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Romania based Nigerian player dies on the pitch....

Delta Tulcea's Henry Chinonso Ihelewere, 21, suffered a fatal heart attack during yesterday's friendly against FC Balotesti, doctors in Romania have confirmed. The 21-year-old Nigerian forward collapsed with no other player near him, around 15 minutes after entering the field as a half-time substitute for the Romania's Liga II side. He was attended to by ambulances from the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication (SMURD - Serviciul Mobil de Urgenta, Reanimare si Descarcerare) but was pronounced dead at the scene. Ihelewere had scored 14 goals in 37 appearances for Delta and his death came less than 24 hours after that of 22-year-old Columbus Crew midfielder Kirk Urso in the United States.
Sad Story! Our sincere condolences to his bereaved family.
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Another gold for Venus and Serena....

Venus and Serena Williams made Olympic history as they became the first pair to win the women's doubles three times. They beat Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic 6-4 6-4. The sisters first won the doubles at Sydney in 2000, then again in Beijing in 2008 after missing Athens because of an injury to Serena. Serena, 30, becomes only the third female tennis player to win a pair of gold medals at the same Olympics, emulating Venus, 32, in 2000 and compatriot Helen Wills Moody in 1924. (BBC).
Congrats to our black sisters!
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Andy Murray wins gold....

Andy Murray captured the biggest title of his career with an emphatic victory over Roger Federer in the Olympic men's singles final at Wimbledon. Murray beat Federer, the world number one, in straight sets, 6-2 6-1 6-4 to clinch the gold medal on a raucous Centre Court. The 25-year-old Murray is the first British man to win the Olympic singles gold medal since Josiah Ritchie in 1908. (BBC)
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Olympics: Nigerian Athletes competing today, August 6....

1 SEUN ADIGUN
ATHLETICS
WOMEN’S 100M HURDLES ROUND 1
10:12

2 NIGERIA
BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL PRELIMINARY ROUND
14:30

3 EDITH OGOKE
BOXING
WOMEN’S MIDDLE (75KG) QUATERFINALS
16:15

4 CHRISTY UDOH
ATHLETICS
WOMEN’S 200M ROUND 1
19:20

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And he 'Bolted' away....

Usain Bolt, the Jamaican who holds the world record, defended his men's 100m title in stunning style at London 2012, winning Sunday's final in an Olympic record time of 9.63 seconds (the second quickest time in history). He finished ahead of countryman Yohan Blake and American Justin Gatlin. Blake equalled his personal best of 9.75 in second, with Gatlin also setting a new personal best of 9.79 as he took the bronze. Seven of the eight finalists ran under 10 seconds in what was the fastest Olympic 100m final in history. (culled: BBC)
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Olympics: Nigerian Athletes competing today, August 5....

1 MARYAM USMAN
WEIGHTLIFTING
WOMEN’S +75KG GROUP A
15:30

2 EDITH OGOKE
BOXING
WOMEN’S MIDDLE (75KG) ROUND OF 16
16:15

3 MUIZAT AJOKE ODUMOSU
ATHLETICS
WOMEN’S 400M HURDLES ROUND 1
19:08


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Olympics: Football Event Semi Final Fixtures....

Women’s Semi Finals: Monday, August 6.

France Vs Japan, Wembley, 17:00
Canada Vs United States, Old Trafford, 19:45

Men’s Semi Finals: Tuesday, August 7.

Mexico Vs Japan, Wembley, 17:00
Korea Vs Brazil, Old Trafford, 19:45

Japan are still in for both categories. All the best to them.

Serena Williams wins the women's singles gold medal....

Serena Williams of the USA thrashed Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-0 6-1 in 63 minutes to win the women's singles gold medal at London 2012. French Open champion Sharapova takes the silver medal and world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus bronze. Serena later teamed up with sister Venus to clinch a place in the women's doubles final with a 7-5 6-4 over Russia's Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova.(culled:BBC).
It's never over for the Williams. Congrats!!!

Michael Phelps calls time on swimming career....

Swimmer Michael Phelps of USA ends his career with 22 medals in total, 18 of them gold, from four Olympic Games. Phelps made his Olympic debut in Sydney in 2000 as a 15-year-old and won six golds and two bronze medals in Athens, followed by an historic eight gold medals in Beijing. After his final race the American was awarded with a trophy by swimming's world governing body, Fina, confirming Phelps's status as the 'greatest Olympic athlete of all time.' Phelps ended London 2012 with more medals than any other swimmer at the Games - four golds and two silvers. (culled:BBC)
All the best Michael.

Yobo joins Fenerbahce permanently....

Fenerbahce have announced the permanent signing of Everton defender Joseph Yobo. Yobo, 31, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Fenerbahce, and the Turkish club have now moved to secure his signature on a permanent basis. The Nigerian has signed a three-year deal with Fener, where he has made 62 league appearances and scored two goals. Yobo signed for Everton from Marseille in 2002 for £3.5 million and went on to start 182 Premier League matches for the club. Yobo is the captain of the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles. (cullled:ESPN)

Opening ceremony gatecrasher apologises....

The woman who gatecrashed India's parade at the Olympic opening ceremony has apologised for her "error of judgement" and insisted that she did not breach security at the London Games.
Madhura Nagendra, a student from Bangalore currently studying for an MBA in London, irked Indian officials in London by her unauthorised presence alongside flag-bearing wrestler Sushil Kumar. London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe confirmed her as a cast member and said she had been "slightly over excited". "In an error of judgement I resulted in walking with the Indian contingent," Nagendra said. "Of course I have realised my mistake... I have not breached security which was stated earlier in the media. I have not trespassed, I have not gatecrashed.
"I'm part of the casting committee. Yes, I have hurt the sentiment of my people. I understand it was a mistake and I apologise for the same," she added. Television pictures and photographs from last Friday's ceremony showed Nagendra walking in the Olympic Stadium dressed in red and blue in complete contrast to the Indian contingent's female members who were wearing yellow saris and blue blazers. She instantly became the face of the opening ceremony, with Indian Olympic chiefs outraged that she had "hogged the limelight" that the country's athletes deserved.

Etuhu moves to Blackburn....

Blackburn have completed the signing of Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu for an undisclosed fee. The Nigerian has agreed a four-year deal with the npower Championship club, joining former Fulham team-mate Danny Murphy at Ewood Park. Etuhu, 30, becomes Rovers boss Steve Kean’s seventh signing of the summer as they prepare for life in the second tier following relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season. Etuhu, the former Norwich and Manchester City man will join his new team-mates in Holland this weekend.

Aquilani joins Fiorentina....

Alberto Aquilani’s time at Liverpool is finally over after the Reds confirmed the midfielder had completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina. The 28-year-old Italian arrived at Anfield on a five-year deal in August 2009 following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, but his time on Merseyside was badly affected by injury and he has spent the last two seasons on loan, firstly to Juventus and then AC Milan. The Italian midfielder joined Liverpool in 2009 but made just 28 first-team appearances having spent the last two seasons on loan in his homeland.

Goodluck to Aqua-Man! I had wanted to really watch you in the premiership this season but you know what is best for you.

Muamba could play again....

Fabrice Muamba will visit a specialist in Belgium next week to find out whether he could continue his career in professional football, The Bolton News says.
The Wanderers midfielder, who made a miraculous recovery after his heart stopped for 78 minutes in an FA Cup quarter final match at Tottenham on March 17, has expressed a desire to play again could now complete a fairytale return for the Whites this season if he gets the go-ahead.
The 24-year-old will visit leading cardiologist Pedro Brugada, who recently performed a minor operation on him, to find out whether his body could stand up again to the rigours of daily training whilst fitted with a special defibrillator.

Muamba revealed he had played a bit of football on holiday.

Yes, they defeated us. And so what?....

USA men beat Nigeria 156-73 in Olympic basketball. They are the masters and everyone agrees to this fact. What is worrisome is the margin but then let's take the positives.

Phelps takes it further....

Great swimmer Michael Phelps of USA has won his 20th Olympic medal. He won his first individual gold at London 2012 in the men's 200m individual medley. This has yet added to his record as the Olympian with the most medals. Phelps is also the first man to defend an Olympic swimming title twice, having won this event in Athens and Beijing.

Olympic Men's Basketball: Team Nigeria Vs Team USA

Our dear basketballers (D'Tigers) have a game tonight with their USA counterparts at the London Olympics 2012. It's going to be the game of their lives against the perceived masters.

TEAM NIGERIA:

Guards: Tony Skinn, Derrick Obasohan, Richard Oruche, Ade Dagunduro, Chamberlain Oguchi. Forwards: Ike Diogu, Al-Farouq Aminu, Kiki Archibong, Ekene Ibekwe, Ejike Ugboaja.

Centers: Olumide Oyedeji, Alade Aminu.

TEAM USA:

Guards: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, James Harden.

Forwards: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, Andre Iguodala.

Centers: Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis.

The game comes up tonight at 11:15 pm Nigerian time (naijasportsgists exclusive). Don't miss this dunking game. Good Luck to Team Nigeria.

Chinese investors buy Inter Milan stake....

Chinese investors are to become the second-largest shareholder group in Inter Milan and will help fund a new stadium, the club has announced. The deal will see Inter president Massimo Moratti retain overall control of the club. A subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation, a major transport and construction company, will hold a 15% stake and provide engineering expertise and investment for a stadium.

Inter hope their new home can be completed by 2017, while the China Railway link-up is also intended to promote the club in Asia. "Internazionale Holding announces that it has reached an agreement which envisages the acquisition of a stake in FC Internazionale by a group of Chinese investors,'' a club statement said.
"The Moratti family will keep the control of the company, while the group of Chinese investors will became the second-largest shareholder."
The statement said the search for a suitable site for the new stadium would begin in the next few weeks, adding: "The parties will jointly select the potentially suitable locations, define the project team and start the filing process to obtain the required authorisations.''
Moratti told Sky Sport 24: "In China, Indonesia, in all these places... there are many fans, and we believe that this agreement could have multiple benefits from this point of view.
"It will be an important statement commercially, given the number of fans and the level of interest in that region.'' He added that he had "had the idea about a new stadium for some time, and now it can be realised". (source: ESPN).

Olympics: Football Event Quater Final Fixtures....

Women’s Quarter Finals: Friday, August 3.

1. Sweden Vs France, Hampden Park, 12:00
2. United States Vs New Zealand, St. James’ Park, 14:30
3. Brazil Vs Japan, Millennium Stadium, 17:00
4. Great Britain Vs Canada, City of Coventry Stadium, 19:30

Men’s Quarter Finals: Saturday, August 4.

1. Japan Vs Egypt, Old Trafford, 12:00
2. Mexico Vs Senegal, Wembley, 14:30
3. Brazil Vs Honduras, St. James’ Park, 17:00
4. Great Britain Vs Korea, Millennium Stadium, 19:30

The times are all Nigerian time so enjoy the matches. All the best to Senegal as they fly the African flag.

Super Eagles to play Niger on August 15....

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is to play an international friendly match against the Mena of Niger on August 15 at the Seyni Koutche Stadium, Niamey, the capital of Niger. The friendly will serve as a tune-up match for the first leg of 2013 African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier against the Lone Stars of Liberia in Monrovia on September 8.

The NFF has invited 26 players for this match and they are: ChigozieAgbim (Warri Wolves), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC), Moses Ocheje (Sunshine Stars), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Papa Idris (Kano Pillars), Juwon Oshaniwa (Sharks FC), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Ezekiel Henry (Rising Stars), Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC), Umar Zango (Kano Pillars), Osuchukwu Ogonna (Enugu Rangers), Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves), Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars), Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars), Uche Kalu (Enyimba FC), Henry Uche (Enyimba FC), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland ), Christian Ofili (ABS FC), Solomon Jabason (Akwa United), Kabiru Umar (Heartland FC), Sanusi Sani (Gombe United), Sibi Gwar (Niger Tornadoes), Philip Asuquo (3SC) and Chibuzor Onyekwelu (Fame Academy).

Eight women disqualified from Badminton doubles....

Eight badminton players have been disqualified from the women's doubles competition of London olympics after being accused of "not using one's best efforts to win". Two pairs from South Korea and one each from China and Indonesia made a series of basic errors in Tuesday's matches. All four pairs were accused of wanting to lose, in an attempt to manipulate the draw for the knockout stage. Indonesia and South Korea have appealed and a decision is expected before Wednesday's quarter-finals.The Badminton World Federation  met on Wednesday morning to discuss the case. As well as the "not using best efforts" charge, the players were also accused of "conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport".

Teams had blamed the introduction of a round-robin stage rather than a straight knockout tournament as the catalyst. In the round-robin format, losing one game can ultimately lead to an easier match-up in the next round.

See me see wahala from Badminton players. Too bad if guilty.

Great Britain wins first Gold on home soil....

Great Britain won their first gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics as rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning triumphed in the women's pair. The world silver medallists led from the start, clocking seven minutes 27.13 seconds to become the first British female rowers to win an Olympic title. The medal ended Britain's five-day wait for gold, while Australia claimed silver and New Zealand bronze.

Memories: China'85 U-16 Nigerian heroes....

Let's celebrate once more the guys that won the first ever world cup for Nigeria. They went to China for the maiden FIFA U-16 (now U-17) world cup. Playing in Group D, they defeated Italy by a lone goal, played goaless draw with Saudi Arabia and defeated Costa Rica by three unreplied goals. They came second in the group behind Saudi Arabia on goals difference. In the quarter final, they defeated Hungary by three goals to one and went on to defeat Guinea 4 -2 in penalty shoot out after a 1 - 1 draw in the Semis. To lift the cup, they defeated West Germany by two unreplied goals in the final match. This Sebastine Broadricks and Christian Chukwu tutored lads left the country unannounced but returned as heroes making the the Federal Government to name streets after them at the capital cities of their various states of origin as at then.

The heroes are:

1.    Lucky AGBONSEVAFE

2.    Tenworimi DUERE

3.    Nduka UGBADE (Captain)

4.    Fatai ATERE

5.    Binabei NUMA

6.    Kingsley AIKHIONBORE

7.    Salisu NAKADE

8.    Sani ADAMU

9.    Jonathan AKPOBORIE

10.  Victor IGBINOBA

11.  Billa MOMOH

12.  Imama AMAPAKABOR

13.  Bauldwin BAZUAYE

14.  Joseph BABATUNDE

15.  Chukwuma NWOHA

16.  Mohamed YAHAYA

17.  Hilary ADIKI

18.   Dele ABUBAKAR

Mourinho: My Strategies....

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has revealed the secrets behind some of the psychological tricks he claims have helped him to be so successful. Mourinho spoke to 150 coaches from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), at an event held at UCLA during the Spanish club's pre-season tour of the US. He told the group that he sometimes had to assume a negative image for the good of the team.
"The image you send outside is the bad part of assuming responsibility," the Portuguese coach said, according to the Spanish sports daily Marca.
"You need to know that, when you do not behave like everyone else, you create negative feelings among people but positive feelings among your own people.
"When you are the leader, you cannot forget that. I take that on myself. I do not care what other people think, only my own."
Mourinho said it was important that coaches helped their players deal with the pressure of playing for a leading club by building close personal bonds.
"In these clubs, there is always pressure and I teach them to live with it and learn from it, as they have it on and off the pitch," he said. "And it is not a problem for me to share emotions - to kiss a player, cry with him, criticise him ... that is all part of being a family."
Debate was healthy but having everyone pulling in the same direction within the club was an important factor in success, Mourinho said.
"The group is something you can control, but I do not want to say that I want to control the club, not at all," he said. "I always say I do not control my house - my wife does that - and similarly it is not my dream to control the club.
"But when you see that you are influencing the philosophy of the club, you see we are all going in the same direction.
"I am not saying I am always right. I am open to people who tell me I am wrong, I like that - that they make me think or reconsider. But everything is easier when your ideas have an impact on the club."
This created an unbreakable connection between coaches and players which lasted even when they no longer worked together, Mourinho claimed.
"We are open in a positive way to share experiences, criticisms and ideas to create connections," he said. "When I say forever I mean forever, because all the players we have had at Chelsea, Porto and Inter are not our ex-players, they still remain our players. And they do not talk of their ex-boss, they say: 'You are my boss.' They are everlasting ties."
Mourinho, who last year became the first manager to win all three major European leagues - English, Italian and Spanish - said his own thirst for more trophies helped drive his players on to success.
"People ask me how I motivate my players," he said. "I do it with my own motivation. This is the motor, nothing more. It is key that you always show this motivation to others."

Pienaar returns to Everton....

Steven Pienaar has completed a four year deal worth £4.5m to move back to Everton, 18 months after joining Tottenham for a reported £3m. Pienaar started just five Premier League matches for Spurs before moving back to Everton and playing 14 top flight games.

Pienaar joined Everton from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2007 and spent three-and-a-half seasons at Goodison Park before leaving for Tottenham in January 2011

Goodluck to Steven!

Michael Phelps: The Greatest Olympian so far....

The great swimmer, Michael Phelps of USA, duly broke the Olympic record for the most number of medals won by any athlete, taking his Olympic personal medal tally to 19 and eclipsing the record held by Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina whos has 18 medals. Phelps achieved this feat  by helping the United States win 4x200m freestyle gold. He now has 15 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze olympic medals to his name.