NNPC/Shell Cup enters q-finals stage

The quarter finals of the NNPC/Shell Cup will hold in four cities across the country today and tomorrow with all the matches being played from 4:00pm each day, the National Co-ordinator of the competition, Shola Akinwale has said. At the Sagamu stadium, BrightVille College, Ibadan that shown so brightly during the zonal preliminaries at Osogbo center by clinching the sole quarter final ticket will lock horns with Randolph Comprehensive College, Port Harcourt, another very enterprising team in the Championship. Spectators will surely be treated to scintillating soccer display from these young talents going by their performances at the zonal preliminaries. Also, at the Stella Maris College playground in Port Harcourt, the struggle for semi finals ticket is between St. Thomas Basic Secondary School, Benin, Anglican Secondary School, Makurdi and Etinan Community Secondary School, Uyo. It would be recalled that St. Thomas Basic Secondary School were the overall champions of the competition in 2003. They would be aiming for a repeat performance once again.

The Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna will host quarter final matches between Government Secondary School, Kopyal Bokos, Plateau State, Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, Gombe State and Dangogo Secondary School, Bungudu, Zamfara State. Only one school will emerge for the semi finals. Of all the three, only Plateau State have not gone past the quarter finals in the history of the championship. Although with different school, Zamfara state lost to Edo in the 2003 final while, Gombe state have won the NNPC/Shell Cup Trophy in 2006 through Government Science Technical College. Meanwhile, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna is also battle ready for the on-onslaught between Government Model School, Kotangora, Niger State and Government Day Secondary School,Dange, Sokoto State. The two semi final matches of the championship is scheduled to hold on Friday, April 25th at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos while the third place and final matches will hold on Sunday, April 27th at the same venue.

World Cup: Kigha, FIFA/CAF Instructor decries Eagles’ poor preparation

Says Keshi, NFF not sincere over Okpala By Eddie Akalonu Nigeria’s CAF/FIFA referees Fitness Instructor, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Felix Kigha, has observed that rather than focus on the World Cup in Brazil, Nigeria’s preparation is not only far behind but has been enmeshed in controversies. Speaking with Saturday Vanguard sports in Owerri, Kigha said the development does not give the Super Eagles any chance of winning the cup in Brazil as have been expressed in certain quarters.

“I have to be honest with you some people say we can win the cup in Brazil but I don’t think so because though we have players who can rise up to the occasion any day, our attitude will hinder us. We are not even close to being ready for the World Cup. To that extent we have no chance of even getting close to the final because our football is still bonded in controversies such as team list. These have taken the football administrators very far away from the objective of guiding the technical crew in getting a team fully ready for the World Cup,” said the retired player and referee. To illustrate his point, Kigha, a member of the Anambra State Football Association said “It is no surprise that the NFF have rather been busy making plans on the issue of a succession plan, that is holding an election congress. If by now Keshi and the NFF have not agreed on the team, it means it’s business as usual in which pressure will come from everywhere for Keshi to include player A or B by powerful forces.” “Now there is so much argument about who should make the list. Whether Osaze Odemwingie, Ike Uche or some others should be included for the world Cup or not. I think these are irrelevant issues in the lead up to the World Cup. My advice is that Keshi should respect the opinion of stakeholders and elders in the business over the issue of players,”he stressed. Making reference to the case of Sylvanus Okpala, ACP Kigha simply said “both Keshi and the NFF have not been sincere and transparent about the matter. On one hand, Keshi has not given reasons why he wants Okpala back in the team. He should be specific on what he wants Okpala to do in the team in the event of his return. On the other hand, the NFF must inform Nigerians why they don’t want Okpala back in the team. Look, it is a public matter that requires giving the public right information.”

2014 Commonwealth Games: NSC aims to surpass Delhi 2010 performance

Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has said that the commission’s focus for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is for Team Nigeria to surpass its 2010 Games’ performance. Elegbeleye told newsmen during the week in Abuja that the commission was preparing its athletes adequately to meet the target of improving on the 11 gold medals won in 2010. “For the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I am not going to say we will win a particular number of medals. “But all I will say is that while we won 11 gold medals at New Delhi in India in 2010, we won’t go below that or just achieve same this time around. Rather, we want to surpass that in Glasgow. “Our target is to go beyond what we won in New Delhi. That is success. We must improve on our previous performance and not be on the same level or go below,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that reports that the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23 to Aug. 3 at Glasgow in Scotland. Elegbeleye said the country’s athletes in para-powerlifting, boxing, weightlifting, table tennis and wrestling have been participating in various international competitions to help prepare them adequately for the Games. The NSC director-general said preparations were ongoing to ensure that athletes acquired the necessary exposure internationally before the Games. “We are not just leaving our athletes for the Games, without preparing them. We believe in competition, the more you compete with others outside your environment, the more you have the confidence to go out for international competition,” he said.

Izilein begs NFF for unpaid bonuses

With the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF agreeing it was owing its coaches, past and present, former Super Falcons coach, Godwin Izilein has appealed to the football house not to forget that he is being owed some money after serving the country since 2006. According to Izilein, the NFF refused to pay him and his two assistants, Mrs Lizzy Ogiemwonyi and Ann Agumanu-Chiejina following the Super Falcons protest of non payment of their allowances after the 2006 Africa Women Championships which they won in South Africa. “When the girls refused they will not return to Nigeria after the competition, I was mandated to go and talk to them to calm down, that they will be paid once they get back to Nigeria but they refused. I had to go on my knees to beg these girls who were young enough to be my daughters,”Izilein disclosed. “Ironically, the players said the money they were agitating for was not owed them during my time as coach but before I came. I pleaded with them but they refused. We stayed back in South Africa after the competition for about a week and I was able to monitor these girls to ensure they never went out of camp to mess around,” he stressed. The former Golden Eaglets coach said that Chief Ayo Omidiran who is now a lawmaker in the House of Representatives was the leader of delegation and could testify to what he is saying but said that she has not done anything about his plight since then. “The NFF is owing me and my assistants a total of $28,750 of match bonus, my own is $12,000 out of it. When the Federal Government rewarded them with N1 million for winning the trophy, my reward was supposed to be N2 million because the NFF said I was to get 100% of whatever money the players received,” Izilein disclosed.

Yobo not fit for Eagles squad, Laloko declares

Veteran coach and former Nigeria Football Federation technical director, Kashimawo Laloko said yesterday that coach Stephen Keshi will be making a mistake if he includes Joseph Yobo into his plans for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He argued that the Super Eagles captain who played a cameo role at the 2013 Nations Cup success in South Africa and has not played for the Eagles since then, has passed his prime and he was only angling to go to Brazil 2014 and make the record of being the Nigerian player with the most attended world cup. “ I don’t see what a person like Yobo is coming to do other than to create record; he wants to say he has been to the World Cup three, four times. “That is the reason; otherwise you look at his ability, his performance, his age, his technical preparation; we have younger players who can play in that position better than he. “At the end of the day Keshi has the final decision. What we should guard against is the pressure of the press and others who are influencing him to begin to force players on him. “But I am sure that Keshi being a good player himself must know what he requires to get a good team,” Laloko said.

Odegbami backs Greater Tomorrow foundation

Former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami has commended ex- international, Paul Okoku over his plans to formally launch a foundation for less privileged kids in Abuja.

Speaking ahead of the April 17 fund raising/launch of Paul Okoku Foundation at the NICON Luxury Hotel Abuja, Odegbami said such humanitarian effort is a project t that should be supported by all Nigerians. “As far as I am concerned Okoku is giving back to the Nigerian society that produced him and this calls for support from all sportsmen and women. “That a former football star is at the forefront of supporting the less privileged kids in our society is unique and memorable. It is my prayer that more former sportsmen and women should emulate Okoku,” added Odegbami.

Eagles move up in FIFA ranking

The Super Eagles moved two places up in the monthly Fifa ranking released on yesterday morning in Zurich, Switzerland. Nigeria is now the 45th best national team in the world according to the latest ranking by the football governing body. The Super Eagles were ranked 47th in the last Fifa rankings following their goalless draw with Mexico in last month’s international friendly. Cote D’Ivoire continue to be the top-ranked African side moving up three places to 21 this month. Egypt also moved up two spots to finish in 24th position in the world and second in Africa. They are followed by Algeria in 25, Ghana 38, Cape Verde 42, Tunisia 49, Cameroon 50, Guinea51 and Mali 59 to round up the African top ten. Europe occupies the top three places on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking after Portugal climbed third behind leaders Spain and Germany. They are followed by four South American sides in Colombia, Uruguay and fierce rivals Argentina and Brazil, who share sixth position. Greece return to the top ten for the first time since October 2012, while Scotland moved up 15 places to the 22nd position in the world. Nigeria’s World Cup Group F opponents are ranked thus: Argentina 6, Bosnia-Herzegovina 25 and Iran 37. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 8 May.

Should we leave Keshi alone?

I was in a long chat with a friend who was worried about the campaign to “leave Keshi alone.” My friend recognises the freedom coaches enjoy on technical matters especially with regard to selection of players and team tactics. But he is afraid that the Nigerian factor could make nonsense of the freedom coaches enjoy on technical matters. Nigerians either give in to sentiments or get swayed by inducements.

It is against this background that my friend warns that what works in foreign lands may fail here. He, therefore, argues that we cannot adopt every western practice. My friend was not in any way suggesting that Stephen Keshi could be influenced by whatever inducements but he does not trust all the staff of the Eagles who could in one way or the other influence his selection. It is better to quote my friend who is a senior colleague. His words: “Leave Keshi alone, leave Keshi alone; that’s all we read in the media these days. Ordinarily, we should leave Keshi alone. If you, Onochie, trust Keshi, do you trust others working with him? Do you know that somebody can mount pressure on him and make him include a name for personal interests? Can’t somebody make a strong argument in favour of somebody who may not merit being in the team? Keshi can be convinced to include a name on the grounds that such a player will pick up during the tournament or that he plays better when you pair him with so, so and so player. We have heard that in the past but this is the World Cup. So should we leave Keshi alone? World Cup is not Nations Cup. Should we leave Keshi alone when he includes Chigozie Agbim in the World Cup list? Should we leave Keshi alone when he includes Brown Ideye in the World Cup team? Can we adopt, wholly, what works in western world knowing that circumstances differ? So, should we leave Keshi alone in all matters and swim or sink with him because he is Keshi?” My friend did not allow me to answer before ending the conversation as he hurried to the airport to catch a flight, saying that he would call me on his return. Many Nigerians have their opinions on what the sour relationship between the football federation and Keshi is. It started at the Nations Cup in South Africa. And when the federation queried Keshi few days ago for overstaying on his vacation and for not attending a technical committee meeting, the public renewed the “leave Keshi alone” campaign. Well, Keshi has answered the query, saying that while on leave he attended a course in Brazil and also executed the friendly match against Mexico and that it was normal he extended his leave to cover the said days. He also stated that the date of the meeting was not communicated to him and that he was not aware that President Goodluck Jonathan was to host the CHAN team before he booked his ticket for his leave in the US. NFF board member, Emeka Inyama, in his press conference in Abuja, Tuesday, said the war with Keshi was over and that it was time for absolute cooperation. It may no longer be necessary to delve into the seeming bad blood between Keshi and the Federation although, I must confess that the whole thing has remained a big surprise to me knowing how Aminu Maigari supported and actually approved the engagement of Keshi as Eagles coach. The peace Inyama spoke about will be put to test from now to Brazil beginning with the April 22 meeting when Keshi is expected to defend his provisional list for the World Cup. Will Osaze Odewengie and Ike Uche be on the list? If they are not, will the board insist on their invitation as some board members have canvassed? And what about Chigozie Agbim, Brown Ideye and any other player whose quality is in doubt? This brings me back to the question posed by my friend – do we leave Keshi alone in all these and other matters? My answer is simple. We may not leave Keshi alone in all matters but professionalism demands that we leave him alone on technical matters. The same professionalism also entails that Keshi listens to genuine advice. It does not end there. Professionalism also allows him the final decision as the buck lies on his table. So, as far as Brazil 2014 is concerned, we are stuck with Keshi and Keshi is stuck with us as veteran Bizlaw would put it. For me, the situation calls for cooperation, respect and sincerity on all parties. Osaze had an issue with Keshi and other members of the federation whom he publicly castigated. He had similar problems in his former English club, Westbrom. He has since apologised. Keshi has accepted the apology but it is not yet known if he would invite him. He may and may not. Ike Uche, to the understanding of the entire coaches of the Eagles bluntly refused to play to instructions during the last Nations Cup. It was so bad that his team mates reportedly fumed over his play and asked for his substitution in the final as they claimed that he refused to fall back to help in marking each time Eagles lost the ball. He was said to have acted in same manner in the other matches that he featured. Added to that was his condemnation of the team tactics before some administration officials. He was also said to have always canvassed for the adoption of his club’s tactical approach. It is largely against this background that Keshi has repeatedly said that he was leaving out Ike Uche because he lacked team spirit. I’m entirely of the opinion that the recall or otherwise of Ike Uche and Osaze should be left for Keshi. If the federation coerces Keshi into recalling them where will their loyalty lie especially if they know how they got on the team? And what happens to the team spirit that Keshi has been clamouring for? It is a sensitive matter. Osaze is known in the national team to easily take offence if he is on the bench or substituted in a game. Has he truly changed? As I said before, Uche should make the move to convince Keshi that he would offer his all to the Eagles if given a chance. It is also interesting to note that the two players were awful in their last matches for Nigeria. They are in the news because of their current form in their clubs. However, that one is playing well for his club does not necessarily mean that he will do so for country. But there were times these players performed well for the national team and if Keshi feels he could have them back the choice is his. But if he does not, nobody should try to impose them on him. The crisis that will follow could destroy our World Cup dreams. I don’t think that, based on current form, Keshi will take Agbim to the World Cup. And for Brown Ideye, the man has consistently shown that he lacks the quality to play for us in Brazil. Shola Ameobi did well in the two matches he played for Nigeria. Let’s see more of him in the camp and the friendlies. Chinedu Ogbuke appears to be rising again and could be tried too. I’m sure Keshi must have confidence in some players in that support striking role if he is not recalling Osaze and Uche. Team spirit matters. He is in charge and must enjoy the freedom he deserves on technical matters even if he is not left alone on all matters. But it is also wise to listen to voice of reason. The choice is his. And he takes full responsibility. LET THERE BE PEACE. Thanks Mr. M. O.Udeh Mr. M. O. Udeh from Enugu contributed the piece, An open letter to Onochie Anibeze, which I published last week. Printers Devil deleted his name. The error is regretted. Thanks Mr. Udeh

Adokiye predicts Eagles doom

By JOHN EGBOKHAN 1980 African Nations Cup winner Adokiye Amiesimaka has said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have set the stage for the Super Eagles to fail at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The first match of the World Cup between Brazil and Croatia is just 62 days away from kicking off in Sao Paolo, while the Eagles get their campaign up and running against Iran on June 16 in Curitiba, amidst hopes of reaching the quarterfinal stage for the very first time, since they made their debut at the 1994 edition in the United States of America. Eagles’ other preliminary matches are against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 21 in Cuiaba and against two-time champions Argentina on June 25 in Porto Alegre. Optimism is high in the Eagles camp that the team will better Nigeria’s best ever feat at the Mundial but ex-international and former Attorney-General of Rivers State, Amiesimaka has cautioned that Eagles may just be lucky to get out of the group stage in Brazil. Speaking in a telephone interview with Sports Vanguard, Amiesimaka accused the NFF of working against the success of Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, who he described as the best coach in Africa, but who ironically, he added was not being helped by the football ruling body in the country. “We are hoping against hope to think that the Eagles will have a great World Cup in Brazil. I say this because the NFF have set the stage for us to fail. We will be lucky to get to the second round, in a group which is considered weak. “Keshi is a world-class coach and even the best in Africa but the guys in the NFF don’t want Keshi to succeed. Let us not deceive ourselves that we are going to Brazil to excel. World Cup is not for dreamers or for people, who are playing dirty politics. It is not a kids thing. It is a serious competition for serious people, who must be united to surmount on the obstacles on the way. We may just be lucky to get out of the group. “Keshi wants Sylvanus Okpala on board as his assistant coach but the NFF don’t want Okpala because of pettiness. This issue has not been resolved and it is going to hunt us in Brazil. NFF do not have the interest of Nigerians at heart. All they are after is for Keshi to fail, so that they can get their foreign coach to manage the team. They want Nigeria to fail to satisfy their interest”, added Amiesimaka. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/adokiye-predicts-eagles-doom/#sthash.7FzWmM9k.dpuf

Maurice Greene to coach Nigeria’s relay teams

By Ben Efe US sprint icon, Maurice Greene has been appointed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to handle the Nigeria’s relay teams with a view of guiding them to podium performance at international events. AFN president, Solomon Ogba disclosed yesterday that Greene agreed in principle to help the federation’s drive to reposition athletics in Nigeria. He added that the appointment of Greene was with immediate effect and would start preparing the teams for the IAAF World Relays billed for May 24 in Nassau, Bahamas. There are also the Mt Sac Relays and the Pen Relays. “We have appointed Greene as our relay coordinator. He is a big catch for the AFN and Nigeria and we have complete confidence in his ability to turn around the fortunes of our athletes. “He will be guiding our relay teams to all international events. He will also mentor some of our junior athletes like Divine Oduduru, Harry Chukwudike and others,” said the AFN boss. Greene, 39, was a former world record holder in the 100m with a time of 9.79 seconds He also won the world championships five times and has four Olympics gold medals to his belt. Greene known for his antics of intimidating opponents at the starting blocks won three gold medals at the 1999 world championships. His last Olympics was the Athens Games in 2004, where he won a bronze in the 100m and silver in the relay. Greene was also successful indoors, he remains the world record holder in the 60m dash. He is very familiar with Nigerian athletes, most especially Seun Ogunkoya who during his active days frightened Greene and other top sprinters with his awesome strength.

Moyes eager to safeguard United’s European legacy

(AFP) – Manchester United manager David Moyes is backing his side to safeguard their Champions League legacy by eliminating holders Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s quarter-final, second-leg to reach the semi-finals. Having drawn the first-leg 1-1 at Old Trafford, United come to Munich’s Allianz Arena hoping to have England striker Wayne Rooney fit after a toe injury. Moyes has endured a wretched first season in charge and his side are lying seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal and a Champions League berth for next season, but a win over Bayern would offer some redemption. Under Moyes’ predecessor Alex Ferguson, United qualified for each Champions League campaign since 1995/96 and Moyes is all too aware that the Europa League will not suffice for the Old Trafford giants. “This is a competition Manchester United has been very successful in and we’ll try to continue that,” said Moyes in Munich’s press conference. “It’s difficult this year, but we’ll keep trying. “My focus is on this game, not next season, the players are focused and they know their job, it’s a big task. “We have a good record in the Champions League and we want to try to continue that.” United must score at the Allianz Arena to progress as Bayern can go through with a goalless draw. “That doesn’t alter our plan,” said Moyes. “Tactically we’ll try to win the game, with the same spirit and determination we showed in the first leg.” United were buoyed by a 4-0 away win at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, the same day Bayern crashed to their first Bundesliga defeat in 18 months when they went down 1-0 at Augsburg. “We’ll need a very good performance from everybody,” said Moyes. “We prepared well by beating Newcastle, which gave us all a good opportunity to get ready for this game. “We want to be in the final, but first of all we have to make sure we get through tomorrow.” United have only twice beaten Bayern in the Champions League. Their famous 2-1 triumph in the 1999 final was followed by a bitter-sweet 3-2 quarter-final victory at Old Trafford in April 2010, but the Red Devils still went out after the Germans had won the first-leg 2-1 in Munich. “It’s a massive game. We’ll do everything we can to reach the semis, but it’s hard because of the level of competition and quality of the teams,” said Moyes. “I’d like to have more control of the ball (compared to the first leg) and have more affect on the game.” - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/moyes-eager-safeguard-uniteds-european-legacy-origin-germany/#sthash.FtZH6UiT.dpuf

Champions League : Bayern Munich reach semi-finals

MUNICH – Holders Bayern Munich reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Manchester United in their quarter-final second leg match at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Wednesday to go through 4-2 on aggregate. France defender Patrice Evra had put United ahead on 57 minutes only for Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic to spark the Bundesliga champions into action two minutes later. Germany striker Thomas Mueller (68) and Dutch winger Arjen Robben (76) completed the scoring for the five-time winners who are bidding to become the first team to defend the Champions League title. Are you disappointed by Man United play tonight? Do share your views. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/champions-league-bayern-munich-reach-semi-finals/#sthash.BETrQNW5.dpuf

Amuneke warns Eaglets

Members of the Nigerian U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, have been warned that only merit would guarantee them a place in the national team. The warning was handed down to them by ex-Barcelona star, and coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke. “We are not under any obligation to keep any player that would not be useful to us,” warned the coach. “The reason we picked you amongst thousands is because we believe in you but it is now left for you to convince us that you can do the job” The former Nigerian international warned the players that they have an enormous task ahead of them. He also added that they must take routine training sessions and friendly matches seriously. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/amuneke-warns-eaglets/#sthash.YLpQm7UQ.dpuf

War is over! NFF, Keshi resolve list issue

Emeka Inyama says that there is no tension between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi as all previous disagreements have been amicably resolved. Inyama who is the Chairman of the NFF’s Media and Publicity Committee revealed that the issues that led the Federation to query Keshi have been amicably resolved after the tactician satisfactorily answered to the query. “There have been very worrying issues between the Federation and the Super Eagles,” Inyama said. “It seemed as if there was war, but honestly I want to assure you today that there is peace and no tension between the federation and coach Stephen Keshi. “Keshi is an employee of the NFF and we are his employers. We have had a wonderful working relationship since Keshi was employed.” Inyama, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), reiterated that the Federation have no plans to hire a foreign technical adviser, as they have utmost confidence in the capability of Keshi. “I want to use this platform to clarify that the Federation does not have any plans whatsoever to hire any other coach for the World Cup,” he assured. “We have confidence in Stephen Keshi and we will support him to win. We are focused on the World Cup and in two months’ time, we will go to Brazil and come back with a commendable result,” he added.

Anyansi-Agwu backs Osaze for World Cup

A member of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu has openly thrown his weight behind the return of ostracized Super Eagles players but conceded that the coach has the final say. Osaze

With key members of Stephen Keshi’s squad failing to see regular action in Europe compared to those like Osaze Odemwingie, Ike Uche, Anyansi says form should play a key part in call ups. “They are Nigerians and the yardstick to invite a player to the national team is if the player is good and if he is doing well,” Anyansi, who doubles as chairman of Enyimba Football Club of Aba said. “From all indications these players are doing well. “I don’t think there is anything wrong in bringing them back to help their country. “Football is all about form, when a player is in form that is when you should bring him. If they continue to play this way I don’t see any reason why they should not be called to come back and help their fatherland.” The Enyimba chairman however, said the decision was down to Keshi. “It all depends on the coach. “Fair play is the guiding principle of football and if they have shown remorse for whatever would have happened in the past, I don’t see any reason why the coach should not bring them back.” Anyansi will be in the panel to meet with Keshi on April 22 when he presents his World Cup squad.

Hazard plays down calf injury

The 23-year-old Belgium international was substituted 17 minutes into the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has played down the injury which forced him off after just 17 minutes of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgium international was replaced and walked straight down the tunnel for treatment after struggling with the injury in the opening exchanges, with Andre Schurrle coming on in his place. But he has told Canal Plus that he went off as a precaution: "I already felt some pain in my calf during the warm-up. "I didn't want to take a risk." In his post-match press conference, Jose Mourinho confirmed the calf injury and speculated that Hazard would need a couple of weeks to recover, although the winger had yet to be assessed. Schurrle scored the Blues' first goal on the night, before Demba Ba's late strike clinched a 2-0 victory and progression to the semi-finals on away goals after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate. Hazard has been in scintillating form for the Blues this season, scoring 14 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. He recently hinted at a possible summer move to Laurent Blanc's PSG side, stating: "If my wife tells me to go to Paris then I'll have to take this into consideration."

The chief executive was extremely proud of the Schwarzgelben and felt they would have progressed had they taken the tie into extra-time but slammed the referee after the game Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has criticised referee Damir Skomina for his performance in the German side's 2-0 win over Real Madrid. The Schwarzgelben took a two goal lead through Marco Reus' brace as they looked to claw their way back into the tie following Madrid's 3-0 first-leg win. However, the German side couldn't find the crucial third goal which would send the tie into extra-time and crashed out of the competition. Despite their elimination, Watzke was full of praise for the Bundesliga giants but criticised the referee for a substandard performance in the important match. "My team did great," Watzke said after the game. "It was a fantastic experience. Nevertheless we all are a bit disappointed. We had fantastic chances in the second half, mainly Henrikh [Mkhitaryan]. I trusted in the team. "The only one who wasn't on the level was the referee. For example, I saw a clear assault by [Sergio] Ramos against [Robert] Lewandowski. "He made a lot of wrong decisions. I don't want to say he disadvantaged us but the performance was simply bad. "I'm sure Madrid would have been dead, if we would have scored the third goal."

BVB fight for life against Madrid

Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp says it is OK to go out to Real Madrid CF but that he has no plans to do so as the German team, “second-half specialists”, attempt their greatest comeback yet: overturning a 3-0 first-leg defeat. There is, Klopp says, only one way to approach this quarter-final decider and, with Robert Lewandowski back from suspension, they can depend on a man who lifts their game to another level according to wary Carlo Ancelotti. Klopp is not giving up hope as he stated that, “I don’t think it is difficult to choose an approach for tomorrow’s game. We got a result in Madrid which does not leave us with much choice. As always, we will give our all to win. I cannot understand 100% why so many people are saying that we have to score in the first five minutes. I don’t know how many miracles have been proclaimed before they happened. We don’t have any right to speak about that, but we have the right to give everything tomorrow and perform with will power. If we somehow get a result that takes us through, then great; if not, we want to say goodbye to the Champions League with a good performance”. Ancelotti is also demanding a good performance from his players, “Lewandowski returning makes this a different game. Everyone knows the quality he brings. His Dortmund team-mates are always able to find him. His presence lifts them to another level. You don’t even think about possibly going out. Ifs and buts are of no use in football. You don’t bother. It will be our task to give our best and play like we did in the first leg. Tonight, it is the quarter-final second leg and there is no need to motivate the players. We are within touching distance of the semis – what bigger motivation do you need? There is no need to change the system or go for a more defensive approach. They have 90 minutes to score three, four goals. We have 90 minutes to score one, which would make things very difficult for them. The earlier we score, the easier it will be for us”. Dortmund won just their fourth home game in 12, coming from behind to beat Wolfsburg with the help of Lewandowski’s 17th Bundesliga goal this season. Madrid have gone through in 42 of 55 European ties after winning the first leg at home, including all eight when they initially triumphed 3-0, most recently against Galatasaray AŞ in their 2012/13 quarter-final.

Eto’o starts for Chelsea against PSG

(AFP)— Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o was drafted into Chelsea’s starting XI for the decisive leg of their Champions League quarter-final at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. With Chelsea trailing 3-1 from last week’s first leg, manager Jose Mourinho elected to pick Eto’o despite the 33-year-old striker having missed his side’s last three matches due to a hamstring injury. Eto’o's inclusion in place of Andre Schurrle was one of two changes to the team beaten at the Parc des Princes last week, with Frank Lampard also coming in for the suspended Ramires in midfield. As expected, PSG coach Laurent Blanc made only one change to his team from that game, bringing Lucas Moura into the side in place of injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Edinson Cavani will take over from Ibrahimovic at centre-forward, with Lucas taking up a role on the right flank of the French champions’ attack. PSG are on the verge of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1995, while Chelsea are seeking to become only the third team since 1992 to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout phase. They previously achieved the feat en route to winning the trophy in 2012, coming from 3-1 down to beat Napoli 4-1 after extra time in the last 16 before triumphing on penalties against Bayern Munich in the final. Starting line-ups for the Champions League quarter-final second leg between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Petr Cech; Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry (capt), Cesar Azpilicueta; Frank Lampard, David Luiz; Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard; Samuel Eto’o Coach: Jose Mourinho (POR) Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3) Salvatore Sirigu; Christophe Jallet, Alex, Thiago Silva (capt), Maxwell; Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta, Blaise Matuidi; Lucas Moura, Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi Coach: Laurent Blanc (FRA) Referee: Pedro Proenca (POR)

2014 NSF: Lagos focusing on multi-medal sports, says Director

Lagos – Akin Ladigbolu, Assistant Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Council, on Tuesday said the state would be focusing more on multi-medal sports at the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF). The festival, tagged “Paradise Games”, will hold in Calabar from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3. Ladigbolu said Lagos would concentrate on the multi-medal sports such as swimming, athletics, golf, wushu kung-fu to emerge the overall winners of the festival. “Basically, I always like to look at the multi-medal sports that can bring many medals like athletics, swimming, golf and some combat sports like wushu kung-fu because they bring in many medals. “Lagos is preparing and concentrating on multi-medal sporting events because these can guarantee us emerging the overall winners of the festival,’’ Ladigbolu said. On preparations, he said they would evolve different kinds of training ahead of the festival to achieve success. “We have a programme around this time called the ‘road map’ toward the festival. It is what has helped us to improve from the 9th position to 3rd at the last Games. “We will observe the open camping in the stage one, while the stage two will be another open camping, before we go into the closed camping. “The closed camping will be the final training for six months where all the parameters will be used to evaluate those that will be eligible for selection,’’ he said. Ladigbolu added that Lagos State was going to prepare toward success at the festival. Lagos State was 3rd at the 2012 edition which it hosted, trailing Rivers and the overall winners, Delta. (NAN)

Ronaldo only on bench for Real in Dortmund

(AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the Real Madrid bench for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. The world player of the year picked up a knee injury in last Wednesday’s 3-0 first-leg win in the Spanish capital and then pulled out of training in Germany on Monday after just 20 minutes. Coach Carlo Ancelotti instead moved Angel Di Maria into the Madrid attack alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, while Asier Illarramendi was brought into the midfield in place of Isco. Dortmund welcomed back Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, who missed the first leg due to suspension, but coach Jurgen Klopp was forced to name a make-shift pairing in central midfield. With captain Sebastian Kehl suspended and Nuri Sahin, who has been struggling with a back injury, only on the bench, Klopp handed starts to Oliver Kirch and recent signing Milos Jojic. German internationals Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan are also out injured. Starting line-ups in the Champions League quarter-final, second-leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday: Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1) Roman Weidenfeller (capt); Lukasz Piszczek, Manuel Friedrich, Mats Hummels, Erik Durm; Oliver Kirch, Milos Jojic; Marco Reus, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Kevin Grosskreutz; Robert Lewandowski Coach: Jurgen Klopp (GER) Real Madrid (4-3-3) Iker Casillas (capt); Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao; Asier Illarramendi, Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric; Angel Di Maria, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA) Referee: Damir Skomina (SLO)

Before I knew it I’d fired four shots’ – Pistorius

PRETORIA (AFP) – Oscar Pistorius on Tuesday gave harrowing testimony about the moment he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead on Valentine’s Day 2013, telling his murder trial he believed she was an intruder. Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears in the dock forcing an adjournment in his murder trial, as he recalled the moment he discovered he had shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead. “I heard a noise from inside the toilet, what I perceived to be someone coming out of the toilet,” he said tearfully. “Before I knew it I’d fired four shots at the door.” “I sat over Reeva,” the athlete testified before sobbing loudly, putting his head in his hands and letting out a barely intelligible cry “she wasn’t breathing”.

Ba breaks PSG hearts as Chelsea scrape through

Demba Ba scored in the 87th minute to give Chelsea a last-gasp 2-0 win at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday that swept them into the Champions League semi-finals.

Trailing 3-1 from last week’s quarter-final first leg in Paris, Chelsea trimmed PSG’s aggregate advantage through a 32nd-minute goal by Andre Schuerrle, but the French champions remained on course for the last four. The hosts hit the bar through Schuerrle and Oscar early in the second half, but with time running out, substitute Ba bundled home from close range to take Chelsea into the semi-finals for the seventh time in 11 years. Chelsea progressed on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw, two years after pulling off a similar feat by coming back from a 3-1 loss to beat Napoli 4-1 in the last 16 en route to success in the 2012 competition. Ba’s goal preserved Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten record in European quarter-finals and his glee was evident as he sprinted down the touchline in a manner reminiscent of his celebration when Porto eliminated Manchester United in 2004. PSG had been on the verge of the semi-finals for the first time since 1995 and the only consolation for Laurent Blanc’s heartbroken side was that they remain on the brink of a successful Ligue 1 title defence. Chelsea’s need for goals prompted Mourinho to hand a start to Samuel Eto’o, who had missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury, and he saw a snapshot blocked in the ninth minute. Branislav Ivanovic headed wide from the subsequent corner, but the hosts received an early setback in the 18th minute when Eden Hazard had to come off with an injury. Exacerbating the Chelsea fans’ unease was PSG’s assurance in possession, with the visitors popping passes around in midfield and threatening on the flanks through Lucas Moura and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Chelsea began to apply more concerted pressure, however, and after PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu produced a brilliant flying save to parry a deflected Frank Lampard free-kick, they broke through. David Luiz used his back to flick on Ivanovic’s long throw-in from the right and Schuerrle stole in to steer a volley past Sirigu from 10 yards. - PSG spurn chances - With Stamford Bridge rocking, the hosts flooded forward. Schuerrle saw a penalty appeal waved away after flopping over a challenge from Marco Verratti, while Gary Cahill miscued a volley right in front of goal. Chelsea resumed their onslaught after the interval and hit the bar twice in the space of two minutes, first through Schuerrle, from Willian’s cut-back, and then via an arcing free-kick from Oscar. Blanc sought to shore things up by sending on Yohan Cabaye for Verratti and briefly PSG rallied, with Petr Cech touching a free-kick from Lavezzi around the post and Cavani heading wide from a corner. Mourinho responded by introducing Ba in place of Lampard and the Senegalese striker soon made his presence felt, finding Schuerrle with a flick-on, only for Sirigu to field the German’s shot. With Chelsea pressing forward, they left themselves open to the counter-attack and PSG spurned a host of chances to make the game safe. Cavani twice shot over from promising positions, while Maxwell skidded a low shot wide and Cech had to save a drive from Lucas. Those misses would have proved immaterial, but with three minutes to play, Cesar Azpilicueta drove a shot across the box and Ba outmuscled Maxwell to touch home and send Mourinho scampering down the pitch in delight. Cech preserved his side’s place in the last four with an injury-time save from Marquinhos and not even a booking for Ivanovic that rules him out of the semi-final first leg could dampen the mood at a jubilant Stamford Bridge.

TTF Tourney: Nigerian boys lose, women tackle Egypt in team events finals

Again the battle for supremacy between Nigeria and Egypt came to fore at the ongoing International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-sanctioned African Junior Championship as Team Nigeria clash against Team Egypt in the girls’ final. However, Congo Brazzaville prevented Nigeria from playing in the final of the boys’ event after the Congolese beat Olasunkanmi Oginni-led team to secure a spot ahead of Nigeria in the last four of the event. Also in the boys’ cadet division, Nigeria failed to advance to the last four following the inability of the team to beat Congo Brazzaville in the group game concluded on Tuesday. Unlike their male counterpart, the trio of Tosin Esther Oribamise, Ajoke Ojomu and Alimot Ayinla ensured that their place in the final was not usurped as they defeated Algeria 3-0 in the semifinal after coming second behind Egypt in Group One. Egypt also walloped Tunisia 3-0 to set up another encounter against Nigeria in the final of the junior event.

Amakakpabo takes over as Enyimba coach

Baraje, Odigie suspended The management of two-time African champion, Enyimba Football Club of Aba has placed head coach, Zakary Baraje and his assistant, Monday Odigie on indefinite suspension. Erstwhile second assistant, Imama Amakakpabo, will take charge of affairs on a temporary basis. The decision followed a poor league form of the six times league champions. The loss against local rivals Abia Warriors signaled the looming action and two successive league losses and crashing out of CAF Champions League were an embarrassing that the management could no longer stomach. Baraje was appointed head coach in December and now he is on his way out of the club without an official decision made yet. “Coaches Baraje and Monday Odigie won’t be part of the technical crew in our next match. They have been suspended by the club indefinitely but no official word yet. The move is because the team failed to win at FC Taraba, and even played poorly. Plus the fact that they’ve done poorly since the season started.Remember the team lost at home to Abia Warriors and after that game, the club management handed them the ultimatum to win in Taraba or face the consequence which is what has now happened,” an Enyimba insider told to supersport.com.