₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) factional presidents have agreed to shield swords and conduct a fresh election after submitting a newly drafted constitution to FIBA.

The Secretary-General of the NBBF, Chimezie Asiegbu made the disclosure in Abuja stating that it was proper for the body to fully comply with the directive of the International Basketball Federation.

Two factional presidents had emerged following an election supervised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee that brought Musa Kida as NBBF president June 13, while Tijjani Umar emerged the winner of the purported NBBF presidential election in Kano the previous day.

FIBA had in a letter signed by its Secretary-General, Patrick Bauman, ordered the NBBF to conduct a fresh election and called for a new constitution that will strictly reflect FIBA’s rules and regulations after the June 12 NBBF election was adjudged to have violated article 9.3 of FIBA’s statutes.

FIBA had met with both factional leaders in a bid to resolve the leadership tussle in January.

Asiegbu said; “There must be a constitution before the elections. The letter written to us by FIBA says there has to be a constitution first. We will, first of all, get our constitution ready before the election.

“It is only proper to take care of that first. A fresh election will come up after we submit a draft of the constitution to FIBA and it is ratified.”

Both Kida and Umar are said to have since welcomed FIBA’s decision and promised to comply with its directives.



Source:http://hotsportstv.com/nbbf-factional-presidents-agree-to-fresh-election/

League Management Company (LMC) organisers of the Nigeria Professional Football League, has recommended the suspension of officials involved in the matchday 14 league over poor performance.

The recommendation came in the wake of series of penalties which marred some games played in the matchday.

The games were Heartland vs Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars vs Rivers United, Go Round FC vs Rangers International, Yobe Desert Stars vs Enyimba and FC Ifeanyi Ubah vs Plateau United.

LMC gave the names of the officials to be suspended to includes;
1. Maroof Afolabi, Akinsanya Segun, and Alhaji Alhaji who officiated the match in Omoku between Go Round and Rangers

2. Olajide Awosakin, Busayo Ogunyamodi, I.O Awosakin who officiated the Heartland vs Nasarawa United game and

3. Folusho Ajayi with her assistants, Aina Idris, Abdulganiyu Abdulmalik who officiated the Lobi Stars Vs Rivers United game where three penalties were awarded with Lobi Stars’ winning goal scored from the spot awarded at the ;Dadded time.

Further recommended for suspension are officials of the FC Ifeanyiubah vs Plateau United’s game, centre referee Awalu Rabiu, Adamu Zakari, and Badamosi Badamosi.

The proposed sanctions according to LMC was necessitated by the performance and conduct of the listed referees who were below the high standards expected from them in the NPFL as well as the questionable decisions and failure to submit match reports on time.

NPFL supporters have had cause to criticise the poor officiating of some officials in the league who, through their actions, have left much to be desired in the matches they have handled.

Recall that no Nigeria referee was listed in the 36 referees for the World Cup released by FIFA Referee Committee Thursday.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/lmc-to-suspend-penalty-freak-referees/

Former Super Eagles stars, Joseph Yobo and Victor Ikpeba excited the 2018 Big Brother Naija housemates, following a surprise visit to the house on Friday.

The housemates, who were treated to a football match by the ex-internationals, were grouped in two teams, to play against each other, having Yobo to head one team and Ikpeba the other.

The ex-stars are the second guests to visit in the ‘2018 edition of the BBnaija house.

At the end of the game, Yobo’s team won, having Miracle score 7 goals to emerge as the top goal scorer, while Nina was the best goalkeeper and man of the match.



Source: http://hotsportstv.com/ex-eagles-stars-yobo-ikpeba-storm-bbnaija-house/

LOL FP loading

CC: lalasticlala

World football governing body, FIFA has selected 6 African referees and 10 assistant referees to officiate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.


A total of 53 FIFA certified referees took part in the selection process which was based on each referee’s skills and personality as well as their level of understanding of football and ability to read both the game and the various tactics employed by the teams but a total of 36 referees and 63 assistants made the final cut.

According to a statement from FIFA official website, preparatory seminars have been organised for referees and assistant referees, with special focus on fair play, players’ protection and the image of the game, as well as consistency and uniformity.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/fifa-names-6-african-referees-10-assistants-for-world-cup/

The six African referees are; Abid Charef Medhi (Algeria), Diedhiou Malang (Senegal), Gassama Bakary Papa (Gambia), Grisha Ghead (Egypt), Sikazwe Janny (Zambia)

FIFA Referees Committe said the match officials will attend another dedicated seminar for two weeks in the second half of April at the technical centre of the Italian Football Association in Coverciano, Italy. The officials will be divided into two groups, which will also include video assistant referee (VAR) candidates.

The FIFA Referees Committee will then announce the names of the referees selected to act as VARs during the FIFA World Cup. The selection process will take into account the candidate’s VAR experience in domestic leagues, FIFA competitions and FIFA refereeing seminars since the beginning of the VAR project in 2016.

There will be no British referee for the first time since the inception of the World Cup

Anthony Joshua said he hopes Parker falls into his booby traps to give him a knock out ahead of their unification fight this weekend.


Joshua who has remained focused and relaxed as he showed off his boxing skill for the final time at a public workout Wednesday, said there will be a bit of war as both undefeated fighters head to the ring.

“This is another unbelievable reception; it’s bigger than last time. Boxing is growing. It’s a golden era right now and it’s great to be a part of it.

Physically, I’ve always tried to prepare myself the best way, but now I believe more and believe in my ability – I’m focused.

“It’s a boxing match and people respect clinical boxing and that should see me through to victory.

“We are working round by round, camp by camp and every camp I aim to improve. We’ll see the perks I’ve been working on come Saturday.

“You need to keep the challenger’s mindset, I try not to be seen with the belt too much, I let other people have the enjoyment, I have to keep that challenger’s mindset.

“I’m looking forward to this challenge. Just because I’m the hunted, it’s no time to put my feet up and relax. I’m out there defending my throne.”

Parker will place his WBO belt while Joshua stake his WBA ‘Super’ and IBF title on ground in the unification fight at Principality Stadium, Cardiff Saturday.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/i-hope-parker-fall-trap-joshua/

French striker, Ousmane Dembélé was the victim of racist cries on Tuesday during the friendly match against Russia in Saint Petersburg.

Cries of monkeys were heard from the stands during two corners struck by Dembélé. Reports on social media and Internet users claim to have also heard these chants when Paul Pogba touched the ball in the 73rd minute.

Racism is a recurring evil in Russian football and the Russian fans are being watched closely by FIFA as Russia prepares to host the World Cup from June 14 – July 15.

Anti-discrimination network Fare reported 89 incidents of racism and the extreme right in the Russian league during the 2016/17 season.

Recent cases include racist songs by Spartak supporters against the Brazilian goalkeeper of Lokomotiv Moscow, for whom the disciplinary body of the Russian Federation has issued a “final warning” to the Moscow club before suspending part of the stadium.

In defence of its supporters, Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov said in an interview with Brazil’s Globo TV in early March. “I do not think we have racism on a scale that needs to be fought.”

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/russian-fans-chant-monkey-against-dembele/

The Chairman, Nigeria Wrestling Referees Association, Yusuf Usman has been appointed as the only African referee to officiate at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Usman who got upgraded after a coaching course organized by the United World Wrestling (UWW), expressed his delight over the appointment.

“This is great news not only to me but the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. It calls for more work from me and I promise to always be a good ambassador of Nigeria”.

“The 2018 African Championships was a litmus test and I’m ready to get on the mat to officiate at highly ranked events”, he said.

The Bauchi born official who was also the only Nigerian referee invited to officiate at 2015 All Africa Games in Congo was awarded best judge at the 2015 Africa Championship held in the city of Alexandria, Egypt.

The games run from April 4th to 15th, 2018.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/nigerian-referee-commonwealth-games/

Nigeria female national team, Super Falcons, have received 40,000 Euros from the France FA to bolster their expenses for the April 6 friendly in Le Mans.

The Falcons will be expected to purchase their return flight tickets to the much-anticipated match.

It will be the first match for Falcons Swedish coach, Thomas Dennerby who has lined up his strongest team for the trip to Le Mans even though there are reports of several notable withdrawals.

France will stage the next FIFA Women’s World Cup from June 7, 2019, and the Falcons game is part of their build-up for this championship.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/super-falcons-get-n17-8m-france-friendly/

Distance is not preventing Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo from expressing his unconditional love for his wife as he took time out to shower love for her.

The Changchun Yatai’s striker who is currently in Poland with the Super Eagles ahead of their friendly with Poland and Serbia also took time to compose a letter for the mother of his three kids who has been with him for six years.

He wrote about his wife on Instagram; Happy birthday to my beautiful wife. May your life be filled with love and Happiness. I LOVE YOU mama DSB.

The footballer also bought Sonia his wife a brand new Range Rover Sports SUV car to celebrate her.

In reciprocating her husband’s kind gesture, Sonia replied on her Instagram account: Time and again you have made me realised that I am a Super Lucky wife. Thanks a lot for gifting me such an incredible present. Love you HL

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/ighalo-celebrate-wife-birthday/

As the Super Eagles prepare to take on Poland in the international friendly in preparation ahead of the Russia World Cup, fans across the country are concerned about where to watch the game.

According to reports gathered by hotsportstv.com, football fans in Nigeria have the chance of watching the game on Supersports and also on a local television station, AIT.

Recall that Jairo Pachon, the Chief Executive Officer of the Colombian based firm had earlier confirmed to the Chief Operative Officer of HS Media Group, owners of Hotsports brand, Robert Patiel, in a telephone conversation from Belgium that football loving Nigerians will have the opportunity of watching the Nigeria-Poland match on television.

With this confirmation by the NFF’s official match agent, it means that some yet to be confirmed terrestrial television stations in Nigeria, particularly the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) may catch in on the ‘free-to-air’ window to beam the friendlies live to local football fans.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/where-to-watch-nigeria-poland-friendly/

Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr will hand Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho the Super Eagle’s No.10 role, usually played by team captain, Mikel Obi, when the Nigerian national team line up against Poland in an international friendly on Friday at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw.

Hotsportstv.com reports that John Mikel Obi, who plays for Tianjin Teda, in the lucrative Chinese league, will not be available for the encounter as he is battling to renew his work permit in China.

Sources at the Eagles’ Raddison Blu camp told Hotsportstv.com that Iheanacho has been tried in Mikel Obi’s attacking midfield role in a 4-2-3-1 formation in training with Odion Ighalo as the centre forward and the Leicester star is expected to maintain that during the friendly.

The source said it is Iheanancho’s preferred role and has been delivering on it adding that the Leicester midfielder “is solid and quick in his decision making.”

The 21-year-old former U-17 World Cup winner is expected to marshal the midfield alongside central midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/nigeria-vs-poland-iheanacho-replaces-mikel-no-10/

Eight-time winner, Serena Williams continues to live in the shadow of herself, she was knocked out at the first round of the Miami Open by Japan’s sensation Naomi Osaka by 6-3,6-2.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner who was unseeded after taking 13 months off to have her first child was beaten by current Indian Wells champion, Naomi Osaka.

The American lost serve twice in each set and was unable to break back.

Osaka who was unseeded claimed her maiden title after her winning at the just concluded Indian Wells to move up to 22 in the world.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/serena-fails-crashes-miami-open/

Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel is unlikely to feature in the international friendly match against Poland in Wroclaw on Friday.

Sources close to the Nigerian Football Federation revealed to Hotsportstv.com that the Nigerian international has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China where he plies his trade for Tianjin Teda.

“We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.” Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor said on Tuesday.

According to information from the media department of the NFF, other players that won’t feature include; midfielder Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo who is injured, and Egypt-based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure a visa into Poland, but will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.

However, the Eagles camp in Wroclaw is bubbling with activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.

Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players, opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.

The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/mikel-etebo-ajayi-poland-friendly/

Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu is expected to be named in an all-star cast of former Arsenal players when they take on Real Madrid in a two-legged Charity friendly in June 3rd and September 8th, 2018 to raise money for the club’s foundation.

Aside Kanu, Robert Pires, Tomas Rosicky, Freddie Ljungberg and Sol Campbell are likely to turn up for the Gunners while Raul, Guti, Xabi Alonso and Roberto Carlos are due to play for Real Madrid ‘galaticos’.

Arsenal FC said in an official statement on the clubs website, Monday that the matches are geared towards “using football and Arsenal (as a brand) to reach more young people around the world.”

“For Real Madrid, it’s an honour to be able to celebrate this charitable footballing event with the historic Arsenal,” Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/kanu-returns-arsenal/

Croatia’s national team coach Zlatko Dalic has squealed that his spies will be in Poland and London monitor Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their friendly games against Poland and Serbia on Friday and next week Thursday, Hotsportstv.com reports.

Croatia’s Russia 2018 group opponents, Nigeria, Iceland and two-time world champions Argentina, will be involved in friendlies in the upcoming FIFA international windows.

Dalic told Croatia’s leading online sports news medium sportskejutarnji.hr that “Ivica Olic will be in the United States of America to monitor Iceland who plays Peru and Mexico. Nikola Jerkan will follow Argentina in the games against Italy and Spain, while Ognjen Vukojevic will watch Nigeria against Poland and Serbia.”

Dalic also told the sports news site he already has his side’s starting line up that will face Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening Group D match. “I have the first eleven that will face Nigeria in Kaliningrad but of course I will not disclose it to the media because the whole structure still depends on form and injury,”

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/croatia-send-spies-super-eagles-others/

Footballers now command a huge influence on football lovers, with many fans idolizing their favourite players, as well as copying their lifestyles all around the world. It is no surprise to see Cristiano Ronaldo amassing over 315 Million followership on 3 social media platforms when compared to the most powerful leader in the World, US President, Donald Trump, who has meagre 80 million followers.

By imitating football stars, millions of people around the world now wear a tattoo just like the footballers they copy in order to belong. As a matter of fact, tattoos have now become synonymous to hooliganism and cultism.

Footballers have now broken the tattoo barriers by dumping the stigma hitherto associated with it. Often times, these stars now use tattoos to pass a message or symbolize important events happening in their lives.

Below are the top 5 Tattoo riddled football stars;



1. Dani Alves: Having won league titles with Barcelona, Juventus, PSG, and several other European laurels with the Sevilla and Catalan giants, Barcelona, Alves is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. The Brazilian defender displayed the importance of life and family by wearing tattoos on his body.

Alves has the name and birth date of his children- Daniel Jr. on his chest and Victoria on his pelvis. He also has his mothers’ face on his shoulder and his fathers’ name vertically written on left chest. The 34 years old PSG defender has “Smile-Love-Live” insignia on his neck which encapsulates his basic life principles.



2. Arturo Vidal: Vidal is one of the most tattooed players in the German Bundesliga. The Chilean depicted his Catholic background with his rosary painting on his left wrist, and a spider tattoo on his right arm- stating his role as a midfield stopper.

On the right side of his belly, Vidal has a tattoo showing a horse with a jockey, because of his love for horses, he also has an inscription of “Alonsito and Artunito” which are the nicknames of his son, Alonso and his nephew Arturo.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has a “cross” tattoo on his neck, his mum’s picture on his right upper arm and an insulin box beside his belly button, in solidarity with his son Alonso, who has a type 1 diabetes.



3. Neymar Jr: In terms of tattooing, the PSG forward is among the few Brazilian footballers who can contend with Dani Alves in tattooing. The former Barcelona player has three flying birds together with a “blessed” inscription on his back. He recently did a UCL Cup tattoo in anticipation of PSG tie with Real Madrid. Neymar has a conspicuous tiger head tattoo on his left hand amongst many other tattoos.


4. Zlatan Ibrahimović: Ibra is perhaps the most notoriously tattooed player in the world. Ibrahimović has the insignia of various types all over his body. His tattoos cannot be counted. A picture will you tell you all the story.


5. Lionel Messi: One of football’s greatest of all time players, Lionel Messi wears tattoos on his left arm and right leg. The Argentine Captain has a picture of Jesus Christ on his upper left arm and his number 10 trademark insignia on his right leg.

Players like Raheem Sterling, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo are also known to be great fans of tattoos. Many football stars are known to wear tattoos, most times they want to use these tattoos to pass a message or symbolize their priorities.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/crazy-tattoos-define-lifestyles-of-worlds-big-name-soccer-stars/

Morocco would need to spend almost N 5.6 trillion ($16 billion) to prepare to host the 2026 World Cup, with every proposed stadium and training ground built from scratch or renovated, said bid organisers.

Morocco has proposed using 14 stadiums and budgeting to spend 15.8 billion dollars on infrastructure if it wins the right to host the World Cup soccer finals in 2026, the country’s bid committee announced at a news conference on Saturday.

Saturday’s news conference revealed details of Morocco’s bid book, which was presented to FIFA on Friday, with the central theme being making their football infrastructure sustainable after the tournament and keeping down construction costs.

Moulay Hafid Elalamy, the chairman of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup bid committee, spoke to International press conference at the Sofitel hotel in Casablanca to outline the bid book items.

Moulay unveiled key components of Morocco’s bid the presentation four months before the June 13 final vote by FIFA’s Congress.

The Chairman emphasised that $3 billion would be required for World Cup 2026 specific investment as the government has guaranteed $15.8 billion for infrastructure to which $9.6 billion will accelerate pre-planned public investment and stimulate $3.2 billion of private-sector hotel investments.

Source:http://hotsportstv.com/morocco-spend-n5-6-trillion-world-cup/

A Venezuelan baseball player, Danry Vasquez has been sacked by his US team, Barnstormers after a shocking video of him beating his girlfriend goes viral.

Vasquez was once considered a very bright prospect in America’s Major League Baseball, Barnstormers where he plays in the Minor League Baseball.

Local Corpus Christi television station, KRIS-TV obtained the surveillance video of the incident that happened in August 2016.

In the video, Vasquez is seen viciously beating his girlfriend at a Texas stadium. He punched the woman in the face and also dragged her by her hair, knocking her glasses off several times.

The incident is presumed to have happened either before, or after a game at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas because Vasquez is wearing his baseball uniform in the video.

He was arrested just two days after the filmed incident but the case was dismissed after he agreed to comply with the terms of the plea deal.

He had also been released by The Astros, the club he was playing for at that time shortly after his arrest.

However, Vasquez and the victim continued to date after that incident.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/baseball-player-sacked-wife-beating/

lmao

World football governing body, FIFA has slammed Egyptian Premier League side, Al Masry, for failure to pay Nigerian forward Jude Aneke’s transfer fee and ordered the club to pay the Nigerian $140,000 (N144m).

FIFA said in a letter communicated to the club that Aneke had convinced it that Al Masry acted in a manner unworthy of a club of its status by withholding his entitlements and threatened heavier sanctions including relegation should the club remain adamant in fulfilling their contractual obligations to the Nigerian.

A letter sent to the club revealed that a verdict passed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), on 24th April 2017, indicted the club of violation of Act 64 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

It also ordered that the club settles the debt to Aneke within 60 days or the Nigerian forward can write to FIFA to deduct 6 points from the club’s domestic league haul from the ongoing season.

Al Masry had signed the player from Warri Wolves but was unable to pay his wages, prompting the club to seek other means of settling him.

Warri Wolves became impatient and reported Al Masry to FIFA in 2013 as they were ordered to fulfil their financial obligations but has since failed to do so.

In another development, Zamalek was also fined by FIFA for not paying their player, Alexis Enam Mendomo in 2013.

Alexis was said to have left the club in controversial circumstance after making 15 appearances.

A subsequent complaint from the player has now forced a ruling in his favour by FIFA.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/fifa-order-al-masry-to-pay-jude-aneke-n144m/

Morocco has formally submitted a 2026 FIFA World Cup bid book to FIFA in Zurich on Thursday, its the fifth time the North African country would be bidding to host the Mundial.

Morocco’s file contains details of the country’s sustainable development as well as technical data concerning the country. It includes pieces of information on the stadiums to host matches, transportation means, training sites and accommodation.

The Moroccans are proposing a 12-venue participation of 48 teams. For a FIFA World Cup, the host country must be equipped with stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 for pool matches, 60,000 for the semi-final games, and 80,000 for the final match.

Morocco is planning to build six 40,000-seat stadiums, in addition to a 100,000-seat stadium in Casablanca.

Morocco’s bid is competing against a joint North American effort involving the USA, Canada and Mexico.


Source: http://hotsportstv.com/morocco-submits-official-2026-world-cup-bid/

Chelsea has announced that the club has reached an agreement with Crosthwaite family to continue expansion work at Stamford Bridge.

The Crosthwaite family had prevented the 60,000 capacity expansion through a court injunction in May 2017 stating that it will block light into their home.

Following the suit, the Hammersmith and Fulham Council passed a motion to prevent the injunction blocking the plans but Chelsea has now come out to say that they have settled the dispute with their neighbours.

The Stadium expansion work is said to cost the Premier League defending champions £1bn.

The Blues are expected to continue playing their 2019-2020 season game in Stamford Bridge, before moving to an alternative venue for up to four years during the construction that will see Stamford Bridge expand from forty-one thousand to 60,000.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/chelsea-resume-stamford-bridge-expansion/

With few days to the March 23 World Cup build-up International friendly between Poland and Nigeria in Warsaw, Nigerians who are eager to watch the match live on their television sets may have to wait till the last minute to know if they will watch the match as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the official rights holders are yet to confirm the live transmission of the game.

In a bid to get a clear picture of the live telecast of the six international friendly games involving the Super Eagles before the kick-off of the Russia 2018 World Cup in June, hotsportstv.com put a call through to NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire on Thursday evening, who eventually directed all enquiries regarding the live transmission of the games to Jairo Pachon of Euro Datasports, who are the official match agent of the NFF.

However, Pachon, who organised the Nigeria-Argentina friendly in Russia last November and other friendlies involving the Super Eagles in the runoff to the last World Cup In Brazil 2014 was sketchy about details of the live telecast of the match to the Nigerian audience.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/uncertainty-beclouds-live-telecast-super-eagles-friendlies/

A member of the NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee and former Super Eagles Media Officer, Colin Udoh, who works with one of the official World Cup television rights station in Nigeria, confirmed that: “efforts are being made to bring the match live to Nigerians and promised to provide more details in a few days time.”

Apart from the Poland game, the Super Eagles are scheduled to meet with Serbia, England, DR Congo, Czech Republic and Chile before the World Cup.

The nes Wednesday of the British Parliament’s decision to slam a wide range of sanctions on Russia for its alleged attempts to snuff the life out of former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal 66 and daughter, Yulia Skripal, 33, through a nerve agent poisoning would ordinarily have been dismissed as another high-profile diplomatic face-off between countries with a long History of espionage-related squabbles normally resolved through diplomatic channels.

But the decision of the revered parliament to insert as one of its conditions a boycott of the Russia 2018 World Cup by the Royal family now not only adds a new dimension to the face-off but throws up far-reaching implications for the integrity of the World Cup especially as it relates to security concerns and image issues.

It is a well-known fact that countries primarily host world football’s biggest showpiece every four years to develop their image, infrastructure, tourism as well as generally showcase to the world their culture and in some cases, its progress in science and technological breakthroughs.

That is why, apart from spending huge sums of money to develop stadia, road networks, training grounds, pitches, hotels and recreational facilities, countries can ill-afford situations that appear to put their hopes and aspirations in jeopardy through negative press.

That is why it bothers a whole of people, particularly the football community who are direct stakeholders of the round leather game that a scenario such as this, where Russia would be suffering trade and economic embargo months to an event as big as the World Cup, is unfolding.

Trouble started when Skripal and his daughter were found slumped in a chair in their home, Sunday, March 4, 2018, after it was discovered they were attacked by a nerve agent, the Russians are widely known to produce.

But after Britain’s request for an explanation from the Russian Government on the issue was ignored, the country’s Prime Minister acting at the behest of the parliament announced sanctions which involved the expulsion of 23 diplomats who were asked to leave the country within seven days, increased checks on private flights, customs and freight, freezing of Russian state assets where there is evidence they may be used to threaten the life and properties of British citizens or residents, Minister and Royal Family to boycott the FIFA World Cup, and suspension of all planned high level bi-lateral contacts between the UK and Russia .

Now, the implications are far-reaching when considered that it would affect Russian interests, especially the football properties owned by Russian citizens in the UK.

For instance, English Premier League, side, Chelsea is owned by the Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich who since buying over the club in 2004 has spent billions of pounds to make the club one of the most sought after in Europe in the last decade or so.

The English stock exchange is also known to have a large presence of Russian business interests. It is estimated that property and assets worth around 4.4billion are owned by Russians.

Besides, the increased scrutiny of UK-bound flights from Moscow is a recipe for more bad blood as more of the country’s citizens are sure to be exposed to all manner of indignities at either Heathrow or Gatwick, Britains main point of entry.

Although the Russian embassy in London responded, calling the expulsion of the 23 diplomats “unacceptable”, “unjustified”, and “short-sighted”, the world is more concerned about the safety and integrity of the World Cup.

World Soccer ruling body, FIFA is certain to feel concerned by the sudden development as the possibility of either a postponement or a venue shift stares it in the face.

Analysts feel it would take an occurrence of groundbreaking proportion for such extremes to even be considered as former England FA chairman, Greg Dyke says.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that we will boycott the World Cup. I don’t think the government will ask, and I think if they did, the FA would say no, “Dyke said in response to whether England would take the extreme measure of also boycotting the World Cup in solidarity with the Royal Family.

Since inception in 1930, there has not been a situation to warrant a senior World Cup tournament being shifted to another venue at the last minute or a country boycotting it for any reason whatsoever.

Source: http://hotsportstv.com/uk-russia-face-off-threatens-world-cup-2018/

WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has said his solid African background could be the joker when he enters the squared ropes with New Zealand opponent, Joseph Parker ahead of their unification fight this month end at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Parker was born in New Zealand, although his parents originally hail from Samoa, Joshua has a Nigerian mother and Irish father spending his early years in the Southern part of Nigeria but represents Britain.

Joshua who is edging closer to his world title said; “His upbringing, you know spiritual people, solid people, same as my family, spiritual, solid, born in Africa.

When asked to compare Parker with Wilder, he said; “When he [Parker] throws his shots with a left and a right, if the left doesn’t hit you, the right catches you as you are moving in and knocks the majority of his opponents out.”

Both fighters go into the ring flaunting an impeccable record of no defeat so far in their careers.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/unification-bout-joshua-banks-on-black-power-to-beat-parker/

Harry Kane is unlikely to play a further part in Tottenham Hotspurs Premier League and FA Cup duties this season as he has been confirmed ruled out for at least seven weeks by the injury he sustained in their 4-1 win against Bournemouth last weekend.

The 24-year-old damaged his ankle ligaments in the game and had to be substituted after just 34 minutes.

He now faces a race to be fit for England at the Russia 2018 World Cup, He is definitely ruled out of this Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Swansea, as well as crucial league deciders against Chelsea and Manchester City in May.


Kane’s injury blow is coming a week after Spurs were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Juventus at the Wembley Stadium.

He is now also unlikely to add to his huge haul of goals in all competitions already this season. Kane had been topping the Premier League goals chart on 24 goals and had been tied with Liverpool’s prolific Egyptian, Mohammed Salah who was also on 24.


Source: http://hotsportstv.com/kane-seven-weeks-ligament-damage/

Super Eagles invitee, Junior Ajayi’s club, Al Ahly, have claimed their third consecutive Premier League and their 40th domestic overall title following Al Masry’s goalless draw against Entang Harby on Monday in the Egyptian League.

With six games to end the season, the club had defeated ENPPI in their last league fixture by a lone goal scored by Ayman Ashraf awaiting the outcome of the game between Al Mazsry and Entang Harby to be crowned champions.

The Red Devils have 75 points after 28 matches and are followed by Ismaily with 53 points, Zamalek with 51 points and Al Masry 49 points meaning none of the clubs could catch up with them even if they win their remaining games

The club will now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League which remain one trophy missing from the Red Devil’s cabinet since 2013.

So also, Al Ahly president Mahmoud El-Khatib has announced a three ban for fans who were involved in the clashes with security personnel in their CAF Champions League home game against Gabonese side Mounana for three years.

The Red Devils defeated their Gabonese opponent 4-0 in the first leg but riots broke out between a part of the Al Ahly fans that were at the Cairo Stadium and security agents as some fans involved in the fracas were later arrested.

Following the incident, the club board made some resolutions in other to avoid future occurrence such as forming a committee to upgrade the club ticketing system and entrusting the legal affairs committee to follow up with the ongoing probe to help those who were not involved.

Read More:http://hotsportstv.com/ajayis-al-ahly-win-egyptian-league/

Nigeria has announced that her contingent to the 2018 Commonwealth Games will depart the country on March 18, to Gold Coast, Australia.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Youths and Sports, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, stated that an advance team made up of officials of the ministry would leave on March 18 to attend the Delegates’ Registration Meeting due to hold on March 22.

The statement reads: “Federations competing at the Games will round off their pre-games training early March and proceed to Brisbane on March 23.

“Athletics will depart on March 25, with 25 home-based athletes and five coaches while the Wrestling team will arrive the Games Village on April 2,” she said.

According to the Spokesperson, the Games Village would be opened officially on March 25th while team officials would be allowed to check their athletes’ rooms five days earlier before the event.

Nigeria will be taking part in Athletics, Wrestling, Basketball, Gymnastics, Boxing, Table tennis, Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Para Table Tennis and Para Athletics.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games begins from April 4 to April 15, 2018.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/commonwealth-games-nigerias-contingent-jets-out-march-18/

Guinea-Bissau has joined the list of African countries expressing full support for Morocco’s 2026 World Cup bid.

President of the Guinea-Bissau Football Federation, Manuel Nascimento, told BBC that his country will stand with Morocco and called other African nations to help it clinch the rights to host the World Cup.

“I demand that our votes as Africa are solid and we should not scatter them around when voting time comes,” said Nascimento.

“The 2010 World Cup was successfully hosted in Africa. We can do it again.”

Morocco will be up against a joint bid from USA, Canada and Mexico as they look to win the hosting rights for the very first time after having attempted on four earlier occasions 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.

Interestingly, back in 1994, they lost the hosting rights to the USA, who would get a chance to host for the second time.

FIFA have already mentioned that the final decision on the hosting rights for 2026 World Cup would be taken in the FIFA Congress Meeting in Moscow on June 13, 2018.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/guinea-bissau-backs-moroccos-2026-world-cup-bid/

Chelsea midfield strongman, Cesc Fabregas has given an insight as to how Chelsea will qualify ahead of Barcelona in their second leg, round of 16 Champions League tie in Camp Nou.

In an exclusive interview with the Spanish outfit Marca, Fabregas revealed that playing against his former teammates like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique should motivate him to give the kind of performance that would ensure Chelsea’s qualification into the Champions League Quarter Final.

“Yes, it’s difficult as the Camp Nou is very big and you have to run a lot, but we’ll work together. The key is to take advantage of our opportunities. We have to play our game but do damage when possible. I’ve never trained tactically as much as I have at Chelsea and it shows on the pitch”

The former Arsenal captain has described his return to Camp Nou as a “mix of desire and mystery”, as he has not played competitive football at Barcelona since his departure in 2014. The Spanish midfielder also intends to stop Lionel Messi in the tie.

“If I am lucky enough to play, it’s true that we are positioned in nearby areas of the pitch, stopping him will be difficult but I will try to do everything possible so that he feels uncomfortable and can’t put together a perfect performance”, he said.

Fabregas came off in the 84th minute in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against his former side at the Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. The Spanish midfielder returned to his boyhood club in 2011 after spending 8 years at Arsenal. He later signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2014.

Barcelona has not lost any game at home in all competitions since the start of the 2017/2018 season. The Blues will be facing a herculean task when they line-up against the Catalan giants on Wednesday.

Chelsea needs to avoid a goalless draw or a total defeat at Barcelona to ensure their qualification into the 2017/2018 UCL quarter-final. Chelsea edged past Barcelona at the 2012 Champions League semi-final, playing a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou, a victory that eventually led the English Champions to their first Champions League title.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/fabregas-reveals-how-we-will-beat-barca-in-camp-nou/

Serena Williams will play sister, Venus in the third round at Indian Wells after beating KiKi Bertens of Netherlands 7-6,( 7-5),7-5 in the second round.

The 36-year-old American, who made her comeback after the birth of daughter Olympia, won the game in one hour, 52 minutes

The 23 Grand Slam Winner on Thursday night beat Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-3 in the first round.

The sisters last met in the 2017 Australian Open final, when Serena won her 23rd singles title.

Venus beat Sorona Cirstea of Romania in her second-round match 6-3 6-4.

The sisters will play their 29th competitive match on Monday, with Serena having won 17 of the previous 28.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/serena-wiliams-to-play-venus-williams-in-indian-wells-third-round/