Iheanacho, Others Tipped for Chan
Golden Eaglet trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Dele Alampasu and Taiwo Awoniyi have been tipped as potential players that can make the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final list.
Super Eagles assistant gaffer, Daniel Amokachi who has been incharge of the home Eagles training in Abuja in the absence of ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi admitted that he was dazzled by the footballing prowess and determination of the Eaglet trio who were drafted to join the home Eagles in preparation for the 3rd edition of Chan in South-Africa next month.
Amokachi who made this revelation after the teams evening training session on Wednesday said all the players including and the he will not be surprised if they make the final squad for the Chan tournament.
“But we will have to wait for boss to have a look at them and make a final decision”, Amokachi stated.
He further commended the competitive spirit in the camp, noting that the older and regular players were giving the new invitees a good run for their money.
Mourinho Wants Drogba’s Re-Union
The Blues could be drawn against Gala in the knockout stages and the Portuguese would welcome “King Didier” back to west London with open arms
Both sides qualified for the last 16 on Wednesday, setting up a potentially emotional Blues reunion for the Ivorian, who spent eight years with the west London outfit.
The striker – signed by Mourinho in 2004 – went on to become a Chelsea legend, scoring 157 goals in 341 matches, making him their fourth-highest scorer.
In his final game for the Blues, Drogba scored an 88th-minute equaliser in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, setting up a penalty shootout that he eventually finished with the decisive spot kick.
When asked by reporters about the potential of playing the Turkish giants on Wednesday, Mourinho replied: “Yes, Galatasaray is difficult. The Turkish champions with ‘King Didier’. Very difficult.
“But I’d like Didier to be back here and feel what I felt. He deserves to come here and get the reception double or three times better and bigger than I had [when I returned with Inter].”
Maradona A Contender to Replace AVB at Tottenham’
An Argentine tabloid newspaper has made the astonishing claim that Diego Maradona is a contender to be the next manager of Tottenham.
The Clarin newspaper, cites “reports in England” that Maradona is a “candidate” to replace Andres Villas-Boas who they say is under pressure due to “irregular” form.
They also say that Maradona has good memories of Tottenham, having played for them in the Ossie Ardiles testimonial back in 1986.
The story sounds fanciful to say the least, not least because Maradona’s managerial record is questionable at best.
His highest profile job was as Argentine boss between 2008-10 but that ended unceremoniously when his side were crushed 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.
In May 2011 he became manager of Dubai club Al Wasl FC in the United Arab Emirates but was sacked just 13 months later after failing to make an impact.
Clarin also says that Maradona is set to pocket $100,000 (£61,000) for helping to launch Iran’s World Cup jersey but will only get the cash if he then wears the shirt when the Iranians take on Argentina on June 21 in Belo Horizonte.
While most World Cup kits are being designed by Nike, Adidas or Puma, Iran’s shirts, to be launched next month, are being made by German company UHL Sport.
Stephen Keshi
Rejoins Super Eagles
Coach Stephen Keshi is back from his trip to Brazil and is expected to return to the Super Eagles B squad that’s preparing for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) today after a hectic World Cup Draws schedule that was rounded off with a search for the team’s permanent camp in Brazil last week.
Assistant coach Daniel Amokachi said Keshi will join the rest of the squad yesterday to continue with the training schedule that has been on for the past three days, noting that all invited players have acquitted themselves well.
Speaking at the weekly media parley, Amokachi said all players including the three Golden Eaglets stars invited have shown tremendous determination to be part of the final 23 man squad for South Africa 2014 tournament.
“All the players including the young Eaglets have been tremendous at training sessions and I personally will not be surprised if they make the final squad for the CHAN tournament, but we will have to wait for our boss to have a look at them and make a final decision”.
He commended the spirit of the players in camp, declaring that even the older players in the team have refused to let go. Though, he said the team has had to start building an entirely new team because many of those that originally started the home based team in the last months have moved overseas.
“About 80 per cent of the players we started with if not more have gone, but this new set are giving us hope that Nigeria is always blessed with talented footballers.”
On his part goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, said he has been very impressed with the two new goalkeepers, Isah Danladi of Sharks FC and U17 keeper Dele Alampasu.
“They have been wonderful along with Dan Akpeyi and Chigozie Agbim. They can even challenge for World Cup places, but it might be too early in the day, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for now,” he said.
The team began preparation for its debut appearance at the CHAN on Tuesday in Abuja.
EZE CHARLES IROEGBU CUP 2
14/12/13
Ofeama — Obokwu
15/12/13
Ngali — Umunwe
EZIAMA-OBAIRE UNITY CUP (13/12/13)
Ezekwemba — Umunwokwe
16/12/13
Ezemenaha — Umuduru
FIFA WORLD CLUB CUP (11/12/13)
Raja Casablanca 2 — 1 Auckland City
14/12/13
Guangzhou — Al Ahly
Monterrey — Raja Casablanca
EPL GAMES WEEK 16 (14/12/13)
Man City — Arsenal
Cardiff City — West Bromwich
Chelsea — Crystal Palace
Everton — Fulham
Newcastle — Southampton
West Ham — Sunderland
Hull City — Stoke City
SPANISH LA LIGA (14/12/13)
Osasuna — R/Madrid
Rayo Vallecano — Granada
Barcelona — Villareal
Malaga — Getafe
