World football –ruling body, FIFA appoints Pinnick into Organising Committee for Competitions

World football –ruling body, FIFA, has named the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, into one of its most important committees – the Organising Committee for Competitions.

Hitherto, the world body had different committees for organization of its several competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFA U20 World Cup, FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, FIFA U17 World Cup, FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Pinnick was a member of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

However, at its 66th Congress in Mexico City on 12th – 13th May 2016, and in accordance with the revised FIFA Statutes that came into force on 27th April 2016, the model of the standing committees was reviewed, cutting the number from 26 to 9.

Maigari resigns as NFF President, Keshi contract talks resume

Alhaji Aminu Maigari

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has formally resigned his position on the NFF Board with effect from August 26, 2014.

“The Bauchi-born administrator resigned as NFF President on August 12, 2014 to pave way for a peaceful resolution of the crisis that engulfed the football federation shortly after the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” a letter from the SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Sports, Patrick Omorodion, said.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has agreed to resume work with the team preparatory to the forthcoming qualifying matches for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup against Congo and South Africa on September 6, 2014.

The decision is based on the Sports Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Dangogo’s intervention following the prolonged negotiation between the Nigeria Football Federation and Keshi over his contract as well as the coach’s love fot the country.

BREAKING: Netherlands have gained Third Place in the FIFA World Cup winning against Brazil 3-0

Brazil lost its last two matches by a combined 10-1. Not an expert, but that seems poor. Brazil have suffered a second defeat in a row, after they were beaten by the Netherlands in the SWC third/fourth place playoff.



Boos and handshakes follow the final whistle. The Brazilians were marginally better after the break, but it really was a clueless, disjointed performance from the hosts. Van Gaal now heads to Manchester United; Scolari to who-knows-where?

The Dutch were worthy winners. Truthfully, the scoreline would have been even more lopsided had they not eased up in the second half.

Matuidi's foul worse than Suarez's bite says Maradona

Argentina legend, Diego Maradona, has described as "criminal" Blaise Matuidi's tackle challenge on Nigerian midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi in Monday's round of 16 clash at the Fifa World Cup between France and Nigeria in Brasilia.

Maradona, working a pundit for the World Cup with Venezuelan television, Telesur TV, hit out at the American referee, Mark Geiger, for not considering Matuidi's "tackle as a criminal act."

He went on to state that the Frenchman's challenge on Onazi is worse than Luis Suarez's bite on Italian defender, Giorgio Chiellini.

"It is impossible that the referee did not see the tackle as a criminal act. It is even worse than what Suarez has done [to Chiellini]," Maradona said during the Venezuelan television show.

Fierce heat forces first cooling breaks in World Cup

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil had its first cooling breaks of the competition during the Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and Mexico in Fortaleza.

It took place in both halves when referee Pedro Proenca signalled a three-minute time-out as temperatures reached above 32C inside the stadium.

Both set of players rehydrated with drinks, while both coaches took the opportunity to give team-talks.

The heat forced fans to move to the back of the stadium to get shelter.

“Climate conditions will be evaluated and should the temperature exceed 32 degrees, then the FIFA Venue Medical Office will recommend cooling breaks to the FIFA General Co-ordinator and Match Commissioner.

Brasil World Cup: Entire African Continent Is Behind Algeria, Nigeria

Following the Nigeria and the Algeria qualification to the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA world cup in Brasil, Caf President Issa Hayatou has contacted both federations to pass on his congratulatory messages as well as wishing them the best for the next phase of the competition. 

Adding that the entire African continent is fully behind them. According to the CAF secretary general, Hicham El Amrani, who confirmed the Confederation's messages to both Nigeria and Algeria, said “We wish the best of luck to Algeria and Nigeria as the entire African continent is behind them.”

Fifa World Cup 2014: Nigeria Eagles Face France

The Nigerian Super Eagles will face France on Mon, Jun 30, 5:00 PM at Round of 16 of the ongoing Fifa world cup at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília.

France were held to a scoreless draw by ten-man Ecuador but still finished top of Group E to book their Afro-Franco grudge match against Nigeria in the last 16 on Monday in Brasilia.

Nigeria Eagles finished second behind Group F leader Argentina.

The meeting will be the 1998 champions first against Nigeria since June 2, 2009 in a friendly played in Saint Etienne that the Super Eagles won 1-0.

Jay Jay Okocha frowns at Enyeama’s positioning

Former Super Eagles midfielder Austine Okocha says Vincent Enyeama’s poor positioning led to Messi’s brilliant curling free-kick that caught him napping for Argentina’s second goal.

Okocha, who was a guest in SuperSports World Cup studio for the match between Nigeria and Argentina believed Enyeama could have done better if he had positioned himself properly.

The former Bolton and PSG midfield maestro, however, hailed Enyeama for his wonderful saves to deny Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria from scoring more goals against the Super Eagles.

Despite losing this encounter 3-2 against Argentina, Nigeria is guaranteed of a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup thanks to Bosnia 3-1 win over Iran.

Independent

Captain Yobo Prefers a win Against Argentina as Oboabona resumes training ahead of the clash

The Super Eagles' Captain, Joseph Yobo, who is just one game away from joining the centenary group with 100 international caps, has warned his teammates that the last Group F clash is going to be a difficult one.

“The Argentina match is going to be another exciting and difficult game because we know how good they are with a lot of talents.

“It will be great to achieve the centenary mark for Nigeria. It shows what I have been able to contribute to Nigeria’s progress in the game. But the most important thing for me is to help my country do well at the World Cup.

Yobo was quoted as saying he preferred a win on Wednesday to his much advertised attainment of 100 caps if featured in the match against Argentina.“It is good news that I will reach that milestone, but what is uppermost in my mind is for the team to win and for us to advance to the next stage.

Eagles Will Win Against Bosnia – Guru Maharaj Ji

Hopes were dampened after Nigeria’s first outing in the FIFA World Cup were they ended in a goalless draw against Iran.

The Brazil 2014 has been full of surprises, the top rated teams have shocked the world with below average performances, most shocking being the early exit of the defending champions, Spain, in the first round.

The Spiritual Leader of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, has given hope to Nigerians by assuring them that this years World Cup will be a good one for the Super Eagles.

He said that not only will the Nigerian team win today’s crucial match against Bosnia but they will go ahead to finish strong in the rournament. Speaking to journalists on Friday, June 20, 2014 Maharaj Ji disclosed that he had warned the team before the commencement of the competition against blue colour in any form but, however, assured that he would intervene to turn the table in favour of the team.

Brazil 2014; World Unite Against Boko Haram (photo)

Fans display banner against Boko Haram at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Boko Haram sects had claimed responsibility for an attacked on football viewing center in Damaturu, Yobe State in Nigeria during Brazil vs Mexico world cup match. No less than 20 people killed.

Brazil 2014: Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes Nigeria are on the right track

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes Nigeria are on the right track to build on their success as African champions at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles have played in five of the past six World Cups but after reaching the second round in 1994 and 1998, have taken just two points from their past six matches in the finals.

They come into the tournament on a high, however, after winning last year’s Africa Cup of Nations and boasting the likes of Mikel, his Chelsea team-mate Victor Moses and forward Emmanuel Emenike.

“This is my first World Cup,” Mikel said after a training session in Campinas. “I want to make sure we achieve something coming here. We don’t just want to come and make up the numbers, we want to do well.

“I have to make sure I lead by example. We are all driving in the same direction. We all know what we want and hopefully we will have a good tournament.”

Full Time: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon

Mexicans defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to secure their maximum three points in the ongoing FIFA world cup in Brazil.

Sunday Mba upset after World Cup snub

The hero of Nigeria's victorious outing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Sunday Mba has expressed his utter disappointment after being dropped from the Nigerian squad that will take part in the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Mba, 25, admitted that he was looking forward to being part of the final 23-man team and had hoped "to fight and sweat" at the Mundial for his country. "(I am) gutted to not make the 23-man team to the World Cup. (I) really wanted to fight & sweat for the glory of the team and my beloved country," Mba stated via his Twitter account on Tuesday.

The former Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers man then stated later that he has accepted his fate following his exclusion from the Nigerian squad. He, however, hopes that the team will go ahead and post an impressive outing at the World Cup.

"I have accepted my faith (fate) lets all pray and wish the team a Gud outin in brazil .. Startin from tonight's warmup game," he further said through his account on the micro-blogging website.

Brazil 2014: Why Jose Mourinho tips Eagles and Elephants

Chelsea Boss, Jose Mourinho, has tipped the Super Eagles of  Nigeria and the Elephants of Ivory Coast as the African countries to reach the second round of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil. The African champions, Nigeria, are in Group D alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Portuguese coach expects the Super Eagles to finish in second position behind the South Americans.

He opted to pick Nigeria to qualify behind Argentina and ahead of Bosnia and Iran based on the fact that they have a Chelsea player in John Obi Mikel. "I'll do the same I did in Group A. I'll have to say Argentina has to be the group winner. What makes me decide in favour of Nigeria is the fact that I have one player there (John Obi Mikel). I'll pick Nigeria as the runner-up," Mourinho said on Yahoo's Dirty Tackle.

FIFA WORLD CUP: BRAZIL 2014 TIME TABLE

The FIFA WorldCup, Brazil 2014 time table of the Group stage matches;

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014:

BRAZIL vs CROATIA – 8:00 PM


FRIDAY,JUNE 13,2014:

MEXICO vs CAMEROON – 4:00 PM
SPAIN vs NETHERLANDS -7:00 PM CHILE vs AUSTRALIAN – 10:00 PM

SATURDAY,JUNE 14,2014;

COLOMBIA vs GREECE -4:00 PM
URUGUAY vs COSTA RICA -7:00 PM
ENGLAND vs ITALY -10:00 PM
IVORY COAST vs JAPAN -1:00 AM

SUNDAY ,JUNE 15,2014:

Stephen Keshi to Name His 23man Eagle Squads today

The Head Coach of the World Cup bound Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi, who has delayed his final list of the team to the world cup to the last minutes may release the names of his killer squad today.

The Big Boss says he already had an idea of his final 23-man list to the global tournament in Brazil but would wait till last minute to name his squad. the delayed would enable him do double checks on the list and the possibility of finding those who may not be measure up when hostilities start in Brazil.

FIFA had set Monday June 2 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final list and Keshi said that he was willing to take full advantage of the time left by only revealing his list on the said date. The Media Officer of the Senior National Team, Ben Alaiya, was said to have quoted Keshi saying, “I have an idea of those who will go with us to Brazil but we will still wait till the last minute before we announce the list.”

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: Provisional World Cup squads finalised

FIFA.com The provisional squad lists for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ have been confirmed, with all 32 teams selecting the players who will represent their nations on the global stage between 12 June - 13 July.


Each coach now has until 2 June to trim down their selection to the final 23-man squad to compete at the tournament. That final side will be announced on 5 June at 12:00 CET on FIFA.com, along with extensive profiles for all the players who will be taking part.

Brazil 2014 World Cup: Keshi Praises Unselected Eagles, Solicits For More Support

The Super Eagles' coach, Stephen Keshi is full of praise for his wards especially the players that didn't make it into the 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup released last week. The 2013 Africa Nations Cup winning coach was enthused by the response of the likes of crocked Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Ike Uche and Brown Ideye who all took to social media to clamour support for team despite being dropped for the Mundial.

“I wanted the best for the initial camping list but sadly we cannot take everybody along, we had to drop some of our best and committed players,” Keshi said. “I’m happy the players understand that fact. I heard what Leon Balogun said and I must say I’m thrilled that he understands the very difficult task we have been given by Nigerians.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Honduras announce their Brazil squads

 Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic

Bosnia-Herzegovina squad

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City/ENG), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen/GER)

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk/UKR), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke/GER), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor/TUR), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent/BEL), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig/GER), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros/HUN)

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma/ITA), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray/TUR), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg/GER), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor/TUR), Senad Lulic (Lazio/ITA), Anel Hadzic (Sturm/AUT), Tino Susic (Hajduk/CRO), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim/GER), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe/CHN), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor/TUR), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk/CRO)

Forwards: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart/GER), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City/ENG), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB/TUR)