Wednesday 25 September 2013

GLO PFL: WEEK 34 LIVE UPDATES...fixtures,Refeeres,tables and more...

WEEK 34 FIXTURES NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE AND THE MATCH OFFICIALS
KICK; 4PM   LIVE ON SUPER SPORTS; ENYIMBA VS AKWA UTD
NPFL LOGO

Nasarawa United vs 3SC fc-Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia
REFEREE ; CHARLES OZIGBO from Anambra State

  Kwara United vs Lobi Stars fc-Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin
  REFEREE; NASIRU IBRAHIM from Kano State

 Sharks fc vs El-Kanemi fc-Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt
REFEREE; KADIRI MOHAMMED from Lagos State

Heartland fc vs Sunshine Stars fc-Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
REFEREE; BEN NEJI from Cross River State 

Rangers fc vs ABS fc. Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
REFEREE; ABUBAKAR AGO from Yobe State

Enyimba fc vs Akwa United-Enyimba international Stadium, Aba    
REFEREE; SANI ABIODUN from Osun State

Nembe City vs Bayelsa United-Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa
 REFEREE;   COL. OLAWALE FAWOLE from Kaduna State

Warri Wolves fc vs Wikki Tourists-
Warri City Stadium
REFEREE; REV. FR. EMMANUEL IKEOBI from Anambra State

Kaduna United vs Kano Pillars fc-Kaduna Township Stadium, Kaduna    
REFEREE; GABRIEL ADIGWE from Lagos State

Gombe united vs Dolphin fc-Gombe townshipstadium,Pantami
REFEREE; OLADELE BOLATITO from Kwara State 

LEADING GOAL SCORERS
 14 Goals Victor Namo (Nasarawa)
 13 Goals Mfo Udoh (Akwa Utd)
 12 Rabiu Ali ( Kano Pillars)
 12 Dele Olorundare (Sunshine stars)
 12 Bishop Onyeudo (Enyimba fc)
12 Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves)

GLO PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE



 http://www.lmc-ng.org/images/stories/week%2033.png


 *3SC were docked 3 points from already accrued points

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Crusader News will soon begin the review of the likely flag bearers of major political parties in Nigeria for the 2015 election. The evaluation will be centred on the prominent parties in the country especially the ever dominant and Africa most populous party; the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the newly fortified alliance; All Progress Congress (APC). 

This exercise will avail us the opportunity to examine the credibility of the candidate each party has to offer.

NEMBE CITY ACCUSSED OF FIELDING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER; LETTER OF PROTEST SUBMITTED BY DEPIONEERS FC


The management of the Football depioneers of Porthacourt as accussed Nembe city of Nembe in Bayelsa of consistently fielding one of his players since the begining of the season without proper clearance.

The player involved in the midst of the transfer row is Ogene Elijah,according to the Nationwide League outfit team manager Nwoke Benjamin,'ogene is a fully registered player of the club for the 2010-2011 and 2011-12 football season and that he has all the necessary documents to back his claim and any transfer of the player to any club within or outside of the country will require a transfer clearance which cannot be done without their consent'.

Ogene Elijah in action for the depioneers
He further stated that he has lodge an official complain with the Football federation in charge of the game in Nigeria. The Embattled manager expressed his anger that he was left with no choice than to seek redress at the appropriate quarters when all attempt to contact Nembe city Fc for the clearance of the player fell on deaf ears 'the team manager of Nembe city Fc once called and told me that he will be coming to port Harcourt to see me for the player transfer fee but he did not come again before i know it the player have started playing matches but i tried to reach them (Nembe city fc) but no response' .
ogene spotted in Nembe fc shirt


In the protest letter dated 5th of August,which was made available to Sportspedal Reports revealed that the portharcourt based club want the the body to look into the matter and bring Nembe city to book in the interest of the league and Nigeria football and also to the growth of younger clubs.


Irregularities in the way players are been transferred in the domestic league are now a source of worry,the embarrassing protracted tussle over the ownership of Sunday Mba between Warri wolves and Rangers internatinal fc and the transfer irregularities of Emman Daniel between shooting stars of ibadan and Rangers which led to the expulsion of Rangers from the CAF confederations cup are still fresh in our memory though the case is been appealed presently, at the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (CAS).

Nembe city Fc is a team in Nigeria's premier division owned by the former NPL board chairman Mr Rumson Baribote.

Monday 1 July 2013

2nd Edition of Nigerian Sports Award: Entries Open for Nominations


As plans gear up for the second edition of the Nigerian Sports Award, the organizers- Unmissable Incentives Limited in partnership with Mastersports International Limited announced that nominations of athletes for the award is now open.


According to a statement by the General Manager, Unmissable Incentives. Mr. Kayode Idowu, nominations for the second edition of the award will open officially on Monday July 1 and closes on
Saturday September 7, 2013.

Idowu revealed that award committee decided to extend the period of nomination for this year’s edition to two months to afford many sports loving Nigerians the opportunity to nominate their favourite athletes for award.


He then urged members of the public to visit the Nigerian Sports Award website
www.nigeriansportsaward.com where they would be required to complete the process of nominating their most outstanding sports personalities in each of 15 categories for this year.

The fifteen categories for the award include Football – (Male & Female, Foreign & Domestic); 
Track and field (Male & Female; All races. Long Jump, Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, High Jump), 
Ball Sports ( Table Tennis, Tennis, Basketball, Volley ball & handball), 
Combat Sports ( Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Kung-fu, Wrestling) and  Weight Lifting (Male & Female),
Others are Boxing, Team of the year, Sports Man & Woman of the year, 
Coach of the year, Discovery of the year (Male & Female), Special sports person of the year, Lifetime Achievement Award in sports, School Sports Award, Sports Journalist of the year (Print & Electronic) and the newly introduced Sports governor of the year category.

Wednesday 19 June 2013

EPL 2013 - 2014 FULL FIXTURES


2013 / 2014 full features

17 August 2013

Arsenal v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Hull City
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool v Stoke City
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Norwich City v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
Swansea City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
West Ham United v Cardiff City

24 August 2013

Aston Villa v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Manchester City
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Arsenal
Hull City v Norwich City
Manchester United v Chelsea
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Southampton v Sunderland
Stoke City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City
31 August 2013

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Cardiff City v Everton
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester City v Hull City
Newcastle United v Fulham
Norwich City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City
West Ham United v Stoke City

14 September 2013

Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Hull City v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v West Ham United
Stoke City v Manchester City
Sunderland v Arsenal
Swansea City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City

21 September 2013

Arsenal v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Fulham
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Liverpool v Southampton
Manchester City v Manchester United
Newcastle United v Hull City
Norwich City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland
West Ham United v Everton

28 September 2013
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Everton v Newcastle United
Fulham v Cardiff City
Hull City v West Ham United
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Norwich City
Sunderland v Liverpool
Swansea City v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

5 October 2013

Cardiff City v Newcastle United
Fulham v Stoke City
Hull City v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Everton
Norwich City v Chelsea
Southampton v Swansea City
Sunderland v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal

19 October 2013

Arsenal v Norwich City
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Everton v Hull City
Manchester United v Southampton
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Sunderland
West Ham United v Manchester City

26 October 2013

Aston Villa v Everton
Chelsea v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Southampton v Fulham
Sunderland v Newcastle United
Swansea City v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City

2 November 2013

Arsenal v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Swansea City
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham v Manchester United
Hull City v Sunderland
Manchester City v Norwich City
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Stoke City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Aston Villa

9 November 2013

Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Crystal Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Manchester United v Arsenal
Norwich City v West Ham United
Southampton v Hull City
Sunderland v Manchester City
Swansea City v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

23 November 2013

Arsenal v Southampton
Cardiff City v Manchester United
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Swansea City
Hull City v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Norwich City
Stoke City v Sunderland
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
West Ham United v Chelsea

30 November 2013

Aston Villa v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Arsenal
Chelsea v Southampton
Everton v Stoke City
Hull City v Liverpool
Manchester City v Swansea City
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
West Ham United v Fulham

3 December 2013

Arsenal v Hull City, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v West Ham United, 8pm
Liverpool v Norwich City, 8pm
Manchester United v Everton, 7.45pm
Southampton v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Chelsea, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City, 8pm

4 December 2013

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur, 8pm

7 December 2013

Arsenal v Everton
Crystal Palace v Cardiff City
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Southampton v Manchester City
Stoke City v Chelsea
Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City v Hull City
West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City

14 December 2013

Aston Villa v Manchester United
Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Fulham
Hull City v Stoke City
Manchester City v Arsenal
Newcastle United v Southampton
Norwich City v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
West Ham United v Sunderland

21 December 2013

Arsenal v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
Fulham v Manchester City
Liverpool v Cardiff City
Manchester United v West Ham United
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Norwich City
Swansea City v Everton
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City

26 December 2013

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Southampton
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v Sunderland
Hull City v Manchester United
Manchester City v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United v Arsenal

28 December 2013

Aston Villa v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Sunderland
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v Southampton
Hull City v Fulham
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Norwich City v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

1 January 2014
Arsenal v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Norwich City
Fulham v West Ham United
Liverpool v Hull City
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Chelsea
Stoke City v Everton
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Swansea City v Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

11 January 2014

Aston Villa v Arsenal
Cardiff City v West Ham United
Everton v Norwich City
Fulham v Sunderland
Hull City v Chelsea
Manchester United v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
18 January 2014
Arsenal v Fulham
Chelsea v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Cardiff City
Norwich City v Hull City
Sunderland v Southampton
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Everton
West Ham United v Newcastle United
28 January 2014
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v Hull City, 8pm
Liverpool v Everton, 8pm
Manchester United v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Norwich City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
Southampton v Arsenal, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Stoke City, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Fulham, 7.45pm
29 January 2014
Chelsea v West Ham United, 7.45pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, 7.45pm
1 February 2014
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Norwich City
Everton v Aston Villa
Fulham v Southampton
Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Sunderland
Stoke City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
West Ham United v Swansea City
8 February 2014
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool v Arsenal
Manchester United v Fulham
Norwich City v Manchester City
Southampton v Stoke City
Sunderland v Hull City
Swansea City v Cardiff City
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
11 February 2014
Arsenal v Manchester United, 7.45pm
Cardiff City v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Hull City v Southampton, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Swansea City, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea, 8pm
West Ham United v Norwich City, 7.45pm
12 February 2014
Everton v Crystal Palace, 7.45pm
Fulham v Liverpool, 8pm
Manchester City v Sunderland, 7.45pm
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur, 7.45pm
22 February 2014
Arsenal v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Hull City
Chelsea v Everton
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Liverpool v Swansea City
Manchester City v Stoke City
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
West Ham United v Southampton

1 March 2014
Aston Villa v Norwich City
Everton v West Ham United
Fulham v Chelsea
Hull City v Newcastle United
Manchester United v Manchester City
Southampton v Liverpool
Stoke City v Arsenal
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Cardiff City
8 March 2014
Arsenal v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Fulham
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Liverpool v Sunderland
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Newcastle United v Everton
Norwich City v Stoke City
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
West Ham United v Hull City
15 March 2014
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Everton v Cardiff City
Fulham v Newcastle United
Hull City v Manchester City
Manchester United v Liverpool
Southampton v Norwich City
Stoke City v West Ham United
Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
22 March 2014
Aston Villa v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Liverpool
Chelsea v Arsenal
Everton v Swansea City
Hull City v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester City v Fulham
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Norwich City v Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
West Ham United v Manchester United
29 March 2014
Arsenal v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v Everton
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Southampton v Newcastle United
Stoke City v Hull City
Sunderland v West Ham United
Swansea City v Norwich City
West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City
5 April 2014
Aston Villa v Fulham
Cardiff City v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Stoke City
Everton v Arsenal
Hull City v Swansea City
Manchester City v Southampton
Newcastle United v Manchester United
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
West Ham United v Liverpool
12 April 2014
Arsenal v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Fulham v Norwich City
Liverpool v Manchester City
Manchester United v Hull City
Southampton v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Newcastle United
Sunderland v Everton
Swansea City v Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
19 April 2014
Aston Villa v Southampton
Cardiff City v Stoke City
Chelsea v Sunderland
Everton v Manchester United
Hull City v Arsenal
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Norwich City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
West Ham United v Crystal Palace

26 April 2014

Arsenal v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Fulham v Hull City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester United v Norwich City
Southampton v Everton
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunderland v Cardiff City
Swansea City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
3 May 2014
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa v Hull City
Chelsea v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester United v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Fulham
Swansea City v Southampton
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
11 May 2014

Cardiff City v Chelsea
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Hull City v Everton
Liverpool v Newcastle United
Manchester City v West Ham United
Norwich City v Arsenal
Southampton v Manchester United
Sunderland v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

THE EPL 2013-2014 FULL FIXTURES

Premier league is here again......
2013 / 2014 full features

17 August 2013

Arsenal v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Hull City
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool v Stoke City
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Norwich City v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
Swansea City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
West Ham United v Cardiff City

24 August 2013

Aston Villa v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Manchester City
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Arsenal
Hull City v Norwich City
Manchester United v Chelsea
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Southampton v Sunderland
Stoke City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City
31 August 2013

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Cardiff City v Everton
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester City v Hull City
Newcastle United v Fulham
Norwich City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City
West Ham United v Stoke City

14 September 2013

Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Hull City v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v West Ham United
Stoke City v Manchester City
Sunderland v Arsenal
Swansea City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City

21 September 2013

Arsenal v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Fulham
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Liverpool v Southampton
Manchester City v Manchester United
Newcastle United v Hull City
Norwich City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland
West Ham United v Everton

28 September 2013
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Everton v Newcastle United
Fulham v Cardiff City
Hull City v West Ham United
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Norwich City
Sunderland v Liverpool
Swansea City v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

5 October 2013

Cardiff City v Newcastle United
Fulham v Stoke City
Hull City v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Everton
Norwich City v Chelsea
Southampton v Swansea City
Sunderland v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal

19 October 2013

Arsenal v Norwich City
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Everton v Hull City
Manchester United v Southampton
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Sunderland
West Ham United v Manchester City

26 October 2013

Aston Villa v Everton
Chelsea v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Southampton v Fulham
Sunderland v Newcastle United
Swansea City v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City

2 November 2013

Arsenal v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Swansea City
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham v Manchester United
Hull City v Sunderland
Manchester City v Norwich City
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Stoke City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Aston Villa

9 November 2013

Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Crystal Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Manchester United v Arsenal
Norwich City v West Ham United
Southampton v Hull City
Sunderland v Manchester City
Swansea City v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

23 November 2013

Arsenal v Southampton
Cardiff City v Manchester United
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Swansea City
Hull City v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Norwich City
Stoke City v Sunderland
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
West Ham United v Chelsea

30 November 2013

Aston Villa v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Arsenal
Chelsea v Southampton
Everton v Stoke City
Hull City v Liverpool
Manchester City v Swansea City
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
West Ham United v Fulham

3 December 2013

Arsenal v Hull City, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v West Ham United, 8pm
Liverpool v Norwich City, 8pm
Manchester United v Everton, 7.45pm
Southampton v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Chelsea, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City, 8pm

4 December 2013

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur, 8pm

7 December 2013

Arsenal v Everton
Crystal Palace v Cardiff City
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Southampton v Manchester City
Stoke City v Chelsea
Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City v Hull City
West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City

14 December 2013

Aston Villa v Manchester United
Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Fulham
Hull City v Stoke City
Manchester City v Arsenal
Newcastle United v Southampton
Norwich City v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
West Ham United v Sunderland

21 December 2013

Arsenal v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
Fulham v Manchester City
Liverpool v Cardiff City
Manchester United v West Ham United
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Norwich City
Swansea City v Everton
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City

26 December 2013

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Southampton
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v Sunderland
Hull City v Manchester United
Manchester City v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United v Arsenal

28 December 2013

Aston Villa v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Sunderland
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v Southampton
Hull City v Fulham
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Norwich City v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

1 January 2014
Arsenal v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Norwich City
Fulham v West Ham United
Liverpool v Hull City
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Chelsea
Stoke City v Everton
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Swansea City v Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

11 January 2014

Aston Villa v Arsenal
Cardiff City v West Ham United
Everton v Norwich City
Fulham v Sunderland
Hull City v Chelsea
Manchester United v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
18 January 2014
Arsenal v Fulham
Chelsea v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Cardiff City
Norwich City v Hull City
Sunderland v Southampton
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Everton
West Ham United v Newcastle United
28 January 2014
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v Hull City, 8pm
Liverpool v Everton, 8pm
Manchester United v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Norwich City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
Southampton v Arsenal, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Stoke City, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Fulham, 7.45pm
29 January 2014
Chelsea v West Ham United, 7.45pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, 7.45pm
1 February 2014
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Norwich City
Everton v Aston Villa
Fulham v Southampton
Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Sunderland
Stoke City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
West Ham United v Swansea City
8 February 2014
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool v Arsenal
Manchester United v Fulham
Norwich City v Manchester City
Southampton v Stoke City
Sunderland v Hull City
Swansea City v Cardiff City
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
11 February 2014
Arsenal v Manchester United, 7.45pm
Cardiff City v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Hull City v Southampton, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Swansea City, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea, 8pm
West Ham United v Norwich City, 7.45pm
12 February 2014
Everton v Crystal Palace, 7.45pm
Fulham v Liverpool, 8pm
Manchester City v Sunderland, 7.45pm
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur, 7.45pm
22 February 2014
Arsenal v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Hull City
Chelsea v Everton
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Liverpool v Swansea City
Manchester City v Stoke City
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
West Ham United v Southampton

1 March 2014
Aston Villa v Norwich City
Everton v West Ham United
Fulham v Chelsea
Hull City v Newcastle United
Manchester United v Manchester City
Southampton v Liverpool
Stoke City v Arsenal
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Cardiff City
8 March 2014
Arsenal v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Fulham
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Liverpool v Sunderland
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Newcastle United v Everton
Norwich City v Stoke City
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
West Ham United v Hull City
15 March 2014
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Everton v Cardiff City
Fulham v Newcastle United
Hull City v Manchester City
Manchester United v Liverpool
Southampton v Norwich City
Stoke City v West Ham United
Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
22 March 2014
Aston Villa v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Liverpool
Chelsea v Arsenal
Everton v Swansea City
Hull City v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester City v Fulham
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Norwich City v Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
West Ham United v Manchester United
29 March 2014
Arsenal v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v Everton
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Southampton v Newcastle United
Stoke City v Hull City
Sunderland v West Ham United
Swansea City v Norwich City
West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City
5 April 2014
Aston Villa v Fulham
Cardiff City v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Stoke City
Everton v Arsenal
Hull City v Swansea City
Manchester City v Southampton
Newcastle United v Manchester United
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
West Ham United v Liverpool
12 April 2014
Arsenal v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Fulham v Norwich City
Liverpool v Manchester City
Manchester United v Hull City
Southampton v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Newcastle United
Sunderland v Everton
Swansea City v Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
19 April 2014
Aston Villa v Southampton
Cardiff City v Stoke City
Chelsea v Sunderland
Everton v Manchester United
Hull City v Arsenal
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Norwich City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
West Ham United v Crystal Palace

26 April 2014

Arsenal v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Fulham v Hull City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester United v Norwich City
Southampton v Everton
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunderland v Cardiff City
Swansea City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
3 May 2014
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa v Hull City
Chelsea v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester United v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Fulham
Swansea City v Southampton
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
11 May 2014

Cardiff City v Chelsea
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Hull City v Everton
Liverpool v Newcastle United
Manchester City v West Ham United
Norwich City v Arsenal
Southampton v Manchester United
Sunderland v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

Sunday 9 June 2013

Sarata and 5 female youthful footballers destine for greatness

As a NIGERIAN football writer, the question that everybody always wants to ask you never changes: who is the next big star of the Female Football game? 


Still in Nigeria and young, Desire Oparanozie is already a veteran in the eyes of many. She is now old news.


People are already wanting to look beyond the youngster and, if you like.


There are, of course, plenty of candidates. Some will doubtless make it to the top of the game.


So, let's take a look at six teenage players tipped for the top in future years.


There are too many to mention!


6. Amirat Adebisi


A safe choice for the list, Adebisi has been tipped for the top for some time now and was the star of Robo Queens U13.


A diminutive attacking midfielder, Adebisi operates at the point of the midfield, looking to open up defences for her team's attacking players.


Also an excellent free-kick taker, the player has a taste for goals and is often found making late runs into the area to finish off attacking moves that she may very well have instigated. 


The talent is there, but the step up to star at first-team level is perhaps the greatest challenge a No. 10 will face in their career.


5. Monday Gift 


Having played as a wide forward at Under-10 and Under-12 level, it was recently that she began to be used as a central striker. It was in this position that her game began to evolve from one of just electric pace, to now being regarded as a fine all-around attacking player. 


Gift's progress is being carefully monitored by many in high places—she will soon have the chance to prove herself at Under-17 and Under-20 level.


4. Sarata Bello 


Bello is just one of a rising double-act making waves at Methodist High School. She is leading the way for the team's much-hyped next generation.


Blessed with great speed, Bello is blessed with grit and determination.


The youngster has excellent close control and has shown herself to be a fine finisher when presented with chances.


3. Barakat Olaiya


Attacking midfielder Olaiya is just one of a handful of promising talents currently emerging at Bayelsa Queens.


A rapid dribbler with the ball, the No. 10 has proven herself to possess the technical attributes needed to both beat defenders and pick a key pass to her teammates. She has also built a reputation as a consistent goalscorer at youth levels.


2. Rofiat Sule 


Often praised for her down-to-earth attitude, Sule is a surprisingly mature player for her age. She is quick and well-built, but relies primarily on her technical ability and footballing intelligence to shine. 


Rofiat Sule is a natural goal poacher. 


1. Rasheedat Ajibade


Renowned for her intelligent positioning, ability to beat opponents and, of course, her finishing, she is already being quietly compared in style to Desire Oparanozie and the legendary Perpetual Nkwocha.


Such is the talent of Ajibade that she scored a screamer for FC Robo Queens against Confluence Queens on 17th May 2013.

Thursday 11 April 2013

CAF U17 CHAMPIONSHIO: ALL THE FIXTURES AS GOLDEN EAGLETS REMAIN CLEAR FAVORITES

The 2013 African U-17 Championship is a football competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament will take place in Morrocco between 13th – 27th of  April, 2013.
The competition will be hosted by the two beautiful cities of casablanca and marrakech
The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria are the overwhelming favorites to win the championship as they were ruthless on the way to the championship.
The Nigerians capped off their impressive qualification campaign which saw them let in just a goal and scoring 21times which saw the Golden Eaglets, make a bold return at the continental fiesta after failing to qualify for the last two editions; 2009 (Algeria) and 2011 (Rwanda).

The tiki taka style of play of the team was a delight to watch at the Aspire training ground in Qatar,(where the team had their training camp for morrocco 2013 )  as the team combined sublime skills with great attacking flair to despatch an Aspire selected side 7 - 1 and their sexy football against As saad fc (a squad which have the great Raul of real madrid in their fold) made many to fall in love with the team which many observers of the game are already tipping  to emulate the feat of class of 1985,1993 and 2007 by winning the FIFA U17 World cup in United Arab Emirates in october.

Other teams that one have to watch out for are host Morrocco which have over ten of the young boys playing thier football abroad also the black starlets of Ghana cannot be written off when it comes to age grade competitions.

 The top four teams will qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

GROUP A                                                          GROUP B
MORROCCO                                                   NIGERIA
GABON                                                             GHANA  
TUNISIA                                                            COTE D IVORE
BOTSWANA                                                    CONGO

    ALL THE FIXTURES


13 April 2013
15:00
    Morocco      v      Gabon     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
13 April 2013
18:00
    Tunisia      v      Botswana     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
16 April 2013
15:30
    Gabon      v      Tunisia     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
16 April 2013
18:30
    Botswana      v      Morocco     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
19 April 2013
18:30
    Morocco      v      Tunisia     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
19 April 2013
18:30
    Gabon      v      Botswana     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
   
14 April 2013
15:00
    Congo      v      Côte d'Ivoire     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
14 April 2013
18:00
    Nigeria      v      Ghana     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
17 April 2013
15:30
    Côte d'Ivoire      v      Nigeria     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
17 April 2013
18:30
    Ghana      v      Congo     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
20 April 2013
15:00
    Congo      v      Nigeria     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
20 April 2013
15:00
    Côte d'Ivoire      v      Ghana     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
Semi-finals
23 April 2013
15:00
    Winner Group A     v     Runner-up Group B     Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
       
24 Aprl 2013
18:30
    Winner Group B     v     Runner-up Group A     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       
Third place match
27 April 2013
    Loser Semi-final 1     v     Loser Semi-final 2     Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
       

Sunday 31 March 2013

AYC U 20 ALGERIA 2013 : ALL THE RESULTS FOR THE RECORDS



March 16    17:30    Algeria    0     vs     Benin 0    Stade  Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchen                     March 16    20:30    Ghana     1     vs       Egypt 2    Stade   Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent

March  17   17:30     Nigeria     0     vs      Mali  1     Stade  Ahmed Zabana, Oran      

March 17    20:30     Congo DR  0   vs      Gabon 0       Stade   Ahmed Zabana, Oran

March 19   17:30     Ghana       1      vs      Benin 0     Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent

March 19   20:30      Algeria     0     vs       Egypt 1      Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent

March 20  17:30      Mali          2       vs     Congo DR 1        Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

March 20  20:30      Gabon      0       vs      Nigeria    1          Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

March 22  17:30      Algeria     0         vs     Ghana  2               Stade Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent

March 22  17:30      Benin      0          vs     Egypt  1                Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

March 23 20:30      Nigeria     3           vs    Congo DR       1       Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

March 23 20:30      Mali            0         vs           Gabon      2              Stade  Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchen

                                      SEMI FINALS    FIXTURES

17:00      EGYPT  2 VS  NIGERIA  0                         Stade  Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchen  SF 1

17:00      MALI 2 (0)  VS  GHANA (0) 4 AET                         Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran                 SF 2

                                                  THIRD PLACE FINAL

         MARCH 29 17:30        NIGERIA   2   VS     MALI   1    Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

                                                         FINAL

       MARCH 30  17:30         EGYPT 1 VS    GHANA  1( 5-4) AET Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran

EGPPT 1 VS GHANA 1 EGYPT 5 VS GHANA 4 AET THE MATCH REPORT : Egypt crowned AYC champions



Egypt won their fourth CAF U-20 Championship title on Saturday after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Ghana in the final played at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran on Saturday. The two sides had played a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Converting penalties for Egypt were Saleh Gomaa, Ahmed Samir, Ahmed ElSayed, Mahmoud Monem and Hossam Mohamed while Ramy Rabie missed and for Ghana were Richmond Nketiah, Jeremiah Arkorful, Lawrence Lartey, Ebenezer Ofori while Attama Joseph and Moses Odjer missed.

The 12th Orange CAF Youth Championship final opened with two early goals, the first coming after only three minutes when Ghanaian defender Richmond Nketiah brought down left winger Mahmoud Monem in the box. Up stepped Saleh Gomaa to convert the spot kick and the Young Pharaohs went in front. Two minutes later at the other end Ahmed Samir went for a kick clearance and fouled Moses Odjer who was first to the ball with his head resulting in the second penalty of the game. Jeremiah Arkorful sent keeper Mossad Awad the wrong way and with 7 minutes on the clock it was 1-1.

The quick goals seemed to have helped the two sides settled down into the game and flowing passing football befitting a final was soon on show. Ghana were productive attacking from the right flank where Nketiah, Odjer and Ebenezer Assifuah were combining well. Egypt on the other hand were channeling the bulk of the play via the left wing looking to use Monem who was a constant threat to the Ghanaian defenders with his silky skills each time he was on the ball. The game brought out some interesting tassels in the midfield as Gomaa, Hossam Mohamed and Mahmoud Ahmed for the Egyptians wrestled with Clifford Aboagye, Ebenezer Ofori and Salifu Seidu in a bid to control and influence the game. 

On 30th minute Arkorful almost doubled the Black Satellites’ score with a delightful free-kick that cannoned off the cross bar and bounced back into play to be cleared by the Egyptians. The first half ended 1-1 and the game maintained its tempo upon resumption. The evenly balanced contest continued with action swing from one end to the other much to the delight of a good appreciative crowd that came to Ahmed Zabana stadium.   

Nketiah was in the mood to shoot and on 60th minute he warmed Awad ‘s palms with a rasping shot and not long after Arkorful saw his free-kick sail centimeters wide as Ghana accumulated a few free kick around the edge of the Egyptian box. Egypt’s response was swift, captain Ramy Rabia started a run from half-way and found Omar Bassam with a pass but his progress towards goal was well checked by outstanding Ghanaian captain Lawrence Lartey who was at the hearty of most of his side’s fine defending.

Going into the last fifteen minutes it was Ghana who close to adding to the score line and a combination of keeper Awad’s reflexes and solid defending from Mahmoud Elmetwaly and Yasser Ahmed kept the Satellites at bay. Some substitutions revived Egypt’s attacking play in particular the contribution of pacey substitute Ahmed ElSayed. The last five minutes both sides seemed resigned to play extra time, as they pass the ball round not too keen to concede at this late stage.Extra time could not separate the sides and it was left to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.

Friday 29 March 2013

EGYPT VS GHANA IN AYC FINAL SHOWDOWN AS NIGERIA DEFEATED MALI 2-1 NIGERIA,MALI KNOW WORLD CUP FOES IN FRESH WORLD CUP DRAW


EGYPT VS GHANA IN  AYC FINAL SHOWDOWN
AS NIGERIA DEFEATED MALI 2-1
NIGERIA,MALI KNOW WORLD CUP FOES IN FRESH WORLD CUP DRAW


 


Egypt and Ghana will play in the final of the 2013 Orange CAF U-20 Championship on Saturday at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran, Algeria. The Young Pharaohs go into the match as favourites after notching four straight wins including an opening 2-1 victory over same opponents, Ghana two weeks ago.

Ghana coach Sellas Tetteh was at pains dispelling the suggestions that the Black Satellites will be seeking revenge.  “ It worries me when l hear such talk about being motivated by revenge, and wanting to get back at Egypt for that loss in the first game. That match is in the past and our approach to the final is not based on a need to even things or any such intention. We are in a final and will play to win, regardless of what has happened before. “ said Tetteh
Tetteh’s counterpart, Rabie Yassine said he would be expecting a challenging encounter with Ghana but he too will not be dwelling on the result from their last meeting. “First of all, we have a lot of respect for Ghana and their football but we are ready to face them on Saturday and l have been working on my team and concentrating on what we need to do to win.  We want to make our own history, we have our destiny in our own hands and I believe we can win this tournament. We are capable, we have what it takes to win,” Yassine said.


When the sides met last time Ghana created more scoring chances but Egypt were more efficient with theirs and thus carried the day. According to coach Yassine his side will strike a balance between offensive and defensive play but will definitely take the game to the opposition and continue with the style and combinations that has served the side well so far. “We have done our homework on Ghana and hopefully my boys will again execute the game plan the coaching staff will set like they have done so well so far. We will play our football on the pitch and yes after the match l will say more too and by then God willing l will talking as a winner then” concluded Yassine


Both coaches are hoping a have a clean bill of health but admitted they have some waiting to do on some key players currently nursing injuries. The Egyptian captain Rami Rabea will have to pass a late fitness test on his injured ankle but coach Yassine is hopeful he will have his captain on the field. Rabea scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against the host nation, Algeria and has been a vital cog in Egyptian side. 

Meanwhile coach Tetteh is hoping that Derrick Mensah will recover in time to be considered for selection.
Sellas Tetteh famously engineered Ghana U-20’s finest year in 2009 leading the side to the African Youth Championship in Rwanda before Ghana won the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Egypt in 2009 to become the first African side to do so. “By God’s grace we shall see how the final goes but l believe this one is for us, they had theirs in the first game. We have come very far and we are looking forward to this match. These boys do need any more motivation than being in the final. That alone is self-motivation enough to have made it this far , so we are going to work very hard to overcome and we are in high spirits, so God willing we shall be victorious." Tetteh said


Both Ghana and Egypt currently have three African U-20 Championship titles each so the winner will move onto four (4) which is tow behind record holders Nigeria with six. The final match will be played at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran, Algeria and kick off is 17h30 local time


 AS FLYING EAGLES KNOW WORLCUP FOES AFTER ANOTHER FIFA DRAW


Meanwhile FIFA announces that a draw will be conducted  on 30th of March 2013 to determine  which groups the teams finishing second, third and fourth at the on-going 2013 African U-20 Youth Championship will be in for the FIFA U-20 World Cup,Turkey 2013.

After FIFA organized a draw in Turkey on March 25, 2013, for the final tournament of the World Championship the eventual African U-20 winners have been drawn in a group designated as  "African champion " and Saturday’s draw will be about placing the remaining three teams which have been designated as “CAF” after the draw on March 25,2013 into other groups.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated the young Eagles of mali by two goals to one to place third leaving the Malians at the fourth place in a match decided  friday evening in oran algiers  .

The draw will take place after the final match between Egypt and Ghana and the  medal ceremony on 30th  March 2013 at Ahmed Zabana Stadium in Oran, Algeria.
 

Tuesday 26 March 2013

PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIA LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMPANY,NDUKA IRABOR, WRITES YOU

   

PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT:
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIA LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMPANY,NDUKA IRABOR, WRITES YOU

    To All Nigerians (especially football lovers, football administrators, Football Club promoters, sponsors and potential sponsors of the Nigeria Professional Football League).





    Revamping the Nigerian Professional Football League…in line with the law and present day realities.

    Subsequent to my several press interviews in recent days, I find it necessary to present this communiqué as a forum to consolidate and also provide an update of the workings of the League Management Committee for the benefit of all football stakeholders.

    On the 27th of December, 2012, the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) in exercise of its statutory powers set up the League Management Committee, to ‘rescue’ professional league football. At its inauguration by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, President of the NFA, the Committee was charged with the following terms of reference:

    - organize the 2012/2013 league season;

    - review all contractual obligations of the Nigeria Premier League, including TV and sponsorship rights;

    - review existing rules and guidelines for the election into Nigeria Premier League Board;

    - develop new standards for players contracts and welfare;

    - develop strategy and facilitate the reform of the league towards achieving profitability; and



    - any other relevant matters the Committee may deem necessary.



    This committee of eminent Nigerians volunteered for this assignment, motivated by nothing more than patriotism and a desire to revive a moribund local football league mired in litigation, insolvency and administered in a manner that was opaque and inefficient.

    In the discharge of its mandate as an interim task-force, the League Management Committee wishes to publicly acknowledge the immense assistance and cooperation of the NFA President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the good offices of the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam

    Bolaji Abdullahi.



    Legal Entanglements of the League



    Following an exhaustive examination of the legal and financial issues that had paralyzed the football league (resulting in the dissolution of the former board), the committee decided that the interest of all stakeholders, especially the teeming millions of football lovers in Nigeria, would be best served by mapping out a new direction in the structure and management of the local premier football league.

    There could be no other way forward especially after a Federal High Court had adjudged in January 2012 that the Nigeria Football League Ltd, the body hitherto set up to run and manage the local league was an illegal body. The circumstances are set out below.



    Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2010, between Dr. Sam Sam Jaja (Plaintiff) and Nigeria Football League Limited and 4 others (Defendants), is the chief source of the legal entanglements surrounding the League in Nigeria. The judgment of the Court in the suit delivered on January 20, 2012 erodes completely the identity and legal capacity of the body critical to the organization and management of professional football in Nigeria; this is Nigeria Football League Limited (NFL LTD), the 1st Defendant in the suit.

    At page 51 of the judgment, Hon Justice D.U. Okorowo, of the Federal High Court, Abuja declares as follows concerning NFL Ltd,



    “3. That the incorporation of the 1st Defendant as a company with the 1st and 2nd Defendant as the only subscribers to its Memorandum and Articles of Association is tantamount to incorporation by one person and thus illegal and void in so far as the 1st Defendant was not a legal person at the time of the subscription to the Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

    Finally, at page 52, the Court specifically directs the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (5

    th Defendant) as follows concerning NFL Ltd,



    “7. That the 5th Defendant is hereby mandatorily directed to immediately commence steps for winding up of the 1st Defendant for infraction of the provisions of Companies and Allied Matters Act.”

    It must be pointed out that the actual management and operation of the NFL Ltd itself, while it existed, was fraught with all sorts of illegalities. For instance, all manner of persons with definitively questionable motives had intruded in the affairs of the company and purported to be holding elections to its Board. The Federal High Court in the same judgment also declared these activities illegal as follows:



    “4. That any election to the Board of the 1st Defendant can only be validly conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the 1st Defendant and the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, rather than in line with the so-called guidelines issued by the purported electoral committee (having the 3rd and 4th Defendants as chairman and vice chairman respectively) set up by the 1st Defendant. That Electoral Committee is not a body contemplated by the Companies and Allied Matters Act nor the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the 1st Defendant and as such not competent to issues election guidelines, qualify candidates, on the basis of the said guidelines or take any other action in relation to the election into the Board of Directors of the 1st Defendant”

    In summary, the Federal High Court declared that:



    i. the Nigeria Football League Ltd is an illegal body, having been incorporated in contravention of the law the Court has ordered its winding up.

    ii. Nigeria Premier League (a creation of the illegal NFL) has no corporate personality and is unknown to Nigerian law.

    iii. No aspect of the administration or management of football in Nigeria can be conducted in the names of either NFL of NPL.

    iv. This judgment has not been overturned on appeal and remains valid.



    The League Management Company (LMC)



    Based on legal advice and in line within our mandate, the management committee in conjunction with the NFA opted for a new management body for the local league that will be structured on corporate governance, transparency and meets the unfulfilled expectations of local football fans.

    This new legal entity was also necessary for us to be in compliance with the laws of the land and also to provide a legal base for entering into new contractual agreements with stakeholders.



    The new entity, the League Management Company (LMC), has taken off unencumbered by the baggage of illegality, absence of due process and insolvency that has bedeviled the growth of the local league. The LMC, taking its mandate from the Nigeria Football Association, will run a Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) that will meet FIFA and global standards of football. The goal is to have a League for Nigeria, run by competent Nigerians and clubs for the benefit of both local and international footballers and fans.



    Incorporating a new management structure is only the start, rather than the end of the necessary reforms for the local league. The football clubs will also need individual reforms to restructure as legal, corporate entities able to meet mutually agreed upon terms for their management and operations as members of the NPFL.



    We have already set out to work.

    The LMC has commenced the processes of restructure by putting in place machineries to deliver its mandate.

    We are preparing for instance a new league rules framework which includes new rules for the qualification and licensing of clubs within the league to bring our local clubs in line with international standards.

    The new rules will guarantee that clubs meet their obligations to players etc by ensuring that they have solid financial bases, setting aside 5% of the income of the LMC solely dedicated for a youth development program which will ensure that all clubs have feeder clubs of players not older than 18 years of age and of not more than 30 trainees.

    These feeder clubs will help identify talents and provide a pool of future talents for the game. New standards of training of players, coaches, referees, medical personnel, match security agents etc will be enforced, amongst other things.



    We are also in the process of developing a corporate governance model for the LMC, the clubs and the league. We are presently re-working and negotiating the Title Sponsorship Agreement as well as the Broadcast Rights Agreement to bring them in line with more commercial and favourable terms for the league and also in compliance with the laws of the land such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Code etc; club licensing rules are being introduced and prepared; and in order to protect our sponsors so as to guaranty the financing of the league, we are preparing Compliance Agreements with the clubs. It is very possible to conduct business in a fair and transparent manner. The business of football should be no exception.



    Those unaware or who feel threatened of this new direction have, rather than ask, taken to imputing ulterior motives and unfounded accusations about what is afoot. It is laughable to suggest that any individual or group can hijack a league that truly belongs to Nigeria’s 160 million football loving citizens. Suffice it to state that the current management committee, being an interim body, can and has only acted in trust on behalf of all stakeholders in Nigerian football in the incorporation of the League Management Company Limited.

    The LMC was incorporated to manage the professional league, under license from the NFA. It has a share capital of 100,000,000 (one hundred million shares). In order to meet the minimum requirement of the law for incorporation, only 25% of its share capital was subscribed on incorporation. The NFA holds golden shares of 5% and the LMC, in the name of its Chairman holds 20%

    in trust for the company, which will be relinquished as the situation warrants. There is a pre-signed Nominees Agreement to this effect and an affidavit sworn to by myself and registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja to further buttress this commitment to relinquish these shares held temporarily by me. The participating clubs of the league will own no less than 60% of the Shares which they will be mandated to take up as soon as they are re-organized and operated as corporate entities in law.



    These clubs are only going to hold the shares allotted to them as long they remain in the professional football league. Once any club is relegated or disqualified from the professional league it will lose its shares and the club taking its place will take over those shares. This is to make the clubs and the league truly professionally run as is the case in other parts. Football fans are aware that Glasgow Rangers was demoted from the Scottish Premier League to Division recently because it could not comply with the mandatory financial regulations of their league. Its demotion was sanctioned by the other clubs in the Scottish Premier League themselves!! Malaga FC in Spain’s La Liga has recently been barred by UEFA from the Champions Leagues because the club failed to comply with the financial regulations stipulated by UEFA for all clubs participating in its tournaments. This means Malaga will not play in the Champions League as from next season, though they are currently at the quarter finals stage of the same competition.

    I implore all to note, that the administration of professional football is not whimsical, but must be in compliance with the law.

    Enthusiasm and passion only cannot manage football of today, as was done in the past.

    In the coming days and weeks the management of the LMC will keep the public and all stakeholders duly abreast of developments in the task to usher in a new day in Nigerian professional football. We appreciate your trust and partnership in bringing back the best of Nigerian football.



    Signed,

Hon. Nduka Irabor

Chairman, League Management Company.

Thursday 21 March 2013

ROAD TO BRAZIL 2014 : FIXTURES AND RESULTS ACROSS THE WORLD





 
  WORLD CUP QUALIFIER FULL TIME RESULTS ACROSS THE WORLD
MARCH 22,2013
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group A
FT     Croatia     2 - 0     Serbia
FT     Macedonia     0 - 2     Belgium
FT     Scotland     1 - 2     Wales
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group B
FT     Bulgaria     6 - 0     Malta
FT     Czech Republic     0 - 3     Denmark
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group C
FT     Kazakhstan     0 - 3     Germany
FT     Austria     6 - 0     Faroe Islands
FT     Sweden     0 - 0     Ireland
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group D
FT     Andorra     0 - 2     Turkey
FT     Hungary     2 - 2     Romania
FT     Netherlands     3 - 0     Estonia
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group E
FT     Slovenia     1 - 2     Iceland
FT     Norway     0 - 1     Albania
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group F
FT     Israel     3 - 3     Portugal
FT     Luxembourg     0 - 0     Azerbaijan
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group G
FT     Liechtenstein     1 - 1     Latvia
FT     Slovakia     1 - 1     Lithuania
FT     Bosnia-Herzegovina     3 - 1     Greece
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group H
FT     Moldova     0 - 1     Montenegro
FT     Poland     1 - 3     Ukraine
FT     San Marino     0 - 8     England
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group I
FT     Spain     1 - 1     Finland
FT     France     3 - 1     Georgia
World Cup - CONCACAF Qualification 4. Round
FT     Honduras     2 - 2     Mexico
World Cup - CONMEBOL Qualification
FT     Colombia     5 - 0     Bolivia
FT     Uruguay     1 - 1     Paraguay
World Cup - OFC Qualification 3rd stage
FT     New Zealand     2 - 1     New Caledonia

   MARCH 23,2013
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group E
FT     Cyprus     0 - 0     Switzerland
World Cup - UEFA Qualification Group F
Po     N.Ireland     ? - ?     Russia
World Cup - CONCACAF Qualification 4. Round
FT     Jamaica     1 - 1     Panama
FT     USA     1 - 0     Costa Rica
World Cup - CONMEBOL Qualification
FT     Argentina     3 - 0     Venezuela
FT     Peru     1 - 0     Chile
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group A
FT     South Africa     2 - 0     Central African Rep.
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group B
FT     Tunisia     2 - 1     Sierra Leone
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group C
FT     Ivory Coast     3 - 0     Gambia
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group E
FT     Congo     1 - 0     Gabon
FT     Burkina Faso     4 - 0     Niger
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group F
FT     Namibia     0 - 1     Malawi
FT     Nigeria     1 - 1     Kenya
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group I
FT     Cameroon     2 - 1     Togo
World Cup - CAF Qualification Group J
FT     Senegal     1 - 1     Angola
World Cup - OFC Qualification 3rd stage
FT     Tahiti     2 - 0     Solomon Islands 



FIXTURES
24/03/13 15:00    Tanzania     vs     Morocco   
24/03/13 15:00     Lesotho       vs              Zambia   
24/03/13 15:00    Mozambique  vs        Guinea   
24/03/13 15:30     Rwanda vs Mali   
24/03/13 15:30    Congo DR vs    Libya   
24/03/13 16:00     Ethiopia vs    Botswana   
24/03/13 16:00    Ghana     vs    Sudan   
24/03/13 16:00    Liberia    vs    Uganda   
24/03/13 17:00            Equatorial Guinea vs    Cape Verde Islands   
26/03/13 15:00           Solomon Islands    vs    New Zealand   
26/03/13 16:00           Ecuador    vs    Paraguay   
26/03/13 16:00          Bolivia        vs     Argentina   
26/03/13 17:00          Jordan         vs Japan   
26/03/13 18:00         New Caledonia     vs Tahiti   
26/03/13 18:00        Uzbekistan vs    Lebanon   
26/03/13 19:00       Estonia    vs    Andorra   
26/03/13 19:00       Egypt    vs    Zimbabwe   
26/03/13 19:30      Venezuela     vs    Colombia   
26/03/13 19:30     Australia    vs    Oman   
26/03/13 19:45    Wales    vs    Croatia   
26/03/13 19:45  Republic of Ireland   vs Austria   
26/03/13 19:45 Northern Ireland    vs        Israel   
26/03/13 20:00 Korea Republic     vs        Qatar   
26/03/13 20:00 Costa Rica           vs   Jamaica   
26/03/13 20:00 Armenia         vs  Czech Republic   
26/03/13 20:15 Denmark        vs   Bulgaria   
26/03/13 20:30 Mexico       vs    USA   
26/03/13 20:30 Serbia         vs Scotland   
26/03/13 20:30   Chile     vs    Uruguay   
26/03/13 20:30 Turkey vs    Hungary   
26/03/13 20:30 Netherlands  vs    Romania   
26/03/13 20:30 Algeria    vs    Benin   
26/03/13 20:45 Belgium    vs    FYR Macedonia   
26/03/13 20:45 Malta    vs    Italy   
26/03/13 20:45Germany    vs    Kazakhstan   
26/03/13 20:45 Poland   vs    San Marino   
26/03/13 21:00Panama vs Honduras   
26/03/13 21:00 Azerbaijan vs Portugal   
26/03/13 21:00 Montenegro vs England   
26/03/13 21:00 Ukraine   vs    Moldova   
26/03/13 21:00 France   vs    Spain   

AYC U20 ALGERIA 2013: GHANA CONFRONT ALGERIA IN WINNER TAKES ALL TIE AS BENIN BANK ON SLIM CHANCE AGAINST EGYPT

TODAY AT THE AYC.........GROUP A DAY OF RECKONINING
March 22  17:30      Algeria              vs            Ghana                 Stade Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
March 22  17:30      Benin                vs             Egypt                  Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran
 GHANA CONFRONT ALGERIA IN WINNER TAKES ALL TIE
 AS BENIN BANK ON SLIM CHANCE AGAINST EGYPT

Orange CAF U-20 Championship 2013 hosts, Algeria play their third and final group match looking for all three points to entertain any hopes of reaching the semi-finals. The opposition in that match on Friday in Ain Temouchent will come from Ghana. The Black Satellites themselves need something out of the game if they are to make the semi-finals themselves. That said the stage is set for an interesting contest and the finals positions will also depend on the result from the other Group A match to be played in Oran at the same time where already qualified Egypt will play Benin.
Ghana will have to do without team captain, Lawrence Lartey who misses the match due to suspension. Satellites coach, Sellas Tetteh told Cafonline.com that he expects a tough match against Algeria who will have the proverbial 12th men with the home crowd.” I would have preferred to play the hosts with semi-final place secured, but we now have to do it the hard way. We know what is required from this final group match. I expect an open game with both teams going for a win. “ said Tetteh
Meanwhile local media was full of encouragement and advice to the home side. Many believed the Algerian side has a difficult but do-able task ahead of them. The overwhelming feeling is that the Fennecs should be patient and not too hasty in trying to score. The nation is urging the team, coached by Frenchman, Jean-Marc Nobilo to lift up the country’s spirit after last game’s defeat by arch-rivals, Egypt.
One thing certain is that Omar Oucief stadium in Ain Temouchent will be packed to the rafters with Algerians keen to see their team reach the semi-finals and secure a FIFA World Cup berth, a target Nobilo said he wanted to achieve before the tournament kicked off.

“There is a full game that we have to give of our best and try and get a positive result” said Nobilo. “Do l believe it is possible to win and qualify yes, is there pressure on me and the team, yes but this is football and that is the situation we find ourselves in, so we have to deal with it. I said last time that the third game against Ghana will decide our fate and this is the case, it’s in our hands now”
Algeria who are yet to score from two matches played so far will need to open their scoring account on Friday and will be hoping that striker Haddouche Zakaria and Ouali who went close a couple of times in the last matches will finally hit the back of the net. Fennecs defence marshalled by Ferhat will have to deal with the live-wire Ghanaian striker,  Ebenezer Assifuah. The forward has scored both Ghana’s total of two goals so far in the competition and he will be looking to adding on to that tally.  “We just have to do our part and win and then find the result from Benin/Egypt match but tomorrow’s game is very important for us and we have to deliver and not disappoint the fans again” said Nobilo. Algeria will be looking to beat Ghana and hope that Benin does not win against Egypt by a score line better than theirs.
Meanwhile Nothing is decided yet in the group as the battle for the second qualification ticket is wide open because victory for Benin today against the comfortable Egyptian will and good fortune of result in thier favour elsewhere in the group will see Benin through to the net round and to the world youth championshhip
Benin who go into the match on a point will be looking to win and hope that Algeria win too but an inferior score line to theirs. Should this be the case, Benin will join Egypt in the semis.  Before that happens Benin will have to be the first side to beat a well drilled Egyptian side at the tournament. Although already qualified, Egyptian captain and scorer of their goal against Algeria , Ramy Rabiaa said they would be going for their third win to boast their confidence even further as they enter the knock-out phase of the competition. “We want to continue with our winning ways and there will be no let –up against Benin. We play our normal football and play to win all the time, nothing will change from that on Friday” he said

Benin who are yet to score so far from their two games played will be hoping it’s third time luck for their side and another goalless outing for them will spell doom to their campaign. “ The beauty of it all is that we are still in with a chance to qualify and it depends on how we play against Egypt in the final group game” said Benin coach  Sedogbo Alohotade.

According to Alohotade the side has not been fortunate in front of goal but he wouldn’t fault his boys for commitment and their performance especially against Ghana where he felt they deserved something from the game. “ Should we play as well as we did in our last game and have a bit of luck on our side l would like to think anything is possible and we could come away with a positive result. We will not give up but fight to the end against Egypt” he said. Meanwhile his opposite number Egyptian, Rabei Yassin expressed his satisfaction with his team’s qualification to the semis and World Cup before the final group match and said he wants the team to carry on with that momentum.
ALL THE RESULTS IN THE GROUP SO FAR
Algeria    0     vs     Benin 0    Stade  Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent                   
Ghana     1     vs       Egypt 2    Stade   Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
Ghana    1      vs      Benin 0     Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
 Algeria  0     vs       Egypt 1      Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent

Wednesday 20 March 2013

AYC U20 ALGERIA 2013 UPDATES: GHANA CONFRONT ALGERIA IN WINNER TAKES ALL TIE AS BENIN BANK ON SLIM CHANCE AGAINST EGYPT


 TODAY AT THE AYC.........GROUP A DAY OF RECKONINING

March 22  17:30      Algeria              vs            Ghana                 Stade Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
March 22  17:30      Benin                vs             Egypt                  Stade Ahmed Zabana, Oran
 GHANA CONFRONT ALGERIA IN WINNER TAKES ALL TIE
 AS BENIN BANK ON SLIM CHANCE AGAINST EGYPT

Orange CAF U-20 Championship 2013 hosts, Algeria play their third and final group match looking for all three points to entertain any hopes of reaching the semi-finals. The opposition in that match on Friday in Ain Temouchent will come from Ghana. The Black Satellites themselves need something out of the game if they are to make the semi-finals themselves. That said the stage is set for an interesting contest and the finals positions will also depend on the result from the other Group A match to be played in Oran at the same time where already qualified Egypt will play Benin.
Ghana will have to do without team captain, Lawrence Lartey who misses the match due to suspension. Satellites coach, Sellas Tetteh told Cafonline.com that he expects a tough match against Algeria who will have the proverbial 12th men with the home crowd.” I would have preferred to play the hosts with semi-final place secured, but we now have to do it the hard way. We know what is required from this final group match. I expect an open game with both teams going for a win. “ said Tetteh
Meanwhile local media was full of encouragement and advice to the home side. Many believed the Algerian side has a difficult but do-able task ahead of them. The overwhelming feeling is that the Fennecs should be patient and not too hasty in trying to score. The nation is urging the team, coached by Frenchman, Jean-Marc Nobilo to lift up the country’s spirit after last game’s defeat by arch-rivals, Egypt.
One thing certain is that Omar Oucief stadium in Ain Temouchent will be packed to the rafters with Algerians keen to see their team reach the semi-finals and secure a FIFA World Cup berth, a target Nobilo said he wanted to achieve before the tournament kicked off.

“There is a full game that we have to give of our best and try and get a positive result” said Nobilo. “Do l believe it is possible to win and qualify yes, is there pressure on me and the team, yes but this is football and that is the situation we find ourselves in, so we have to deal with it. I said last time that the third game against Ghana will decide our fate and this is the case, it’s in our hands now”
Algeria who are yet to score from two matches played so far will need to open their scoring account on Friday and will be hoping that striker Haddouche Zakaria and Ouali who went close a couple of times in the last matches will finally hit the back of the net. Fennecs defence marshalled by Ferhat will have to deal with the live-wire Ghanaian striker,  Ebenezer Assifuah. The forward has scored both Ghana’s total of two goals so far in the competition and he will be looking to adding on to that tally.  “We just have to do our part and win and then find the result from Benin/Egypt match but tomorrow’s game is very important for us and we have to deliver and not disappoint the fans again” said Nobilo. Algeria will be looking to beat Ghana and hope that Benin does not win against Egypt by a score line better than theirs.
Meanwhile Nothing is decided yet in the group as the battle for the second qualification ticket is wide open because victory for Benin today against the comfortable Egyptian will and good fortune of result in thier favour elsewhere in the group will see Benin through to the net round and to the world youth championshhip
Benin who go into the match on a point will be looking to win and hope that Algeria win too but an inferior score line to theirs. Should this be the case, Benin will join Egypt in the semis.  Before that happens Benin will have to be the first side to beat a well drilled Egyptian side at the tournament. Although already qualified, Egyptian captain and scorer of their goal against Algeria , Ramy Rabiaa said they would be going for their third win to boast their confidence even further as they enter the knock-out phase of the competition. “We want to continue with our winning ways and there will be no let –up against Benin. We play our normal football and play to win all the time, nothing will change from that on Friday” he said

Benin who are yet to score so far from their two games played will be hoping it’s third time luck for their side and another goalless outing for them will spell doom to their campaign. “ The beauty of it all is that we are still in with a chance to qualify and it depends on how we play against Egypt in the final group game” said Benin coach  Sedogbo Alohotade.

According to Alohotade the side has not been fortunate in front of goal but he wouldn’t fault his boys for commitment and their performance especially against Ghana where he felt they deserved something from the game. “ Should we play as well as we did in our last game and have a bit of luck on our side l would like to think anything is possible and we could come away with a positive result. We will not give up but fight to the end against Egypt” he said. Meanwhile his opposite number Egyptian, Rabei Yassin expressed his satisfaction with his team’s qualification to the semis and World Cup before the final group match and said he wants the team to carry on with that momentum.
ALL THE RESULTS IN THE GROUP SO FAR
Algeria    0     vs     Benin 0    Stade  Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent                  
Ghana     1     vs       Egypt 2    Stade   Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
Ghana    1      vs      Benin 0     Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent
 Algeria  0     vs       Egypt 1      Stade    Omar Oucief, Aïn Témouchent


Egypt and Mali advance to semifinals after two straight wins and qualify for the world youth championship

Egypt became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 12th Orange CAF U-20 Championship taking place in Algeria after beating the host 1-0 in Ain Temouchent on Tuesday night. Midfielder Ramy  Rabiaa headed powerful past the goalkeeper on the stroke of half time.

The Pharaohs beat Ghana 2-1 in their first group game on Saturday and with six points, they are assured of finishing in the top two and that also means qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup to come later in the year in June and July.

The derby had its fair share of passionate and feisty football but clear cut chances were few and far between. The Egyptians made more meaningful use of the ball and possession and looked sharper on attack, with efficient use of wing play. Urged on by a full capacity crowd the hosts tried hard to match their opponents and perhaps were trying too hard as passes often went astray and shots were hurried but you couldn’t fault them for commitment and passion.

The flowing football and supportive play in the midfield by the Egyptians helped them wrestle that area in their favour in the first half forcing Algerians to drop deep and leaving their strikers with little assistance upfront. The two keepers were kept busy with the Algeria keeper impressive as he constantly thwarted the danger on his goal. In one such move he was quick off his line to dive down and stop Rabiaa’s shot after the Egyptian had dribbled his way into the box.

At the other end the crosses from Algeria were well watched most of the time by the goalkeeper and his safe hands clasped the majority of the shots from a distance by the Algerians.

In the second half Algeria threw their all at it and wrestled back the midfield control as they started bombarding Egyptian goal with crosses and shots. Algeria’s constructive play wasn’t always rounded up with the right final touch or decision and with each broken down move the gasps in the stadium became louder. Towards the end Algeria almost got the equalizer but Egypt down to ten men in stoppage time after substitute Mohmoud Hammad got his second yellow during a scuffle hung on for victory over their arch rivals, who now need to beat Ghana on Friday to entertain any hopes of making the semis.

Mali became the second team (after Egypt) to qualify for the 2013 Orange CAF U-20 Championship  following a 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran on Wednesday.
Goals from Samba Diallo and live wire striker Niane Adama early in the second half, 51st and 59th respectively were enough to carry the day for Mali. DR Congo scored through a thunderous drive from a free-kick by Emmo Ngoy on 54th minute.  
DR Congo created the first meaningful chances of the game as early as the 5th minute when midfielder Emomo Ngoy tested Ali Yirango in goal for Mali with a plié drive that the keeper punched back into play. Not long after that Malian defence was called upon to clear their lines when Ngoy set up striker Budje Manzia for a shot inside the box.  Mali’s response was swift and Tiekoro Keita plying the left channel sent in a couple of crosses as the game opened up.
The Congolese were playing some flowing football bossing the midfield with Ekiri Litekia, Bamato Botayi and Nekadio Luyindama getting the better of their Malian counterparts. But as the game edged close to half time the sides seem to cancel each other and the game needed a change of gears to lift it up.
Upon resumption the tempo went a notch up with some penetrative passes and more attacking play. Six minutes into the second half Issaka Samake set up Diallo whose ferocious shot nestled into the net with Congolese goalkeeper Landu Bakala well beaten. Three minutes later DR Congo showed that, they took could fashion similar goals when Ngoy left fly from a free- kick from outside the box that landed in the top right hand corner of Yirango’s goal. The goals turned the match on its head and end to end attacking play ensued. On 59th minute Bakala spilt a shot and ever alert Niane pounced to score his second goal of the tournament
Going to their last group match against Nigeria, DR Congo need all three points and hope other results go their way if they are to reach semis in their debut AYC finals.
Mali, on the other hand have now qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be played in June and July in Turkey and will also be looking to reach the AYC final and win the trophy as coach Moussa Keita has been saying all along.