Liverpool legend Gerrard quits soccer

Former Liverpool and England captain, Steven Gerrard, has retired, ending a 19-year playing career.

Gerrard, 36, played 710 times for the Reds, winning eight major trophies, but joined MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015.

He is England’s fourth most-capped player with 114 appearances and captained the “Three Lions” at three of the six major tournaments the side featured, the BBC reports.

“I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career,” Gerrard said.

“I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

“I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool.”

Gerrard had been linked to a job in management with MK Dons after announcing he would leave LA Galaxy, but said on Wednesday the opportunity came “too soon” for him.

On Thursday, the midfielder said he will take time to consider his options before making an announcement on the next stage of his career “very soon,” adding: “I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be.”

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Champions League- Arsenal 6-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (RESULT)

Mesut Ozil was devastating in front of goal with a second-half hat-trick as Arsenal surged to an easy 6-0 win over Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Alexis Sanchez had opened the floodgates in the 12th minute before Walcott doubled their lead before half time.
The avalanche of goals continued after the break as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain immediately got in on the scoring, before Ozil capped off a fine win with three cool finishes.

Who was your man of match?

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Champions League- Barcelona 4-0 Manchester City (RESULT)

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona punished 10-man Manchester City in the Champions League on Pep Guardiola’s return to his old club.
City were competitive in the first half, but made far too many errors against a ruthless Barcelona revelling in Messi’s return from injury.
A Fernandinho slip inside his own box put Messi clear for his first, then Kevin de Bruyne lost possession allowing Andres Iniesta to set up the Argentine for a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The evening got worse for the visitors when goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was sent off for handling outside the box and minutes later Messi struck again.
Barcelona were also reduced to 10 men in the last 15 minutes as substitute Jeremy Mathieu was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Raheem Sterling, but by then the damage had been done.
Willy Caballero saved a Neymar penalty – but the Brazilian scored from open play minutes later to complete a comprehensive win for the La Liga side.

Who was your man of match?

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FG to hands off sports facilities management – Dalong

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalong, on Tuesday said the Federal Government can’t continue to fund the management of sports facilities in the country with the current economic hardship in the land.

He made the remark while speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

According to him, the government would rather give management of sports facilities in Abuja and Lagos to private management.

He said: “I agree that there is under utilization of sports facilities in Abuja. That has taken us to the issue of concession.

“The facilities can’t be managed effectively by government looking at the budgetary allocation for even the maintenance.

“Government can’t maintain those things. So what we intend to do is to proceed with the concession process which we met on ground.”

He said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has already approved the concession process.

“FEC in 2012 had approved concession of Abuja and Lagos stadiums. We have proceeded with it and even appointed consultants.

“We are at the stage of getting the approval of BPE, from there we can now proceed to call for bids and engage the private sector so that we can run the concession arrangement with them,” the minister added.

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2015/2016 SEASON: NFF commends LMC, clubs, media, fans

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has heaped plaudits on the League Management Company (LMC) (organisers of the Nigeria Professional Football League), all the participating clubs, the media as well as football fans for a highly –successful 2015/2016 season that came to an end on Sunday.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who personally presented the League trophy to Enugu Rangers FC captain, Okey Odita at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (now nicknamed The Cathedral) as the Flying Antelopes won their first title in 32 years, praised the efforts of the LMC and indeed all stakeholders in ensuring a fabulous season.

“It is no gainsaying that it has been a fabulous season in the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL). Everyone has contributed immensely: the LMC, all the clubs, fans, the media and other stakeholders . We must also not forget the contribution of Supersport Television.

“I look back and there are so many things to be happy about in the just –concluded season. I was there in Kano during the opening match of the season in which Kano Pillars defeated Enugu Rangers with a late goal. Football has returned to Maiduguri – which people thought would not be possible – and we have had a number of fascinating Friday night matches. I can boldly say this season has gone well with huge improvements all round and we had the best team winning.

“A few matches were troubled by security breaches and some referees did not cover themselves in glory. But at the end, it was a season to be proud of and we can only put in place reforms to make things better in the coming season.”

On refereeing, Pinnick elaborated on what the NFF will be doing to improve things.

“We have been doing a lot to improve refereeing, including taking dozens of them to the United Kingdom for capacity enhancement, as well as hosting FIFA Member Association courses to ensure our referees get better.

“Now, the NFF leadership has identified the shortcomings and will initiate positive reforms of the refereeing management process to ensure more effectiveness and improved professional delivery.”

The first reform, according to the NFF President, which is aimed at guaranteeing independence and strict compliance to the rules, would be to divide referee management into three professional and independent committees: Training, Grading and Appointment; Assessment and; Performance Review and Compliance, including sanctions for erring referees.

“The last two committees (Assessment and Performance Review and Compliance) would be headed by independent and credible personalities to ensure fairness and prompt action,” said Pinnick.

The NFF supremo gave kudos to LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who is also the NFF 2nd Vice President, stating that his work ethic and vision alongside LMC CEO, Nduka Irabor and the COO, Salihu Abubakar have taken the NPFL to new heights.

“It is not only in the work they do that they have excelled; they have also been there for the other Leagues: NNL, NWFL and the NLO. The solidarity payments they have made to these leagues as well as the players’ union have helped to stabilise the football structure.”

The 2015/2016 NPFL season came to an end on Sunday with one of the nation’s biggest traditional clubs, Enugu Rangers winning the league trophy for the first time in 32 years, after amassing 63 points from their 36 matches.

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Real Madrid scout watches Obasi in Swedish league game

A representative of Real Madrid witnessed the Swedish Allsvenskan game between AIK Stockholm and IF Elfsborg in which Super Eagles striker, Chinedu Obasi, notched his third and fourth goals of the season.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet wrote on its electronic edition that the European champions sent a scout to monitor proceedings at the Boras Arena.

And the newspaper added that the Real Madrid scout was at the stadium to run the rule over Chinedu Obasi’s strike partner, Sweden youth-teamer, Alexander Isak.

The highly coveted teenager of Eritrean descent was replaced by Nigerian midfielder John Chibuike with nine minutes remaining.

Obasi, 30, told allnigeriasoccer.com few hours after facing IF Elfsborg that he wants to return to a top European league at the end of this season.

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Rangers shock Ikorodu United, set to claim NPFL title (Week 35 results)

– Enugu Rangers have defeated Ikorodu United on Sunday, September 25

– The Flying Antelopes will now have to wait for their last game at home where they will be crowned champions

– Shooting Stars of Ibadan have also escaped relegation this term in the NPFL after defeating Wikki Tourists 1 – 0 in Ibadan

Here are the NPFL week 37 results and reports

Ikorodu United 1 – 2 Enugu Rangers

After waiting for 32 years, the road has now been cleared for Enugu Rangers to be the new champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after recording an impressive away win at Ikorodu United.

The Flying Antelopes started the match aggressive knowing fully well that a win would be a chocolate bag for them, and it took them only 25 minutes for Obinna Nwobodo to net the opener.

Chisom Egbuchulam scored the second goal for the visitors in the 38th minute after the hosts’ defence went awol as both sides went to the break with the visitors leading. In the second half, Ikorodu United who had already bid farewell to the top flight started the match lively, and Paul Duke however netted the consolation for the club

Heartland 1 – 0 Kano Pillars

Heartland have lifted themselves off the relegation hook, but the Naze Millionaires are still sitting on the throne of despair as they would have to wait for their last game to know if they would campaign in the NPFL next season or not. Emeka Ogbugh’s goal in the 65th minute was enough for the hosts to condemn the Sai Masugida to a loss in Owerri.

This season, Kano Pillars’ handler Baba Ganaru did not find the campaign rosy as Pillars would not make the top 4 at the end of the season.

El-Kanemi Warriors 1 – 0 Plateau United

It is expected that the Warriors would win this tie as they have never lost any point since their return to Maiduguri, and it was Hussain Mohammed’s goal in the 58th minute that gave the Warriors the win over their bitter northern rivals.
Plateau United would have themselves to blame as a lot of gaffe made them to lose this tie.

Sunshine Stars 1 – 0 Warri Wolves

Warri Wolves’ fans would now have to wait for their last game of the season for them to know their faith after losing in Akure to Sunshine Stars. Superb midfielder Dayo Ojo scored the goal that gave the hosts the victory in the 62nd minute. Warri Wolves’ man Onamado Goodluck was also shown a red card.

3SC 1 – 0 Wikki Tourists

Shooting Stars have escaped relegation this season after beating Wikki Tourists 1 – 0 in Ibadan. Samuel Olabisi scored the winning goal for the Oluyole Warriors in the 51st minute. Wikki Tourists’ hope of winning the title has now been decimated and their next focus will now be their last match which may get them a continental ticket.

Rivers United 0 – 0 Abia Warriors

Rivers United would have themselves to blame for Abia Warriors to have left Port Harcourt with a point as it dent their hope of winning the title. In the reverse fixture, Abia Warriors defeated the Port Harcourt landlords 1-0 in Umuahia.

Nasarawa United 2 – 2 Akwa United

Akwa United were on the verge of securing an away win in Lafia, but Igbinoba scored for the hosts at the death for the match to end in a draw.

FC IfeanyiUbah 1 – 0 Enyimba

Enyimba who are the reigning champions were beaten 1 – 0 by FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi, and it was Isaac Loute’s goal in the 3rd minute that condemned the Aba club to a defeat. Enyimba failed to clear a superb freekick from Alberico which gave the chance for Loute to slot the ball inside the net.

Niger Tornadoes 3 – 1 MFM FC Niger

Tornadoes have been left off the relegation hook after beating MFM FC 3 – 1 in Lokoja. Solomon Owello converted two penalties for the hosts in the 6th and 25th minute before Gabriel Wassa sealed the victory in the 51st minute. Stephen Odey got MFM FC’s the consolatory goal in the 75th minute.

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Kano Pillars to Get Millions of Naira from Musa's Leicester Deal? Super Eagles Star Clears Viral Reports

Super Eagles and Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa has reacted to the viral reports which alleged that his former club, Kano Pillars got a whooping compensation from Leicester city multi-million transfer deal.

Ahmed Musa

 

Speaking in an exclusive chat with TheCable News, Super Eagles and Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa, has said that his former club, Kano Pillars, will not get any compensation from his £18 million Leicester move.

 

The former CSKA Moskow star spoken on the reports that the Nigerian club will get £80,000 from the deal, saying: 

 

“For what? It is all lies. It’s only VVV Venlo that CSKA will give some money to, not Kano Pillars. When I leave Leicester, it is CSKA that will get such money.”

 

However, the media officer of Kano Pillars, Malikawa, disclosed that there is no truth in the reports because Musa came to the club on loan.

“No! No!! No!!! That’s not true. Kano Pillars cannot get anything from his club deals because Ahmed Musa was loaned to Kano Pillars. We don’t have any right to any of his signings or whatever Leicester paid CSKA,” he said.

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4 matches you must not miss this weekend

It will be another weekend of matches across the globe where teams will do battle in their respective leagues. The English Premier League will come alive again with another blockbuster in the London derby where two of the biggest giants of English football lock horns in a match day 6 fixture of the 2016/2017 season. The 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League is getting to its climax stage as Enugu Rangers are in search for a league title in over three decades. Here are the top four matches you can not afford to miss this weekend

1. Manchester United vs Leicester City

The Red Devils welcome defending Champions to Old Trafford and are set to end their two-match losing streak in the Premier League with Jose Mourinho coming under fire with back to back defeats in the league.

Manchester United triumphed over Leicester City in the community shield fixture

The Foxes on the hand, look to shake off a poor start to the season, but have lost two games to Hull City and Liverpool as they face a tougher opponent at the Theatre of Dreams.

2. Arsenal vs Chelsea

The familiar foes of English converge in London at the Emirates as Arsenal look to continue to improve on their gradual form after recording victories against Southampton and Hull City.

The London derby have always been a controversial affair Antonio Conte’s loss to Liverpool in Stamford Bridge was his first of the season as Chelsea will hoping their hit-man Diego Costa continue his good scoring record against the Gunners.

3. Swansea City vs Manchester City

The Swans are deep in the relegation zone after picking just three points from a possible 20 in five matches, as they look to face the billionaires from Manchester in Wales. This fixture is significant to Kelechi Iheanacho who will spear-head City’s attack as Aguero serves his last match ban following an elbow incident with Winston Reid.

Iheanacho has scored teo goals in two league matches since standing in for Aguero
The Nigerian international has scored two league goals since the Argentine’s absence and will be looking to impress Pep Guardiola with another strike.

4. Ikorodu United vs Rangers

The Lagos-based team are languishing in the bottom of the Nigerian Professional League (NPFL) table and will be entertaining league leaders Enugu Rangers in a week 37 fixture.

Ikorodu United will be fighting for survival as they face Rangers in Abeokuta The men form the coal city have not won a silverware in 30 years as they will be travelling to Abeokuta play a very tricky tie against Ikorodu United who are already relegated.

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Revealed: The two players Jose Mourinho wants to sign in January

– Jose Mourinho has identified two young midfielders to add to his squad

– The Portuguese faces competition to sign the midfielders from Everton

– Herrera, Pogba, Carrick, Fellaini, Schneiderlin are United’s center midfielders

Jose Mourinho has identified Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Juventus starlet Grigoris Kastanos as potential targets in the Januaruy transfer window, according to ​The Sun.

Following United’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, Mourinho sees the duo as potential signings to an already stocked midfield. United already have Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Micheal Carrick, Marroune Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsterger in center midfield.

Carvalho is reported to be Mourinho’s top target with Kastanos a potential replacement. Manchester United were close to signing Carvalho in the summer before they signed Paul Pogba whileWest Brom’s £21m bid to sign him on deadline day failed to secure his services.

William Carvalho

Cyprus youngster Grigoris Kastanos progressed through the Juventus ranks and could move to Old Trafford in a £17m deal but the Red Devils face competition from Everton for his signature with Ronald Koeman keen on the 18 year old.

Grigoris Kastanos

Juventus however, have no intentions of selling their highly rated youngster. Kastanos has two international caps so far and prefers to play in an attacking midfield position. He has also been used on the left wing.

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Lolzzz! READ what Jose Mourinho said about playing in the Europa League

– Jose Mourinho says Manchester United do not want to play in the Europa League each season

– United, who travel to Watford on Sunday, also face Fenerbahce and FC Zorya Luhansk in Group A

– United qualified for the Europa League after finishing fifth and winning the FA Cup last season

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says the club do not want to compete in the Europa League because it is not the level they aspire to be in.

Jose Mourinho

United open their Europa League campaign on Thursday against Feyenoord after finishing fifth under former boss Louis van Gaal last season.

Mourinho says it would be difficult to in the Premier League season with his side playing in the Europa League. The Portuguese says he would love it if his side play on Monday after every Europa League tie but conceded it would be impossible to have that happen.

“It [the Europa League] is not a competition that Man United wants,” Mourinho told reporters. “It is not one I want or the players but it is a competition where we are and that is the reality.

“We have to respect the competition. We want to do well and for a club of our dimension it is not to be out of the competition in the group stage.

“It’s more difficult, yes [to win the Premier League when you are playing in the Europa League]. It would be better if we had the privilege of playing on a Monday after a Thursday game to have one day [recovery] but we didn’t get that privilege. “In fact, the gift we have is to play Liverpool on the Monday before, not the Monday after. So [next month] we play Liverpool on the Monday, Fenerbahce on the Thursday and Chelsea on the Sunday. So we know that we are not going to have any kind of support on that.

“We are not going to make a drama out of it. There is more reason to get a result tomorrow because if you go into the last game in December [against Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine] needing points to qualify it puts us in a more difficult situation.” United face Fenerbahce, Feyernood and FC Zorya Luhansk in Group A. The Old Trafford side play on Sunday against Watford in the premier League.

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Mikel Obi reveals how he helped during the Dream Team’s financial troubles

Mikel Obi finally admits paying £30,000 to save Dream Team VI

– John Mikel Obi says he paid more than £30,000 to help the Dream Team

– The Olympics Team captain reveals that the NFF neglected the footballers

– The Dream Team went onto win bronze after defeating Honduras 3 – 2

– Mikel Obi reveals he and Samson Siasia funded the team during Rio

Olympics John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was forced to pay more than [£30,000] from his pocket to help Nigeria’s U-23 team during the Rio Olympics. The Dream Team defeated Honduras 3 – 2 in a third place match to win Bronze which was Nigeria’s only medal at the 2016 Olympic games. Mikel Obi, who helped out with travel arrangement, meals and booking training pitches, also slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Mikel Obi celebrates with his bronze medal after the game against Honduras

“I think if we talk about the money that I put into the team I think it was more than [£30,000],” Mikel told Goal. “But we just had to do it. I said to myself, ‘I won’t let this happen. If I can help, I’ll try to help’. Sometimes there was no food, sometimes there was no pitch to train on, there was no bus to go to the training ground. So all of this was what me and the coach had to figure out, and get money together.

“I came to the camp. I sat down with the boys in Atlanta and I could see the frustration, the pain and the anger. Their aim was to play in the Olympics, their goal was to play in the Olympics.

“And for me being there and seeing what they are going through, they are young boys, they want to start their career and someone in the ministry is trying to crush that dream.”

Mikel Obi also discussed the issue of being stranded in Atlanta and getting to the Brazil just five hours before the first game against Japan:

“There was just no flight provided by the Nigerian ministry. “We planned to leave three or four days before the tournament, but we ended up leaving the day of our first game. It was a difficult one. I don’t think I have ever seen something like that before, it was crazy.

“After our last minute flight, we got to the hotel, dropped our bags, grabbed some sandwiches, something to eat. A little bit of food. Then headed straight back to the stadium because we hadn’t even done our accreditations then, so we had to go there and wait in the line, do our accreditation.

“It was absolutely hectic. I don’t know how we managed to go onto the pitch and win that game, it was absolutely mind blowing.”

Despite the troubles faced by the team, Siasia’s boys did the nation proud by winning bronze medal – Nigeria’s only medal at the games.

National U-23 team coach Samson Siasia has revealed that the $200,000 cheque from Japanese surgeon, Katsuya Takasu is still with him.

The Dream Team defeated Honduras 3 – 2 in a third place match played at the Maracana stadium. Meanwhile, Siasia, who recently won bronze with Nigeria’s U-23 team at the 2016 Olympics, said he is “done” working for Nigeria after feeling neglected by the NFF before and during the Rio games. Japanese surgeon Takasuya Takasu handed a cheque of $390,000 to the Dream Team’s skipper John Obi Mikel and Samson Siasia as an appreciation for them to have won bronze medal at the Olympics despite the serious challenges they went through prior to the start of the championship.

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Just in: Nigeria wins second gold medal at Rio Paralympics (see video)

Nigeria wins second gold medal at Rio Paralympics

Nigeria has bagged another gold medal at the ongoing Paralympics in Rio, Brazil. Powerlifter Paul Kehinde completed a 218kg lift to beat his rivals to the gold medal in the -65kg men’s category on Saturday, September 10. The Nigerian powerlifter showed what he was capable of when he opened his account at 205kg which he cleanly took with ease while his closest rival China’s Peng Hu who won Silver did so with his best mark of 200kg.

Egypt’s Shaaban Ibrahim got the bronze medal with a his best weight of 193kg. Nigeria’s female power-lifting athlete Latifat Tijani earlier won a silver medal when she came second in the women’s 45kg category after lifting an impressive 106kg just a kilo behind China’s Hu Dandan who set a new world record with her 107kg lift.

Also, Nigerian’s Roland Ezuruike shattered the Paralympics record to win the men’s 54kg event with a record breaking 190kg to hand Nigeria her first gold medal at the ongoing tournament in Brazil.

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