SUPER FALCONS BEGIN QUEST

                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               Coach Edwin Okon begins an uphill task to lead the Nigerian ladies to regain the African Women Championship trophy against their Ivorian neighbours on Saturday in Windhoek

Nigeria's senior women team will begin campaign to reassert their on-pitch dominance on the continent against Ivory Coast in their African Women Championship opening game in Namibia on Saturday.

Coach Edwin Okon, who took over from erstwhile coach Kadiri Ikhana after the team’s first-time failure to make the last-three at the 2012 edition in Equatorial Guinea, will bear the burden to redeem the image of the country at the championship.

A calm Okon could contain the mounting pressure from fans and his employers as he will rely on a strong-21 squad mixed with experience, youthfulness, class, strength and depth of quality.

Without mincing words, the Super Falcons would be aware an opening day win in grand style will count the most if they hope to reach the final and pick a ticket to the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.

For the trio of Precious Dede, Perpetua Nkwocha and Stella Mbachu, (now in their thirties) , they will be hoping to prove a point and gun for a place in the squad for Canada 2015.

Similarly, the new generation of youthful prospects in striking trio of Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega and new kid on the block Asisat Oshoala would cause steer at the tournament.

Diego Tardelli scored twice as Brazil beat Argentina to win the Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing.

Diego Tardelli scored twice as Brazil beat Argentina to win the Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing.

Brazil, who included Barcelona's Neymar in their side, took the lead on 28 minutes when Diego Tardelli volleyed in his first international goal.
Argentina's Lionel Messi had a penalty saved, before Tardelli sealed victory with a second-half header.
This was Brazil's third successive win as they look to rebuild following their 7-1 World Cup humiliation by Germany.

Lionel Messi had a first-half penalty saved, his third miss from the spot in his past four attempts

Dunga, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Brazil coach after the World Cup, took a squad to China which featured a blend of youth and experience.
Kaka, 32, and 30-year-old Robinho, who both failed to make Brazil's World Cup squad, were among the substitutes in Beijing.
Neymar, whose World Cup came to a premature end after he fractured a bone in his spine, retained his place in the starting XI.
However, the 22-year-old Barcelona forward struggled to make an impression, notably scuffing a weak effort wide after being sent clear.
Instead it was Atletico Mineiro striker Tardelli who made the biggest impression, opening the scoring with a volleyed finish after Argentina failed to clear.
Messi, like Barcelona team-mate Neymar, failed to really impose himself throughout the contest, but should have levelled just before the break.
After Manchester United's Angel Di Maria was fouled inside the area, Messi's weak penalty was easily saved by Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson.
Tardelli made no such mistake, heading powerfully home on 64 minutes to seal victory for Brazil.
As the clock ticked down, Kaka was handed his first international appearance since March 2013, while former Manchester City forward Robinho also came off the bench.

The game was played in Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium

The win was Brazil's third in succession under new coach Dunga

Both sides fielded several Premier League players, including Tottenham's Eric Lamela (left) and Chelsea's Willian (right)

Lineup, Bookings (4) & Substitutions (6)

Argentina

• 01 Romero
• 04 Zabaleta
• 17 Fernández Booked
• 15 Demichelis
• 16 Rojo
• 23 Pereyra (Pérez - 76' )
• 14 Mascherano Booked
• 18 Lamela (Pastore - 60' )
• 10 Messi
• 11 Agüero (Higuaín - 60' )
• 07 Di María

Substitutes

• 02 Vergini
• 03 Vangioni
• 05 Gago
• 06 Otamendi
• 08 Pérez
• 09 Higuaín
• 12 Marchesín
• 13 Roncaglia
• 19 Banega
• 20 Gaitán
• 21 Guzmán
• 22 Pastore

Brazil

• 01 Jefferson
• 02 Danilo Booked
• 03 Miranda
• 04 David Luiz Booked (Nascimento Silva - 90' )
• 06 Filipe Luis
• 22 Mendes Trindade
• 17 Luiz Gustavo
• 19 Willian
• 11 Oscar
• 10 Neymar (Robinho - 96' )
• 09 Tardelli (Kaká - 82' )

Substitutes

• 05 Borges Monteiro
• 07 Robinho
• 08 De Souza Dias
• 12 Barbosa
• 13 Nunes Jesus
• 14 Nascimento Silva
• 15 Dodô
• 16 Figueira Fernandes
• 18 de Barros Ribeiro
• 20 Kaká
• 21 Coutinho
• 23 Grohe

Ref: Fu Ming

Match Stats

Shots

16 10

On target

4 6

Corners

7 6

Fouls

16 15

NPFL LOG TABLE AS AT WEEK 31

                                                    

NPFL

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	+/-	Pts
1		Kano Pillars	31	15	8	8	45	34	+11	53
2		Warri Wolves	31	15	4	12	33	31	+2	49
3		Enyimba	31	13	9	9	38	21	+17	48
4		Dolphins	31	13	9	9	35	25	+10	48
5		Nasarawa United	31	14	5	12	33	29	+4	47
6		Giwa	31	14	5	12	32	27	+5	47
7		Abia Warriors	31	14	5	12	42	33	+9	47
8		Sunshine Stars	31	11	12	8	41	35	+6	45
9		Enugu Rangers	31	13	6	12	38	33	+5	45
10		Sharks	31	12	9	10	35	30	+5	45
11		Akwa United	31	12	8	11	23	24	-1	44
12		El Kanemi Warriors	31	12	8	11	34	26	+8	44
13		Heartland	31	11	11	9	29	23	+6	44
14		Lobi Stars	30	14	2	14	30	36	-6	44
15		Bayelsa United	31	12	3	16	37	46	-9	39
16		Taraba	31	11	4	16	23	36	-13	37
17		Gombe United	30	10	6	14	30	33	-3	36
18		Kaduna United	31	11	3	17	30	41	-11	36
19		Crown	31	10	5	16	25	39	-14	35
20		Nembe City	29	5	10	14	15	46	-31	25

NPFL Week 31 Round Up

                                                        

The People's Elephant headlined the Week 31 league matches as they triumphed in a seven goal thriller at Aba among other games played on Wednesday which produced 29 goals

DOLPHINS 2-0 KADUNA UNITED

Victor Alegbe's double in the eighth and 59th minutes handed the Port Harcourt Dwellers a precious home win over crisis ridden Kaduna United at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia on Wednesday evening.
Besides the goals scored by the home team, there was nothing of note that happened in the game except two set of teams that connived to dull the sparsely populated stadium and made them wish they had stayed away.
Dolphins were far from their best and struggled for most part of the match before sealing maximum points. They must improve tremendously if they are to get any chance of landing silverware at the end of the season.
They are fourth on the log with 48 points from 31 matches while their visitors are still in the bottom three with 36 points from same number of matches. Dolphins travel to Jalingo to face FC Taraba next while Kaduna United will be at home to El Kanemi Warriors.


WARRI WOLVES 2-0 AKWA UNITED

The Seasiders had boasted ahead of the tie that there won't be a repeat of last season encounter against the Promise Keepers which ended 1-0 against them at Warri. The loss to Akwa United was never on the card because at that stage last season, Warri Wolves were in cruise control and on the verge of booking a place on the continent but they later fell to their counterparts.
Being the star match chosen by DSTV to be aired live, Warri Wolves started the match with series of incursion into the vital area of their visitors and it was not long that their striker,Freedom Omofoman got the curtain raiser in the 23th minute before they made the point
double sure with the second goal through Joseph Osadiaye in the 43rd minute. There was no way for the Promise Keepers to comeback in the second half as they only prevented Warri
Wolves from getting more goals.
The Seasiders have returned to second spot on the log with 49 points from 31 games while Akwa United slipped to 13th with 44 points from as many matches. Akwa United tackle Abia Warriors at Uyo while Warri Wolves are on the road to Bayelsa United. Both are Week 32 league
ties.


KANO PILLARS 3-2 CROWN FC
Sai Masu Gida are not showing any sign that they would like to relinquish their number one league spot with barely seven matches to the end of the season.
They had to dig in deep but they achieved their objective-maximum points despite the fact Crown FC almost proved to be a stumbling block to their unbeaten run at home.
Isaac Loute and Adamu Hassan got Pillars first two goals in the 14^th and 44th minutes but the Ajilete Boys didn't just lie down expecting a whitewash. They replied with a goal in the 48th minute through Onyekachi Okafor but about 24 minutes after Crown reduced the deficit in-form Azeez Shobowale scored the crucial third goal in the 72^nd minute. The Ogbomosho based side though scored another through Nnedum Francis in the 75th minute, it proved to be too little too late for the away team.
Pillars are still on top with 53 points from 31 games while Crown on their part plunged themselves further into the relegation zone as they could only boast of 35 points from as many matches. Pillars will seek consolidation when they travel to Port Harcourt to face Sharks on
Sunday while Crown must beat Giwa FC in Ibadan.


ENUGU RANGERS 2-1 BAYELSA UNITED

The Flying Antelopes continued their recent resurgence with a 2-0 home win over the Restoration Boys at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
In the absence of Ighodalor Osaguona who is away with the Super Eagles, Samuel Agba stepped up the plate to fire goals that guided Rangers to the top 10 for the first time in recent times. Rangers are ninth with 45 points from 31 games while Bayelsa United are in the relegation zone with 39 points from as many matches. They did half Rangers two goals through Mutiu Adegoke in the 58th minute but it turned out to be a consolation goal.

SUNSHINE STARS 3-0 LOBI STARS

Bouyed by the assurances of the Ondo State Football Agency Boss, Akin Akinbobola that they would get special incentive for their home win over the Makurdi Bombers, Sunshine Stars whitewashed their opponents 3-0 at the Akure Township Stadium.
Dele Olorundare, Tunde Adeniji and Prince Aggrey all netted for the Akure Gunners as Lobi were second best against Sunshine.
Lobi didn't travel with some of their players like Musa Najere, Felix Osia and Bunde Moses who are all on treatment table and it showed in the display of the team throughout the course of the 90 minutes.
Sunshine are eighth on the log with 45 points from 31 games while Lobi have fallen to 14th on the log with 44 points from 30 matches.
The Makurdi side are yet to resolve their botched league game against Nembe City.
The Akure Gunners will hit Owerri for a tie with Heartland while Lobi will be at home in a must win league match against Enugu Rangers. They are Week 32 league fixtures.


ENYIMBA 5-2 SHARKS FC

There is no better way to describe the thriller of a game that happened at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Wednesday after the People's Elephant rose back from 2-0 deficit to slaughter Sharks 5-2 at the end of the regulation time.
Sharks struck twice in the spate of three minutes through the goals of Chinedu Udoji who got an own goal against his team and Chiamaka Madu in the eighth and 11th minutes but Nzube Anaezemba got a goal in the 30th minute to ensure that halftime ended 2-1 in favour of Sharks.
Further goals from Emeka Nwanna and Mfon Udoh guided Enyimba to an emphatic scoreline.
Enyimba's win took them to third on the log with 48 points from 31 matches while the defeated Sharks will look to bounce back when they play host to Pillars. The Blue Angels are 10th with 45 points from 31 games.

ABIA WARRIORS 2-0 FC TARABA

Abia Warriors' Chisom Chikatara opened scoring in the 23rd minute before Ndifereke Effiong added the second goal seven minutes from full time.
It was the right response to Abia Warriors who had their game againstDolphins crisis ridden as the referee did not officially end the match after the Port Harcourt side complained that the indirect free-kick given to Abia Warriors late in the game didn't touch anybody before it
rose into the net.
The Umuahia side are on 47 points from 31 and are placed fifth while FC Taraba have amassed  37 points from 31 games.
Abia Warriors have a date with Akwa United on Sunday while FC Taraba will slug it out with Dolphins in a Week 32 Tie.

GIWA FC 1-0 HEARTLAND

Usman Nura first half stoppage time winner turned out to guarantee all points for the Jos Elephants.
Heartland were pinned by their opponents from Jos. Giwa FC on the other hand have been having an impressive season thus far in only their first season in the league. The Jos Elephant have 47 points from 31 games and placed sixth on the log  while Heartland have 44 points from 31 games.

EL KANEMI WARRIORS 3-1 NASARAWA UNITED

The Borno Army recorded a 3-1 home victory over the Lafia side. Head coach of Nasarawa United , Mohammed Baba Ganaru would no doubt be unhappy at the outing of his boys.
El Kanemi have 44 points from 31 games while Nasarawa United are on 47 points from same number of matches. El Kanemi Warriors are 11th on the log.

Arsenal Injury List Increases

                                                   

Laurent Koscielny has picked up a minor Achilles tendon problem while training with France - adding to Arsenal's injury problems.

The 29-year-old is however expected to be fit for the Gunners' next match - at home to Hull on 18 October.
Team-mate Mesut Ozil was ruled out for between 10 and 12 weeks on Wednesday after the knee injury picked up on club duty was assessed by Germany staff.
Midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta have missed the last two games.
Ramsey is set to miss the next three-to-four weeks as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain, while Arteta could return after the international break after a calf problem.
Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud, who have suffered ankle ligament damage and a broken leg,

remain several months from making a comeback.

England coach Roy Hodgson impressed by players' desire

                                           

                                 

England coach Roy Hodgson said he was impressed by his team's patient approach in breaking down San Marino at Wembley in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

The home side scored twice in the first half against the world's joint-bottom side, before running out 5-0 winners.
"We worked hard to break down a stubborn team," Hodgson told BBC 5 live that the

England quartet on San Marino win

"The longer the game went on we knew it would open up and we'd get more chances, and that's what happened."
Everton defender Phil Jagielka headed England into the lead, before captain Wayne Rooney grabbed his 42nd international goal - a penalty, after San Marino's Andy Selva struck his face with his boot.
England managed 12 efforts on goal in the first half, and 22 after the break as they picked up the tempo while their opponents tired.
Further goals came from Danny Welbeck, substitute Andros Townsend and an own goal by Alessandro Della Valle when he deflected Rooney's cross into his own net.
Victory took England top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Lithuania, with both teams on six points after winning their opening two games.

Match facts
Danny Welbeck has scored seven goals in his past eight games for club and country	Calum Chambers was the only England outfield player not to hit at least one shot against San Marino
Phil Jagielka is the first England defender to score against San Marino - England's 27th goal overall	Wayne Rooney has scored 42 goals for England, only seven shy of Bobby Charlton's national record

"In the second half our passing tempo was a bit quicker, but once you go 2-0 up and 3-0 up it gets harder for them to keep going," added Hodgson.
"What also impressed me was the players' desire to work hard to get the ball back. If they can develop those skills then it would stand them in good stead going forward."
San Marino coach Pierangelo Manzaroli said he was impressed by his side's display, especially in the first half.
"The experience and pleasure of playing in such a fantastic stadium against a lot of fans was great," he said.

Emem Eduok About His Super Eagles Call Up

                                                                       

The Dolphins forward is delighted with his first national team call-up and is sure his debut in the two-leg 2015 AFCON games against the Falcons of Jediane will justify his ability

New invitee 

The Dolphins forward is delighted with his first national team call-up and is sure his debut in the two-leg 2015 AFCON games against the Falcons of Jediane will justify his ability

New invitee Emem Eduok has expressed delight at his first ever senior national team invitation to the Super Eagles for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan.

Edouk, who was picked as a late replacement for injured Stoke Ciy winger Victor Moses, spoke to Goal about his excitement securing his first international call-up for his country.

The Dolphins attacker admitted he had waited in patience for the opportunity and is fully prepared to grab it with both hands when given his international debut.

The 20-year-old, who featured for the Flying Eagles at the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup against Cuba and Korea Republic, said he is unfazed by the challenge for a starting place in the team.

Eduok has notched a total of 12 goals in the league for Dolphins and 15 in all competition this season including three in the Federation Cup with his club in the final to face defending champions Enyimba.

"First and foremost, I have to thank God for this opprtunity becuase as an upcoming player, our desire is to represent the country at the national or international level," Edouk told Goal on his arrival at the Super Eagles camp on Monday.

"That's what every talented footballer wants to achieve. I'm very happy and hungry to play. I've been waiting for it a long time and been working hard for the opportunity to come.

"I just have to give my best and leave the rest to God. I believe so much in myself as a talented player. So now I need to put in my best to justify the call-up.

"I know it will be tough competing in attack with the likes of Salami and others. They are good players and I have great respect for them.

"Football has its language, if you believe in yourself and the talent God has given to you. And I know I will always do my best irrespective of who I will be playing against in attack," he concluded.

Eduok will be hopeful for his first international debut for the African champions in the crunch duels at the Khartoum Stadium, Omdurman on Saturday and the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday respectively against Sudan.

Nigeria, who have only a point from two games, require a two-leg victory against Sudan to brighten their dreams to defend the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title they won in South Africa. has expressed delight at his first ever senior national team invitation to the Super Eagles for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan.

Edouk, who was picked as a late replacement for injured Stoke Ciy winger Victor Moses, spoke to Goal about his excitement securing his first international call-up for his country.

The Dolphins attacker admitted he had waited in patience for the opportunity and is fully prepared to grab it with both hands when given his international debut.

The 20-year-old, who featured for the Flying Eagles at the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup against Cuba and Korea Republic, said he is unfazed by the challenge for a starting place in the team.

Eduok has notched a total of 12 goals in the league for Dolphins and 15 in all competition this season including three in the Federation Cup with his club in the final to face defending champions Enyimba.

"First and foremost, I have to thank God for this opprtunity becuase as an upcoming player, our desire is to represent the country at the national or international level," Edouk told Goal on his arrival at the Super Eagles camp on Monday.

"That's what every talented footballer wants to achieve. I'm very happy and hungry to play. I've been waiting for it a long time and been working hard for the opportunity to come.

"I just have to give my best and leave the rest to God. I believe so much in myself as a talented player. So now I need to put in my best to justify the call-up.

"I know it will be tough competing in attack with the likes of Salami and others. They are good players and I have great respect for them.

"Football has its language, if you believe in yourself and the talent God has given to you. And I know I will always do my best irrespective of who I will be playing against in attack," he concluded.

Eduok will be hopeful for his first international debut for the African champions in the crunch duels at the Khartoum Stadium, Omdurman on Saturday and the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday respectively against Sudan.

Nigeria, who have only a point from two games, require a two-leg victory against Sudan to brighten their dreams to defend the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title they won in South Africa.goal.com

Super Eagles Camp Bubbles For Sudan Cracker

                                                                      

Ten players have arrived the Super Eagles Bolton White Apartment camp in Abuja ahead of this weekend's AFCON qualifiers against Sudan

Nigeria  national team camp is beginning to bubble ahead of preparations for this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Sudanese senior national team.
According to a report from the Eagles camp, ten players have arrived for the make or break fixture in Khartoum.
The foreign based professional in camp are Hull City’s Omatsone Aluko, new boy Hope Akpan of Reading FC , Babatunde Michael, Aaron Samuel and Nosa Igiebor.
Top the list of the home based players are Gbolahan Salami of Warri Wolves, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Emem Edward , Chigozie Agbim and leading Nigerian league scorer, Ighodalo Osagunna.
More players are expected to team up with Stephen Keshi’s men before Monday night.

Wale's Football All About BALE

                                                                         

Gareth Bale wins Welsh player award for record fourth time Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has won the Welsh player of the year award for a record fourth time in five years. Bale surpasses former Wales strikers Mark Hughes and John Hartson, who both won the Football Association of Wales award three times. The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season following his world record £85m transfer to the Spanish giants. He scored the winner in the Copa Del Rey final and a decisive goal as Real won the Champions League 4-1. Play media Download Flash Player now You need to install Flash Player to play this content. I don’t feel the pressure, says Bale The former Tottenham and Southampton player also picked up the fans' award at the dinner at St David's Hotel in Cardiff. He was there with the rest of the Wales squad, who are in the Welsh capital preparing for their two home Euro 2016 qualifiers, against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus on 10 and 13 October. Tottenham's former Swansea full-back Ben Davies was young player of the year, with his ex-team-mate Ashley Williams named club player of the year for the fourth year in a row. Jess Fishlock also won the women's player of the year for a fourth time, with Bristol Academy's Angharad James retaining the women's young player accolade. Cardiff City's Michelle Green, who won her 95th cap this year for Wales Women, took the club player title. TNS' Scott Ruscoe was voted the Welsh Premier clubman of the year and former Wales and Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe and Swansea City Ladies secretary Julie Lowe, picked up long service awards. A special award was also given to outgoing Wales Women manager Jamo Matikainen.

Roberto Di Matteo To Schalke

                                                                           

Roberto Di Matteo: Schalke appoint former Chelsea boss

Former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed as the new manager of German club Schalke.

The Italian, 44, succeeds Jens Keller following the Bundesliga club's inconsistent start to the season.
Schalke are 11th in the league with eight points from seven games, having won just twice.
They are third in their Champions League group after two draws, including holding Chelsea 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Di Matteo is set to face his former club when the two teams play the reverse fixture in Germany on 25 November.

Roberto Di Matteo's managerial record
Milton Keynes Dons 2008-09
52 games - 27 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats
West Brom 2009-11
83 games - 40 wins, 19 draws and 24 defeats
Chelsea 2012
42 games - 24 wins, 9 draws and 9 defeats

Keller had been in charge of Schalke since December 2012, and after being knocked out of the German Cup by third tier SG Dynamo Dresden earlier this season, his last game was a 2-1 defeat by Hoffenheim last Saturday.
"With the change in coach we want to give a new impulse," said Schalke sports director Horst Heldt in a statement.
"We are absolutely convinced that Roberto Di Matteo can stabilise the team so as to reach its Bundesliga and Champions League goals.
"We are missing the necessary consistency to meet our targets. This is why we took this step.
"The performance of the team in the past few weeks has fluctuated."
This is Di Matteo's first job since being dismissed by Chelsea in November 2012.
He had taken over as caretaker Chelsea manager from Andre Villas-Boas in March 2012 and led the Blues to the Champions League title and FA Cup trophy that season.
His success earned him a permanent deal but when he struggled in the following campaign his reign was brought to an end.