Man United open seven-point lead

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Read Time:1 Minute, 45 Second

Javier Hernandez scored a dramatic late winner as Manchester United claimed a thrilling 4-3 win against Newcastle United on Wednesday and extended their lead in the Premier League to seven points after Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Chelsea closed the gap in third place with a 1-0 win at Norwich, while Everton defeated Wigan 2-1.

James Perch gave Newcastle an early lead before Jonny Evans equalised and then inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Patrice Evra levelled matters with a low drive before Papiss Cisse’s superb shot made it 3-2 to the Magpies. Robin van Persie equalised with a drive before Javier Hernandez clinched it on the dot of full time.

City failed to keep pace as they stumbled to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, thanks to Adam Johnson, who struck the killer blow against his former club as the Black Cats made it three wins from four.

Chelsea are hot on City’s heels after they claimed a third straight win with a 1-0 win over Norwich City. Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game to sink the Canaries.

Everton continued their challenge for the Champions League places as they beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at Goodison Park. Phil Neville celebrated his 500th Premier League appearance with three points thanks to goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka.

Rickie Lambert scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot to earn a 1-1 draw for Southampton at Fulham. Dimitar Berbatov had given Fulham the lead.

Queens Park Rangers slipped back to the bottom of the Premier League table as they lost 2-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes after the Baggies’ coach got stuck in traffic, but the visitors got off to a rapid start as Chris Brunt opened the scoring with a well-struck effort from 30 yards. QPR keeper Robert Green palmed the ball into his own net after Anton Ferdinand’s headed clearance dropped under the bar.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Man United open seven-point lead

0 0
Read Time:1 Minute, 45 Second

Javier Hernandez scored a dramatic late winner as Manchester United claimed a thrilling 4-3 win against Newcastle United on Wednesday and extended their lead in the Premier League to seven points after Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Chelsea closed the gap in third place with a 1-0 win at Norwich, while Everton defeated Wigan 2-1.

James Perch gave Newcastle an early lead before Jonny Evans equalised and then inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Patrice Evra levelled matters with a low drive before Papiss Cisse’s superb shot made it 3-2 to the Magpies. Robin van Persie equalised with a drive before Javier Hernandez clinched it on the dot of full time.

City failed to keep pace as they stumbled to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, thanks to Adam Johnson, who struck the killer blow against his former club as the Black Cats made it three wins from four.

Chelsea are hot on City’s heels after they claimed a third straight win with a 1-0 win over Norwich City. Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game to sink the Canaries.

Everton continued their challenge for the Champions League places as they beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at Goodison Park. Phil Neville celebrated his 500th Premier League appearance with three points thanks to goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka.

Rickie Lambert scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot to earn a 1-1 draw for Southampton at Fulham. Dimitar Berbatov had given Fulham the lead.

Queens Park Rangers slipped back to the bottom of the Premier League table as they lost 2-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes after the Baggies’ coach got stuck in traffic, but the visitors got off to a rapid start as Chris Brunt opened the scoring with a well-struck effort from 30 yards. QPR keeper Robert Green palmed the ball into his own net after Anton Ferdinand’s headed clearance dropped under the bar.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria: NPL Must be Private Sector-driven, Says Irabor

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Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second

Newly appointed Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier League, Hon. Nduka Irabor, has said that the priority of the committee members now is to clean up the image of the NPL battered by crisis.

The former member of the House of Representatives in a chat with Codewit Agency Monday night, admitted that rushing to start the NPL will not yield the desired result until fundamental issues that have dragged down the league from making progress are sorted out.

“We want to clean up the mess caused by the crisis and not rush into starting the Premier League when some fundamental issues have not been settled,” observed Irabor an avid supporter of the senior national team.

He admitted that he was happy with the constitution of the interim management committee of the NPL.

“I am happy with the calibre of persons in the interim management committee because we all share the same vision that the league must be private sector-driven. It is not proper for the league to run for two seasons without any sponsor as we have just had it,” stressed the former media chief to Vice President Augustus Aikhomu, who was largely instrumental to Clemens Westerhof’s success with the Super Eagles.

Irabor insisted that Westerhof was able to integrate the home based players into the senior national team because the Nigerian league of that era was vibrant.

“Westerhof succeeded in integrating home-based players into the Super Eagles because we had a functional league not now that the clubs are just left at the whims of government. Once we finish the house cleaning and make the product attractive, sponsors will come back to the league,” said the interim committee chairman.

The 13-man committee was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday last week to prepare ground for the take off of the 2012-2013 NPL season.

Also on the committee is former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo; a former secretary of the league, Salihu Abubakar; Lagos FA Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi; a sports marketing expert, Shehu Dikko; former Globacom official, Modele Sharafa-Yusuf; General Manager of Ondo State Football Agency, Mike Idoko; and six others. NPL’s Administrator, Tunji Babalola, is secretary of the committee.

The committee’s terms of reference include: (i) Organise the 2012/2013 League;( ii) Review all contractual obligations of the NPL, including TV and Sponsorship rights; (iii) Develop strategy and facilitate the reform of the League towards achieving profitability; (iv) Review existing rules and guidelines for the election into NPL Board and (v), Develop new standards for players’ contracts and welfare.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria: NPL Must be Private Sector-driven, Says Irabor

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Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second

Newly appointed Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier League, Hon. Nduka Irabor, has said that the priority of the committee members now is to clean up the image of the NPL battered by crisis.

The former member of the House of Representatives in a chat with Codewit Agency Monday night, admitted that rushing to start the NPL will not yield the desired result until fundamental issues that have dragged down the league from making progress are sorted out.

“We want to clean up the mess caused by the crisis and not rush into starting the Premier League when some fundamental issues have not been settled,” observed Irabor an avid supporter of the senior national team.

He admitted that he was happy with the constitution of the interim management committee of the NPL.

“I am happy with the calibre of persons in the interim management committee because we all share the same vision that the league must be private sector-driven. It is not proper for the league to run for two seasons without any sponsor as we have just had it,” stressed the former media chief to Vice President Augustus Aikhomu, who was largely instrumental to Clemens Westerhof’s success with the Super Eagles.

Irabor insisted that Westerhof was able to integrate the home based players into the senior national team because the Nigerian league of that era was vibrant.

“Westerhof succeeded in integrating home-based players into the Super Eagles because we had a functional league not now that the clubs are just left at the whims of government. Once we finish the house cleaning and make the product attractive, sponsors will come back to the league,” said the interim committee chairman.

The 13-man committee was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday last week to prepare ground for the take off of the 2012-2013 NPL season.

Also on the committee is former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo; a former secretary of the league, Salihu Abubakar; Lagos FA Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi; a sports marketing expert, Shehu Dikko; former Globacom official, Modele Sharafa-Yusuf; General Manager of Ondo State Football Agency, Mike Idoko; and six others. NPL’s Administrator, Tunji Babalola, is secretary of the committee.

The committee’s terms of reference include: (i) Organise the 2012/2013 League;( ii) Review all contractual obligations of the NPL, including TV and Sponsorship rights; (iii) Develop strategy and facilitate the reform of the League towards achieving profitability; (iv) Review existing rules and guidelines for the election into NPL Board and (v), Develop new standards for players’ contracts and welfare.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Osaze wants to be Eagles captain — Keshi

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Read Time:1 Minute, 59 Second

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has dropped a bombshell by saying Osaze Odemwingie had proposed himself as team captain.

Keshi told a stunned Nigeria Football Federation technical committee that the West Bromwich Albion striker put himself forward to be the Eagles skipper.

“He told them that he wants to be captain as he considers himself one of the most senior players in the current squad,” an official revealed.

“But how he has behaved in the national team over the years has really run counter to his ambition to be the leader of this team. You can only lead by example.”

The 31-year-old Osaze made his Eagles debut in 2002, but it was not until the 2004 Nations Cup that he established himself in the national team.

Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as defender and present skipper Joseph Yobo are older than Osaze in the Eagles.

However, he has rowed with national team bosses, from Austin Eguavoen to Lars Lagerback, and his clash with Samson Siasia was widely regarded as one of the problems that caused Nigeria to sensationally fail to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.

It is such poor attitude that has now denied him a fifth Nations Cup appearance.

In the meantime, the Eagles coach has said he wishes to run the rule over shock invitee Rabiu Ibrahim who has failed to establish himself at Celtic.

Ibrahim has only managed a handful of games in his second season at Celtic Park and has yet to be capped by Nigeria at full international.

“Keshi said he has watched Rabiu in a couple of cup games and will want to have a closer look at the midfielder in Faro, Portugal,” a top official told MTNFootball.com

The gifted Ibrahim has held out a lot of promise since he featured for the Golden Eaglets in 2007, but he has yet to establish himself in Europe ever since.

This will be his second Eagles call-up as he was also considered for the 2010 Nations Cup, but opted out as he had just undergone a groin operation.

Some top officials also took an exception to the continued invitation of Italy-based midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, saying he is sluggish and brings very little to the team.

However, Keshi stood by his decision, insisting that the Olympic team skipper is tactically disciplined.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Osaze wants to be Eagles captain — Keshi

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Read Time:1 Minute, 59 Second

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has dropped a bombshell by saying Osaze Odemwingie had proposed himself as team captain.

Keshi told a stunned Nigeria Football Federation technical committee that the West Bromwich Albion striker put himself forward to be the Eagles skipper.

“He told them that he wants to be captain as he considers himself one of the most senior players in the current squad,” an official revealed.

“But how he has behaved in the national team over the years has really run counter to his ambition to be the leader of this team. You can only lead by example.”

The 31-year-old Osaze made his Eagles debut in 2002, but it was not until the 2004 Nations Cup that he established himself in the national team.

Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as defender and present skipper Joseph Yobo are older than Osaze in the Eagles.

However, he has rowed with national team bosses, from Austin Eguavoen to Lars Lagerback, and his clash with Samson Siasia was widely regarded as one of the problems that caused Nigeria to sensationally fail to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.

It is such poor attitude that has now denied him a fifth Nations Cup appearance.

In the meantime, the Eagles coach has said he wishes to run the rule over shock invitee Rabiu Ibrahim who has failed to establish himself at Celtic.

Ibrahim has only managed a handful of games in his second season at Celtic Park and has yet to be capped by Nigeria at full international.

“Keshi said he has watched Rabiu in a couple of cup games and will want to have a closer look at the midfielder in Faro, Portugal,” a top official told MTNFootball.com

The gifted Ibrahim has held out a lot of promise since he featured for the Golden Eaglets in 2007, but he has yet to establish himself in Europe ever since.

This will be his second Eagles call-up as he was also considered for the 2010 Nations Cup, but opted out as he had just undergone a groin operation.

Some top officials also took an exception to the continued invitation of Italy-based midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, saying he is sluggish and brings very little to the team.

However, Keshi stood by his decision, insisting that the Olympic team skipper is tactically disciplined.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Shittu, Millwall on collision course over Eagles invite

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Read Time:1 Minute, 20 Second

Super Eagles defender Danny Shittu and his Championship club, Millwall, are set to disagree over the player’s invitation to the Nigeria team ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation holding in January.

Shittu last played in the Eagles in 2010 and has long expected to have a recall to the team even when he was without club after QPR released him at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old has stated in the past that he would honour a national call over club action, but the reaction from Millwall coach Kenny Jackett suggests the defender’s interest may not be welcomed by the club.

Shittu’s recall to the Eagles is to strengthen the defence which has given coach Stephen Keshi great worries. Keshi has said he will plug the leak in the defence, and Shittu seems to be the answer.

But Jacket expects Shittu to ignore the invite. The player has been an inspiration to his teammates since he was made the stand-in captain following Paul Robinson’s injury.

Jackett said on the club’s website, “I don’t think he’s going to go and I don’t think he’s been in touch with them (Nigeria). At the moment that’s the decision.

“It was a surprise but it shows how well Danny has done. He’s only in the preliminary squad so that’s going to be cut down.

“But congratulations to him because he’s in there based on his performances.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Shittu, Millwall on collision course over Eagles invite

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Read Time:1 Minute, 20 Second

Super Eagles defender Danny Shittu and his Championship club, Millwall, are set to disagree over the player’s invitation to the Nigeria team ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation holding in January.

Shittu last played in the Eagles in 2010 and has long expected to have a recall to the team even when he was without club after QPR released him at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old has stated in the past that he would honour a national call over club action, but the reaction from Millwall coach Kenny Jackett suggests the defender’s interest may not be welcomed by the club.

Shittu’s recall to the Eagles is to strengthen the defence which has given coach Stephen Keshi great worries. Keshi has said he will plug the leak in the defence, and Shittu seems to be the answer.

But Jacket expects Shittu to ignore the invite. The player has been an inspiration to his teammates since he was made the stand-in captain following Paul Robinson’s injury.

Jackett said on the club’s website, “I don’t think he’s going to go and I don’t think he’s been in touch with them (Nigeria). At the moment that’s the decision.

“It was a surprise but it shows how well Danny has done. He’s only in the preliminary squad so that’s going to be cut down.

“But congratulations to him because he’s in there based on his performances.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Abuja stadium renovation begins January

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Read Time:1 Minute, 12 Second

The Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the renovation of the National Stadium in Abuja will commence in January.

The Federal Government has awarded the contract for the renovation of the stadium to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and has directed that the renovation begins next month.

Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja that he had relocated his office to the stadium to ‘breathe life back’ to the facility.

“Of course, we have concluded arrangements with Julius Berger to bring alive the pitch of the main bowl and training grounds in January, after the holidays,” Abdullahi said.

“If we are able to get the pitch fixed, the Super Eagles and other national teams will have a good ground to train. Nobody can say we do not have a field where they can play anymore.”

According to the minister, the decision to embark on the renovation was based on President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the stadium in September.

“I think that by relocating my office to the stadium, it will breathe life back into the stadium to a reasonable extent. The facilities on ground are being managed and cleaned up now.

“If we are able to sensitise the Nigeria Football Federation on the facilities available here, they can also use it for the various national teams and not just for the Eagles.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Abuja stadium renovation begins January

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Read Time:1 Minute, 12 Second

The Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the renovation of the National Stadium in Abuja will commence in January.

The Federal Government has awarded the contract for the renovation of the stadium to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and has directed that the renovation begins next month.

Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja that he had relocated his office to the stadium to ‘breathe life back’ to the facility.

“Of course, we have concluded arrangements with Julius Berger to bring alive the pitch of the main bowl and training grounds in January, after the holidays,” Abdullahi said.

“If we are able to get the pitch fixed, the Super Eagles and other national teams will have a good ground to train. Nobody can say we do not have a field where they can play anymore.”

According to the minister, the decision to embark on the renovation was based on President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the stadium in September.

“I think that by relocating my office to the stadium, it will breathe life back into the stadium to a reasonable extent. The facilities on ground are being managed and cleaned up now.

“If we are able to sensitise the Nigeria Football Federation on the facilities available here, they can also use it for the various national teams and not just for the Eagles.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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