Nigeria wins first church World cup

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos has emerged champions in the maiden Church World Cup in Goa, India. The country’s flag bearers thrashed Colombia 7-0 in the final of the unique tournament on Sunday.

Adekunle Adegboyega set the ball rolling with the first goal for MFM who dominated from start to finish in what was largely a one-sided contest. Midfielder Sheriff Alashe doubled MFM’s advantage before two more goals came off the boots of Nelson Kenedinum and Adegboyega to give the Nigeria National League side a comfortable 4-0 lead going into the break.

Adegboyega was not yet done with scoring as he added one more to complete his hat trick. Also in the second half, Sikiru Olatunbosun found the back of the net twice, while midfielder Nelson Kenedinum completed the rout.

MFM FC ended the competition without conceding a goal and scored 20 goals in five games.

Expectedly, it was a clean sweep for MFM FC in the individual awards as striker, Adegboyega, won the top scorer award with eight goals and diminutive midfielder, Onuwa Emmanuel, was voted the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

MFM FC’s road to making history at the Church World Cup in India started with a 3-0 win over Colombia, next to fall was Egypt who lost 2-0, while Uzbekistan were hammered 7-0 and the hosts India conceded a goal in the semi-final which catapulted the Olukoya Boys to the final of the competition. 

The participating teams were host India, Colombia, Egypt, Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Portugal.

The victorious team is expected back in the country on Tuesday with the MFM General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, already promising a befitting reception for the newly crowned champions.

Enyeama Bounces Back

It was double celebration on Sunday evening  for Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama who registered his first clean sheet in five outings and more importantly his first win in five games with his French club Lille.

Coach Rene Girard’s men did make their numerical advantage as they dispersed Toulouse 3-0 in one of Sunday’s Ligue 1 fixtures.

Enyeama was in between the sticks with very little to do as his teammates made sure all three points are secured this time around.

Lille missed an early penalty gifted them after a foul on Divorck Origi however, the hosts made swift amends in the seventh minute as they open the scoring through Djibril Sidibe.

The visitors put up stout defensive afterwards but the caved in five minutes into the second half when another well laid out pass from Gueye fell to Ryan Mendes who made no mistake to double Lille’s advantage.

Any hopes for a comeback for Toulouse was extinguished in the 77th minute when Nolan Roux collected an Origi pass before tucking the ball into the bottom corner from close range.  

With the home win, Lille are now in 12th spot with 21 points albeit with a game at hand.

PUBLIC ENEMY: Celtic Fans Attack Efe Ambrose

Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose

will need more than just hard work to get back in the good books of some Celtic fans as he was again heavily criticized despite helping his team out to a 4 -1 win over St Mirren in a League game on Sunday.

The Eagles defender was in action for all 90 minutes but rather than pick on his positive contributions, some Celtic fans took to social media network, twitter to blame the Nigeria international for the goal conceded.

“Celtic have a severe inability to hold a lead at the moment. I blame ambrose. Probably not at fault but the fact he is playing is enough Anthony McFadyen wrote via his handle @fujmcfuj.

Also Phil MacGiollaBhain via @Pmacgiollabhain wrote “Efe Ambrose using Zonal Marking for the St.Mirrren equaliser. Unfortunately his zone is the Twilight Zone...”

Stephen Molloy on his part was more critical of Ambrose as he accused the Eagles star as the root of all defensive problems at Celtic

“Efe ambrose is the root of our defensive issues, more times than not he causes our defensive errors, when denayer is in CB we are more solid”

While the criticisms continue for Ambrose, the Nigerian defender says he remains unfazed and would continue to do his best to help his team to achieve their season target.

EPL Teams Tussle For Onazi

Onazi in action for Lazio

English Premiership teams, Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham are all in the race to sign Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, his agent Jonathan Barnett.

But Barnett, was quick to also add that his client is happy with the Biancocelesti despite the link to the EPL.

"It is true, there are a few clubs interested, but it he is a player of Lazio and he is happy there but his future at the club is not so firm but he won't leave in January," he revealed.

Onazi who signed a contract extention at the club in the summer till 2018 has missed his sides's last fives Serie A games fuelling speculation about his future at the Rome based outfit.

The form of Lucas Biglia, Senad Lulic and Marco Parolo in Lazio's midfield has made it difficult for the Nigerian international to get back into the starting line up.

Throw Back Pick Monday

BATHOLOMEW OGBECHE

The infamous Pastel green kit was synonymous with only one major tournament for the eagles , the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan. Bathlomew Ogbeche aged 18, was part of the suprise inclusion to the squad for the mundial by then coach, Festus Onigbinde. 

He was famous for his over head kick and goal celebration. He later went on to make two appearances at the world cup and made 11 appearances with 3 goals for Nigeria between 2002 and 2004.

Nigerians To Watch As Uefa Draw Takes Center Stage

The Uefa champions league used to be the haven of Nigerian players in years past, but the reverse is the case in recent times as few Nigerians feature in Europe elite club competition. 

As the draw for the Uefa champions league and Europa league takes place today, we look at the Nigerian stars to watch out for in this years competition.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

John Obi Mikel- Chelsea Fc (England)

Currently Nigeria's most decorated player, the midfielder has paid his dues when it comes to European football having won both the Uefa champions league and Europa league with Chelsea.

The Nigerian will be inspired after scoring his first ever champions league goal in Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in their last group game against in stamford bridge. 

Chelsea are amongst the seeded teams for the draw after qualifying as group winners.

Mikel featured only twice for Chelsea in the group stage, with both appearances coming against Sporting Lisbon, home and away. 

Elderson Echiejele 

-Elderson Echiejele- AS Monaco (France)

His debut season in France was marred by injury and being subjected to bench role with French youngster, Layvin Kurzawa favoured by former coach, Claudio Ranieri.

This season, his appearances has also been limited, but an injury to the French u21 star has seen him come into prominence at the Municipal club. 

The Nigerian only champions league showing came in Monaco's 1-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen on 26 november, 2014. 

Monaco qualified as group leaders ahead of Leverkusen and are seeded for the draw later today. 

-Chinedu Obasi- Schalke 04

It seemed like Obasi was having a new lease of life since ex chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo took over the helm of affairs at the German club. He even scored a goal in the Italian first Chamions league game at home to Sporting Lisbon and featured in the reverse fixture in Portugal. 

But the Nigerian has now found game time had to come by in recent time due to the Coach's tactics, loss of form and the emergence of Cameroon striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who joined at the summer from Mainz.

His last appearance for the club was on november 8, in Schalke's 0-2 loss to Freiburg. 

The German side qualified as group runners-up to Chelsea..
Schalke are unseeded for the latter stages,  meaning they will most likely play the top dogs in the competition. 

Meanwhile in the europa league, Nigerians to watch out for includes:

Ikechukwu Uche-Villarreal(Spain) Unseeded

Efe Ambrose- Celtic(Scotland) Unseeded

Haruna Lukman- Dynamo Kyiv(Ukraine) Seeded

Joel Obi- Internazionale( Italy) Seeded

Micheal Olaitan- Olympiacos(Greece) Seeded

The draw takes place today in Nyon, Switzerland with the games scheduled for february next year.

Nigeria Nightmare Rantie To Miss Afcon 2015?

from left Rantie, Omeruo

This is a name Nigerians won't forget in hurry, the South Africa scored twice in front of a fully parked new Akwa Ibom international Stadium, Uyo to deny the defending champions the opportunity to defend their title.

The player was instrumental in South Africa's unbeaten streak leading to their qualification for the showpiece.

Tokelo Rantie dislocated his shoulder while in action for club Bournemouth when they held Ipswich Town to a 2 all draw. The attacker now faces a race to be fit for the African Cup Of Nations in Equitorial Guinea, which kicks off on the 17th January 2014.

Bournemouth assistant manager Jason Tindall is optimistic of Ranties chances of making it to the 2015 AFCON. He told the clubs official website, “I said to him the other day, we are probably getting him fit now for the African Cup of Nations.

Rantie while injured for club

“As soon as he gets fit he will probably have to go away, but we are hoping to have him back just after Christmas. If we can get him back and get him some game time then that would be great because he was looking really sharp before he unfortunately injured his shoulder.”

Many Nigerians will be hoping the South Africa hitman isnt be fit enough for the tournament as a payback for depriving their darling super eagles the opportunity of flying Nigerias flag at the event.

Sand Eagles Drowned by Beach Elephants

For the first time in four years and 11 games, Nigeria Super Sand Eagles were beaten 4-3 at the Copa Lagos beach soccer on saturday.

The Beach Eagles who have won the three previous editions of the Copa Lagos trailed the Ivorians at the end of the first period by two goals.

Isiaka Olawale and Musa Najare failed to convert from free kicks before Eric Bile Kablan put the Sand Elephants in the lead from a free kick.

And within a minute Kablan doubled the lead for the Ivorians with a left-footed finish.

Victor Tale had a chance to halve the lead of the Ivorians but blazed his free kick wide.

The Sand Eagles won a penalty at the start of the second half and Warri Wolves striker, Abu Azeez, converted to make the score 2-1 as the Nigerian attempted to battle back into the game.

Within minutes, Kablan's free kick struck the Nigeria post, and Daniel curled in from close range to give Ivory Coast a 3-1 lead.

Babatunde Badmus and Najare got into scoring chances but failed to make them count for Nigeria.

It was Daniel's goal that wrapped up the second period as Ivory Coast opened a three-goal lead.

The third period was full of activities as Azeez headed Nigeria back into the contest to make the scoreline 2-4. But Daniel restored Ivory Coast's three goal lead inside a minute.

Two late goals from Olawale and Najare proved too little, too late as Ivory Coast held on for a 5-4 win.

he Super Sand Eagles will face Senegal on Sunday while Senegal need to beat Ghana to become champions of the 2014 edition of the Copa Lagos.

Also on day two of the Copa Lagos, Senegal saw off Ghana 5-2 while in the club friendly Barcelona defeated Stationery Stores 6-4.

Saturday Eagle's Round Up

Anthony Ujah

England

Chelsea 2-0 Hull city

Nigeria duo, John Obi Mikel and Sone Aluko were both in action as the former welcomed the latter to the Stamford bridge. Chelsea were 2 nil victors as both players lasted for 82 and 64 minutes respectively. The Nigerians were involved in the build up to chelsea's first goal as Mikel dispossessed Aluko leading to Eden Hazard's first goal.

Westbrom 1-0 Aston villa

At the hawthorn, Brown Ideye got a rare start in the Midland derby as Westbrom hosted Aston Villa. Craig Gardener's 72nd minute strike seperated the two rivals with the Nigerian featuring for the entire duration of the game.

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle United were unable to continue from where they stopped last weekend when they inflicted a first defeat in 23 games on Jose Mourinho's side. Sammy Amoebi saw 56 minutes of action but could do nothing to stop a 4-1 onslaught by Arsenal at the Emirates.

Middlesbrough 2-0 Derby

In the English championship, Kenneth Omeruo watched on from the sidelines as his team Middlesbrough beat league leaders Derby 2-0 at the Riverside.

ITALY

Lazio 3-0 Atalanta

Ogenyi Onazi was an unused substitute in the game.

 GERMANY

Schalke04 1-2 Fc Cologne

Anthony Ujah followed up his goal at the weekend with another for Fc Cologne as they pulled off a surprise 1-2 win over Schalke04 with Chinedu Obasi not featuring for the host. The 24 year old Ujah's goal last week was nominated amongst the top 5 goals at the weekend. He has now scored six goals in 14 appearances for the modest German side.

 HOLLAND

Go Ahead Eagles 1-2 Cambuur

The goals seem to be drying up for Bathlomew Ogbeche as he failed to score yet again for his club, Cambuur. They ran with a fantastic 1-2 away victory in the dutch eredivisie over Go Ahead Eagles.

PORTUGAL

Gil Vicente 1-1 Academica

Obiora Nwankwo continued his impressive switch to Portuguise football as he marshaled the midfield helping his side, Academica to a 1 all draw away to Gil Vicente.

FANS REACT TO IDEYE'S PERFORMANCE vs ASTON VILLA

Events leading to the Midland derby victory over Aston Villa were marred by Behraino dip in form, Anichebe's injury and the only positive,

Brown Ideye getting set for the big stage.

After scoring a brace in a training game with the reserves, Albion manager was optimistic the Nigerian will make an impact sooner rather than later.

Alan Irvine words, " He is much closer now, than he has been previously and looking as if He's ready to come and play a part."

Were you impressed by the 25 year old? Here are some notable reactions from the Baggies fans.. 

@Viva_Fisher: Now more than ever Albion fans, we need to show support for one of our own & give £10m waster Brown Ideye our support http://pic.twitter.com/cwLohuoXXb

@benmunroe: Brown ideye has 0 body strength. If we'd had a Samaras or anicebe to hold ball up second half we'd have scored more. #wba

@ArabStrapBoy: Not sure on Brown Ideye, the lad tried but he doesn't look prem standard to me #wba

@Marcdb012: Don't forget #wba have been playing with 10 men against Villa,...Brown Ideye has been Villa's best defender ;-)

@ArabStrapBoy: Haha love that Ideye's biggest contribution today was blocking Sessegnon's goalbound shot in the build up to Gardner's goal #wba

Brown Ideye

Mourinho praises Mikel

Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Nigeria midfielder john obi mikel today following his sides 2 nill win over hull City at the bridge.

Mourinho had to make do without Fabregas who have featured for virtually every premier league game for the blues this term.

Chelsea opened the scoring when Mikel dispossessed fellow Nigerian midfielder Omatsone Aluko, the resulting cross from Oscar found Hazard who nodded in.

Mourinho said after the game on Mikel: “John Mikel Obi also had a very positive performance. Once more a big player for us didn’t play – this time Fabregas – and the people who replaced him assumed responsibility.”

Social Life Saturday...

Let's go social, shall we? Well today we are look at two players, one is an an Ex footballer anyway. 

The first is John Mikel Obi, the chelsea man, from the the image above you can see him cuddling a beautiful white lady, name Olga Diyachenko, the couple seem pretty happy.

A few days ago when Mikel got his first Champions League goal, Olga posted the picture above on her instagram page.

Here are more pictures of the loved up couple...

And the Ex footballer I was talking about is Kanu Nwankwo, his wife of 10 years Amarachi', took time off to share pictures of herself and her family, and I tell you they're just adorable. Check em out.

Agony in Victory: Emenike Fails To Score Again As Fenerbahce Win

Nigeria international striker, Emmanuel Emenike's travail continues as he failed to find the back of the net yet again in Fenerbahce 4-1 victory over Sivaspor in the Turkish league.

The 27 year old started in a two man attack for the yellow canaries alongside forward, Moussa Sow but it was the Senegalese hitman that took away the shine from from the former Spartak Moscow man as he scored a brace.

Apart from the ex Lille striker, dutch attacker Dirk Kuyt and Turkish centre back, Bekir Irtegun were amongst the goal scorers for the Turkish champion.

Emenike was subsequently replaced by Alper Potuk in the 67th minute after failing to score nor make any assist in the game.

Sivaspor on the hand had Macauley Chrisantus in action for seven minutes as he replaced Musa Sinan on the 83rd minute. Compatroit, John Utaka missed out completely due to a straight red card received in Sivaspor previous league game. 

Emenike has so far picked up more yellow cards (3) than goals (2) in 12 appearances this season for his club showing how frustrating the season has been for him. His last goal for Fenerbahce was over a month ago away to Besiktas in the league.

Today's Newspaper headlines

2015 Nations Cup: E'Guinea preparations underway - Daily Independent 

Builders in Mongomo are working around the clock to finish one of the four stadiums which are due to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in just over a month. Mongomo, the hometown of Equatorial Guinea 's President Teodoro Obiang, along with Ebebeyin, Bata and Malabo are set to host the finals...

Amadu not worried about the future - Daily independent 

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Musa Amadu is confident that the long-term future of the country's football has been secured, despite all that has transpired during the last four months. The NFF has been in turmoil this year due to internal squabbles and factionalism within the organisation...

DAMMAN MIRACLE! All I wanted was just one goal ' Disu -The Sun

Remember the Miracle of Damman' The great comeback of the Nigerian  Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles against the former Soviet Union at the 7th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, tagged Saudi '89. The Nigerian team recovered from 4-0 deficit to emerge victorious on penalties after extra-time, in one of the...

Eagle's job: Move on with your life, Chukwu tells Keshi - Vanguard 

Former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu has told Stephen Keshi not to bother trying to retain the Nigerian national team coaching role...

Eagles need new blood for success ' Kpakor -Punch

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi must inject new blood into the Super Eagles to restore the fans' faith in the team, says Moses Kpakor. The Eagles missed out on a place in next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea after they ended in the third place on eight points in their 2015 AFCON qualifying...

Fans hail FCMB over Copa Lagos -Vanguard

Lagos fans have commended First City Monument Bank for raising the profile of the 2014 COPA Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament which kicked off at Eko Atlantic Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday. The tournament, organised by Kinetic Sports Limited, is featuring the beach soccer teams of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Switzerland and defending champions Nigeria...

Kashamu Soccer Tourney Shakes Ijebu'Igbo -Leadership

Almost 10,000 youths from states within the South/West geo-political zone of the country are expected...

COPA LAGOS: Sand Eagles Overcome Shark's Of Ghana

The Supersand Eagles began their Copa Lagos defence on a high as they drenched their Ghanaian counterparts, the Black Sharks, 7-5 at the Eko Atlantic City on Friday.

The Black Sharks were not a walk over for the Nigerians and matched them in the three periods of the match despite trailing 1-3 at the end of the first period.

Victor Tale, Abu Azeez and Babatunde Badmus were Nigeria goal-scorers while Frederick Kwevi pulled one back for Ghana late in the first period.

The second period stood at 4-4, as Audu Adamu's Supersand Eagles struggled to break down their resilient West African rivals.

In the third period, Lobi Stars man, Musa Najare failed to give Nigeria the lead from the spot but within minutes made amends Najare scored to put the hosts up by 5-4.

But Ghana levelled the game through Ebenezer Laryea, and with two minutes left to play Badmus restored Nigeria's lead.

Within seconds of Badmus's goal, Najare produced another strike to put the daylight between the Supersand Eagles and the Black Sharks.

Earlier in the day, the Ivory Coast ran over Senegal 6-2 with Guy Donald Djedjed putting up an eye-catching performance for the Ivorians.

In the club friendly, FC Barcelona saw off Pepsi Academy 7-4 while Enyimba edged Stationery Stores 1-0 in a tight contest.

The Supersand Eagles go up against Ivory Coast while Ghana face Senegal on Saturday.