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Wilfred Zaha has been hailed for saving lives in his native Ivory Coast.

The Crystal Palace star, 27, was praised for offering free accommodation to NHS frontline staff battling the coronavirus crisis in 50 apartments across London.

But back in his home country, his self-titled charity and Tomorrow Hope orphanage - both of which are funded by ten per cent of his £130,000 weekly wage - are doing laudable work too.

The Wilfried Zaha Foundation normally helps the elderly in remote parts of the country, aids women who have lost their partners get back on their feet and teaches basic skills to disadvantaged youths.

But during the Covid-19 outbreak, it is helping as many people as possible get by after shops and schools were closed during the country’s current lockdown.

Trucks stocked with £60,000 worth of essentials including rice, tomatoes, cooking oil, soap and clothes have been distributing them for free to those in need across the country over the last month.

In the last week the foundation’s seven-strong team led by . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/zaha-hailed-for-saving-lives-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

South African model, Anna Modler, has confirmed she's in lockdown with Alexis Sanchez.

The stunning blonde, 22, first sparked rumours about dating the 31-year-old striker after uploading two pictures of her posing next to his two dogs last month.

And the model offered clues to her current whereabouts this week by posting pictures of the footballer’s beloved Golden Retrievers Atom and Humber interrupting her garden workout.

She joked as she stroked the dog: “Thank you for stopping me from working out. I agree, it’s definitely time to eat.”

Fans responded by . . . read more @ https://sportinglife.ng/south-african-model-in-coronavirus-lockdown-with-sanchez/

Japan Olympic Committee’s deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had tested positive for the coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.

Tashima is one of two vice presidents of the Japan Olympic Committee

“Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus,” Tashima said in a statement, issued via the Japan Football Association, which he also heads.

Tashima said he was on a business trip since February 28, first heading to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board.

From March 2, he visited Amsterdam for a UEFA meeting to give a presentation on Japan’s bid for the 2023 women’s World Cup.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/japan-olympic-committee-deputy-head-has-coronavirus-statement/

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, has said he was focusing on his job with the National team and not his contract situation with the NFF.

The former Franco-German’s current deal with the Nigeria Football Federation expires in July and there has been no talk for an extension so far.

Although the 66-year-old has made it clear that he wants to continue with the team, but he’s adamant that he won’t run after the Federation for a new deal.

“I will not ask the NFF what is going on with my contract renewal (with just over three months left on his present deal). It’s for the NFF to approach me. I am still waiting,” BBC’s Osas Obayiuwana quoted Rohr on Twitter.

“My job is . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/rohr-forget-about-my-contract-lets-focus-on-super-eagles/

Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho has been linked to a possible money laundering scheme - though investigators are unsure over how much he knew of what was happening.

The 39-year-old is currently in prison in Paraguay with his brother Roberto for allegedly trying to enter the country using fake passports.

World Cup winner Ronaldinho - who was tested for coronavirus while in jail - has been warned he could be held behind bars for six months for using dodgy documents.

And now according to Mundo Deportivo, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner is being investigated over whether he is part of a money-laundering plot.

They state that . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ronaldinho-caught-up-in-money-laundering-scheme-with-criminals/

Manchester United are set to offer Nigerian forward, Odion Ighalo an initial weekly contract in the summer as a prelude to a permanent deal later amid the coronavirus outbreak which has disrupted the 2019/2020 Premier League schedule.

Ighalo is currently on loan at United after arriving from Chinese Super League side, Shanghai Shenhua in January on a six-month deal which is set to expire in June.

And with the Red Devils unsure when top-flight action will resume in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is need to keep Ighalo beyond June 30 when his loan deal will expire.

According to a report by Sportsmole.co.uk News emanating from Old Trafford reveal that . . .

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/man-utd-to-offer-ighalo-weekly-carrots-ahead-of-15m-permanent-deal/

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to ravage international sport, FIFA has thrown its weight behind players and ruled that clubs are not compelled to release them to their national teams until the pandemic has been contained.


FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The world soccer governing body also cancelled international fixtures for the remainder of March and April.

FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura told member associations in a circular that apart from postponing the games, the federation wanted players protected from any sanctions by their national teams if they stayed holed up at their clubs.

The Warriors have players such as . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/fifa-backs-players-over-coronavirus/

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland has been cleared by doctors to depart Sacramento after coronavirus test results returned negative, ESPN reported Sunday.

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland, at left talking to Portland's Rodney Hood, has tested negative for coronavirus after a game Wednesday was postponed over concerns he might have the virus, according to a report SundayKirkland, who has officiated more than 1,200 games in 20 seasons as a league referee, has been cleared to resume all activity without restrictions, according to the report on the sports network’s website, citing unnamed sources.

Continue reading here: https://sportinglife.ng/nba-referee-kirkland-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-report/

Cristiano Ronaldo teased fans and media waiting outside his Madeira property as he peered round curtains during a period of self-isolation on Sunday.

The Juventus star is self-isolating in Madeira after it was confirmed almost a dozen Serie A footballers have now been infected with COVID-19.

Cristiano Ronaldo teased fans and media waiting outside his Madeira property on Sunday as he peered round curtains during a period of self-isolation

Ronaldo jetted out at the start of the week to be with his family, as his mother Dolores Aveiro, 65, remains in a private hospital in Funchal after suffering a stroke at the start of the month.

The 35-year-old is with . . . continue reading here: https://sportinglife.ng/coronavirus-ronaldo-teases-fans-from-isolation-hideout/

Doubts are growing in Japan about the Tokyo Olympics, with growing opposition to holding them as scheduled and some urging officials not to risk lives by pressing ahead during the coronavirus emergency.

Pessimism is rising in Japan over holding the Tokyo Olympics as scheduled

Officials like Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach have repeatedly insisted preparations should continue to light the Olympic flame on July 24.

But with events from the Premier League to NBA basketball scrapped, and Japanese sport also at a standstill, even US President Donald Trump has suggested putting the Olympics on hold.

Japan has seen relatively few cases, with 814 testing positive and 24 dead. But some people on the streets of Tokyo voiced concern for the fans that would pour in from abroad. . . see concerns here: https://sportinglife.ng/dont-sacrifice-lives-doubts-grow-in-japan-over-tokyo-olympics/

Second-half substitute, Ogbonna Onuoha struck late on to condemn FC Ifeanyiuba (FCIU) to a 1-0 defeat to Rivers United in a well-fought Nigeria Professional Football League game decided in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The forward timed his run to perfection and headed headed home Lookman Binuyor’s free kick with venom past the FCIU goalkeeper, Smart Uzoigwe who was outstanding for large spells at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

Plateau United’s win in Bauchi against Wikki Tourists means Rivers United stay in second place, just a point adrift of the Jos club.

It was a first half of very few goal scoring opportunities but United dominated without really hurting the underbelly of the opposition.

Malachi Ohawume who scored a . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/onuoha-strikes-late-for-rivers-united-to-sink-fciu/

Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, outlined how Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes’ instant connection played a part in his side’s huge derby win over Manchester City.

United made it three wins out of four against City this season with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, which came courtesy of goals from Martial and Scott McTominay.

Martial’s opener was the result of a well-worked free kick from Fernandes that was chipped over for Martial to volley past Ederson, who should have done more to save it.

In the second half, City were much more dominant but could not find an equaliser and they were finished off by McTominay in the 97th minute when the Scotsman fired excellently into an open net.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Solskjaer said he was delighted with his team’s performance.

Asked what pleased him most about the win . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/solskjaer-reveals-link-up-between-two-stars-helping-man-utd-flourish/

A late goal from former Barcelona man Cristian Tello earned Real Betis a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday night at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Sidnei gave the Andalusian hosts a first-half lead with a powerful strike, only to see Karim Benzema level for the visitors from the spot right before half-time.

In the end though, an error from Benzema led to Tello's winning goal, thus handing back top spot in the LaLiga table to the Betis forward's former club.

There were several notable inclusions in Zinedine Zidane's starting XI, including both Eder Militao and Marcelo in defence, while Lucas Vazquez came in for . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/la-liga-real-madrid-give-away-top-spot/

Arsenal hasn’t dropped their interest in Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha.

Wilfried Zaha intent on quitting Crystal Palace this month

The Sun says Arsenal remain interested in £75m-rated Zaha.

Palace snubbed offers from the Gunners last summer while Everton were also rebuffed.

The Toffees have now turned their attention to

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arsenal-still-keen-on-crystal-palace-ace-zaha/

Bukayo Saka has revealed he never thought he could make it to the Arsenal first team, adding that it was a dream come true playing now with the big names in the squad.

The versatile player signed his first professional contract after turning 17, following impressive performances for the youth team.

The wing-back was then promoted to the senior team and made his debut for the Emirates Stadium outfit in their Europa League game against Vorskla Poltava back in November 2018.

Saka has since been a key figure for Arsenal and this season he boasts of three goals, his nine assists across all competitions is the most from any Gunners’ player this campaign.

The 18-year-old recollected how he started his journey to stardom, praising his Nigerian parents for their support.

“To be honest it all really started a long time before that. From the age of three or four I would be playing football at home in the garden with my dad, and my elder brother, Yomi,” he told the club website.

“I just enjoyed playing, but I don't think I ever really thought I was going to make it to the first team until I actually signed my first professional . . . read more @ https://sportinglife.ng/featuring-in-arsenal-first-team-is-a-dream-come-true-saka/

Lazio kept their bid for a first Serie A title in 20 years on track as they stayed one point behind leaders Juventus with a 3-2 win at Genoa on Sunday, but four Serie A matches were postponed amid growing coronavirus fears in northern Italy.

Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile (R) scored his 27th league goal this season

Reigning champions Juve had edged out bottom club SPAL 2-1 on Saturday, but Lazio responded to keep the pressure on, extending their unbeaten away run in the league to 20 games.

Third-placed Inter Milan, who are six points behind Juve, saw their game on Sunday at the San Siro against the other Genoese club, Sampdoria, postponed, with Thursday’s Europa League match against Bulgarian club Ludogorets at risk, along with next weekend’s league clash with Juventus in Turin.

Three other top-flight matches were also pushed back: between Torino and Parma, Atalanta versus Sassuolo and Hellas Verona against Cagliari.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that all sporting events in two northern regions would be suspended on Sunday.

Strong measures are being taken in Italy with over 152 confirmed cases of coronavirus in an outbreak that has claimed three lives in the country.

continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/serie-a-lazio-on-juves-heels-roma-back-winning-amid-coronavirus-lockdown/

All For Unity:L-R Ex Nigerian internationals Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Youth and Sports Minister Mr Sunday Dare , Former Eagles Captain Joseph Yobo, IKE Shoronmoun displaying their Jerseys before the Finals of the Unity Cup sponsored by Dare yesterday in Ibadan.

See pictures @ https://sportinglife.ng/eagles-legends-endorse-oyo-unity-cup/

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted he's seeking to build a local core at Goodison Park.

Ancelotti hopes to draw a lesson from his past by having a core of players who identify with Everton and feels it is a key to glory.

He said: "Some of the most important... continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/everton-boss-ancelotti-wants-to-build-local-core/

Everton attacker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted that advice from Thierry Henry while with Arsenal stuck with him.

And he recalled: “Growing up I'd go for nutmegs, try to embarrass my friends.

“Thierry told me that attackers are remembered for goals and assists, and I needed to get that in my head. Something clicked.

“Mikel (Arteta) was another big influence. He was ... continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/what-arsenal-legend-told-me-iwobi/

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are inviting nominations for the organisation’s Athletes’ Council, with elections set to take place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The IPC Athletes’ Council consists of 12 current and retired Paralympians, as well as one International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission representative.

The Council members are tasked with participating in key meetings, as well as having effective communication skills in both written and spoken English to relay athlete-related issues to the Movement’s leaders.

Representatives must have a high level of knowledge of the Paralympic Movement.

Only six summer sports positions on the Council will be up for election at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

"The IPC Athletes' Council has done a tremendous amount of work to increase its presence and voice within the IPC and the wider Paralympic Movement,” said Chelsey Gotell, IPC Athletes’ Council chairperson.

“We’ve established and are now in the implementation phase of the first ever IPC Athletes’ Council strategy and are keen to ensure that the momentum we’ve built continues, as we transition six of our members out for new voices, perspectives and leadership.

“We are looking to recruit experienced athlete representatives who are passionate and knowledgeable about the Paralympic Movement, and who ... continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ipc-invite-nominations-for-athletes-council-elections/

Team Nigeria table tennis players to the forthcoming 2020 ITTF top 16 which serves as World Cup qualifiers in Germany and China and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers in Tunisia are fully set and focused to do the country proud by qualifying and also picking the Olympic tickets.

This was the submission of the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Engr. Ishaku Tikon as the depart the country's shores in the early hours of Friday, feb, 22 aboard a Moroccan airline that leaves at 5.30 am, Nigeria time. The top 16 is billed to hold from Feb 23 to 26, while the Olympic qualifiers is from Feb 27 to 29, 2020.

Sounding very confidence as usual, . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/we-are-set-for-africa-tikon/

Adama Traore has said 'he is' open to a move to Real Madrid despite having previously played for their rivals Barcelona.

The Wolves star, who has notched up four goals and seven assists in the league this season, left the Nou Camp in 2015 for Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old's form has linked him with a stunning move back to Barcelona but now Real Madrid have joined the race to sign the powerful winger.

Talking about a potential move to the Bernabeu, Traore told Spanish news outlet La Vanguardia: 'It wouldn't be a problem for me.

'I don't close the door to anything. Right now I am very happy here, the operation of the team is fantastic.

'But both Madrid and Barca will arrive when they have to arrive.'

Traore spent 11 years at Barcelona but only made three first team appearances for the Spanish super club.

He regularly played for their renowned B team . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/adama-traore-open-to-wolves-exit/

Tunisian Football Federation (TFF) has submitted a bid on Thursday to host the final of the 2019/20 CAF Champions League
The bid was submitted on deadline day for applications as Tunisia will be facing competition from Morocco and Rwanda.

Morocco had applied on Wednesday to host both the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup finals. . . Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/tunisia-submits-bid-to-host-2019-20-caf-champions-league-final/

A semi-professional footballer has been jailed for life for raping and murdering a girl he met on a night out while high on drugs.

Joseph Trevor, 19, from Stoke-on-Trent stabbed 18-year-old Megan Newton nine times at her flat in Fletcher Road on April 20 last year.

Stafford Crown Court heard Megan invited Trevor back to her flat "as an act of kindness" before he raped and murdered her.

The court heard that Trevor, who played for Newcastle Town FC, told a psychiatrist he had previously been accused of rape but was never prosecuted.

He claimed the trigger for the murder was . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/footballer-jailed-for-raping-and-murdering-teen-he-met-at-night-club/

English side, Arsenal are now regretting to have lost Samuel Chukwueze three years ago when his value was just £4m.

The Gunners, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the clubs that have been linked to the 20-year-old Villarreal star whose value has now skyrocketed to  £60million.

The in-demand winger was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners three years ago, but his academy blocked the move.

Speaking to Tribal Football, Chukwueze said: “It was very close for me to sign for Arsenal, I almost had the contract in my hands.

“Unfortunately, it did not work out fine with my academy due to the side of agreement and payment.

“They did not agree with the terms of the contract.

“I was very happy thinking of signing and dreaming of playing for Arsenal, but my academy did not allow it to happen.”

Just three years later, the Nigeria international’s valuation has rocketed up to around £60m.

He has attracted a wide range of interest after scoring four goals and adding a further four assists in 26 appearances this season.

Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has ... continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arsenal-regret-losing-chukwueze-for-just-4m/

AC Milan are set to extend their principal partnership with Dubai-based airline Emirates, but the Serie A club's recent fortunes will see them have to accept reduced terms, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The club's current deal, worth €14 million (US$15.2 million) a year, plus bonuses, is expiring in June. The new deal is reportedly closer to the €10 million (US$10.8 million) mark, plus bonuses.

Having not featured in the Uefa Champions League since 2014, Milan are being forced to watch on whilst the likes of French top-tier side Olympique Lyonnais have become more commercially attractive. Lyon recently signed a deal with .... continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/partnership-reduced-terms-for-ac-milan-continuing-with-emirates/

Twitter accounts controlled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have  been hacked by cyber group OurMine.

A post from the hacking group appeared on handles belonging to the IOC, including the official Olympics and IOC Media accounts, this evening.

The Athlete365, Youth Olympic Games and official Rio 2016 accounts were among the others affected.

A spokesperson for the IOC confirmed the organisation was investigating "a potential breach into some of its social accounts".

"Hi, we are OurMine," the post, seemingly published . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ioc-twitter-accounts-hacked-by-cyber-group-ourmine/

The 15,400 – capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba will host next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced.
“We have finally settled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba for the qualifying match against Sierra Leone. The match will be played on Friday, 27th March 2020,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said at the weekend.

The venue, named after . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/2021-afcon-race-eagles-leone-stars-to-clash-in-asaba/

The Independent says despite Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech's pending arrival this summer, the transfer will not impact Willian.

The Brazilian wide-man, 31, is out of contract in June and wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.

However, the veteran wants a three-year package, . . . continue reading @https://sportinglife.ng/chelsea-chiefs-working-on-securing-willian-to-new-deal/

Tottenham hero Glenn Hoddle says Harry Kane shouldn't rush back from his hamstring injury.

Kane

Kane has been out of action since New Year's Day when he ruptured a tendon in his left hamstring at Southampton.

The striker had surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone and it is thought he could return to training in April, with a view to being fit for the final few games of the season in May, and then be ready to lead England at Euro 2020 in June.

But Hoddle says: "It's very difficult for me to . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/hoddle-urges-spurs-not-to-rush-kane-return/