₦airaland Forum

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Merry Christmas Y'all

see as this place dry.

Everybody go village? no service? I can imagine thesupernerd climbing tree to get service

Merry Christmas to my NL football family

Merry Christmas to u all.

So many stars opting out of AFCON.

tbaba1234:
So many stars opting out of AFCON.

who again?

AFCON without Nigeria is a joke!

it's time CAF steps in and put this to a halt. Either by calling out to FIFA to caution these foreign clubs or by changing d tournament from winter to summer just like d EUROS.

tbaba1234:
So many stars opting out of AFCON.

Ghana should seize the opportunity to win it , if they can .

Merry Christmas my lovely people ....wish you all more football success stories in the coming year .

lexyman:
Ghana should seize the opportunity to win it , if they can .

Merry Christmas my lovely people ....wish you all more football success stories in the coming year .

Senegal will win thus AFCON before Ghana sef. Their team isn't as young as it used to be.

I tip Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Egypt to go far this AFCON... one of them could win

lexyman:
Ghana should seize the opportunity to win it , if they can .

Merry Christmas my lovely people ....wish you all more football success stories in the coming year .

I still look at Ivory Coast as the best in this competition and i would like to see Zaha in Gabon. Other countries like Uganda and Zimbabwe should not be counted out as they could make a last 4 run. It is also time for Algeria to put up or shutup.

safarigirl:
Senegal will win thus AFCON before Ghana sef. Their team isn't as young as it used to be.

I tip Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Egypt to go far this AFCON... one of them could win

@ safarigirl u are right ....Senegal will most likely win the cup .... I am just wishing my noisy neighbor can take the advantage and break the jinx .

Kwadwo Asamoah has opted out.

tbaba1234:
Kwadwo Asamoah has opted out.

Will they bring Prince?

safarigirl:
Senegal will win thus AFCON before Ghana sef. Their team isn't as young as it used to be.

I tip Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Egypt to go far this AFCON... one of them could win

For some very odd reasons, I think the DR Congo will win it

tbaba1234:
Kwadwo Asamoah has opted out.

How could he do such? That is bad. I think it is time to address the CAF Cup of Nations timetable. Big blow for Ghana.

merry christmas to everyone in d house ,may the joy that the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ brings be with you all

safarigirl:
see as this place dry.

Everybody go village? no service? I can imagine thesupernerd climbing tree to get service

Merry Christmas to my NL football family

Was just struggling with Christmas bones all through the day.

MTNF Nigeria Serie A 2016/2017 Italy
Abdullahi Alfa quits Latvian club, eyes Italy move

https://mtnfootball.com/bp_images/2016/12/abdullahi_alfa_5.jpg
Abdullahi Alfa

Former Nigeria U20 midfielder Abdullahi Alfa has said he hopes to move to Italy after quitting Latvian club FK Ventspils.


“I hope to move to Italy as I plan to quit Ventspils,” he disclosed.


“Latvia is too cold for me.”
The 20-year-old Alfa joined the Latvian club in the summer as a free agent.


He made 19 appearances and scored a goal as Ventspils finished third in the outgoing year.

mtnfootball.com/news/673805/Abdullahi-Alfa-quits-Latvian-club-eyes-Italy-move

TheGoodJoe:

How could he do such? That is bad. I think it is time to address the CAF Cup of Nations timetable. Big blow for Ghana.

He is recovering from long term injury, i can't remember when last he played for Ghana. Thomas Pattey is good enough to replace him.

MTNF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Everton
Merry Christmas from Leicester City star Ahmed Musa

https://mtnfootball.com/bp_images/2016/12/Samm_25_Dec_5.jpg
Ahmed Musa of Leicester City caught in the Christmas spirit

Nigeria and Leicester City Ahmed Musa is all dressed up for Christmas day today.


The flying forward, whose mother is a Christian, will be expected to be in action for Premier League champions Leicester City in Boxing Day slug-out at home against Everton.


Last season, he was spending the holidays at his birth place of Jos when he was still featuring for Russian champions CSKA Moscow.


The holiday celebrations will be cut shot as Leicester and Ahmed Musa try to relaunch their season tomorrow against Everton.


The champions languish in 15th place on the table with 17 points from as many matches, just a mere three points clear of the drop zone.


‘The Foxes’ will hope the Xmas cheer will be with them tomorrow and beyond.

mtnfootball.com/news/673856/Merry-Christmas-from-Leicester-City-star-Ahmed-Musa

MTNF Nigeria Ligue 1 2016/2017 China PR
MIKEL OUT OF CHELSEA: Reps storm Italy, AC Milan join chase

Nigeria midfielder Mikel
Enjoying the holidays is the last thing on the mind of representatives of Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi as they have stormed Italian club Inter Milan to discuss a possible transfer for the Nigeria star.


This comes just as Inter’s main city rivals AC Milan are also understood to have joined the race to sign Mikel.


A top source exclusively informed: “Mikel’s representatives are in Milan now to discuss with Inter.”
“An agent is also proposing AC Milan, where he has some good connections,” added the source close to the player.


It is believed that Inter are now pushing to snap up the midfielder, whose contract at Chelsea runs out in June 2017 and it does not look likely it will be renewed as he has fallen out of favour after more than 10 years at Stamford Bridge.


French giants Olympique Marseille as well as several Chinese clubs are also in the chase for the Super Eagles skipper.

By Kola Daniel

mtnfootball.com/news/673861/MIKEL-OUT-OF-CHELSEA-Reps-storm-Italy-AC-Milan-join-chase

terzurum5:
MTNF Nigeria Premier League 2016/2017 Everton
Merry Christmas from Leicester City star Ahmed Musa

https://mtnfootball.com/bp_images/2016/12/Samm_25_Dec_5.jpg
Ahmed Musa of Leicester City caught in the Christmas spirit

Nigeria and Leicester City Ahmed Musa is all dressed up for Christmas day today.


The flying forward, whose mother is a Christian, will be expected to be in action for Premier League champions Leicester City in Boxing Day slug-out at home against Everton.


Last season, he was spending the holidays at his birth place of Jos when he was still featuring for Russian champions CSKA Moscow.


The holiday celebrations will be cut shot as Leicester and Ahmed Musa try to relaunch their season tomorrow against Everton.


The champions languish in 15th place on the table with 17 points from as many matches, just a mere three points clear of the drop zone.


‘The Foxes’ will hope the Xmas cheer will be with them tomorrow and beyond.

mtnfootball.com/news/673856/Merry-Christmas-from-Leicester-City-star-Ahmed-Musa

Vardy suspended, Mahrez and Slimani going to Afcon Ahmed Musa has a chance to cement himself into the starting 11.

nelszx:
For some very odd reasons, I think the DR Congo will win it

nah...not by a long shot

Junior Ajayi set for Cairo derby

[img]https://2.bp..com/-j0CINACfkkE/WF9PGOllGyI/AAAAAAAACdc/rtxWdQNLQQAvoDq6Itk6GjuasyNJQxqfQCLcB/s1600/Junior-Ajayi.jpg[/img]
Former Nigeria U-23 star, Junior Ajayi has recovered from an ankle injury in time for the biggest game in Egyptian football ‘The Cairo Derby’ slated for Thursday, December 29, 2016.


The 20-year-old former Shooting Stars Sports Cub (3SC) forward, who has scored four goals during eight games, has missed the last two games in the Egyptian Premier league due to the injury but has now recovered ahead of the clash with Zamalek.


Confirming Ajayi’s availability on Friday ahead of the game, Al ahly’s doctor said: “Ajayi suffered a knock in his ankle but he is now fit to return to training, and he is fit for the Cairo Derby.”


Title-holders and league-leaders Ahly will face rivals Zamalek in what would be Match-day 17 of the Egyptian Premier League with the team on 42 points, 11 ahead of Zamalek, who still have three games in hand.

www.soccernet.com.ng/2016/12/junior-ajayi-set-for-cairo-derby.html

Watford Loanee Uche Agbo Shining In Original Role After Disastrous Spell As Centre Back For Granada

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/image-102.jpg
On loan Watford midfielder Uche Agbo has grown in leap and bounds for Spanish La-Liga side Granada after reverting to his original role as a defensive midfielder.


Agbo started the season in a rather unfamiliar role as a central defender under coach Paco Jemez, but the Nigerian struggled as his endured a poor start to the season in Spain.


He was part of a back four which failed to keep a clean sheet in their first six games of the season, and only picked up two points before Jemez was fired and replaced by Lucas Alcaraz.


Coach Alcaraz returned the Nigerian back to his original role just in front of the defence, and since then he has gone from strength to strength.


Agbo was at his best against Valencia, Celta Vigo, Malaga in addition to his man of the match performance against Sevilla, a game they won 2-1 for their first win of the season after 16 games.


His performances as a defensive midfielder has however seen him pick up five bookings, which means he will miss their next league game when the league resumes after the Christmas break.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/24/watford-loanee-uche-agbo-shining-in-original-role-after-disastrous-spell-as-centre-back-for-granada/

Kelechi Iheanacho Drags Manchester Lawyers To Court Over Image Rights

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Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, is suing two lawyers from the Manchester area, over image rights.


The Super Eagles star claims he was lured into signing over rights to his name by Robert Zanicky of Drums and Raymond Hassay of Exeter.


Iheanacho met with Zanicky in 2013 when he was 16, after the lawyer approached him following the 2013 African U-17 Championships. The player’s father signed an agreement in July 2013 with Zanicky.


The contract, which was signed for $1,000, gave Zanicky, Hassay and their agency, First Eleven Management, image rights to Iheanacho.


When Iheanacho turned 18, Zanicky convinced him to sign another contract, that gave 100% of his image rights to RHRZ LLC and Team Kelechi LLC based in Pittson.


“The assignment governs all of Kelechi’s image rights, defined to include all legal and beneficial rights and goodwill stemming from Kelechi’s name, nickname, initials, autograph, caricature, reputation and endorsements,” the lawsuit states.


The agreement prohibited Iheanacho from signing with another agency for the use of his image or likeness. Images licensed saw First Eleven earn 20% of the gross revenue.


Iheanacho is now claiming that he was not aware Zanicky was suspended from the practice of law, when they first met, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of corruption of minors.


According to Times Leader records, Zanicky was charged in 2011 with corrupting the morals of two girls, who were 16 and 17 at the time.
*Culled From The Times

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/25/kelechi-iheanacho-drags-manchester-lawyers-to-court-over-image-rights/

Arsenal Legend Explains Why Wenger Can’t Drop Iwobi Despite Dip In Form

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Former Arsenal midfield dynamo Ray Parlour has provided an explanation as to why manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger can’t afford to drop Alex Iwobi out of his starting line up, despite the not too impressive form of the 20 year old.


Iwobi has not been at his best for the Gunners in the last one month, and his inconsistency has lead to calls for him to be dropped by the manager.


However Parlour is off a different opinion as he believes Wenger can’t afford to drop the Nigeria international due to his qualities, which is a plus to the team even when he is not at his best.


”He’s an up and coming star, he really is. I really like the way he plays and he deserves his spot at the minute. He’s improving all the time, he’s comfortable on the ball, he can see a pass. His footwork is excellent for a big lad”, Parlour said.


”He has to keep his feet on the ground and keep working hard and I’m sure he’ll be a massive star for Arsenal. The most important thing is he’s playing week in, week out and at the moment it’s hard for Arsene Wenger to leave him out”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/25/arsenal-legend-explains-why-wenger-cant-drop-iwobi-despite-dip-in-form/

EXPERT OPINION – Stats On Why New Man Wilfred Ndidi Is What Leicester City Have Been Missing Since Kante’s Departure

https://owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/image-2.jpg
Wilfred Ndidi was hardly a household name outside of Belgium mere weeks ago, but Leicester’s move for the teenage sensation has seen him thrust into the spotlight. His performances in the Europa League earned him a place in WhoScored.com’s team of the group stages, with the 19-year-old earning a rating of 8.19, the second best in the competition.


At his age, Ndidi remains very much a diamond in the rough, but his impact in midfield ensured Genk secured their place in the next round of the Europa League as they topped Group F. Ndidi made more tackles and interceptions combined (71) than any other player in the group stages, signifying his tenacity in pursuit of possession and impressive energy levels. Kante’s greatest quality is his ability to dominate the midfield, often covering as much ground as two men, and his sale was always going to negatively impact Leicester.


The Foxes remain a team who will look to play a direct style, noted in that their average possession this season (44.5%) ranks lowly in the Premier League, but the lack of quality ball winning midfielder hindered their approach. Indeed, four attempts on goal from counter-attacking situations from 16 league games this season, a huge drop from the 18 attempts last term, suggests they have missed the necessary player to help soak up pressure before aggressively robbing opponents to catch teams on the break. Given his performances in Europe this season, Ndidi is the player Leicester require and it’s little surprise to see them look to push the deal over the line as quickly as possible.


That being said, there is work to be done on Ndidi’s game that Ranieri will hope to improve upon. A 79.5% pass success rate is low for a midfielder, but then the Nigerian’s stand out trait is not to keep the team ticking over. Genk had four counter-attacking attempts on goal in their six Europa League group games, so their style is not too dissimilar to Leicester’s, which is naturally a boost to the Premier League champions. Ndidi will undoubtedly strengthen this Foxes team with the youngster hoping to prove capable of filling the huge gap Kante left when he departed for Chelsea over the summer.
Courtesy – Talksport

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/25/expert-opinion-stats-on-why-new-man-wilfred-ndidi-is-what-leicester-city-have-been-missing-since-kantes-departure/

UEFA Rules Won’t Let Toure Or Gabriel Jesus Take Iheanacho Spot In Man City UCL Squad

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Despite suggestions in some quarters that Manchester City Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho could be replaced by incoming Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, Owngoalnigeria.com can reveal that Iheanacho’s spot won’t be taken by the Brazilian.


Some other reports has insinuated that the rejuvenated Yaya Toure who is set to be included in City’s Champions League squad, after mending fences with coach Pep Guardiola could take Iheanacho spot as the Nigerian has dropped down the pecking order.


Both suggestions are way off the mark as Owngoalnigeria.com online editor can reveal that regardless of who City sign this January Iheanacho will still remain in their Champions League squad per UEFA rules.


Iheanacho will from the first of January qualify as a home grown player for Man City, as he has been eligible to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years.


His type are usually on the B list of the Champions League squad of teams, and clubs can register an unlimited number of players on the list during the season.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/24/uefa-rules-wont-let-toure-or-gabriel-jesus-take-iheanacho-spot-in-man-city-ucl-squad/

EXCLUSIVE – Chelsea Will Be Mikel’s Last Club In Europe, In Talks With Al-Ain & Shanghai SIPG

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Out of favour Super Eagles of Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel won’t be joining any team in Europe when he leaves Chelsea in January, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.


Mikel has been linked to a host of European clubs including top sides like Valencia, Marseille, Inter-Milan, AC Milan and even Turkish giants Besiktas and Galatasary, but the 29 year old won’t be joining any of the aforementioned clubs.


Chelsea will most likely be his last club in Europe for now if reports gathered from a reliable close source to the former Lyn Oslo man is anything to go by.


”I can proudly tell you that he is not in talks with any team in Europe, forget about what you read or hear. About 10 team based in Europe have all made inquiries, but Mikel is going to the Middle East or China.


”He is in talks with Shanghai SIPG and Al-Ain of the UAE, they are the two clubs close to meeting his wage demands. No European team can pay him what he is demanding at the moment”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.


”The picture will become clear in the coming days, but I know for a fact that if Al-Ain or Shanghai SIPG can raise their offer to around £200,000 a week, £30,000 more than what they offered him initially. The deal will be as good as done”.

owngoalnigeria.com/2016/12/25/exclusive-chelsea-will-be-mikels-last-club-in-europe-in-talks-with-al-ain-shanghai-sipg/

Why is a 25 year old Oscar going to China?

He will earn plenty money but that is a dead end for his professional career.

tbaba1234:
Why is a 25 year old Oscar going to China?

He will earn plenty money but that is a dead end for his professional career.

At the end of the day u play football to make money. He can always comeback from China. Aaron Samuel made the jump to Russia with no problem.