SPORTS UPDATE WITH WIZFLAMES
NIGERIA ESAPES FIFA BAN
The threat to ban Nigeria from participating in all football activities has been lifted by FIFA after the Nigerian government agreed to the terms of the world football governing body thus reinstating the Amaju Pinnick led board as the authentic leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation .
In a statement, FIFA said it had received confirmation that its recognised leadership team under Amaju Pinnick had been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices and the suspension of the NFF will not take effect
“Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA council of August 13 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football federation (NFF) FIFA received confirmation that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its office
“In view of these circumstances , FIFA deems that the condition set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect“.
“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in other to ensure that FIFA’ s rules and regulation are fully adhered to’’.
It could be recalled that the Chris Giwa led board took over the affairs of the Glass House after the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, citing authority from the Jos Federal High court order.
However, FIFA rules prohibit interference in how elected officials run football federations under threat of teams and administrators being suspended from international games and meetings.
Earlier, Mr Laolu Akande the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said “Nigeria had already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognising Amaju Pinnick - led NFF as the current and only NFF Exco”.
‘’The government would work with all stakeholders “to resolve the dispute in a timely manner” he added.
The Super Eagles who failed to make past the group stage at the World Cup in Russia, are scheduled to play a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 7 against Seychelles.
SUPER EAGLES COACH ANNOUNCES 24-MAN SUPER EAGLES SQUAD TO FACE SEYCHELLES
Super Eagles coch Gernot Rohr has announced his 24-man list of players that will face Seychelles in a must win Afcon qualifier.
It will be the first time the Nigerian team will be playing a competitive match since losing out of the group stages at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Two members of the World Cup squad captain Mikel Obi has excused himself from the encounter while Victor Moses recently retired from national team duties.
Four new players who did not make the party to the World Cup have been added to the squad, including - Kelechi Nwakali, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi and Samuel Kalu.
The three-time African champions lost their first game to South Africa last June by 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A win for Rohr's men against Seychelles will bring back their hopes of making it through to the competition in the group that also have Libya.
South Africa will trade tackles with Libya in the other fixture of the group before the North African face Nigeria in October.
The players are expected to fly from their European and Asian base to Seychelles on Monday, September 3.
The German technical adviser also disclosed that his assistant coach Salisu Yusuf will not be with the team for now as he is still under investigation for allegedly collecting bribe from players.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has withdrawn his name from the Nigerian squad that will play Seychelles in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against next month.
The 33-year-old who skippered the side to Russia 2018 World Cup will not travel to the island nation from his base in China.
Here are the 24 players invited by Rohr to camp
Defenders: Balogun, Ekong, Bryan Idowu, Omeruo, Awaziem, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: Ndidi, Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Etebo, Nwakali
Strikers: Musa, Ighalo, Simi Nwankwo, Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Iheanacho
Players standby: Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, Musa Muhammed and Blessing Eleke
NIGERIA COACH ROHR HOPES VICTOR MOSES WILL REVERSE RETIREMENT
Victor Moses retired from Nigeria duty in August, citing his increased commitment to Chelsea.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is hoping that the chance to win a second Africa Cup of Nations title could convince Victor Moses to reconsider his decision to retire from the international football.
Moses, 27, stunned the African nation when he called time on his international career earlier this month, but Rohr is hopeful that the decision can still be reversed.
"We spoke already and I hope that his decision is not definitive," the German said.
"I think it depends on his motivation. If he really wants to commit himself again, he is welcome. Maybe the chance to win the Afcon is motivation. We will see".
Moses was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won a third African title for Nigeria in 2013, and the World Cup in Russia was his second for the country.
The forward scored 12 times in his 37 appearances for Nigeria, and provided a constant and potent threat for the Super Eagles whenever he played.
His sudden retirement took even his teammates by surprise, including defender William Troost-Ekong.
"I didn't expect it. I was just as shocked as everyone else when I heard. It is a massive loss for Nigeria because Victor has been fantastic for us.
"I have only played with him the last year and a half. Everyone sees what he can do. But at the same time it would be exciting to see what other players stand up now.
"Players come and go and it's not one player that makes a team. I think it should be exciting for Nigeria to see what players stand up now."
UEFA wants VAR in Champions League
UEFA has confirmed it is looking into using VAR in the Champions League. European football's governing body is using trials to find out if it can overcome logistical problems that it fears may impede usage.
"UEFA is constantly looking at ways in which it can improve its competitions and we are looking closely at the implementation of video assistant referees that are currently being trialled in various competitions," an official statement read.
"We still see several uncertainties regarding the implementation of VAR and we think it is extremely important that the scope of application, interpretation and technological support are clear to all - including spectators - and fully proven.
"The implementation of VAR on a European scale presents a number of difficulties in the operational, logistical and refereeing areas. Any decision in this respect would require careful assessment of the available solutions and resources needed."
It has been reported that one solution could be to use VAR from the quarter-final stage of the Champions League to avoid having to commit manpower to eight group matches on the same night.
LA LIGA PLAYERS CONSIDERING STRIKE ACTION OVER GAMES IN UNITED STATES
A deal that would see Spanish top-flight games staged in the US has outraged players, who may strike over the league's first overseas fixture
La Liga players could take strike action over a deal to hold Spanish top-flight matches overseas for the first time.
Last week, La Liga announced it was partnering with sports and entertainment company Relevent for a 15-year deal pitting two top Spanish teams together in the United States once a season.
It would represent the first time a La Liga match would be played overseas and players are not ready to accept the terms of the agreement.
Stars including Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets were reportedly present as the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) met on Wednesday to discuss the proposals.
"The players are outraged, very surprised, and are all against it. It's unanimous," said AFE president David Aganzo.
"The players don't want to play overseas. Things have to be done in a more coherent way and with common sense.
"A decision of this magnitude, that affects players, referees and fans, was taken unilaterally and is a lack of respect.
"I have information that there are certain clubs that are in favour [of strike action] and others against this, but I represent the players.
"We need to sort this out with the union, and we will tell them all of our problems. If, from then on and after a few days, they don't answer, then we will have to solve the situation.
"We are going to try to see that it doesn't reach that extreme. But we are willing to go right to the last option if it is necessary."
Aganzo went on to say the deal struck with Relevent - the firm behind pre-season tournament the International Champions Cup - was done without consulting players and has not taken into consideration La Liga's busy schedule.
"This agreement that La Liga has reached without consulting anyone shows a lack of respect," added Aganzo.
"It's not just the game as such, in terms of health and travel, it just makes no sense to have a game played in the United States and have one team have to give up a home game.
"It cannot be that a person takes a decision of a 15-year agreement, which affects many people and without consulting. We are fed up with not being valued.
MAN CITY RECALL GOALKEEPER FROM LOAN AFTER CLAUDIO BRAVO INJURY
Manchester City have recalled 19-year-old Aro Muric from his loan at Dutch side NAC Breda after back-up goalkeeper Claudio Bravo ruptured his Achilles.
Chile international Bravo was injured in training on Monday, leaving 20-year-old Daniel Grimshaw as City's only option behind first-choice Ederson.
Montenegro Under-21 international Muric had joined NAC on a season-long loan.
He will return to City on Thursday and be available to train before Saturday's Premier League game at Wolves.
Bravo, 35, will fly to Barcelona for further tests on Thursday and is expected to be out for several months.
City sold England Under-21 goalkeeper Angus Gunn to Southampton in July, and Joe Hart to Burnley in August.
Muric joined City from Swiss side Grasshoppers in 2015 and was third-choice keeper during last season's title-winning campaign.
He made one Eredivisie appearance for NAC, keeping a clean sheet on debut in a 3-0 win over De Graafschap on Saturday.
EPL MATCH DAY 3 FIXTURES
SATURDAY 25/08/2018
Wolves Vs Man City 12:30pm
Arsenal vs West Ham 3:00pm
Bournemouth vs Everton 3:00pm
Huddersfield vs Cardiff 3:00pm
Southampton vs Leicester 3:00pm
Liverpool vs Brighton 5:30pm
SUNDAY 26/08/2018
Watford vs Crystal Palace 1:30pm
Fulham vs Burnley 4:00pm
Newcastle vs Chelsea 4:00pm
MONDAY 27/08/2018
Man Utd vs Tottenham 8:00pm
The Beautiful Game ⚽
Post by: Wisdom Joseph
Facebook: Wiz Flames
Instagram: Wizflames
The threat to ban Nigeria from participating in all football activities has been lifted by FIFA after the Nigerian government agreed to the terms of the world football governing body thus reinstating the Amaju Pinnick led board as the authentic leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation .
In a statement, FIFA said it had received confirmation that its recognised leadership team under Amaju Pinnick had been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices and the suspension of the NFF will not take effect
“Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA council of August 13 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football federation (NFF) FIFA received confirmation that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its office
“In view of these circumstances , FIFA deems that the condition set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect“.
“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in other to ensure that FIFA’ s rules and regulation are fully adhered to’’.
It could be recalled that the Chris Giwa led board took over the affairs of the Glass House after the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, citing authority from the Jos Federal High court order.
However, FIFA rules prohibit interference in how elected officials run football federations under threat of teams and administrators being suspended from international games and meetings.
Earlier, Mr Laolu Akande the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said “Nigeria had already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognising Amaju Pinnick - led NFF as the current and only NFF Exco”.
‘’The government would work with all stakeholders “to resolve the dispute in a timely manner” he added.
The Super Eagles who failed to make past the group stage at the World Cup in Russia, are scheduled to play a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 7 against Seychelles.
SUPER EAGLES COACH ANNOUNCES 24-MAN SUPER EAGLES SQUAD TO FACE SEYCHELLES
Super Eagles coch Gernot Rohr has announced his 24-man list of players that will face Seychelles in a must win Afcon qualifier.
It will be the first time the Nigerian team will be playing a competitive match since losing out of the group stages at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Two members of the World Cup squad captain Mikel Obi has excused himself from the encounter while Victor Moses recently retired from national team duties.
Four new players who did not make the party to the World Cup have been added to the squad, including - Kelechi Nwakali, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi and Samuel Kalu.
The three-time African champions lost their first game to South Africa last June by 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A win for Rohr's men against Seychelles will bring back their hopes of making it through to the competition in the group that also have Libya.
South Africa will trade tackles with Libya in the other fixture of the group before the North African face Nigeria in October.
The players are expected to fly from their European and Asian base to Seychelles on Monday, September 3.
The German technical adviser also disclosed that his assistant coach Salisu Yusuf will not be with the team for now as he is still under investigation for allegedly collecting bribe from players.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has withdrawn his name from the Nigerian squad that will play Seychelles in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against next month.
The 33-year-old who skippered the side to Russia 2018 World Cup will not travel to the island nation from his base in China.
Here are the 24 players invited by Rohr to camp
Defenders: Balogun, Ekong, Bryan Idowu, Omeruo, Awaziem, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: Ndidi, Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Etebo, Nwakali
Strikers: Musa, Ighalo, Simi Nwankwo, Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Iheanacho
Players standby: Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, Musa Muhammed and Blessing Eleke
NIGERIA COACH ROHR HOPES VICTOR MOSES WILL REVERSE RETIREMENT
Victor Moses retired from Nigeria duty in August, citing his increased commitment to Chelsea.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is hoping that the chance to win a second Africa Cup of Nations title could convince Victor Moses to reconsider his decision to retire from the international football.
Moses, 27, stunned the African nation when he called time on his international career earlier this month, but Rohr is hopeful that the decision can still be reversed.
"We spoke already and I hope that his decision is not definitive," the German said.
"I think it depends on his motivation. If he really wants to commit himself again, he is welcome. Maybe the chance to win the Afcon is motivation. We will see".
Moses was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won a third African title for Nigeria in 2013, and the World Cup in Russia was his second for the country.
The forward scored 12 times in his 37 appearances for Nigeria, and provided a constant and potent threat for the Super Eagles whenever he played.
His sudden retirement took even his teammates by surprise, including defender William Troost-Ekong.
"I didn't expect it. I was just as shocked as everyone else when I heard. It is a massive loss for Nigeria because Victor has been fantastic for us.
"I have only played with him the last year and a half. Everyone sees what he can do. But at the same time it would be exciting to see what other players stand up now.
"Players come and go and it's not one player that makes a team. I think it should be exciting for Nigeria to see what players stand up now."
UEFA wants VAR in Champions League
UEFA has confirmed it is looking into using VAR in the Champions League. European football's governing body is using trials to find out if it can overcome logistical problems that it fears may impede usage.
"UEFA is constantly looking at ways in which it can improve its competitions and we are looking closely at the implementation of video assistant referees that are currently being trialled in various competitions," an official statement read.
"We still see several uncertainties regarding the implementation of VAR and we think it is extremely important that the scope of application, interpretation and technological support are clear to all - including spectators - and fully proven.
"The implementation of VAR on a European scale presents a number of difficulties in the operational, logistical and refereeing areas. Any decision in this respect would require careful assessment of the available solutions and resources needed."
It has been reported that one solution could be to use VAR from the quarter-final stage of the Champions League to avoid having to commit manpower to eight group matches on the same night.
LA LIGA PLAYERS CONSIDERING STRIKE ACTION OVER GAMES IN UNITED STATES
A deal that would see Spanish top-flight games staged in the US has outraged players, who may strike over the league's first overseas fixture
La Liga players could take strike action over a deal to hold Spanish top-flight matches overseas for the first time.
Last week, La Liga announced it was partnering with sports and entertainment company Relevent for a 15-year deal pitting two top Spanish teams together in the United States once a season.
It would represent the first time a La Liga match would be played overseas and players are not ready to accept the terms of the agreement.
Stars including Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets were reportedly present as the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) met on Wednesday to discuss the proposals.
"The players are outraged, very surprised, and are all against it. It's unanimous," said AFE president David Aganzo.
"The players don't want to play overseas. Things have to be done in a more coherent way and with common sense.
"A decision of this magnitude, that affects players, referees and fans, was taken unilaterally and is a lack of respect.
"I have information that there are certain clubs that are in favour [of strike action] and others against this, but I represent the players.
"We need to sort this out with the union, and we will tell them all of our problems. If, from then on and after a few days, they don't answer, then we will have to solve the situation.
"We are going to try to see that it doesn't reach that extreme. But we are willing to go right to the last option if it is necessary."
Aganzo went on to say the deal struck with Relevent - the firm behind pre-season tournament the International Champions Cup - was done without consulting players and has not taken into consideration La Liga's busy schedule.
"This agreement that La Liga has reached without consulting anyone shows a lack of respect," added Aganzo.
"It's not just the game as such, in terms of health and travel, it just makes no sense to have a game played in the United States and have one team have to give up a home game.
"It cannot be that a person takes a decision of a 15-year agreement, which affects many people and without consulting. We are fed up with not being valued.
MAN CITY RECALL GOALKEEPER FROM LOAN AFTER CLAUDIO BRAVO INJURY
Manchester City have recalled 19-year-old Aro Muric from his loan at Dutch side NAC Breda after back-up goalkeeper Claudio Bravo ruptured his Achilles.
Chile international Bravo was injured in training on Monday, leaving 20-year-old Daniel Grimshaw as City's only option behind first-choice Ederson.
Montenegro Under-21 international Muric had joined NAC on a season-long loan.
He will return to City on Thursday and be available to train before Saturday's Premier League game at Wolves.
Bravo, 35, will fly to Barcelona for further tests on Thursday and is expected to be out for several months.
City sold England Under-21 goalkeeper Angus Gunn to Southampton in July, and Joe Hart to Burnley in August.
Muric joined City from Swiss side Grasshoppers in 2015 and was third-choice keeper during last season's title-winning campaign.
He made one Eredivisie appearance for NAC, keeping a clean sheet on debut in a 3-0 win over De Graafschap on Saturday.
EPL MATCH DAY 3 FIXTURES
SATURDAY 25/08/2018
Wolves Vs Man City 12:30pm
Arsenal vs West Ham 3:00pm
Bournemouth vs Everton 3:00pm
Huddersfield vs Cardiff 3:00pm
Southampton vs Leicester 3:00pm
Liverpool vs Brighton 5:30pm
SUNDAY 26/08/2018
Watford vs Crystal Palace 1:30pm
Fulham vs Burnley 4:00pm
Newcastle vs Chelsea 4:00pm
MONDAY 27/08/2018
Man Utd vs Tottenham 8:00pm
The Beautiful Game ⚽
Post by: Wisdom Joseph
Facebook: Wiz Flames
Instagram: Wizflames
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