Unilag sweep Beach Volleyball Tournament
In the Lagos inter territory games the University of Lagos Men and women’s team displayed unmatched skill in their win of the Tournament. The tournament which took place at the sandy pitch of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology , located at Bar Beach; Victoria Island, Lagos , Nigeria
The UNILAG teams swept the gold medals of the male and female of the Beach Volleyball event. UNILAG boys beat Yaba College of Technology 25-23, 21-25, 15-14 points, while their ladies defeated the team from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin 25-15, 25-9 points.
The winners in both the male and female categories won N150,000 each, while the runners up were given N90,000, while third placed won N50,000 each. St. Augustine College of Education won the third position in both the male and female categories
Ghana Africa’s best Hope Dashed
In a dramatic twist of fate the Ghana Black stars find themselves out of the 2011 World Cup.
With the entire Continent behind them the Black stars started today’s game with the usual nervousness that would beset a team not used to a lot of attention.
The Uruguay team in the early stages looked the better team , as they were awarded several set pieces.
Th black stars held there own under the onslaught and soon gained confidence, they started stringing passes together and threatening the Uruguay goal, forcing several scrambles and saves.
It was not till the very last minute of the first half Injury time that The Black stars struck with a blinding shot on goal by Muntari to raise the stakes 1-0
10 minutes into the second half Forlan struck back for the Uruguay side to pull level 1-1.
It was not till the very last minute in a goal line scramble Suares denied the Black stars a goal by parrying the ball out on the goal line with his hands.
The referee issued a red card to Suares and awarded a penalty to the Black stars.
Asemo Gyan , who had scored two penalties in previous games missed with a shot off the post.
this led to a penalty shoot out, John Mensah was the first to miss but was redeemed with an Uruguay miss but then another miss By the Black stars gave Uruguay team a chance to end the game with a win.
A heart breaking moment for the whole African continent.
Ultimatum from FIFA
Following the dececion by the nigerian goverment to suspend Nigerian participation in international contest,
FIFA has responded with and ultimatum giving the Nigerian government 48 hours to climb down from it’s position.
The anauncement came on Johannesburg’s radio, The FIFA secreatry general Jerome Valcke said: “If the Nigerian government is not moving back we will have to suspend Nigeria.”
It not known the extent FIFA will go to enforce it’s policy of none governmental interference.
Ghana Africa’s last hope in WC
No matter how you look at it, Ghana is set to go into today’s match against Uruguay as the underdog ,
But the Ghana Black stars are set to carry the hope and dreams of the whole Continent with the likes of Nigeria , Algeria, Cameroon and Ivory coast Crashing out in the first round Ghana has made it this far.
Today’s match will be watched across the continent with great anticipation, most Arican nations buzzing with excitement at the possibilities.
With the Africans having so much disappointment after great hopes, one would imagine cautious optimism as the pragmatic approach, however it is known that tha continent does not do things in half measures.
The Black Stars as a team have shown flashes of brilliance and despite the pedigree attributed to the Uruguayan team Ghana has a chance to win
Nigeria not to take part in international football events
for two years
In a shock announcement out of Abuja, the presidents spokesperson has said due to the current lack of performance the Super Eagles would be withdrawn from international competition for two years.
More was revealed today on the presidential decision to suspend Nigerian Football for two years
Presidential spokesman, Ima Niboro who broke the news to journalists in Abuja said the move by the government was to enable the country put its house in order:
“The most important thing is that the President has directed that Nigeria withdraws from all international competitions for the next two years. This will enable us put our house in order and enable us work out a more meaningful way to engage the global stage in terms of football so that this kind of rather embarrassing outcome we had in South Africa will not repeat itself,” he said.
The president’s directive did not just stop at the moratorium on Nigeria’s participation in international football events. He also ordered that NFF offices be sealed and employees of the body be sent home. At the time of filing this report, this directive had been fully complied with and armed policemen were seen barricading the entrance to the NFF building. Mr Niboro said President Goodluck had also directed that:
“Audit be undertaken of the finances of the World Cup project; that any perceived misapplication of fund should be investigated and relevant agencies of government involved in tracking down whoever has done wrong and bringing whoever found culpable to book.” He added:
Kanu retracts quit comments
I was widly reported in world press that Kanu the Nigerian Skipper was going to bow out of international football,
Reports today in Kick off Nigeria it is clear that kanu has no such intentions yet and this news may be miss quote to a response to the question when posed to the skipper in an interview.
Kanu says “I never told anybody that I was quitting international football. Of course, I remember the question being posed as we left the mixed zone after the match in Durban [against Korea Republic]. All I did say was that I would first go on a holiday with my family and think over everything. It would be my decision,”
Kanu also too the opportunity to stress that he did not intend to break relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation
Kanu is quoted to have said the reports are of mischievous nature and unscrupulous origins.
Catch the world cup feaver
Nwankwo Kanu, also affectionately known as Pappy, the Super Eagles skipper finally announced his retirement from the national team.
“I started my career in Africa and I’m happy that it ended in an African country. After this tournament, I will now go home and meet my family who were also here today to see me play my last match for team. They were all happy to see me in Nigeria’s colours and I’m so happy about it.
“Don’t ask me where I’m going from here. I would have to think and plan on where I’m going because there were offers everywhere”.
Kanu was also named African Footballer of the Year for that year. However, soon after returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination at Inter, which revealed a serious heart defect; he underwent surgery in November 1996 to replace an aortic valve and did not return to his club until April 1997. In interviews, Kanu frequently cites his faith as a Christian, and has often mentioned the trying time of his career as an occasion when he prayed to God. Kanu’s experience also led to his founding Kanu Heart Foundation, an organisation that helps predominantly young African children who suffer heart defects. Kanu is known throughout Africa for his philanthropic work.
