Emmanuel Emenike played the first 61 minutes

Emmanuel Emenike played the first 61 minutes of a thrilling encounter between West Ham United and Everton. In a phenomenal display, the Hammers came from 2-0 down, away from home, to turn the tie around with three goals in 12 minutes to make it 3-2.

Asisat Oshoala secures UK work permit ahead Arsenal Ladies switch

The Super Falcons star has revealed progress ahead of her potential move to Arsenal from Liverpool Ladies

Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has secured her United Kingdom work permit and is set for her move to Arsenal Ladies
The 21-year-old who joined Liverpool Ladies in January 2015 from Nigeria Women Premier League's outfit Rivers Angels could pen a deal with the Gunners.
The former African Women’s player of the year who on Monday spoke at the Fifa Women’s Football and Leadership Conference, Switzerland on the title ‘Equality Through Reform’ geared to taking women’s football to the next level confirmed this development.
"It is true that I have secured a UK work permit," Oshoala confirmed to Sportmasta .
“The permit will enable me participate in the 2016 season (of the Women's Soccer League)."
The 2014 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup best player and golden boot winner is expected in London on Wednesday to discuss personal terms ahead of joining the two-time FA Women's Super League champions, Arsenal Ladies.

The Reds confirmed that the have reluctantly accepted the Gunners’ bid for the forward.

Greg Etafia named Moroka Swallows' caretaker coach Greg Etafia

The former Nigeria international will take over the helm at the struggling Birds until a permanent replacement is hired
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Greg Etafia has been named caretaker coach of South African side Moroka Swallows.
The 33-year-old who has been with the South African giants since 2003 will be hoping to revive the fading fortunes of the Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium giants who were relegated from the Absa Premiership last season.
Swallows sit at the base of the South African Division One log with 11 points from 21 games and have not won a league match since November 7.
Etafia would be hoping to lead the Birds past SuperSport United in the last-32 of the Nedbank Cup at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday.

Mikel: Chelsea must approach PSG game cleverly

 The Nigerian believes the Blues can dismiss Les Parisiens from the Champions League if they play as a unit at the Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening
Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi has warned his teammates that they must approach their last-16 second leg clash against PSG in a clever way to reach the competition’s quarter final. Laurent Blanc’s won the first leg 2-1 at the Parc des Princes, and need a draw to progress in the competition.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for the French team before Mikel levelled right on half-time but Laurent Blanc's side piled on the pressure and were rewarded late on with Edinson Cavani’s winner.
Speaking ahead of the fixture between the two teams at the Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, the midfielder insisted that his team should maintain their focus and play as a team, while urging the fans to support.
“We all know what happened the last time we played them here, they scored in the last few minutes and then we couldn’t go through,” Mikel told club website.
“It will be cagey, very difficult and we have to approach it in a clever way.
“Cesc Fabregas had a rest against Stoke, Diego Costa didn’t start the game and players like them and Eden Hazard will be vital for us.
“It’s all about being together, we’re not counting on individuals but the whole team.
“Our fans have been amazing so I’m sure they will all come out to support us. There have been ups and downs this season but they have stuck by us,” he concluded.

Lewandowski hails Aubameyang: I've been surprised at how good he's been!

The Bayern Munich striker has been impressed by his Borussia Dortmund counterpart this season and warns his team-mates to fear his pace when the two teams meet on Saturday
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says that he has been "surprised" by just how good Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been for Borussia Dortmund this season.

The two forwards played together at BVB in Lewandowski's last campaign before joining Bayern but Aubameyang has flourished this term in particular, his 22 Bundesliga goals only one behind the Poland international himself.

The two sides are set to face off on Saturday and Lewandowski believes that Bayern should be wary of his opposite number's electric pace.

"He already showed last season that he is able to score a lot of goals but this year he surprised me a bit," the striker told Goal. "Dortmund are doing really well on the attack and they always can bank on Aubameyang. He is a great player, especially in terms of his pace. You mustn't give him any space in the box or he'll score.

"His pace is unbelievable. You don't have a chance to catch him in his first 10 or 20 metres. Once he's gone, you can forget it. He is in great form and he shows it every game."Bayern have had a strong lead in the Bundesliga all season but, after they were beaten 2-1 by Mainz last time out, Dortmund are now only five points behind. While Lewandowski is looking forward to their encounter, he is well aware that the gap could close very quickly indeed.

He remarked: "The game against Dortmund won't be easy, for sure. BVB have been playing well all season long - in the Europa League too. The atmosphere in their stadium is great and it is always a pleasure to play there. We have won our last game at Dortmund and I expect a big game but, in the end, I hope that we'll return to Munich with three points.

"I am playing here now so I don't feel bad for them. I want to win. We are playing very well too but, on the other hand, you mustn't forget that Dortmund could catch up to us very quickly if we have one or two more bad games."

Gerrard: MLS was hard to grasp in my first season

The former Liverpool midfielder says his first season with LA Galaxy wasn't easy but is confident that testing period will only make him a better player this season

Steven Gerrard admits he found it difficult to adapt to certain aspects of MLS in his first season with LA Galaxy but is adamant that will only make him a better player this term.
Galaxy are looking to put to bed the misery of failing to retain their MLS Cup in 2015 when they face DC United on the opening day of the new campaign on Sunday.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard joined midway through last season and has revealed there were a few surprises that took him a while to get used to.
"There were some shocks and surprises when you go away on the road," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports.
"The altitude, the humidity, the length of travel, and obviously getting used to team-mates and new tactics, it's a different way of playing. I will certainly be better for the highs and lows of last season.
"The level is certainly a lot better than people think. You have an opinion when you watch this game on the eye and it's very competitive. There are some good players in the league, good managers and good tactics.
"I've sampled different training sessions at LA Galaxy that I've never done before so maybe one day I can use different bits and bobs that I've learnt over here."
After losing in the first round of the play-offs last year, Galaxy suffered a thumping 4-0 aggregate defeat to Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday

Gerrard, though, is determined to ensure he has a trophy to show for his spell in America.
He continued: "Win the MLS Cup or go close [is the aim]. Last year we went out of the first round of the play-offs, the wheels fell off towards the end of the league campaign.
"We conceded too many goals and we got a really tricky away tie against Seattle in the play-offs. We need to position ourselves better in the league before it goes to the play-offs, then it's a bit of a lottery.
"We need to perform and be consistent in knock-out competition. Hopefully I'll go home with a trophy."
Gerrard ended his 17-year association with Liverpool when deciding to swap Anfield for pastures new with Galaxy in 2015
The midfielder has previously suggested that 2016 could be the year he decides to hang up his boots, but he says he doesn't want to rush any decision to retire.
"I don't want to shut any doors and I don't want to make any rash decisions because where I sit now I still feel healthy," he added.

"I still feel fit, I still feel like I could play in most levels in the game so where I sit now I'm not ready to retire. Will I be ready in 10 or 11 months' time? We'll have to wait and see."

‘Messi is obsessed with Argentina’ – Martino

The coach has reminded fans how much the Ballon d'Or winner wants to see his international outfit enjoy success, while he is confident his team is improving
 Argentina boss Tata Martino has dismissed criticism of Lionel Messi, who has previously been accused of being more committed to club side Barcelona.

Martino has worked with the 28-year-old at both club and international level and says the Ballon d’Or holder is desperate to enjoy success with the national side.

“Messi received the award for the fifth time but remember he would prefer to win something with the national side,” the coach said to Jogo Bonito.

“He has an obsession with Argentina.”
 Meanwhile, the coach is confident that his side are building positively towards the Copa America in the summer, having narrowly missed out on glory in the same competition in Chile last year and the World Cup 12 months earlier.

“The ideas of our game plan are slowly being picked up, but we need to have more continuity,” he said
.Martino, who has ruled out the prospect of Messi playing in the Olympics due to his numerous commitments, will next lead his side against Chile in a World Cup qualifier later in March.

Spalletti demands more from Roma ahead of Fiorentina clash

The former Zenit manager acknowledges his players will need to be on song if they're to beat Fiorentina and stretch their fine form under his tutelage even further
Luciano Spalletti is aware Roma will need to raise their game if they're to beat Fiorentina on Friday, but says he is confident his players can rise to the challenge and prolong their great run of form.
Roma have won six games in a row under Spalletti since January 30 to force themselves back into the Champions League picture, climbing above Fiorentina into third place in the process.
With 11 games remaining, claiming a top-two place is still a realistic ambition for the capital club given Napoli are only five points ahead after going three matches without a win.
And Spalletti says he has full belief Roma can reduce that deficit even further when they play hosts to Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico, but has warned his players they'll need to step up.
"Fiorentina are good at anticipating the way the opposition play and tweaking their approach accordingly," he said. "We'll need to be better than ever against them, but I have faith in the players. The lads have been brilliant in our last few games. They have grown in mental strength to be able to fight for the position we currently occupy in the league table from now until the end of the season.
"We are now on the right track. We have to give 100 per cent and always try to improve. That goes for me too.
"Everyone who works here are professionals in their area of expertise. Everyone works well and you need to be brave enough to try things.
"Everyone needs to reach for the stars and try to stay there – that way we won't stay rooted to the spot and we can aim high."

Is this what Chelsea's new stadium will look like?

The Blues are set to build a new home on the current Stamford Bridge site, taking the capacity up to 60,000, and these images show what the arena could look like  Stamford Bridge remains one of the Premier League's most recognisable stadia but, with a capacity of just over 41,000, it falls behind Chelsea's rivals and allows the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United to cram more fans into their grounds.

With that in mind, the Blues have submitted planning permission to build a completely new stadium on the current Stamford Bridge site, raising the capacity to 60,000 and providing a number of new ameneties like direct access to Fulham Broadway underground station.

And following the submission of a 210-strong set of planning documents, Chelsea asked supporters with any form of architectural skill to send in concepts of what the interior of the new stadium could look like, with computer scientist and season ticket holder Neil Vano creating these unofficial images.

Manucho confident as champions look for a place in history

Barcelona are on the brink of setting a Spanish record of 35 games without defeat, but Manucho believes Rayo Vallecano can get a result.

Manucho is confident Rayo Vallecano can take something from their meeting with La Liga leaders Barcelona on Thursday, as the dominant champions looking to set a Spanish record of 35 matches without defeat.
Rayo entertain Barca on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run in the league, but five 2-2 draws in that sequence leaves them 16th and just two points clear of the relegation zone.
All-conquering Barca, meanwhile, have not lost in their last 34 outings in all competitions - matching the 1988-89 benchmark set by Real Madrid.
Their stunning form began with a 5-2 home win over Rayo in October, with Club World Cup glory and a place in the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League last 16 secured since.
History is on their side as they head to Vallecas in search of yet another record; Barca have not lost to Rayo since a 1-0 defeat in 2002.
But Manucho - who was scored three goals in his last two games - believes Paco Jemez's side have the capability of setting a club record of their own by making it eight top-flight fixtures without losing.
"The group is well, unified. We are at our best and I think we will have a good match against Barca," Manucho told AS.
"[We will] play like we usually play. Nothing is impossible. With strength and work we can win.
"The coach never changes, whether we play against Barca, Real Madrid or another. That's good because this style has enabled us to win many games.
"We just need to win. We will remain in La Liga, we are not going to give up."
Luis Suarez added to Neymar's four goals in the reverse fixture at Camp Nou, which Lionel Messi missed through injury.
Manucho acknowledges Rayo must learn their lesson and give Barca's attacking trio the attention they deserve.
"They are the best forward line in the world and the three understand each other perfectly. They are players who must be respected," he added.
Following Sunday's 2-1 win over Sevilla, Barca hold an eight-point advantage over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, a gap Jemez claimed is insurmountable.
The Catalan side will be without Dani Alves as he sits out with a ban picked up from an accumulation of yellow cards.
Rafinha is nearing a return from a knee injury but is not expected to feature, while Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets are fitness worries for Luis Enrique.
Conversely, Jemez has a number of absentees, with Miku, Pablo Hernandez (both hamstring) and Jozabed (ankle) adding to the coach's lengthy list of concerns.

NFF closes registration for 2016 Federation Cup

 The football house has shut it door against intending teams seeking to participate in this year's men and women Federation Cup football event

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that the registration for this year’s men and women Federation Cup competition has come to a close.
Confirming this development, head of Federation Cup department, Emmanuel Adesanya says that teams can no longer register as submission will end this Friday at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja.
“The submission of completed licenses for endorsement started on Monday, and will close on Friday. Teams can no longer register for either the women or the men’s competition,” Adesanya said.
The State preliminaries of this year’s competitions will kick off on Saturday, March 5 and the states finals will come up on April 3.
According to the schedule of this year’s competition, the grand finale of the men and women Federation Cup competitions will come up on August 28.

Akwa United and Sunshine Queens are the defending champions of the 2015 Federation Cup having overcame Lobi Stars and Bayelsa Queens respectively at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Oshoala, Ordega in as Omagbemi invites 40 for Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers

Twenty-six local based professionals made the cut for the 2016 Africa Women’s Championship qualifiers camping exercise billed for Abuja

Nigeria women national team coach Florence Omagbemi has picked 40 players ahead of Super Falcons’ Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea or Senegal.

Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Onome Ebi top the list of stars invited for the qualifier of the competition billed for Cameroon in November.
The Super Falcons were drawn bye into the second round of the qualifying series and will face either Senegal or Guinea over two legs in April with the winners on aggregate grabbing an Africa Women’s Championship slot.
Former captain, Omagbemi who will be in charge of the reigning African champions until the appointment of a yet to be named foreign coach is optimistic her crew would influence the team positively.
“With God's guidance, we would make a great impact with the team,” she told Goal.
All invited players are expected to report at Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Tuesday, March 1.


FULL SQUAD

Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels); Sandra Chichi (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Osun Babes); Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Inneh Queens); Onome Ebi (FC Minsk, Belarus); Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars); Josephine Chukwunonye (Vittsjoe GIK, Sweden); Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels); Ngozi Ebere (PSG Ladies, France); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Chisom Henry (Sunshine Queens); Faith Ikidi (Pitea FC, Sweden); Ayomide Ojo (Police Machine); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Gladys Akpa (Sunshine Queens); Halimatu Ayinde (New York Flash, USA); Desire Oparanozie (EN Avent de Guingamp, France); Ngozi Okobi (Vittsjoe GIK, Sweden); Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool Ladies); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels); Evelyn Nwabuoku (Kazygurt, Kazakhstan); Martina Ohadugha (Rivers Angels); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Rita Chikwelu (Umea IK, Sweden); Ginika Nkeoma (Bayelsa Queens); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Wogu (Kogi Confluence); Esther Sunday (Trabzon Idman Ozagi, Turkey); Winifred Eyebhokia (Nasarawa Amazons); Chinwendu Ihezuo; Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Chinaza Uchendu (Nasarawa Amazons); Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels); Ebere Orji (Ferencvaros, Hungary); Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Victoria Aidelomon (Bayelsa Queens); Abibat Agbaji (Confluence Queens); Ijeoma Obi (Sunshine Queens); Emueje Oghiagbevha (Delta Queens)

Nigeria U17 women defeat Nasarawa Amazons in friendly

Bala Nikyu's ladies overcame the former Nigeria's Women Premier League champions ahead their crucial clash with South Africa U17 side next week
Nigeria's U17 women national team defeated Nasarawa Amazon 2-1 in a friendly match at the Fifa Goal Project, Abuja on Wednesday.
Goals from Itu Arit and Rasheedat Ajibade cancelled Anam Imo's strike for visiting Christopher Danjuma's side as they stepped up preparation for their U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers encounter with South Africa.
Imo fired Nasarawa Amazons in front before Arit got a leveller in the 47th minute for the Flamingoes
Ajibade netted in the 78th minute to ensure Bala Nikyu's side recorded their second hard fought narrow victory after they defeated Confluence Queens 2-1 last Thursday.

Nigeria rise to 62nd in March Fifa ranking

The Super Eagles have moved a place up in the grading released by the world football ruling body, but are eleventh in Africa
Nigeria rose up one spots to 62nd place in the Fifa rankings released on Thursday, though are eleventh-ranked African side.
In February’s grading, the Super Eagles moved three places to 63rd, despite their early exit from the 2016 African Nations Championship.
One the continent, they are ranked behind Africa’s best team Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Egypt, Congo DR, Congo and Cameroon.
Cape Verde moved two places up to number 31 in the world, while reigning African kings Cote d’Ivoire dived eight places to place 36th.
Super Eagles’ opponent in next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Egypt, moved two places up to rank 53rdd on the global scene and seventh in Africa.
Likely opposition in the second round of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Swaziland and Djibouti are placed 124th and 204th respectively in the world.
While no team reached its best ever position in the March ranking, a few teams successfully held onto their best ever positions, namely: Belgium (1), Chile (5), Austria (10), Hungary (19) and Kyrgyzstan (105).

Claudio Pizarro breaks Bundesliga record that lasted 31 years

The 37-year-old struck a hat-trick in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen to become the oldest Claudio Pizarro set a new record by becoming the oldest player in Bundesliga history to score a hat-trick.

The 37-year-old struck three times to inspire Werder Bremen to a 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening, and the Peruvian overtook former Bremen striker Manfred Burgsmüller, who had held the record since 1985.

Pizarro, who won six Bundesliga titles as well as the Champions League during his time at Bayern Munich, is currently in his third spell at Werder Bremen and has scored 10 goals in 21 Bundesliga appearances this season.

player to score a treble in Germany's top fligh

Azpilicueta pledges future to Chelsea

The former Marseille defender says he has no plans to move away from Stamford Bridge any time soon,
Cesar Azpilicueta has pledged his long-term future to Chelsea, insisting he has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has become an integral part of the Blues' first team since joining the club four years ago, making 37 appearances in all competitions this season.
And when asked about a potential return to Marseille, the club he left to join Chelsea in 2012, Azpilicueta ruled out a move away from west London any time soon, stating he is very happy with the reigning champions.
"I plan on staying another few years at Chelsea," he told French radio station RMC. "I'm very happy there. I'm not thinking about leaving the club. I'm only thinking of [playing for] the Blues.
"Marseille made a big impact on me and gave me the chance to discover Europe. I felt very good over there.
"But if I have to leave it would be for a club where I could develop even more than at Chelsea."
Azpilicueta, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's finest out-and-out defenders, has regularly featured at left-back during his time at Chelsea.

insisting his focus is on honouring his contract with the Blues

Arsenal lack the hunger to be champions - Alexis

The Emirates Stadium outfit suffered a third-straight defeat against Swansea City on Wednesday and the Chile international has questioned the squad's self-belief
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez believes the Gunners lack the hunger required to win silverware on a regular basis.

Arsene Wenger's side missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Leicester City on Wednesday after being defeated by Swansea City and remain six points behind the Foxes.

That defeat followed losses to Barcelona and Manchester United the previous week as Arsenal's season threatens to derail completely.

And ahead of Saturday's crucial north London derby against second-placed Tottenham, the Chile international has hinted that the Emirates Stadium outfit do not have the right mentality to win the title.

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READ MORE  | Arsenal fans turn on Wenger's flops

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"I think we can win the Premier League with the players we have," he told Directv Sports. "That said, we lack a certain hunger. We need to step out onto the pitch as if we're already 1-0 up."
"We lack self-belief, that we can actually be champions. I remember a game against Manchester United last year. The lads looked hungry for silverware as we took to the pitch. We crushed them in the first 20 minutes and went 2-0 up. We were hungry and brimming with confidence that day."