₦airaland Forum

I usually tink of dis every time that wot if dis players play for nigeria(i mean players with dual nationality),would nigeria av reached the world cup final plus other tournaments?here are some names:
Angelo ogbonna
ross barkley
david alaba
dele alli
tiago ilori
sidney sam
nedum onuoha
david amao
jordan ibe
chuba akpom
chuks aneke + other nigerians in top big clubs like arsenal,barca,liverpool
and lots more.
Plus other in form nigerian footballers like
olaitan
imoh ezekiel
chrisantus
martins
moses simeon
onazi
enyeama
omeruo
e t c

pls wot is physical science crossing GP

SOURCE http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4082/editorial/2013/12/24/4488331/examining-the-formations-that-stephen-keshi-could-employ-at?ICID=HP_HN_3

The next six months represent a period of great questioning for Stephen Keshi. The dates are now set in stone, the opponents are known, and barring a loss of confidence on behalf of the Nigerian Federation, the Big Boss will be leading his troops out to face Argentina, Bosnia and Iran next summer.

Following a successful 25 months in the national team hot seat, Keshi naturally has a strong idea of his formation, his tactics and his team. However, despite the joyous evenings we’ve shared, there remain some unanswered questions and some areas of the first team that demand attention and improvement.

This article examines a few tactical approaches that Keshi could employ in Brazil and also assesses some different offensive combinations for the Super Eagles.

There are, however, seven players whose places and roles within the national side which are unlikely to change. These figures are not the focus of this piece.

At this stage it would be foolish for Keshi, particularly considering the success he’s achieved, the paucity of options and the club routines of his players, to move away from playing four at the back. The unit of Vincent Enyeama, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose should, fitness permitting, start Nigeria’s first game on June 16 against Iran. Perhaps one or two names will be assessed in these positions in the intervening months, but it is unlikely that there will be a radical overhaul.

Similarly, Ogenyi Onazi and John Obi Mikel should not be altered ahead of the international centrepiece together. Having the pair in the heart of the park is one of Nigeria’s primary strengths and as we saw at the Confederations Cup, when Onazi was absent, without this duo working in tandem, the team’s rhythm is affected.

The formulation of the other four positions and the organisation of our multitude of attacking talents within the first XI is much harder to predict, yet with the talent available, several could work effectively.



4-3-3: Remembering the AFCON Final

Against Burkina Faso in the final of the 2013 Cup of Nations, Stephen Keshi employed a formation most-closely resembling a 4-3-3. Onazi played at the base of the midfield three, Mikel slightly ahead to his left and Sunday Mba through the middle, supporting the forwards. Ideye Brown put his energy and dynamism to good use on the right, Ike Uche operated as the team’s spearhead and Victor Moses cut inside from the left.

This may well be Keshi’s favoured approach next summer. It is a tried and tested method and Moses’ drifting inwards affords Elderson the space to attack down the left flank, offering another angle of offence.

The problems with this formation, however, relate to personnel rather than tactics. Mba has slipped to the peripheries of the side in recent months; he hasn’t started since the Mandela Challenge match against South Africa and hasn’t scored since the Afcon final.

Nosa Igiebor, the attacking midfielder that Keshi has tried to reintegrate into the side, hasn’t quite found his stride for Nigeria, starting only once since the AFCON group stage, and has been affected by injury.

Nnamdi Oduamadi has also been trialled as part of a midfield three, but looks far more comfortable higher up the pitch.

It feels like a pertinent moment to mention Lukman Haruna. In the Dynamo Kyiv man, the Super Eagles possess a player with the dynamism and the creativity to link the midfield and the forwards. He is by no means a playmaker, but loves to plough forward and could be a perfect foil to the Onazi/Mikel pairing.

Similarly, one of the three offensive positions needs to be filled as no one has staked a convincing claim to join Moses and Emenike in the forward three. Ideye Brown has held the baton for much of the year, but has steadily drifted from his starting berth due to a lack of cutting edge.

Perhaps the most likely solution would be to play Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses on either flank, perhaps interchanging their positioning, with Emenike as a central striker between the two. Victor Obinna, and perhaps Sone Aluko, on the bench would be ready-made replacements for either wide position.



4-2-3-1: More from Musa

However, without a recall for Haruna—a possibility at best at this point in time—4-3-3 remains a flawed formation, simply because none of Oduamadi, Igiebor or Mba have convinced for a long period as one of the midfield three.

Would it be wiser, therefore, for Keshi to switch to a 4-2-3-1?

Currently the most popular formation in world football, many of the globe’s finest teams employ this tactic to great success and it could well be an option for Nigeria.

Crucially, I believe this formation could get the best out of Ahmed Musa, one of the most talented players available to Stephen Keshi. Last term, the 21-year-old excelled as part of CSKA Moscow’s title-winning side playing in a central role. Injury to Seydou Doubia meant that the Super Eagles youngster was brought into the middle of the park. Here, his influence was enormous, particularly in tandem with Vagner Love.

Musa’s finishing is not, as yet, strong enough for him to operate as a forward, however if we were played behind Emenike, as a second striker, he could emerge as one of the stars of the World Cup.

To date, Keshi has preferred to play him on the flanks or as an impact substitute (and understandably so), but it may be that he decides to switch his prodigious forward to the centre of the pitch in time for next summer’s centrepiece. From here, his pace and movement could trouble even the finest defences and would doubtless create more space for the likes of Emenike, Moses and Mikel.

This could also provide a perfect opening for Sone Aluko (injury permitting) or Nnamdi Oduamadi to take their place on the right side.



4-4-2: A Plan B

Finally, the recent performances of Bright Dike and Shola Ameobi against Italy and Keshi’s clear preference to include more physical presence in his forward line might tempt the Big Boss to experiment with a 4-4-2.

This tactic has been much maligned in recent years but, as Arsene Wenger once said, it is the formation that is “rationally and mathematically the best suited for the dimension of the football pitch”.

If Keshi were to choose this, then he could include one of the two bulkier players without sacrificing Emenike. It would allow the Super Eagles to vary their approach and also increase their menace from set-pieces.

However, it might not be a formation suited to this squad and particularly, John Obi Mikel.

4-4-2 demands dynamism, strength and energy in the middle of the park and the Chelsea man has a tendency to get flustered when closed down in possession. If we were to play with a midfield two against a midfield three, I doubt that Mikel would have the lungs or the guile to take control of the contest.

At least 15 Iraqi armed forces members were killed Saturday in an ambush, police in the Iraqi town of Ramadi said. Four high-ranking army offices among the dead.

Eighteen others were injured in the attack by militants about 400 kilometers (250 miles) west of Baghdad, police said.

Police officials said the soldiers, who were conducting an operation to clear several areas of militants, were killed when they entered a house rigged with explosives that were remotely detonated.

Among those killed was Gen. Mohammed al-Kerawi, the commander of the 7th Iraqi army brigade in Al-Anbar province, they said.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki condemned the attack in a statement. He also sent condolences to the families of the servicemen killed.

The latest attack is just the latest in a wave of violence across the country.

On Friday, two roadside bombs exploded at an outdoor market in northern Iraq, police in Tikrit said.

A day earlier, a string of suicide bombings killed at least 31 Shiite pilgrims south of Baghdad. The attacks came as thousands of pilgrims walked toward Karbala for al-Arbaeen, a 40-day period marking the death of Imam Hussein.http://www.punchng.com/news/15-iraqi-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-police/

Jimucheson: i'm Data man hope say this my Phantom go fit play am oooo but mk e no come be like FIFA 14 slow motion oooo
whatsapp 08184763640

Jimucheson: i'm Data man hope say this my Phantom go fit play am oooo but mk e no come be like FIFA 14 slow motion oooo
whatsapp 08184763640

Jimucheson: i'm Data man hope say this my Phantom go fit play am oooo but mk e no come be like FIFA 14 slow motion oooo
whatsapp 08184763640

my Oga,chairman pls show me d way.am a student pls.aw much will u collect.Oludoyi.Joshua @ gmail. com

baba show me d way pls.am a student pls.aw much will u collect.Oludoyi.Joshua@gmail. com

The coach has returned from his trip to Brazil and is expected to lead out the lads in camp for the African Nations Championship

Coach Stephen Keshi is expected to return to the Super Eagles B squad that’s preparing for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) today after a hectic World Cup Draws schedule that was rounded off with a search for the team’s permanent camp in Brazil last week.

Assistant coach Daniel Amokachi said Keshi will join the rest of the squad on Thursday to continue with the training schedule that has been on for the past three days, noting that all invited players have acquitted themselves well.

Speaking at the weekly media parley, Amokachi said all players including the three Golden Eaglets stars invited have shown tremendous determination to be part of the final 23 man squad for South Africa 2014 tournament.

“All the players including the young Eaglets have been tremendous at training sessions and I personally will not be surprised if they make the final squad for the CHAN tournament, but we will have to wait for our boss to have a look at them and make a final decision”.

He commended the spirit of the players in camp, declaring that even the older players in the team have refused to let go. Though, he said the team has had to start building an entirely new team because many of those that originally started the home based team in the last months have moved overseas.

“About 80 per cent of the players we started with if not more have gone, but this new set are giving us hope that Nigeria is always blessed with talented footballers.”

On his part goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, said he has been vhttp://static.goal.com/299900/299951_heroa.jpgery impressed with the two new goalkeepers, Isah Danladi of Sharks FC and U17 keeper Dele Alampasu.

“They have been wonderful along with Dan Akpeyi and Chigozie Agbim. They can even challenge for World Cup places, but it might be too early in the day, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for now,” he said.

The team began preparation for its debut appearance at the CHAN on Tuesday in Abuja. http://static.goal.com/299900/299951_heroa.jpg

he wan pupu 4 d 3rd pics

Manchester United have been offering midfielder Anderson to all-comers in recent weeks and it seems that the Brazilian is equally as desperate for a January transfer away from Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old made a beeline for Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas after United's 2-2 November draw in north London to ask about a potential transfer to White Hart Lane.



While Villas-Boas had identified Anderson as a leading target in the summer of 2012, the Londoners have no desire to add the former Porto man to a midfield that boasts Paulinho, Sandro, Mousa Dembele and Etienne Capoue.

But it is a sign of just how much Anderson has failed to live up to expectations since his arrival from Porto for around €24 million in 2007.

United are likely to take a huge hit on the money they paid for the Brazilian, who club sources say is unfit and fails to follow tactical instructions.

He has made just four Premier League appearances so far this season, two as a substitute, but still hopes he can feature in next summer's World Cup in his home country.

Porto have expressed an interest in taking back Anderson while new Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen may be tempted to reunite with his former colleague.

Anderson's €95,000-a-week wages mean that United may have to settle for an initial loan deal to get the player off their books, with a move to Turkish club Galatasaray also a possibility.

- Greg Stobart

CLEVERLEY COULD FACE SUMMER EXIT AT OLD TRAFFORD

Tom Cleverley could be a surprise name in next summer's clear-out at Manchester United.

The 24-year-old, who was substituted off after 69 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, has made 14 appearances under David Moyes this season but has failed to convince with his displays in central midfield.

The Sweeper understands that United's hierarchy fear that Cleverley will fall further down the pecking order, having not made the progress many were expecting since his return from an impressive season-long loan spell with Wigan in 2011.

Moyes has struggled to find a balance in his central midfield this term and Cleverley's impact on the team has been questioned as he has scored only two goals and assisted two others in the Premier League since the start of last season.

50bn?so 9ja get money?

The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, says the country loses an estimated N50bn worth of properties annually to fire disasters.

He said this on Thursday at the 5th National Council on Fire held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to Moro, the country may suffer more losses considering the unfolding climate change.

“As I am speaking to you now, we are losing an average of N50bn Naira worth of properties annually and so many lives are lost every year.

“Fire disaster is not regular occurrence.

People hardly take proper notice of what happens but when fire disasters occur, especially against the impending climate change, it would cost this nation very seriously in losses to its commonwealth.

Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event , the minister said the ministry had presented the National Fire Service Code to the Federal Executive Council.

This, according to him, is important to President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

He said that the next move was to get the code through to the local and state governments by presenting the Fire Safety Code to the National Economic Council.

Moro said that by so doing, it is hoped that everybody will embrace the imperatives of the code.

The minister said that the conference was aimed at creating a network among major stakeholders of the fire service.

He said doing so would create a necessary synergy required for the implementation of common national code for the fire service.

As the spectre of the World Cup looms large and as the pressure mounts on the incumbent national coaches, answers will need to be sought for these issues.

If Africa’s five can’t navigate these concerns, then they might be in for a tough time against the world’s finest.NIGERIA: MAKING UP THE SECOND STRING




The last, successful 18 months have been built upon Stephen Keshi’s focus on team spirit, togetherness and youthful exuberance. The big egos and the disruptive influences were axed as the Big Boss built a side based on performance rather than reputation.

Both youth and home-grown talents have served him well during Nigeria’s finest moments of 2013. The inexperienced defensive partnership of Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo excelled during the Cup of Nations, while it was Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves who scored the winning goal in both the final and the quarter-final.

Since the unforgettable AFCON triumph, Keshi has kept faith with his collective and has, largely, resisted the temptation to turn to more high-profile, experienced players.

However, can this policy continue all the way to next summer?

While there may be nothing wrong in calling on Solomon Kwambe, Francis Benjamin and Azubuike Egwuekwe in a friendly match against Italy, or to draft in James Okwuosa for the odd appearance, in the heat of a World Cup could these men truly match up?

Say, hypothetically, injury rules Elderson Echiejile out of our World Cup quarter-final…would you want Taye Taiwo or Juwon Oshaniwa primed to take his place?

Keshi may well be forced to make a big decision between philosophy and pragmatism over the next six months.COTE D'IVOIRE: TRUSTING IN YOUTH




The 2014 World Cup in Brazil represents the Golden Generation’s last chance to leave a lasting legacy on the international stage. However, is it time for Sabri Lamouchi to begin to usher in the new faces?

Serge Aurier has all but taken over from Emmanuel Eboue as the side’s first choice right-back. The former Arsenal man hasn’t been called up to a squad since the Cup of Nations, while Toulouse full-back Aurier has started five of the side’s last six games.

Perhaps the transition is already underway.

However, while veterans like Siaka Tiene, Igor Lolo and even Didier Ya Konan have been used sparingly in recent months, the emerging stars haven’t seen as much playing time as they would like. Despite finding the net nine times in his first eleven league games, and twice in two Champions League games, CSKA Moscow’s Seydou Doumbia still remains on the peripheries. He has been called up only three times this year.

Elsewhere, Wilfried Bony and Lacina Traore are regular squad members, but both have struggled to force their way into the starting line-up on a regular basis. The same applies for Abdul Razak, who was missing for the double-header against Senegal.

The Golden Generation have squandered numerous chances to leave their mark on an international tournament. With a whole host of fresher faces champing at the bit, Lamouchi will have to decide whether to give Drogba, Zokora, Kolo Toure et al. one last shot at immortality, or whether to prompt a revolution.CAMEROON: SEEKING CREATIVITY




The Indomitable Lions boast arguably the best defensive unit in African football.

Nicolas Nkoulou and Aurelien Chedjou are two sterling defenders who have honed their craft in the French top division. Ahead of them, Stephane Mbia is an imposing unit who will provide endless running for the duration of a contest, Alex Song brings a touch of class, while Jean Makoun offers experience and composure.

A supporting cast including the likes of Joel Matip, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Allan Nyom, Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik and Dany Nounkeu will ensure that Cameroon are very hard to break down and ultimately, very tough to beat.

However, it is at the other end of the pitch that problems exist.

In the seven games before the second leg defeat of Tunisia, the Indomitable Lions only scored three goals. They struggled to create much of note in the first play-off against the North Africans and appeared listless and without direction.

Certainly, in Samuel Eto’o, the Indomitable Lions possess one of the greatest forwards in African history. However, the Chelsea man is not the force he once was and will struggle to both create and finish chances.

If Cameroon are to have a successful tournament, Volker Finke will need to develop his side’s offensive approach to complement their defensive solidity.

Perhaps QPR’s Assou-Ekotto can provide much-needed width down the left-hand side, perhaps Eto’o will be afforded a deeper role from which to influence proceedings and set-up chances for the likes of Pierre Webo, perhaps Benjamin Moukandjo can repeat his sublime performance against Tunisia.

However he does it, Finke will be desperate to make his team’s attack more menacing than wet tissue paper.ALGERIA: A PLATFORM FOR FEGHOULI




Unlike Cameroon, Algeria do possess an outstanding creative talent who could unlock opposition defences for them next summer.

Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli has the potential to be one of Africa’s finest playmakers and a key man for the national side. Unfortunately, despite being Algeria’s outstanding individual talent, he has too often struggled to provide a cutting edge or to truly impose himself on contests.

He remains an enigma and was largely impotent at the Cup of Nations, only sparking to life in the dead rubber against Cote d’Ivoire.

With Rafik Djebbour, so prolific at club level in the Greek top flight, out of sorts with the international side, it is imperative that Vahid Halilhodzic makes the most of Feghouli’s impressive abilities.

He can begin by providing a solid platform upon which the attacking midfielder can perform. In Saphir Taider, Adlene Guedioura and Medhi Lacen he possesses a trio of combative players who, in principle, could dominate the middle of the park and deliver the ball to Feghouli.

These three can run all day long and will strive endlessly for the common good, all they need is for Feghouli to reward their endeavour with his Midas touch.GHANA: CONSTRUCTING THE MIDFIELD




The Black Stars boast an embarrassment of options in the middle of the park. The squad is dripping with so much talent that Kwesi Appiah could, quite feasibly, field two international-quality midfields.

Behind an individual frontman, Appiah could opt for a midfield of, from left to right, Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Sulley Muntari and Andre Ayew. Alternatively, he could choose Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Mubarak Wakaso, Anthony Annan and Solomon Asante, and still guard a realistic hope of making the last 16.

This is without even considering the likes of Emmanuel Frimpong, Derek Boateng, Albert Adomah or Mohammed Rabiu—all of whom will harbour hopes of making the Black Stars squad.

The problem facing Appiah—and it is a good problem—will be, primarily, who to choose to take to Brazil. Beyond that he will need to decide how to meld his multitude of midfield options into a single cohesive unit.

If he can do this, then anything is possible… 3-6-1 anybody?http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4082/editorial/2013/12/02/4445977/world-cup-2014-issues-facing-africas-representatives?ICID=HP_FT_3

Pan-Northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, has warned the Presidency against any move to induce some prominent leaders in the region to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.

The forum said this in Kaduna on Friday, through its Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.

It alleged that some people, purportedly working for the Presidency, had gone round the region with a long list of prominent Northern leaders that would be heavily induced to work for the re-election ambition of Jonathan in the 2015 presidential poll.

The Niger State Governor and Chairman, Northern States Governor’s Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, had raised the alarm that the Presidency had penciled down 400 prominent northerners that would be induced to secure their support for the President in his 2015 re-election bid.

Mohammed, in a statement, however, noted that the purported long list, which the organization had sighted, actually contained the names of respected leaders from the North.

He added that those advising the President to bribe some prominent northern leaders in exchange for their support were merely distracting Nigerians with Jonathan’s re-election bid as different from his performance in office .

He therefore called upon such persons to leave northern leaders out of the 2015 power play.http://www.punchng.com/news/leave-us-out-of-jonathans-re-election-bid-acf/

abeg teewhybabee,we fit meet? I dey dept of physics

aw com all dis physics 100L students yellow like pawpaw.

he Sokoto State Government said on Sunday that it would give out in a mass wedding, 250 widows and widowers across the state to give them a new lease of life.

Alhaji Zubairu Goronyo, the state Commissioner for Social Development, who announced this at the screening of the beneficiaries in Sokoto, said that the venture would gulp N30 million.

According to him, a date will soon be fixed for the exercise.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, who witnessed the screening that was done to establish the health status of the beneficiaries, reported that it was handled by various committees.

Alhaji Zubairu said that beds, mattresses, sets of chairs, curtains and two sets of female wrappers would be given to each of the 125 brides.

He said that similarly, the grooms would be given two sets of guinea brocade, N20,000 each as dowry to formalise the marriage agreement, and another N20,000 each to boost their businesses.

The commissioner said that the state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, would serve as guardians to the brides and grooms at the ceremony.

“The exercise is going to be on a quarterly basis, so as to enable more potential brides and grooms to benefit,” he said.

Toronto striker Bright Dike has vowed to fight for a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, according to BBC Sport.

United States-based Dike, who has recently returned from a long-term injury, scored his second goal in as many starts for the Super Eagles in Monday’s 2-2 friendly draw against Italy in London.

His first international goal against Catalonia in January was not enough to earn him a place in the 2013 African Cup of Nations squad.

With his cousin Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye and Shola Ameobi ahead of him in the pecking order, Dike is still hoping he can force his way on to the Nigeria plane for Brazil.

“I’ll keep working hard because there’s big competition for places in the squad,” Dike told BBC Sport on Friday.

“The team is doing well and I’ve always been confident that my time will come.

“I’ve been extremely patient and working hard and I feel honoured to get another chance.

“The goal (against Italy) is just testament to how hard I’ve been working and I’ll work even harder to make sure I go to Brazil with them.”

Competing against established European-based players, Dike who plays for Major League Soccer side Toronto has his work cut out. .

“I’m not only competing with my cousin (Emenike). There are other talented strikers and you can’t give up but keep fighting,” he said.

“I can’t personally change the MLS schedule to suit myself, so all I can do is work hard like others and make a good impression.

“You have to compete at all levels and no matter if you are the last man or the first.

“Everybody is going to have to become better just so they play well in the World Cup, because the the job is not done yet, it’s just the beginning.”

Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has won the French Ligue 1 player of the month award for October, besting Paris Saint Germain stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to clinch the periodic accolade for outstanding performance in the premier division.

The 31-year-old, who joined the French outfit from Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2011, was promoted to first choice goalkeeper this season and has been fantastic in goal since the beginning of the campaign, keeping a clean sheet across 675 minutes already.

Enyeama raked 71% of the votes far ahead of Ibrahimovic, who scored 19% and Cavani, 10%. He will receive his trophy on Sunday before his side’s clash with Toulouse in match day 14.

The former Enyimba guardian also figures on the Confederation of African Football's (Caf’s) list of nominees for the 2013 African Footballer of the Year award.

Lionel Messi was all smiles. Yet another award in his hands, the Argentine attacker looked positive and upbeat as he accepted his latest honour: the European Golden Shoe.

This most recent prize, however, came shrouded in symbolism: not only does it represent his supreme scoring prowess (the award is for most league goals - 46 - in a single season across Europe in 2012-13), but it also serves as a reminder that, despite his brilliance, Messi is a mere mortal whose body was pushed to the limits in pursuit of such accolades and records.

The Barca forward's sensational scoring at the end of 2012 saw the Argentine set a new record for goals in a calendar year (91), while he also managed to net in an incredible 19 rounds in a row in La Liga (21 if you don't count the matches he subsequently missed through injury).

Barca claimed the Primera Division in style by equalling Real Madrid's record points haul of 100 from the previous campaign, yet the Catalans had the title sewn up early on following a scintillating start. They then lost out to Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and were humbled by Bayern Munich (7-0 on aggregate) in the last four of the Champions League. When it mattered most, Messi was either out of sorts or missing altogether.
MESSI TO MISS NEXT EIGHT GAMES

Granada (h) Nov 23 Liga
Ajax (a) Nov 26 CL
Athletic (a) Dec 1 Liga
Cartagena (a) Dec 6 Copa
Celtic (h) Dec 11 CL
Villarreal (h) Dec 14 Liga
Cartagena (h) Dec 17 Copa
Getafe (a) Dec 22 Liga

The Argentine always admits he is not driven by individual honours. "The Golden Shoe is a special prize," he said on Wednesday. "But it wasn't my priority when I was in good shape and it is even less so now."

Leo was claiming the award for the third time, but with just eight goals in La Liga this term and a spell on the sidelines to come until January, he is unlikely to regain the award next year.

No matter. The lessons appear to have been learned because Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino (who celebrated his 51st birthday on Wednesday as he watched Messi pick up the Golden Shoe) has rested his prize player at times this season - in an albeit unsuccessful bid to avoid a recurrence of his muscle problems.

Had previous coach Tito Vilanova and interim boss Jordi Roura done the same, Messi may not have been injured in the first place, but the Argentine was asked to play twice in a matter of days for the Catalan club after competing at altitude in Bolivia and broke down against Paris Saint-Germain in early April.

Eight months on, Messi is out with his fourth muscle injury of 2013. Rushed back into action too hastily last season and again this time around following injuries picked up against Atletico Madrid and Almeria, the Argentine has now been given eight weeks by Barca to return in tip-top condition next year.

"My aim is to return and to return in good shape," Messi explained on Wednesday. "I will come back when the time is right and when I do, I hope it is free from injuries."

Awards such as the Golden Shoe are great, but the team takes priority - as Messi always says. So health comes first for Leo now. Player and club must manage his fitness with care and caution to ensure he is around when it matters most - at the business end of the season. And if he can stay in shape, the records and prizes will keep coming anyway. It's a win-win situation.

With the completion of the European and African play-offs, as well as the intercontinental tie between New Zealand and Mexico, only one more place at the 2014 World Cup is up for grabs ahead of this week's final intercontinental play-off involving Uruguay and Jordan.

Tuesday's games saw Portugal book their ticket for next summer's tournament at the expense of Sweden as Cristiano Ronaldo netted four goals over two matches to help his side to a 4-2 aggregate win.

France, meanwhile, completed an impressive comeback at the Stade de France as they beat Ukraine 3-0 to overturn their 2-0 surprise loss from last Friday.

Elsewhere, Croatia eliminated Iceland as they recorded a 2-0 home win after a scoreless draw in the first leg last week. The final European ticket went to Greece, who sealed qualification with a 1-1 draw versus Romania after a 3-1 first-leg victory.

In Africa, Nigeria became the first team to make it to next year's finals as they beat Ethiopia 2-0 at the weekend to make it 4-1 on aggregate. Cote d'Ivoire also booked their ticket on Saturday as they held Senegal to a 1-1 draw following their first-leg win.

On Sunday, Cameroon qualified with a 4-1 home win over Tunisia, while Ghana eliminated Egypt 7-3 on aggregate despite their 2-1 defeat on Tuesday. Finally, Algeria sealed their World Cup berth following a 1-0 home-win over Burkina Faso that saw them qualify on away goals.

Wednesday's intercontinental play-off between Mexico and New Zealand then saw the former become the penultimate team to reach next summer's tournament. A 4-2 away-win more than proved enough after a heavy 5-1 victory in the first leg.

The field for the 2014 World Cup will be completed later on Wednesday when Uruguay defend a 5-0 lead at home against Jordan.
NATIONS QUALIFIED FOR 2014 WORLD CUP
TEAM CONFEDERATION LAST APPEARANCE BEST PERFORMANCE
Brazil Conmebol 2010 Winners
Argentina Conmebol 2010 Winners
Colombia Conmebol 1998 Round of 16
Chile Conmebol 2010 Third place
Ecuador Conmebol 2006 Round of 16
Netherlands Uefa 2010 Runners-up
Italy Uefa 2010 Winners
Belgium Uefa 2002 Fourth place
Germany Uefa 2010 Winners
Switzerland Uefa 2010 Quarter-finals
Russia Uefa 2002 Fourth place
Bosnia-Herzegovina Uefa - -
Spain Uefa 2010 Winners
England Uefa 2010 Winners
France Uefa 2010 Winners
Croatia Uefa 2006 Third place
Greece Uefa 2010 Group stage
Portugal Uefa 2010 Third place
Japan AFC 2010 Round of 16
Australia AFC 2010 Round of 16
Iran AFC 2006 Group stage
South Korea AFC 2010 Fourth place
Costa Rica Concacaf 2006 Round of 16
USA Concacaf 2010 Third place
Honduras Concacaf 2010 Group stage
Mexico Concacaf 2010 Quarter-finals
Nigeria Caf 2010 Round of 16
Ghana Caf 2010 Quarter-finals
Algeria Caf 2010 Group stage
Cameroon Caf 2010 Quarter-finals
Cote d'Ivoire Caf 2010 Group stage

Joining a list of other experimental under-the-sea hotel rooms in Florida, Sweden and the Maldives, the underwater room at Manta Resort on remote Pemba Island in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago immerses guests 4m below the surface. The room sits on the bottom of a three-level floating structure, located 250m from shore in the Indian Ocean.Above and below each of the room’s eight windows, spotlights illuminate the sea life that swims by. Frequent visitors include a trumpet fish known as Nick, as well as squid and octopus at night. Above the underwater space, guests can climb a ladder to the water level, which contains a bathroom and lounge, or ascend to the rooftop to soak up the sun or lay beneath the stars.

The floating structure was designed by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg, who also constructed the structurally similar Utter Inn in Sweden’s Lake Malaren. For this project, he sought a more remote location with clearer waters, and found it off Pemba’s coast in the form of “the blue hole”, a circular clearing within the coral reef, measuring about 50m in diameter. The open space made it the ideal location to anchor the new underwater structure.

The room officially opened for guests on 1 November. Since Manta Resort has only one underwater space within the now 17-room resort, single nights in the room can be added to an existing stay for $1,500 per night.SOURCE-BBC.CO.UK

recommend physics,che,mathhs textbook for me dat i can use from 100 to 400l.pls

guys pls recommend best physic,maths,chemistry textbook for me.dat i can use from 100l to 400l.dept of physics

The Nigeria number one has expressed joy at the opportunity of making a third appearance at the Mundial in Brazil next year.Nigeria goalkeeper and stand-in captain Vincent Enyeama has expressed joy at his third attempt to play in the FIFA World Cup finals after Nigeria sealed a spot to Brazil 2014 World Cup after a 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia.

Nigeria won the initial leg 2-1 in Addis Ababa courtesy of a brace from Emmanuel Emenike but they were made to work harder in Calabar during the second leg before recording a 2-0 win at the U.J Esuene Stadium.

With the World Cup ticket in the bag, Enyeama has disclosed that the victory over Ethiopia and their eventual spot in Brazil was special than the previous two he had attended because the Eagles would be going as African Champions.

The Lille man, however, added that there is still a lot of work to be done on the team before the Eagles can actually be strong contender at the next year's World Cup.

"We are happy that we have booked a place at next year's World Cup. It is amazing that we shall be in the party to Brazil,” Enyeama told reporters.

“I have been to two World Cup finals in 2002 when I was picked miraculously and also at the 2010 edition in South Africa. This one is special because we are going to Brazil as African champions," he said.

Nigeria will know their group opponents when Fifa conducts the tournament draws on December 6.

latraj: pls am also physics student fresher nid ur help add me raji161@2go 08167486608 watsapp

it seems i av heard ur name b4.sorry u are raji wot.it seems we av met b4 at d dept

i jst heard 4rm som1 naw dat d tablets are ready for distribution,but was delayed due to customizing of d tablets for each students,but na HUAWEI TABLET . ;Dcos i am lookin money pls contact me .and cos am a mathematition .unilorin don make money ooooo,na ipad dem write 4 website.

A recent opinion piece in Variety, one of America’s top entertainment industry publications, proclaims “Hollywood is in the midst of a “leading man crisis.” A couple of days later, US morning TV news programme Good Morning America reported on the subject, posing the question: “Where are all the young bankable stars?”

There does appear to be a certain degree of angst in Hollywood over a relative dearth of young male leads who can consistently bring in a big audience.

Yes, you have several actors with a potent following like Daniel Radcliffe, Robert Pattinson and Ryan Gosling. But no longer are there the young stars of a few years ago – like Tom Cruise – who could always be relied upon to open a movie. In other words, however bad the picture, the film’s leading man would always guarantee big box office takings on the opening weekend because hordes of followers would jam into cinemas just to see him.

“I don’t know a young man who can open a movie – I wish I could name one – I don’t see any on the horizon frankly,” says David D’Arcy who reviews films for Screen International.

Of course there are still great A-list stars in the US – actors like Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr, Will Smith, Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio – but they aren’t exactly youngsters.

The lack of bankable male stars under the age of 40 is being acknowledged throughout the industry – as is the reduced currency of stars in general. “Movie stars are no longer really driving cinema,” says top Hollywood producer and director Brett Ratner, “even though I grew up loving movie stars and going to a movie because I wanted to see Tom Cruise’s opening weekend. I think it’s changed a lot because now it’s about the intellectual property and the idea.”

From the outside it looks like the studios are trying to fix the problem by constantly bringing in new talent in the hope a star will emerge. Everyone thought Channing Tatum might be Hollywood’s saviour but then he failed to bring the blockbuster season movie White House Down to box office glory. His star was somewhat diminished – but many think he still has excellent potential.

Not everybody has visions of a looming disaster. Toby Miller, author of Global Hollywood 2, sees all the talk of Hollywood being crippled by a lack of young male stars as a story concocted by journalists. “I don’t think this is based in anything at all. It’s just really one more story that hacks are looking to tell,” says Miller.

But Miller does concede there is a significant shift taking place in the currency of male star power in Hollywood. “The industrial stardom that generated a long line of people – Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise – from the 1960s through to the 1980s, doesn’t quite seem to exist anymore,” he says. “We have less faith in bankable stars opening movies who are young, that’s certainly true. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole array of young men who are given chances in good roles.”

Concept is king

Young male stars have fewer opportunities in which to shine because the kinds of movies Hollywood is focusing on – mainly action-adventures that sell in the increasingly important global market – don’t rely on a single charismatic individual to bring in fans at the box office.

“The action-adventure model has moved from a very individual one to a more ensemble cast: Iron Man, even Spider-man, sees an array of important characters playing their part in the film rather than there being just one single individual who as a vigilante is the person on whose shoulders rests the responsibility of saving the nation or the Earth,” says Miller.

Another explanation is that many of them may be put off by intense media and fan scrutiny. This came to light with the recent decision to cast British actor Charlie Hunnam in the erotic thriller Fifty Shades of Grey. Hunnam pulled out and there was much speculation that part of the reason was because of the intense media coverage and barrage of very negative mail from disgruntled Fifty Shades of Grey fans who didn’t approve of him being cast.

“I would say that the level of fan criticism has become so intense lately that it is really sort of driving actors’ careers,” says Wheeler Winston Dixon, Professor of Film Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The reality could also be that the studios are just backing the wrong kind of male actors – focussing perhaps too much on looks.

Where the boys are

And perhaps studios just aren’t thinking globally. The majority of Hollywood’s box office now comes from outside the US and international audiences may want young leading men who are a bit different from the commonly sought after all-American hunk with lots of white teeth and perfect abdominals.

British actor James Floyd, who has received accolades for his portrayal of a British Arab in the Sundance winner My Brother the Devil, thinks Hollywood has got it wrong when it comes to casting young leads. “The old stereotype of the all-American Caucasian male selling the most is no longer true,” he says. “Being of mixed ethnicity, non-Caucasian and speaking more than just English are nothing but an advantage – and Hollywood still struggles to embrace this.”

There is also agreement that the machinery that used to groom young star talent no longer exists. Nowadays top studio executives come and go so quickly that they don’t have the opportunity to invest in an actor over the long haul as their counterparts once did.

Wheeler Winston Dixon believes young male actors have to think strategically. “Younger stars need to find projects which are not franchise projects, which allow them to shine through in a really signature role in the way that, say, Robert De Niro did or even Robert Downey Jr,” he says.

Amid this the talk of a crisis, the film industry does not, at first sight, appear to be hurting. Franchises based on preexisting material and high-concept premises, both now in abundance, may be more critical for sustaining healthy box office returns. But the presence of popular leading men is considered vital if Hollywood is to retain and develop the younger audience demographic that has become its mainstay. There is, however, also the opposing view that stars may be overrated when it comes to their importance in boosting box office. “The research shows that the impact of stars on the success of Hollywood motion pictures has always been exaggerated by publicists, agents, and studio heads,” says Toby Miller.

“If you do careful analysis of the different factors in addition to the identity of stars, the identity of directors, the nature of the genre, the operation of the studio, are all factors that are extremely important in the success of movies. So-called bankable A-list stars have plenty of failures that sink beneath the waves. They’re just not written about much.”

Whatever the importance of young stars to Hollywood’s overall fortunes, the current doom-laden conversations could quickly shift. “Things can change overnight,” says critic David D’Arcy. “In a few months we’re going to have films in Sundance with lots of young talent. I think in six months we’ll be talking about some actor who everyone wants to cast.”

But with all the big structural changes roiling the film industry right now – from shifting demographics at the box office, to the growing importance of the foreign market and emerging forms of distribution – Hollywood needs more than just a few young, charismatic leading men to solve its problems. Even the most dynamic young male star will not be able to sell big-budget formulaic duds of which there have been quite a few in recent times. What the film industry could really benefit from is more creative risk-taking, so it is better able to engage its international audience over the long term on a higher and more satisfying level.

That could give tomorrow’s leading men commercially successful, big-screen stories in which they could truly shine.

On Saturday, Nigeria face a crucially important encounter – the second leg of their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying play-off with Ethiopia – that could see them reach the promised land of Brazil 2014.

After watching their heroes secure a vital 2-1 away triumph in Addis Ababa, fans of the Super Eagles would be forgiven for viewing the upcoming 90 minutes as a formality. But that would be a grave error, according to Stephen Keshi.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Nigeria coach stated his belief that nothing is guaranteed in football, and that the second leg could well be a closely contested affair.

All to play for
The five first legs of the African Zone play-offs produced three wins and two draws. Among the teams who emerged victorious, only Ghana, who defeated Egypt 6-1, are practically certain to be on the plane to Brazil next year.

Victorious away from home and set to benefit from an undoubtedly raucous home support, Nigeria are well-placed to join them. Their experienced tactician is quick to dispel this notion, however.

“Nothing’s decided yet," he said. "We’ve not qualified, and I’m not even thinking about it at this point. We got a good result in the first leg, but we must be wary of overconfidence. It’s a critical match, and the players will need to be totally focused. We’ll celebrate once we’ve booked our spot, of course – that’s something we’re all hoping for."

Earlier in the year, Keshi became only the second man (after Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary) to lift the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and coach. His success on the field had come in 1994, when he claimed the continental trophy as part of Nigeria’s ‘golden generation’.
It’s not a personal thing; it’s for our country. Our goal is to return to the World Cup stage and give our supporters something to cheer about.
Stephen Keshi


In South Africa in February, he steered his compatriots to a third African crown, earning a berth at this summer’s FIFA Confederations Cup in the process. When asked what these accomplishments mean to him, he smiles in a satisfied manner, stressing that a potential qualification for FIFA’s flagship event would be dedicated to the people of Nigeria.

“It’s not a personal thing; it’s for our country. Our goal is to return to the World Cup stage and give our supporters something to cheer about. I don’t think about myself during times like these, just the work I’ve done.”

Keshi is keen to emphasise that the home fans will be a key factor in overcoming their Ethiopian opponents in Calabar. In the event of a positive outcome, the celebrations are likely to surpass those that followed the aforementioned Cup of Nations success earlier in the year.

Fully focused
Keshi was unable to call up all of his players for warm-up matches ahead of the play-off, and so recently took to the pitch against Jordan without several regular starters. The friendly encounter ended in a 1-0 defeat, but he was content with his charges’ display nonetheless.

“The match gave us a chance to try out a few new things. We were physically strong, and we need to keep that up. When our other players join up with us, we’ll turn our focus to the qualifying game. I’m relying on their mental strength to help them carry out what we ask of them and achieve the target we’ve set ourselves.”

Keshi has mixed together an exciting blend of Nigeria-based players and star performers plying their trade abroad. It has proved to be a winning combination, as the Cup of Nations win was followed by the capture of first place in a World Cup qualifying section composed of Malawi, Kenya and Namibia.

The Super Eagles may have finished top of Group F, but they did not have it all their own way, drawing three of their six matches.

“African football has changed – there just aren’t any ‘little’ teams anymore. The gap has closed and it’s now very difficult to predict the outcome of matches. The group phase was definitely not a walk in the park, but we achieved our goal,” said the Azare-born coach.

Those words would certainly apply to the Ethiopians, who finished ahead of South Africa, Botswana and the Central African Republic, backing up Keshi’s belief that the tie still hangs in the balance.

The former Strasbourg centre-back has learned that football is a sport in which a second chance will eventually manifest itself to those that work hard enough. Despite having guided Togo to the 2006 World Cup, he was unfortunate to miss out on the opportunity to lead them at the actual tournament.

And now, just a few months after holding aloft the Africa Cup of Nations, he is on the verge of becoming just the second-ever Nigerian (after Adegboye Onigbinde) to oversee his national team at a World Cup

“Let's qualify first. That would be a dream for me,” concluded Keshi. And while he is right to put the interests of his country and its people first, there is a strong chance that, should his team overcome Ethiopia on Saturday, his own efforts will also be celebrated.

day man funny,i mean alafara.did u c wot he wrote on the board :group a and b compressed.abeg aw ar we goin 2 seat down 2moro .na 6 o'clock tins 2moro.i rep dept of physics.

The US State Department has designated Nigeria's Boko Haram and a splinter group named Ansaru as "foreign terrorist organisations".

The US on Wednesday said Boko Haram had links to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and was responsible for "thousands of deaths in northeast and central Nigeria over the last several years, including targeted killings of civilians".

It added that Ansaru had earlier in 2013 kidnapped and executed seven international construction workers.

"These designations are an important and appropriate step, but only one tool in what must be a comprehensive approach by the Nigerian government to counter these groups through a combination of law enforcement, political, and development efforts," the statement said.

Boko Haram, which translates as "Western education is sinful", stepped up its attacks against civilians and government installations this year, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa last May.

The group has since 2009 been fighting to create an Islamic state in the country's mainly Muslim north.

The statement urged Nigeria to continue protecting civilians and to ensure human rights are respected, an apparent reference to accusations by rights groups that government efforts to rein in the group have led to violations of human rights.

Deadly attacks

Among its most lethal attacks, Boko Haram carried out indiscriminate attacks in Nigeria’s Benisheikh in September 2013, killing more than 160 innocent civilians, including women and children, the State Department said.

Boko Haram has also conducted attacks against international targets, the department said, including a suicide bombing that killed 21 people at the UN building in Abuja on August 26, 2011. Many of those who died were aid workers supporting development projects across Nigeria, the statement added.

It said Ansaru's attacks had focused on Nigerian military and Western targets, citing the November 2012 raid on a police station in Abuja that killed Nigerian police officers and freed detained "terrorists" from prison.

Citing Congressional sources, the Reuters news agency said Wednesday’s move was significant as it directs US law enforcement and regulatory agencies to block business and financial transactions with Boko Haram.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee, which a source said has been notified of the decision, has scheduled a hearing on the group for Wednesday, Reuters reported.

"The likelihood of more hearings on this issue may have been a final straw in encouraging the State Department to acknowledge something which has been apparent for some time - the growing relationship between Boko Haram and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula," said Patrick Meehan, a Pennsylvania Republican who convened his own hearing on the issue.

we get alafara 2moro.anoda note b dis