Desportspastor Blog

Edinson Cavani came off the bench to inspire a stunning Manchester United comeback as they turned around a two-goal deficit to secure a superb victory at Southampton. T he 33-year-old Uruguayan striker was a half-time replacement for out-of-sorts Mason Greenwood with Saints two goals up and in control of a fluctuating encounter at St. Mary's - the veteran turning the tide with a virtuoso display and a brilliant headed double. United had not played particularly badly before Cavani's introduction, they had simply failed to take opportunities that had come their way - Greenwood shooting into the side of an empty net and McCarthy performing heroics within seconds to save from the young striker before recovering brilliantly to block Fernandes. Once Cavani came on, he was a constant threat and put the previously confident and combative Southampton side on the back foot. Cavani set up Fernandes to give United a lifeline just before the hour mark, allowing them to play on South

Tottenham returned to the summit of the Premier League despite being held by Chelsea in a highly-competitive yet goalless stalemate.in the London Derby.  The eagerly-anticipated fixture between two teams in excellent form failed to produce a goal as both sides cancelled each other out at Stamford Bridge. Edouard Mendy kept out Serge Aurier's ferocious strike while Steven Bergwijn had another Spurs chance sailing over the bar. Chelsea were looking to celebrate Roman Abramovich's 1,000th game as club owner with victory over a Tottenham Hotspur team managed by their former boss Jose Mourinho. The Blues struggled to produce clear-cut chances although Hugo Lloris produced a great late save to deny Mason Mount. Tottenham, replaced at the top by Liverpool on Saturday, returned to the summit, level on 21 points with the Reds but with a superior goal difference. Chelsea are two points behind Spurs in third spot.

Enyimba FC got their CAF Champions League campaign off to a flying start with 1-0 victory against Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso.  Enyimba carried the hopes of Nigerian fans into the game as other three Nigerian teams on the continent lost their games. The Aba Landlords went into the game confident of victory and started attacking the Burkina Faso side early on in the game. The first 20 minutes was exciting as both sides battled for supremacy and with Enyimba player Dare Olatunji getting a yellow card for a foul on Adama.  Enyimba kept it tight at the back to defend against a rampaging Rahimo attack.  Enyimba defeated and knocked out the Burkina Faso side in last season's champions league and they played against them with confidence New signing, Tosin Omoyele set up Sadiq Abubakar in the 52nd minute but the forward shot wide. Coach Osho Fatai made a change in attack as Victor Mbaoma came on for Tosin Omoyele.  The People's Elephant took the lead in the 76th m

The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Sir Honour Sirawoo has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the release of the FIFA Covid-19 Relief Fund. The NFF had released the sum of N11,400,000 (eleven million, four hundred thousand Naira) only as part of the Covid-19 Relief Fund from FIFA to SWAN Sirawoo lauded the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF for the transparent way and manner it has disbursed the funds in accordance with the earlier breakdown and FIFA guidelines. According to him, “FIFA and the NFF must be commended for this transparent process. It has been done in such a manner that is open for all to see. “FIFA must also be commended for such a gesture despite a challenging period of coronavirus pandemic across the world. It is a sign of a responsive and responsible football governing body." He assured that the funds allocated to SWAN would be utilized transparently in accordance with the stated guidelines. "Let me state clearl

Just 9days to the league resumption, teams are looking up to sign the best players and same goes to the gaffers who will lead the team. Many who tends to sign contracts and paper agreement are also asked to do so with licenced intermediary agents to avoid issue's as the case maybe.  Mr Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia who sits in as the Sports representative of Myron TopClass Sport Outfits and also represents Super Eagles stars like, Daniel Akpeyi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Olisema, Okereke Mmaduabuchi and many others ,confirmed that he doesn't stand with the wrong as he vehemently told Cynosure chairman  that he will not do any deal with him if he's not ready to make it professional. Just last week,news went viral that Coach Samson Unuanel David, who was the former gaffer of  Enyimba, recently agreed a deal with Cynosure FC to become their new gaffer, but the Club Chairman Nwaeze Prince Chidiebere is not willing to have a professional contract talks with the coach and his agent. 

The chairman of Ebonyi based Nigeria Nationwide League side Cynosure FC Nwaeze Prince Chidiebere has resulted to threatening Coach Samson Unuanel and insulting his intermediary, Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia of Myron Topclass Sport Outfits after the coach's camp requested that the right things be done contractually. Former coach at Enyimba, Samson Unuanel recently agreed a deal with Cynosure FC to become their new gaffer, but the Club's Chairman Nwaeze Prince Chidiebere is not willing to have a professional contract talks with the coach. The development led to the decision of the Licensed intermediary with the Nigeria Football Federation, Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia to reach out to Nwaeze Chidiebere, the Cynosure FC Chairman however went words crazy in a WhatsApp chat before eventually blocking him. The intermediary in the chat told Cynosure FC Chairman that " Good morning, we are reconsidering our client's decision as to being your club coach, we cannot work with an eng

The Argentine government has declared three days of mourning for Diego Maradona who died Wednesday. President Alberto Fernandez said in a tweet, “You took us to the highest point in the world, and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having been with us, Diego. We will miss you all our lives.” In Argentina, he has long been worshipped as ‘El Dios’ – The God. In the Buenos Aires suburb of Villa Crespo, the song “La Mano de Dios” by folk singer Rodrigo Bueno rang out from a balcony, a reference to a goal Maradona scored with his hand against England in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. In Buenos Aires, people began pouring onto the streets to mourn the nation’s favourite son, gathering in the San Andres neighbourhood where he lived and also in La Plata where he had lately been technical director for local team Gimnasia y Esgrima.

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack.  The Gimnasia coach had been hospitalised at the start of November, days after celebrating the landmark birthday, after complaining of low spirits and fatigue.  Maradona was subsequently released from hospital as an outpatient to continue his convalescence, which he carried out in his dwelling in a private neighbourhood near Tigre, northern Buenos Aires. But on Wednesday morning he suffered cardiac arrest, and paramedics at the scene failed to revive him.  The Argentine national team's official Twitter account confirmed the news on Wednesday, paying tribute to one of the nation's favourite footballing sons.  "You will be eternal in every heart of the football world," the message stated as it bade farewell to the superstar. Football Association president Claudio Tapia also expressed his "deep grief" after learning the news. Maradona began his

After two explosive seasons with Alkosendi international FC of lafia, the Allu boys gaffer GIDEON DAVID who posses UEFA B License ,CAF B&C licence has come out to say that he is open to better offers.   The former Chief Coach of Gombe United; during his first season with the lafia boys, finished second below Adamawa United with just one point to gain promotion to the Nigerian premier professional League.  In the same spirit of success, his performance at the AITEO Cup was a great height the gaffer attained being the only NNL Club to reach the quarter-finals against Kano pillars.  With a Vast and wide knowledge of experience , philosophy , psychological approach in coaching; he distinguished himself to be a great Coach rated among the best 12 coaches in Nigeria.  He is a great Coach most NPFL clubs should seek his services when considering the right man to be in line to lead an NPFL side to success.

Enyimba, Abia Warriors to slug it out at  Governor Ikpeazu Pre Season Tournament Final  Enyimba International will battle fellow Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Abia  Warriors in the finals of the Governor Ikpeazu Pre-season tournament.  In the  first semi-final match , Enyimba relied on a 69th strike from Cyril Olisema to defeat Plateau United 1-0. In a match the People's elephants dominated  almost completely. In The second semi-final match Avia Warriors managed by coach Willy Udube (because Coach Imama Hardly stays At the dugout during  the Tournament so far)   dumped out A&A 3-1 while the People's Elephants pipped Plateau United 1-0. Paul Samson put Warriors ahead with a cool finish in the 10th minute of the game. Lanky striker Tekena Garando doubled the lead before halftime. The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of Aba fans. As the second half clock thicked away, Nnamdi Anthony

Abia warriors defeated A&A with a 3-1 scoreline to settle for a Derby Final cracker against Enyimba International at the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Pre-Season Tournament on going at aba. It's with no doubt, the Coach imama Kwaku Amakpabo side who took the early Lead as Paul Sampson finished  up a Chukwuemeka Nna Assist before Gerarano sealed it up with a second just before the break. Still not worried, Anthony Nnamdi in the 69minute scored what should be his second of the Tournament but the Warriors  in the 79th minute came out with pressure to seal it up as they set there eyes on the finals.  Despite the defeat, A&A director MR FERDINARD ANIETIE UDOH said "all hopes are not lost yet  as my team has been an impressive team with fantastic players who has prospect and has used the platform given tothem to showcase what they can do best as transfer opportunities and negotiations are on going.".

Just like a dream come true, the coach Emmanuel Ntuk tutored side gathered 6points after winning two matches out of four after Abia Comets suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of the Elephants . With Orok's volley at the 42nd min of the game, it gave the A&A academy the full confidence to count on  ISREAL EMMANUEL's effort which has paid off to see his team progress to the semi finals.   Ronaldo as his is fondly called who is the  Top scorer of the tournament is expected to increase his 6goal tally as they hope to Upset their Host and seal a place in the Finals on Sunday.  Enyimba International will now take on Plateau United in the Semi Final by 10am  while A&A Will lock horns with the NPFL side Abia Warriors by 12noon in the second semi Final at the Enyimba International Staduim Aba.

The League Management Company has confirmed that five substitutions will be allowed in the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League season, The PUNCH reports exclusively. The Nigeria Football Federation earlier this month gave the go-ahead for the resumption of the country’s elite men’s football league from November 15, eight months after it was suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak in the country. However, with fears that players might experience several injuries due to a long spell of inactivity, LMC boss, Shehu Dikko, in an exclusive chat with our correspondent, confirmed that five substitutions would be allowed in the incoming season. “We will use five substitutions among other measure to mitigate against any potential hazards to the players,” Dikko told The PUNCH on Monday. NPFL clubs are currently preparing for the league restart with several teams participating in different pre-season tournaments across the country. The NFF has insisted that all clubs must adhere st

Coach Fatai Osho has the luxury of rotating his players.  Guess tomorrow games against Plateau united will be the star fixture of the tournament.  After watching Plateau  United's 4 games here in aba, during the Pre season tournament, Coach Abdul Maikaba has got good midfielders in Oche Salefu,  Uche Owosanya, Isah Ndala, Benjamin Turba. I feel they need to look for a good replacement for Ibrahim Mustapha that joined a Dubai team.  Abdurahman Bashir, Wasiu Jimoh and Sunday Adetunji should look to play better. Sunday Anthony, Nenrot Silas, have been a delight to watch, while Former Akwa United centre back Dennis Nya has blended with his new team, partnering the dependable Andrew Ikefe.  While Enyimba FC looks good.  Striker Tosin Omoleye, Victor Mbaoma, Martin Usule, are good.  But the real ball Juglers pleasure for the "People's Elephant" are: Gabriel Orok, Anayo Iwuala, Austin Oladapo, Cyril Olisema and Sodiq Abubakar. No wonder Coach Fatai Osho described

In 11 full seasons as a manager, Guardiola has collected an incredible 29 major trophies.   He spent four seasons in charge of Barcelona, where he won 14 major trophies, including the Club’s first ever treble in his first year in charge. After a year’s sabbatical in New York, he took the reins at Bayern Munich in 2013, where he added a further seven trophies to his CV whilst revolutionising the Bavarians’ style of play. And after a season of transition in his first year at City, the 2017-18 campaign was the best in the Club’s history as Guardiola’s side set a plethora of new English top-flight and Premier League records, including winning the title with 100 points – the most ever collected. In 2018-19 City became the first side to win a clean-sweep of domestic honours, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. Indeed, their title win, achieved with 98 points, meant Manchester City were the first team in a decade to win back-to-back Premier Leagues

Enyimba FC Coach Fatai Osho is not fully satisfied with the performance of his team despite winning the nonleague side A&A Football Academy based in Aba. The two times former Africa champions gave a good account of themselves throughout the game but were unable to keep a clean sheet. In his reaction, the former Remo Stars gaffer said though his team played a nice game he is not satisfied with the way they played especially when the weather became harsh. "Its a very nice game and the benefits of this tournament is to know where we are lacking and also improve on our general assessments made after each game." "We need to work hard on playing under the harsh weather condition because It's becoming more rampant in the team, we get dehydrated more easily and get tired when playing under the harsh weather condition." "We still have a lot of jobs to be done, because if one believes all is well then we will be leaving in self denial." Osho said

Enyimba International FC and Plateau United picked their tickets to the semi-final at the Governor Ikpeazu Pre Season Tournament on Wednesday. The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides joined Abia Warriors in the last four following wins over A&A and Flight FC respectively.   The People's Elephants were again on the joyous side on Wednesday, thanks to a 2-1 victory over A&A. Emmanuel Isreal's late consolation was not enough to undo Sadiq Adamu and Cyril Olisema's goals at the Enyimba International Stadium. The two-time CAF Champions League winners sit three points above second-placed A&A, who have six points. Third in the Group A table and now with one game in hand, Abia Comets were 2-1 winners over Jewel FA.  Plateau United did well to fly past hard fighting Flight FA 2-1. A brace from Sunday Adetunji put the Peace Boys in cruise control before Foga Dominic netted a consolation for the Gboko based side. Meanwhile, a brace from Michael Jo

 With 17days to the Nigerian League resumption, 10 teams taking part at the Ongoing Gov Okezie IKPEAZU Pre Season Cup have really come out opening to praise the organisers of the on-going cup which started on Sunday.  We must say that this is the best of its kind with good officiating, quality coordination and organisation said UCHE OKECHUKWU & Ferdinard Anietie UDOH who went further to thank MR PATRICK NGWAOGU for his efforts towards putting up this pre season Cup IN ABA.  The cup has given us the opportunity to know the areas our teams are lacking and has also helped us to keep our team in good shape even before the league kicks off as we go back to the drawing board for adjustment said Coach Bethel Orji.  (Abia Comets Chief coach). Speaking with former Papilo & Go Round striker *OSIKE PATRICK* ( Vieria ) who scored 5goals in 8matches last season for Go Round said he must applaud the level of officiating and  co-ordination of the Pre season cup.  Indeed, this is a

 It is with no doubt that a good market sells itself and that's the extent talent and hardwork has taken the wonder Boy of A&A academy Emmanuel Isreal known as Ronaldo.  With the ongoing Gov Okezie Ikpeazu pre season,  Isreal Emmanuel (Ronaldo) has been one player who has distinguised himself as Abia Warriors , Plateau United and ENYIMBA international are all fighting for the Signature of A&A Forward Isreal Emmanuel following his impressive Performance at the Governor Ikpeazu Pre-Season Tournament in Aba. Ronaldo has scored 5goals and 3assists in 4games in the ongoing Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Preseason Tournament in Aba. Ronaldo as he is fondly called, doesn't see anything wrong with it and has vowed never to give up but  rather to help his team to do more.  A&A academy who's CEO is ANIEBIET Emmanuel Udoh and Ferdinard Anietie UDOH as the director said  "All we had to do was to give the players the opportunity to let the w

Striker Emmanuel Isreal has encouraged his A&A teammates to face today's Governor Ikpeazu Pre Season Tournament meeting with Enyimba with a positive mindset. Whilst admitted that his side will face difficulties in trying to end Enyimba's 100 per cent start so far, the striker knows what his side must do. “Let’s raise our game against a team that we know will attack us much, that defends very well, that can counter-attack very well and is good at set-pieces,” Emmanuel Isreal addresed reporters pre-match. “We have to play a very intense game and compete at their level if we want to achieve something. “It will be difficult. Whilst I speak very highly of the opponent and I believe that they deserve that, I am not pessimistic, nor do I think that we will not have our chances. “I see virtues in my team and potential to be able to get a good result.” Emmanuel Isreal has already netted five goals so far in the tournament. “I don't even know the number of goals I hav

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have not received any match bonus from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, since their quarter final 2-1 triumph over South Africa at the 2019 African Nations Cup game against South Africa in Egypt. The three time African champions have since then played seven matches; the 3rd placed game against Tunisia at the 2019 AFCON, 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho, international friendly matches with Algeria and Tunisia as well as AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone (home and away). According to TheCable, a source close the team said that the Super Eagles are being owed match bonus since their third-place match against Tunisia at the 2019 African Nations Cup which Nigeria won to claim the bronze medal. “Don’t blame the players if they show some level of complacency on the pitch of play because NFF promise and fail the team,” the source told TheCable. The source continues, “Do you believe that the boys are still being owed since thei

Spain forward Ferran Torres scored a first career hat-trick as his side crushed helpless Germany 6-0 at home on Tuesday to storm into the final four of the Nations League. The schellacking in Seville was the Germans' worst ever loss in a competitive match, with keeper Manuel Neuer conceding six goals in a match for the first time in his career with club or country. Goals from Alvaro Morata, Ferran and Rodri gave Luis Enrique's side a convincing 3-0 lead at halftime, while Ferran struck again early in the second half and completed his treble with a classy finish. Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal tapped in the sixth goal in the 89th minute to adorn an incredible Spain display and deepen four-times world champions Germany's misery. "It's definitely a bitter defeat. It's very, very disappointing for us all. I am part of the team. We talk about the we. We screwed this up together. Our body language was disappointing, we did not communicate on the pitch. We sho

Gernot Rohr's men failed to confirm their qualification for the showpiece in Cameroon after settling for another draw against the Leone Stars. Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Sierra Leone in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture in Freetown. The result at the National Stadium means the Super Eagles would have to wait to confirm their place at Cameroon 2022, though they remain at the summit of Group L with eight points after four matches. Following Friday's 4-4 draw in Benin, coach Gernot Rohr made two changes to the starting XI as Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho led the attack, in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen while Fulham's Ola Aina got the nod ahead of Zaidu Sanusi. The Super Eagles started the encounter on a promising note with Iheanacho registering the first shot on target in the third minute but his free-kick failed to beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara. News Live Scores Leagues & Cups Teams EPL Serie A La Liga Betting