Brazil 2014: Keshi faces selection headache

  

’TANA AIYEJINA takes a look at some new players, who if given a chance, or want to play for Nigeria, could bring more quality into the Super Eagles as coach Stephen Keshi prepares his side for the 2014 World Cup

Late last year, reports filtered in that Fortuna Düsseldorf defender, Leon Balogun, had indicated interest to play for Nigeria.

Born to a Nigerian father, Cesar Balogun and German mother, Orfa, Leon thus qualifies to play for the Nigerian national team and Germany. The right-back has played for Hannover and Weder Bremen before but he has not been capped by Germany at senior level.

“I will walk to Spain, then swim across the ocean, catch a canoe just to honour the call. It will be the pinnacle of my career to represent the country of my father’s birth especially because my father was always proud to be a Nigerian” Balogun told supersport.com.

Just like Balogun, there are several other players of Nigerian descent scattered all over the world, who would be willing to add to coach Stephen Keshi’s selection headache ahead of the 2014 World Cup in June.

Like they say, the more the merrier, but Keshi sure knows that selecting his final list— from his established players and those who want to break into the team— for Brazil 2014 would give him sleepless nights.

Chuks Aneke (Midfielder, Arsenal)

Arsenal youngster, Aneke, could become an invaluable asset to Keshi as the coach gradually rebuilds a new Eagles side. The 20-year-old has played for England at U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels. He has a long term future with the Eagles if he switches allegiance to Nigeria.

Currently on loan at Crewe Alexandra, he has scored two goals and two assists in seven matches. The midfielder has been likened to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira.

He has shown a great deal of versatility at Crewe, where he has played as a centre-back and defensive midfielder. Aneke has all the makings of a future star; he has quality, creativity and goal-scoring ability.

Chinedu Ede (Midfielder, Kaiserslautern)

Son of a Nigerian father and German mother, Ede has gone ahead to play for Germany at youth level, winning the European Championship in 2009. Rugged and noted for his versatility, he joined Mainz in the Bundesliga on a four-year contract in 2012 but he has been loaned out to 2 Bundesliga side Kaiserslautern.

Ede is remarkably quick, has good dribbling ability, can play in several positions and is hugely influential in moving forward.

Imoh Ezekiel (Striker, S/Liege)

Ezekiel’s exclusion from the national team still confounds some of his fans. The 20-year-old striker has been in tremendous form since he moved to Standard Liege from 36 Lions two years ago.

His goals have helped fire Standard Liege to the top of the Belgian Jupiler League. He has eight league goals and 11 in all competitions. Last season, he notched 16 goals overall and his outstanding performances this term has triggered interests from French giants Monaco and Lille.

But his steady omission by the Nigerian selectors may be Belgium’s gain as the player reportedly indicated interest to represent the European country at international level.

CHAN: Eagles fall to Mali 2-1

 

A poor Nigerian side lost 2-1 to Mali in their opening 2014 CHAN game in Cape Town on Saturday.

In the first half, Nigeria struggled in defence and they did not create many goal scoring chances, while Mali were assured at the back and looked dangerous when they surged forward.

Nigeria improved after the interval, but Mali held out for their first victory at full international level against their fellow West Africans.

Mali took the lead in the 17th minute through Abdoulaye Sissoko, who dashed into the Nigeria box, fired at goal and his shot was helped on by a deflection by Azubuike Egwuekwe.

Mali doubled their lead on 50 minutes, when Adama Traore sweetly struck home from a tight angle through goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim’s legs.

Substitute Gbolahan Salami pulled a goal back for Nigeria off a free kick in the 54th minute.

Hazard, Torres send Chelsea top

Football | Barclays Premier League

 

Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored two excellent goals as Chelsea won 2-0 at Hull City on Saturday to climb to the top of the Premier League table.
Hazard, who turned 23 on Tuesday, broke the deadlock early in the second period at the KC Stadium before Torres marked his 200th Premier League appearance with a late goal.
Victory moved Jose Mourinho's side into first place above former leaders Arsenal, who visit Aston Villa on Monday, and set them up nicely for next weekend's home game with Manchester United.
Hull had beaten Fulham 6-0 in their previous home game and they had the best of the early skirmishes, with Jake Livermore testing Petr Cech from long range and Yannick Sagbo shooting wide after John Terry lost the ball.
Chelsea began to assert control, however, and Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor had to produce a razor-sharp reflex save to deny Oscar before tipping a plunging David Luiz free-kick over the crossbar.
McGregor had to repel another free-kick from Luiz early in the second period before Hazard made the breakthrough in the 56th minute with a characteristic individual goal.

Morata going nowhere - Ancelotti

Football | Transfer Watch

 

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has reaffirmed that none of his players will be leaving during the January transfer window despite reported interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal in Alvaro Morata.
The Spanish under-21 international striker has made just one league start this season, but with Karim Benzema the only other recognised centre forward available to Ancelotti, the Italian is keen to retain Morata.
"He doesn't lack anything, his only problem is the competition for places. This is Real Madrid," he said on Saturday.
"I have not spoken with him and there is nothing to speak about. No one has asked for him and, if a team did come in for him, the answer would be a clear no. He is staying."
With league leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid facing off against each other on Saturday night, Real can cut the five-point gap on their title rivals when they travel to Espanyol on Sunday.

Mandela praise poet sets the tone

Football | CHAN 2014

 

Former president Nelson Mandela's praise poet Zolani Mkiva opened the third edition of the African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament, hosted by South Africa, with a rousing welcome in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.

Mandela died in Johannesburg on December 5 and the tournament was set to honour the iconic statesman, who spent 27 years imprisoned on Robben Island, just 17km from the ground which would host the final of the Chan spectacle.

Mkiva's call for unity was followed by a performance by jazz artist Jimmy Dludlu, before the flags of the 16 participating countries were paraded around the Cape Town Stadium.
Bafana Bafana take on Mozambique in the opening encounter, before Nigeria and Mali lock horns in the other group A meeting.

Paul And Peter (Psquare) To Wed In Dubai Together On Same Day In April

 

There traditional weddings was the talk of the time, even though it was done on separate dates. Paul and Peter we heard are at the moment are taking the party to Dubai just like 2face Idibia did… We heard April this year is scheduled for the white wedding but day and time is still in the works. Yes there are controversy surrounding the brother’s marriage but still we heard all hands are on deck to make sure the wedding is a success.

This year will also see their elder brother Jude Okoye walking down the aisle all things been equal. The right lady…. Lips sealed. The brothers have adored tour screen and has up their game in the last few years.

Kate Upton Poses In A ‘Zero Gravity Space’ Environment

 

Kate Upton is good in her game, considered to be one of the best models on planet earth which is why she doesn’t compare herself with other models, to prove that she is exceptionally good, she has taken modelling to another level by shooting her latest magazine cover in “zero gravity space”, inside a chamber that is designed to simulate the weightlessness atmosphere in outer space in celebration of Sports Illustrated magazine’s 50th anniversary issue

In addition to modelling, Kate is trying her hands on acting, she will star in ‘The Other Woman’ alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann. It’s unclear who will get the coveted spot on the cover when the celebratory issue is released on February 11, but editors are reportedly lining up a host of potentials before making a final decision.

No Way!! Shia LaBeouf Is Planning To Retire From Public Life…

 

This is authoritative and right from the sources. Actor Shia LaBeouf took to twitter and wrote “In light of the recent attacks against my artistic integrity, I am retiring from public life”. This may not suggest that the actor will not be appearing on screens.

“My love goes out to those who supported me, stopcreating” He concluded. His action streams from the allegation that the actor had plagiarize Daniel Clowes novella for his short film.

21 Year Old Sam Smith Named BBC Sound Of 2014

  

Fans of Sam Smith have something to rejoice for as the singer has finally been named BBC Sound of 2014. We he won following the guidelines from all UK based pundits, broadcasters and bloggers. Sam who spoke to the media says “I’m completely speechless,” said the 21-year-old from Cambridge shire. “It’s a huge compliment to be recognized by the industry and the BBC in this way’. “I really didn’t expect it.”

Sam Smith (born 19 May 1992) is a British singer-songwriter. Smith rose to fame in October 2012 when he featured on Disclosure’s breakthrough single “Latch”, which peaked at number eleven on the UK chart. His subsequent feature on Naughty Boy’s “La La La” earned him his first number-one single in May 2013. In December 2013, Smith was nominated for the 2014 BRIT Critics’ Choice Award which he went on to win.

Drake And Diddy Headline The 2014 Super Bowl Concert

 

The heat is on and plans are in top geared for the 2014 pre- Super bowl performance in New York City, Drake and Diddywill be the host of the event , while the players take the field, music’s all-stars will hit the stage during this year’s Super Bowl festivities. Drake, J. Cole, and TLC are among the artists who will play shows in the days leading up to the big game. Remember the famous Beyonce’s controversy of synching the American National Anthem during the 2013 edition, the event is here again with Bruno Mars taking the stage.

Diddy has made a special announcement about a private concert to take place on Feb. 1 at Time Warner Studios in New York City, one day before the Super Bowl. The show, hosted by Diddy’s newly formed Revolt TV,

Veteran Actor Chief Lere Paimo Still Seriously Sick…

 

You remember the popular Yoruba actor, Lere Paimo known as Eda that featured in super story and some other English movies like “Aiye:, “Saworoide”, “Tunderboat Magun” … we heard the actor is still down with stroke and has been taken to Ogbomosho , Oyo State for both traditional and medical treatment.

The actor that was on and off sick bed throughout last year returned to sick bed early this year. We also heard his god daughter Toyin Adegboola has been responsible for his treatment which has kept the actress on and off locations. Some of his god daughters are also helping but Toyin has been in the fore front. We heard Lere is confined to a wheelchair at the moment. He is broke and at the moment selling off some of his properties to pay up medical bills.

Zara Gretti: Why Do I Allow All To See The Battle Of My Life

 

Zara Gretti is fighting the battle of her life at the moment and this is not funny anymore. Yes she has recovered a little but she is not happy about what she has become and how she had to manage her health. Doctors says she has multiple sclerosis early last year.

In a video that surfaced online yesterday, the singer appealed for fund from the public in other to stay alive. The emotional video attracted several comments online. And few minutes to mid night, Zara twitted “Why do I allow all to see the battle of my life”. This is really a bad time for her. The sickness that has taken turn on and almost gotten her off creativity we heard only needed prayers to make the singer survive.

Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune diseases that affects the brain and the spinal cord. The singer has suffered poor vision and loss of memory in recent months over the health issue. Zara bornMargaret Mary Oluwatoyin hit the music industry with her first single “Abokoku”

Ex-Beauty Queen, Monica Spear Finally Buried With Husband In Caracas

 

This are not interesting times for the family and friends of Venezuelan murdered beauty queen as. The actress and beauty queen, Monica Spear, 29 and her husband Henry Thomas Berry, 39, were both buried few hours ago at the capital city Caracas.

The surviving daughter was not sighted at the event but she is said to have been responding to treatment following her gun won at the leg during the assassination of her parents. Monica was in Venezuela while she was murdered on a roadside near Puerto Canello, the Venezuela’s port after their car broke down.

Born Mónica Spear Mootz (October 1, 1984 – January 6, 2014), she was a Venezuelan beauty pageant title holder and actress who won Miss Venezuela 2004 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2005 where she finished as 4th Runner-Up. In recent years she had become a star in telenovelas,