Plateau beat 3SC,Retain top spot as enyimba pip pillars

Plateau United continued to strengthen their strong hold on the top of the Nigeria Professional League table following their 2-0 win against relegation battlers 3SC on matchday-32 in Jos on Sunday, soccerduet reports A goal in each half from Emmanuel Odafe and Ibeh Johnson in the 16th and 78th minute respectively, secured the three vital points for Plateau United. With the win, Plateau United took their point tally to 58, and three points ahead of second place MFM while 3SC maintain 16th spot with 40 points. In Sagamu, MFM FC pipped bottom team Remo Stars 1-0 to keep the pressure on leaders Plateau United. MFM's goal was scored by Austin Ogunye in the 71st minute. In the 55th minute, league top scorer, Stephen Odey missed the chance to take his goals account to 19 after his penalty was saved. The win means MFM retain second spot and are now on 55 points. In Maiduguri, title contenders Akwa United lost 1-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors. Tchoanfine Pade was the hero for El-Kanemi as his 26th minute goal, sealed the win for his side. Despite the loss, Akwa still remain third on 51 points and El-Kanemi are fifth on 49 points. And in Calabar, Enyimba gave their chance of fighting for the league title a big boost after defeating 10-man Kano 1-0. Mfon Udoh's 71st minute penalty was enough to seal the win for Enyimba. With 10 minutes left in the first half, Junior Lokosa of Kano Pillars was shown a straight red card. The win means Enyimba are still in the fourth spot and have 50 points. In other matchday 32 games played in other venues across the country, ABS forced Katsina United to a 2-2 draw in Katsina, in Bauchi, Wikki Tourist edged Sunshine Stars 2-1, IfeanyiUbah held home team Abia Warriors to a 0-0 draw, Nasarawa United beat visiting Niger Tornadoes 1-0 and Gombe, playing at home were held to a 0-0 draw by Lobi Stars. In Enugu, the game between league champions Rangers and Rivers United was postponed due to heavy downpour. NPFL matchday 32 results: Plateau United 2 vs 0 3SC Remo Stars 0 vs 1 MFM Enyimba 1 vs 0 Kano Pillars El-Kanemi 1 vs 0 Akwa United Katsina United 2 vs 2 ABS Abia Warriors 0 vs 0 Ifeanyiubah Wikki Tourist 2 vs 1 Sunshine Stars Nasarawa United 1 vs 0 Niger Tornadoes Gombe 0 vs 0 Lobi Stars

If neymar leaves barcelona

Luis Suarez is keeping his fingers crossed, that team-mate Neymar does not leave Barcelona this summer. The Uruguay striker says it will be a ‘pity’ if Neymar joins Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar joined Barcelona in 2013 from Santos, with Suarez arriving at Camp Nou the following year. The pair have formed a bond at the club, and with Lionel Messi, forming the famed ‘MSN’ attack. Suarez wants the Brazilian to stay, but will not hold it against Neymar if he moves to PSG. “It will be a pity if he leaves Barcelona,” Suarez said at a press conference ahead of their match with Real Madrid. “If he leaves, it will not change our affection for him. We all want him to stay. He is one of the best three players in the world and we need to enjoy him.”

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***