vokes to equalize for the home team with seven minutes remaining. Joshua King netted the game winner on 85 minutes. It finished 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium between Middlesbrough and Southampton. Young striker Olufela Olomola did not make the 18-man squad for the Saints.***prbxselfnetwork***

ETHIOPIAN DOMINATE OKPEKPE ROAD RACE

Ethiopia's Leul Gabriesialse and Gabru Azemra, yesterday, won the men and females’ categories of ‎this year's 10 kilometres Okpekpe Road Race, which took place at Etsako East Local Council of Edo State. In the men's category, Gabriesialse won with a time of 29 minutes 28 seconds. Coming in second and third positions were also Ethiopians, Dawit Fikadi and Derelict Reta, in 29 minutes 34 seconds and 32 minutes 23 seconds respectively. In the female cadre, Kenya’s Veronicah Maina finished second, while Ethiopia’s Haven Haiu came third. For their efforts, both Gabriesialse, Azemra won cash prizes of $15,000, as $10,000, and $7,000 were awarded to the first runners up and second runners up respectively in both the male and female categories. In the Nigeria’s category, Deborah Fari from Plateau State, came first with a record time of 38mins15secs, as Elizabeth Fawa of Nasarawa State came second in 38 min 41 secs, while Rose Akesho, also from Plateau came third after finishing in 38 secs 55 secs. Other categories of runners include those for cancer, orphanages, women empowerment and running against cultism.‎ However, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, yesterday, completed the 10km race in 86.4 minutes to fulfill his promise to run for “We Care Trust Charity.” Also completing the race were the Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, who ran in 86 minutes 7 minutes and former governor Adams Oshiomhole in 87 minutes 3 seconds. Speaking at the occasion, Obaseki said he would set up a sport commission backed up by the law to reposition sporting activities in the state. "The focus is strictly on ensuring that there is development of sports in Edo State. I decided to run for the orphanage. We have more than 30 of them in Edo State. Some chose to run for cancer to raise money for the cure, some students of AAU decided to run against cultism. "It was a challenge getting to Okpekpe before it was constructed. Today, we have a free and motorable road. We have international people who have come to run in Okpekpe," he said. ***prbxselfnetwork***