₦airaland Forum

Didn't he do well with Atletico, or was he a flop?

I know Pep hardly ever changes formation but I'd rather we play two defensive midfielders - Masch and Busquets with Xavi in front of them in a 4 - 2 - 1 - 3. Our aim is to stay undefeated in the away tie and score the vital away goal(s), if we get a win, great!
We need a lot of solidity in the middle because the Arsenal guys are fast and can easily break away once they get the slightest chance. We need to stifle them in an aesthetic manner like Spain did her opponents at the world cup. Pique has to be instructed to reduce his sojourns up front and stay back at all times except in cases of set pieces.
Up front, Iniesta should play behind Messi and Pedro or he can play Messi on the left, Pedro on the right and Iniesta in the centre, like he did against Racing in the first game of the season just that Messi was on the right and Villa was on the left, Pedro was out injured.  Villa can come up as an impact sub.

Since You've Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson

Whatever. . . Considering the timing of your post, I was right to believe this is not unconnected with Torres' Chelsea debut.

Torres is not overrated. He is a top, complete, worldclass striker. His goal return for country may not be very impressive but that's just one of those things. His goal handed Spain her first silverware in 44 years. . . Just ask your captain, Lahm, how good he is.

Overrated? How? Because he had a bad Blues debut, he's now overrated? The entire Chelsea team were clueless. Liverpool played 5 defenders and were negative in their approach to the game. They didn't come out to attack, they sat back for the major part of the game and tried to hit Chelsea on the break.

I guess Dzeko is overrated too? He's yet to score a PL goal in about 3 games.

This is way better than playing Guatemala.

. . . and the new Kop hero is Raul Meireles.

^^ JUTH and Kano Pillars played on Thursday so I think JUTH's game with Bukola Babes was rescheduled to give them enough time to rest.

Meanwhile, Ekigho Ehiosun grabbed a hatrick(first time I'm hearing of one in the NPL, LOL) as Wolves defeated Sharks 3 - 0 at the Warri Township Stadium. He now tops the scorers chart with 7 goals.

Atanda Sakibu also grabbed a brace to put Enyimba's campaign back on track as they defeated Crown 2 - 1 away from home. Akanbi Taofeek scored for Crown.

Am I late for the party

^^ holydante, it's 4 hatricks if you add the one against Sevilla at the Camp Nou in the supercup.

I'm happy for Ahmed Musa.

I feel this game was acted.

FT @ The Camp Nou:
Barcelona 3 vs Atletico Madrid 0.

Messi 79' 28' 17'

Barcelona have now set a record of 16 consecutive league wins. . . Third straight league defeat for Atletico Madrid.

Virtuoso performance from Messi. His hatrick; 4th hatrick of the season, put the 'Mattress Makers' to sleep.
Alves was equally brilliant.

Surprised by the Levante result too. More surprising is that it came at the Madrigal. Almeria also defeated Espanyol 3 - 2. Now is not the right time to play the relegation threatened sides.

Pedro replaced by Bojan
Xavi replaced by Afellay

Messsssiiiii. . . hatrick. simply unstoppable. His 4th hatrick of the season.

Dolphins 1 vs Sunshine Stars 0 - Dolphins are now 4 points clear at the top. A victory for Babes tomorrow will cut Dolphins lead to three points and move the Babes into 2nd, one point ahead of Sunshine.

Kwara Utd 1 vs Plateau Utd 1

N.Tornadoes 1 vs Gombe 0

In a rescheduled week 14 game played on Thursday - JUTH 1 vs Kano Pillars 2

2nd half begins. . . Diego Forlan replaces Fran Merida. His dream return to the Camp Nou ends on a sour note.

Barca in cruise control here. HT: 2 - 0.
Both goals from Messi

^^ aww! don't know of any.

Alves sees Yellow for a nasty tackle

Oleeeeeeee!!!! This is the Messi show! Barca 2 - 0

Messiiiiiiii. . . Well hit, Alves with the assist.

Barca line up:
Valdes, Alves, Maxwell, Pique, Abidal, Sergio, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Messi, Pedro

You lost to a Basque side last week. You face another Basque side in Sociedad this weekend. Who knows? Maybe lightning can strike twice. . .

@Aj: My bad

First, I heard that the verdict won't be out until after two weeks but if this is true, it's great news.

Do these pillocks learnt at all?

[center]Heartland return to Owerri[/center]

Heartland FC of Owerri have been given approval by the Nigeria premier league (NPL) to resume their home matches at their home ground, Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri even as management on Thursday approved the hiring of a Dutch technical adviser and former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu to strengthen the team.

This followed a pass mark awarded to the Dan Anyiam stadium turf by the league board inspectors that visited the stadium on Wednesday.

The Dan Anyiam stadium was put under lock and key by the league board due to what they termed its poor playing turf and Heartland was made to re-locate temporarily to Aba township stadium before the league supervisory body asked them to move their home matches to Calabar.

Disclosing the information to SuperSport.com, spokesman of the Naze Millionaires Cajetan Nkwopara said that the 2009 Orange Caf champions league finalist will host Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Owerri for the Sunday’s week 15 encounter.

“We are back to Dan Anyiam stadium that is the outcome of the visit of the NPL inspectors on Wednesday, so we will be hosting 3SC at the pitch on Sunday.”

Nkwopara informed that former Green Eagles captain Christian Chukwu has joined the Owerri based team on what the management called ‘rescue mission’ pending the arrival of the newly appointed Dutch technical adviser.

“Coach Christian Chukwu has joined Heartland on rescue mission; Chukwu is to supervise the coaching crew as well as the players, evaluate and examine the coaches, players and find out where the problem of the team is.

“He is to evaluate the performances of the coaches and players, see those who are under performing; of course, it is within his script to make recommendation over those to be asked to go.

“Coach Emma Osigwe and other coaches are still doing their work but will have to be supervised by Chukwu. “Management has equally approved the appointment of a Dutch technical adviser for the club. His contract is for 18 months, he is to expose the club to international market, Heartland want to play football as well as expose itself to benefits accruable to a professional club.

“The Dutchman’s identity is still under cover until he arrives, he is a notable coach and will be unveiled very soon,” he said Heartland are 11 on the log with 17 points.

http://supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110203/Heartland_return_to_Owerri

[center]Gbolahan Salami gets indefinite ban[/center]

Shooting Stars star striker Gbolahan Salami has been handed an indefinite suspension by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) after he attempted to assault a referee at the weekend.

“Salami has been suspended indefinitely for attempting to attack a referee after his team played a 1-1 draw with Crown in Abeokuta on Sunday,” NPL executive secretary, Tunji Babalola, told MTNFootball.com.

An angry Salami had to be restrained by several officials and players including 3SC team manager Ajibade Babalade as he attempted to attack referee Michael Oshei from Calabar after the match.

Shooting Stars fans and players alike were incensed that the referee awarded local rivals Crown a stoppage time penalty for John Fashanu to get the Ogbomosho club a share of the points at the weekend.

A top official informed MTNFootball.com that Salami could well be in the cooler for several weeks as the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not scheduled to meet soon to review his case.

Salami was earlier this season slapped a two-match ban for verbally attacking his former coach at Sunshine Stars, Gbenga Ogunbote, on the opening day of the season.

It has been a week for gifted but temperamental Salami to forget in a hurry as on Monday he was refused an entry visa to the United States of America so as to be part of the home-based Eagles due to feature in an invitational tournament there.

Preview for Week 15

Friday, February 4, 2011

Juth FC v Bukola Babes

Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth) Football Club have won just once in their last five games and that has been the reason ‘The Healers’ are the basement boys going into this tie. Bukola Babes are yet to lose in last five games and coach Festus Allen will be lining up Abdulrahman Bashir and Akeem Audu in attack to hit ‘The Healers,’ who have won just once in five home games.
Prediction: 1 – 1

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD
None

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Juth FC LDWLL
Bukola Babes WWWWD

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Niger Tornadoes v Gombe United

There have been 14 past meetings between the two sides. In seven trips to Niger Tornadoes, the Desert Scorpions have won just once on April 23, 2005. Going into this game both teams have poor form guides from their last five games with Gombe winning just once while Tornadoes are yet to pick full three points. Tornadoes will aim for three points.
Prediction: 1 – 0

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

March 6, 2010: Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Gombe United
September 26, 2009: Gombe United 1 – 2 Niger Tornadoes
June 6, 2009: Gombe United 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
January 3, 2009: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 0 Gombe United
March 12, 2008: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 0 Gombe United
September 23, 2007: Gombe United 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
July 16, 2006: Gombe United 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
May 6, 2006: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 0 Gombe United
October 2, 2005: Gombe United 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
April 23, 2005: Niger Tornadoes 0 – 1 Gombe United
July 10, 2004: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 1 Gombe United
March 21, 2004: Gombe United 2 – 1 Niger Tornadoes
June 28, 2003: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 1 Gombe United
February 19, 2003: Gombe United 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Niger Tornadoes LDDLD
Gombe United DLLWL

Kwara United v Plateau United

On paper, Plateau United are considered to have lost this game without kicking a ball. But previous meetings do not state it that way, as four past clashes show that they have been on level terms. The last time both teams met in this same corresponding fixture on February 26, 2003, Kwara United ran out victors by a lone goal and Kadiri Ikhana’s men should condemn Plateau United further to relegation since they have managed just one point in six games on the road.

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

July 31, 2004: Kwara United 0 – 0 Plateau United
April 3, 2004: Plateau United 1 – 1 Kwara United
July 13, 2003: Plateau United 3 – 0 Kwara United
February 26, 2003: Kwara United 1 – 0 Plateau United
FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES
Kwara United WLLWL
Plateau United DLDLL

Dolphins v Sunshine Stars

This is definitely the match of the week, as first and second placed teams go head-to-head. But we fear that this game like other big games so far might end up as a brawl rather entertaining. Dolphins just lost a five-winning run but still have their 100 per cent home winning streak to protect against title-chasing Sunshine Stars at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt. Last season in this same fixture, Sunshine Stars secured a point and could do same especially with Dolphins struggling to score goals.
Prediction: 0 – 0

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

June 6, 2010: Dolphins 1 – 1 Sunshine Stars
January 31, 2010: Sunshine Stars 1 – 0 Dolphins
July 27, 2003: Dolphins 3 – 0 Sunshine Stars
March 5, 2003: Sunshine Stars 1 – 1 Dolphins

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Dolphins LWWWW
Sunshine Stars WDWWL

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Heartland v 3SC

It is going to be a difficult trip for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to Calabar to face 2009 Caf Champions League finalists, Heartland. Four away visits to Heartland since 2004 have all ended in defeats for Fatai Amoo’s men coupled with a poor form on the road that has seen them pick just one point from 18. Emmanuel Osigwe’s men will blame themselves if they fail to get all points in this tie.

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

May 23, 2010: Heartland 2 – 1 3SC
January 13, 2010: 3SC 1 – 0 Heartland
May 20, 2006: 3SC 2 – 1 Heartland
August 2, 2006: Heartland 1 – 0 3SC
September 4, 2005: Nationale (now Heartland) 2 – 0 3SC
March 26, 2005: 3SC 1 – 0 Nationale (now Heartland)
July 31, 2004: 3SC 2 – 0 Nationale (now Heartland)
April 4, 2004: Nationale 1 – 0 3SC

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Heartland LWLLD
3SC DLDWW

Lobi Stars v Zamfara United

Lobi Stars have won five times in 10 past meetings against Zamfara United while the latter have won just two with the others ending in draws. Zamfara United have dropped 17 out of 18 points on the road this season and could find it tough facing Lobi Stars that have won four of their last five home games at their temporary home ground at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.
Prediction: 2 – 0

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

April 25, 2010: Zamfara United 2 – 1 Lobi Stars
December 6, 2009: Lobi Stars 1 – 1 Zamfara United
April 5, 2009: Lobi Stars 1 – 0 Zamfara United
November 23, 2008: Zamfara United 0 – 0 Lobi Stars
February 3, 2008: Zamfara United 0 – 1 Lobi Stars
October 7, 2007: Lobi Stars 3 – 0 Zamfara United
May 16, 2007: Zamfara United 1 – 0 Lobi Stars
February 7, 2007: Lobi Stars 1 – 0 Zamfara United
September 10, 2005: Zamfara United 2 – 2 Lobi Stars
April 3, 2005: Lobi Stars 3 – 0 Zamfara United

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Lobi Stars LWLDW
Zamfara United WLWLL


Warri Wolves v Sharks

This clash captures the Super Sunday game in Nigeria’s topflight. Interestingly both teams are in the form of their lives with identical form guides in their last five games. But Sharks will be seeking their first win against Wolves in two years since a 3 – 1 win on November 1, 2008. Wolves have dropped just two points at home this term while the Blue Angels have drawn four times and lost twice in six road trips. But Wolves should edge this.
Prediction: 1 – 0

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

March 7, 2010: Warri Wolves 1 – 0 Sharks
September 26, 2009: Sharks 0 – 0 Warri Wolves
March 14, 2009: Warri Wolves 1 – 0 Sharks
November 1, 2008: Sharks 3 – 1 Warri Wolves
August 6, 2005: Sharks 2 – 1 NPA (now Warri Wolves)
February 26, 2005: NPA (now Warri Wolves) 3 – 1 Sharks

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Warri Wolves DWDLW
Sharks WDDLW

Crown FC v Enyimba

The Ajilete Valiant are on a revival after their dreadful five-game losing streak ended at 3SC with a 1 – 1 draw last Sunday. But this time, Crown Football Club play host to champions, Enyimba, in a first-ever topflight clash. The Peoples Elephant have been blowing hot and cold in the league this term, which has left them in 13th position on the log. But Okey Emordi’s side will fancy picking all points since they are smarting from an away win in the playoff of the Caf Champions League against Congo’s Michel de Ouenze.
Prediction: 0 – 1

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

None

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Crown FC DLLLL
Enyimba LDWLW

Ocean Boys v Kano Pillars

Last season’s runners-up, Kano Pillars, head to Yenagoa with a poor away form of just one point from 15 and one goal scored. They face Ocean Boys who are on a roll at home after winning their last two games with identical scorelines of 2 – 0 against Dolphins and Crown FC. Larry Eceli’s side should pick all points in this one.
Prediction: 2 – 1

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

February 20, 2010: Kano Pillars 5 – 1 Ocean Boys
February 14, 2010: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Kano Pillars
March 28, 2009: Kano Pillars 0 – 0 Ocean Boys
November 16, 2008: Ocean Boys 1 – 1 Kano Pillars
February 23, 2008: Kano Pillars 3 – 0 Ocean Boys
October 24, 2007: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Kano Pillars
May 2, 2007: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Kano Pillars
February 3, 2007: Kano Pillars 1 – 0 Ocean Boys

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAMES

Ocean Boys WLWLL
Kano Pillars LDWWL

Kaduna United v Enugu Rangers

The Crocodiles go up against the Flying Antelopes at the Kaduna Township Stadium. Rangers return to the same ground where they picked their first away point of the season – against Niger Tornadoes about a fortnight ago – but this time against the real owners of the ground, Kaduna United. Alphonsus Dike’s men need to grab a result to stay within touching distance of the leading sides on the log and will look up to last season’s 1 – 1 draw for inspiration in this tie.

Prediction: 1 – 1

RECENT HEAD-TO-HEAD

March 10, 2010 Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Kaduna United
October 4, 2009: Kaduna United 1 – 1 Enugu Rangers
March 29, 2009: Kaduna United 1 – 0 Enugu Rangers
November 16, 2008: Enugu Rangers 1 – 1 Kaduna United
February 25, 2007: Kaduna United 1 – 0 Enugu Rangers
February 11, 2007: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Kaduna United

FORM GUIDE IN LAST FIVE GAME

Kaduna United DWDWW
Enugu Rangers DDWLW

[center]New names get NPL team mention[/center]

Five players broke into the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Team of the Week for Matchday 14 for the first time this season.
The players are Ayeyemi James of Bukola Babes, Azubuike Egwuekwe (pictured right) of Warri Wolves, James Okwosah of Enugu Rangers, Andrew Michael of Ocean Boys and Ibrahim Babalola of Crown Football Club.
None of the players from last week's team got a look in the side for this week.
The duo of Ofem Inah of Sunshine Stars and Abubakar Yusuf of Bukola Babes are in the team as right-back and left-back respectively flanking the centre-back pair of Egwuekwe and Okwosah.
Emmanuel Omodiagbe of Warri Wolves, Ajani Ibrahim of Sunshine Stars and Bright Ejike of Sharks join Babalola in the midfield. Victor Ezeji of Sharks got the nod to pair Andrew up front in a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Aigbogun of Warri Wolves as coach of the team.

Why they made the team

Goalkeeper: Ayeyemi James (Bukola Babes)

He has made five appearances for the Babes and is yet to concede in 450 minutes of football including another clean sheet against Heartland last Saturday. But James is not even Bukola Babes' first choice.

Right-back: Ofem Inah (Sunshine Stars)

Inah was a handful for Lobi Stars on the right flank for his team. His mazy runs gave width to Sunshine Stars on the right in the absence of Daniel Mende on the left.

Centre-back: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)

Egwuekwe came on for injured ThankGod Ike and combined well with captain Goodluck Onamado in Wolves' heart of defence to hold back Rangers' attack that has been potent while playing at home this season.

Centre-back: James Okwosah (Enugu Rangers)

The former Lobi Stars' man showed why he has been important in the back four of Alphonsus Dike's side by cutting counter-attacks by Warri Wolves last Sunday.

Left-back: Abubakar Yusuf (Bukola Babes)

The captain of Bukola Babes has been one of the mainstay his side has performed well since the New Year. Once again, Yusuf led by example and helped his team keep another clean sheet.

Central midfielder: Emmanuel Omodiagbe (Warri Wolves)

This midfield enforcer was combative and his defensive ability made sure that Rangers were narrowed down in the middle for every time they tried to be creative.

Central midfielder: Ibrahim Babalola (Crown FC)

He is the surprise name in the team this week. Babalola was the link between his side's defence and attack – a typical box-to-box performance from him. Little wonder Crown got a point off Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on the road after five straight losses.

Right midfielder: Ajani Ibrahim (Sunshine Stars)

The midfielder scored twice in a sweeping performance by Sunshine Stars over Lobi Stars at the weekend. Ibrahim by virtue of his double strike is now tied as top scorer with Victor Ezeji of Sharks.

Left midfielder: Bright Ejike (Sharks)

The under20 star slots into left side of midfield for his dazzling runs that created metres of space for Ezeji to wreck Niger Tornadoes at the weekend. Though Ejike paired Ezeji in attack, he showed his effectiveness by drifting wide to give Sharks width.

Striker: Victor Ezeji (Sharks)

Joint top scorer with five goals after he netted twice against Tornadoes. The former Club Africain striker's predatory instinct in front of goal has been massive for Sharks this term.

Striker: Andrew Michael (Ocean Boys)

The striker, who joined Ocean Boys from Bayelsa United in the off-season, enjoyed his best outing so far this season against leaders, Dolphins. Michael's pace off and on the ball left Dolphins' defence struggling almost through the game.

Coach: Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves)

The tactics of sit back and hit on the break employed by Aigbogun worked out well against Rangers. The style left Rangers frustrated as they lost their 100 per cent record at home following a goalless draw.

Team of the Week
Goalkeeper: Ayeyemi James (Bukola Babes)
Right-back: Ofem Inah (Sunshine Stars)
Centre-back: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)
Centre-back: James Okwosah (Enugu Rangers)
Left-back: Abubakar Yusuf (Bukola Babes)
Central midfielder: Emmanuel Omodiagbe (Warri Wolves)
Central midfielder: Ibrahim Babalola (Crown FC)
Right midfielder: Ajani Ibrahim (Sunshine Stars)
Left midfielder: Bright Ejike (Sharks)
Striker: Victor Ezeji (Sharks)
Striker: Andrew Michael (Ocean Boys)

Coach: Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves)

http://naijaligue..com/