NINTH OLYMPICS GOLD FOR BOLT.

Usain Bolt won his ninth Olympic Games gold
medal as he anchored Jamaica to victory in the
men's 4x100m relay in Rio.
Bolt took over on the last leg with a narrow deficit
to Japan but soon overcame it and won by a wide-
margin after some fine support from Asafa Powell,
Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade.
The sprint great has now won gold medals in the
100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the last three
Olympic Games, starting off in Beijing eight years
ago and repeating the victories at London 2012.
Victory brings down the curtain on Bolt's Olympic
career as he has already stated he will retire from
the sport at the end of the World Championships in
London next summer.
Usain Bolt earlier picked up his gold for winning the 200m
Great Britain finished in fifth place, promoted from
sixth, with Japan taking the silver and Canada the
bronze after the United States quartet was
disqualified.
Bolt said: "I'm just happy to have done what I came
here to do. I'm just proud of myself. I have to give
thanks to the guys, they really came through for me
and I'm really happy about that.
"The pressure is real, but I look at it as an
accomplishment. I enjoy pressure and I live for
these moments. For me, it's beautiful.
What more can be said about the world's greatest track and
field athlete?
"I won't celebrate now. I'm just going to go
home and stay up late tonight, just talking and
having fun.
"I'm just happy and relieved. I've done it and it's
unreal. I never knew from the start that this was
going to happen to me and now it has it's a
brilliant feeling. I told the guys that if they didn't
come through for me I'd beat them up!"
"We wanted to win to make Usain immortal and he
is immortal," Blake added. "I've told him he should
come back for 2020!"

OLYMPICS EAGLES FAILED GERMAN TEST.

The Germans were the better side on the better team on the night in Sao Paulo as they defeated the African champions who will now settle for a bronze medal match.
Germany edged their way to a gold medal match against Brazil as they defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
It was a rude ending to the fairytale run of Samson Siasia’s team who were hoping to emulate their compatriots of Atlanta ’96 in the search for a second Olympic title.
Hampered by the continued unavailability of forward Oghenekaro Etebo and the suspension of midfield impresario Okechukwu Azubuike, Nigeria struggled against a more compact German side whose fleet-footed forwards picked their way around their opponents almost with abandon.
Their forays into the Nigeria box paid off early as defender Lukas Klostermann found free space in the box to tap in a Max Meyer cross for their opening goal.
The Nigerians, stunned by the early deficit, picked themselves up and went in search of the equalizer albeit with the fear of being left open at the back.
Their first opportunity came moments later when goalkeeper Timo Horn’s poor clearance gifted Sadiq Umar an opportunity to score but he shot straight back at the goalkeeper leaving captain John Obi Mikel begging.
The Germans continued to use the flanks to penetrate the Nigerian defence and looked dangerous during every move forward without the cutting edge to finish it early.
Nigeria got their best opportunity to get even when Mikel found himself inside the box after some nice footwork that left one defender for dead but his final shot was blocked by the well-timed lunge of defender Matthias Ginter.
Umar Aminu missed a key opportunity to put Nigeria equal in first half stoppage time but Ginter was once again alert to Sadiq’s through pass and hit it out for a corner kick.
The Germans returned to the second half the more purposeful in attack but would find the Nigerian central defensive pair of William Troost-Ekong and Seth Sincere a tougher nut to crack.
Nigeria brought on Junior Ajayi and Saliu Popoola in the search for a goal but failed to find clear chances despite the cheering that followed every touch of the ball by the diminutive midfielder.
The Africans’ best chance came on 80 minutes when Stanley Amuzie hit a fee kick wide from just outside the Germany goal after Ajayi had been brought down by Ginter.
Moments after coming on as a replacement for Meyer, Nils Petersen would get onto the end of a Davie Selke cross to put it beyond the Nigerians give his country their first ever opportunity to win a gold medal.
Germany will be squaring up against Brazil on Sunday at the Maracana Stadium to renew their rivalry following the defeat at the World Cup two years ago.
Nigeria will have to battle out for the bronze by facing Honduras in the match for the bronze medal. ni

EAGLETS SET FOR NIAMEY BATTLE

Confident Eaglets depart for Niamey



After three days of intensive training session, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will depart Sokoto on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s second round, second leg U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Junior Menas of Niger Republic in Niamey.

Coach Manu Garba's wards take a 1-0 lead to their hosts and must at least secure a draw to progress to the third and final round for a place in next year's continental cadet championship to be held in Madagascar between April 2–16, 2017.

"We have worked hard in the last three days and after all said and done, it is the Almighty Allah that will know the outcome of the match," Garba told thenff.com. "On our part, we are full of confidence and we want Nigerians to remember the team in their prayers as we travel to Niamey.

"Our objective is to secure qualification to the next stage and having done our part in terms of preparation, we are praying and hopeful that Almighty Allah will bless us with good result so that we can come out unscathed against the Nigeriens."

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will lead the delegation. Also on the trip is Assistant Director (Technical), Abdulrafiu Yusuf. Coach Garba and his assistants, as well as backroom staff, will lead a playing personnel of 18 players.

Garba in the meantime, applauded the local football fans in Sokoto State for coming out in large numbers daily to watch the team’s training sessions at the Giginya Memorial Stadium: "Our coming down to Sokoto has helped us to acclimatize with the same weather condition we are likely going to meet in Niamey. We thank the people of Sokoto State for providing us with the conducive environment to train."

Team coordinator Prince Udofia said the players were in high spirit, explaining the training camp in Sokoto has strengthened the team in several ways: "We have enjoyed our stay here in Sokoto and the players have been able to train here without distractions; by the grace of God, we shall get a good result from Niamey because we trained well; and we are hopeful the players will do their best."

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has listed Cameroonian officials including referee Henry Duvalier Mouandjou Kalla. Sadou Hamadou, Ernest Nkeniji Ekokobe and Anthoine Max will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and reserve referee respectively. Kadre Saleh Kana from Chad will be the match commissioner.

LMC: GIWA FC REGAINS LEAGUE SPOT

NPFL: LMC Confirms Giwa FC Return To The League.

The League Management Company (LMC), has confirmed the return of Giwa Football Club to the
Nigeria Professional Football League.

In a letter signed by the Chairman of Company,
Mallam Shehu Dikko, the LMC stated that its
decision was strictly in adherence with the court
order reinstating the club in the top flight league.

It will be recalled that a High Court sitting in Jos
with Circular No. 10/2016, dated 20th May 2016
had ordered the LMC to reinstate Giwa FC to the
Nigeria Professional Football League.

“However, as a law abiding corporate entity, LMC
has taken immediate steps to effect compliance
with the directives of the Court, as contained in the
Order, pending the hearing and determination of
the Motion on Notice.

“To this end, kindly be advised that Giwa FC has
been restored to the NPFL Table, while further
processes are being activated to reschedule the
matches concerning the Club, in accordance with
the NPFL Framework and Rules, 2015/2016
Season,” Dikko stated.

The League Management Company has also
asked players of the club (Giwa Fc) to return to
their club.

“No club shall henceforth feature any player
whose registration it acquired on the basis of the
expulsion of Giwa FC, as all such registrations are
withdrawn.

The above is for your information and compliance,” the Chairman said.

It will be recalled that Giwa Fc were thrown out of
league following their refusal to obey the League
Management Company’s order to play in Ilorin
after a crowd trouble ensued in a home game
against Rangers International at the Rwang Pam
Stadium, Jos.

RIO OLYMPICS MEDAL TABLE

Rio Summer Olympics
Country G S B Total
1 United States 26 22 24 72
2 Great Britain 16 17 8 41
3 China 15 14 17 46
4 Russian Federation
11 12 12 35
5 Italy 8 9 6 23
6 Germany 8 6 6 20
7 France 7 8 8 23
8 Japan 7 4 16 27
9 Australia 6 7 9 22
10 Republic of Korea 6 3 5 14
11 Netherlands 6 2 3 11
12 Hungary 5 3 4 12
13 Spain 3 0 2 5
14 New Zealand 2 6 0 8
15 Kazakhstan 2 3 4 9
16 DPR Korea 2 3 2 7
17 Canada 2 2 9 13
18 Colombia 2 2 0 4
19 Cuba 2 1 3 6
20 Poland 2 1 2 5
20 Switzerland 2 1 2 5
22 Belgium 2 1 1 4
22 Thailand 2 1 1 4
24 Croatia 2 1 0 3
25 Greece 2 0 1 3
25 IR Iran 2 0 1 3
25 Jamaica 2 0 1 3
28 South Africa 1 5 1 7
29 Sweden 1 4 1 6
30 Brazil 1 3 4 8
30 Denmark 1 3 4 8
32 Kenya 1 3 0 4
33 Belarus 1 2 2 5
34 Romania 1 1 2 4
35 Slovenia 1 1 1 3
36 Argentina 1 1 0 2
36 Bahrain 1 1 0 2
36 Slovakia 1 1 0 2
36 Vietnam 1 1 0 2
40 Czech Republic 1 0 5 6
41 Uzbekistan 1 0 4 5
42 Ethiopia 1 0 3 4
43 Chinese Taipei 1 0 2 3
44 IOA 1 0 1 2
45 Fiji 1 0 0 1
45 Kosovo 1 0 0 1
45 Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1
45 Singapore 1 0 0 1
49 Ukraine 0 4 1 5
50 Azerbaijan 0 2 1 3
51 Indonesia 0 2 0 2
51 Turkey 0 2 0 2
53 Lithuania 0 1 2 3
54 Georgia 0 1 1 2
54 Mongolia 0 1 1 2
56 Grenada 0 1 0 1
56 Ireland 0 1 0 1
56 Malaysia 0 1 0 1
56 Philippines 0 1 0 1
56 Venezuela 0 1 0 1
61 Norway 0 0 3 3
62 Egypt 0 0 2 2
62 Israel 0 0 2 2
64 Estonia 0 0 1 1
64 Kyrgyzstan 0 0 1 1
64 Morocco 0 0 1 1
64 Portugal 0 0 1 1
64 Tunisia 0 0 1 1
64 UAE 0 0 1 1

CONTE RULES IN LONDON DERBY

CONTE RULES  IN LONDON DERBY.

    Italian tactician Antonio Conte got his English premier league started on a winning note over fellow London's neighbour West Ham in a dramatic style on Monday night.
    The match started on high profile with the home team Chelsea dominating despite the absence of veteran play maker Fabregas. The mid field compatriot's of new signing N'golo Kante, Matric, Oscar where at their best against the harmers Despite high intensity play from Williams and Eden Hazard on both flanks of Stamford bridge, the saving gloves of Adrain was at its best to stop the blues from early lead as the defensive capabilities of Collins played a major role as well to leave the game on level terms at half time.
    Few minutes into the brick of the resumption saw great strike of Hazard from the spot after the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty for the home team. The Belgian dispersed the visitors goal keeper by roofing the ball from the spot.
    Slaven Bilic's men came close to scoring ways by sending several balls in the sky for leading striker Andy Carroll who was kept silenced by the defensive pairing of John Terry and Cahill. As time wave off gradually, hardworking Collins game from behind to slam in a great shot after the blues defence failed to keep out play a corner to level the score again.
    Antonio Conte brought his tactical abilities into play when he had pull of hardworking Hazard, William and Oscar for new signing Batsulyhi, Moses and Pedro respectively with just few minutes left on the board while the visitors brought in french player Dimitri Payet who had a glorious time at the just concluded Euro cup in native home town France.
    Barely few minutes from time saw a Diego Costa outside strike got past goalkeeper Adrian to earn the host a win in the first game of the season. The goal came when a victor Moses pass was well read by Costa who struck from far range to put his team among the premier league three points earners for the week.

NPFL LEAGUE MATCHES RESUMES

The Nigeria professional football league NPFL resumes for its week 31 matches across various cities of Nigeria. The league went for a short hold following the NPFL all stars trip to Spain for the la-liga/NPFL partnership tour which saw off matches with liga sides like Valencia, Granada and Athletics Madrid.

Meanwhile, league champions Enyimba, will have their game postponed due CAF champions league action in Egypt with Zamalek.

Below are the league fixtures across the nation.

Nigeria Professional Football League - Match Day 31 Fixtures

Tuesday 16th August

Niger Tornadoes Vs Akwa United 

Confluence Stadium, Lokoja

Wednesday 17th August

FC Ifeanyi Ubah Vs Enugu Rangers 

Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi

Lobi Stars Vs Abia Warriors

Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi

MFM FC Vs Warri Wolves 

Agege Stadium, Lagos

Rivers United Vs Heartland FC 

Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt

Shooting Stars Vs Elkanemi Warriors 

Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan

Sunshine Stars Vs Ikorodu United 

Akure Township Stadium, Akure

Thursday 18th August

Nasarawa United Vs Kano Pillars 

Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi

.

EAGLES NEW COACH WITH FIRST MOVE

Newly appointed  Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr swung into action to put together his defence ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in October by penciling down William Troost-Ekong and Musa Mohammed.

Rohr has hit the ground running by flying out to Spain to watch the NPFL All-Stars feature in a series of friendlies against Spanish clubs including Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

“Troost-Ekong and Musa Mohammed are among the defenders Rohr will consider for the World Cup qualifiers.

“He has mentioned the names of some of the players he is counting on for the qualifiers and some of them will be called up for the AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in Port Harcourt.”

Norway-based Troost-Ekong is currently leading the defence line of the country at the Rio Olympics.

The central defender, who was eligible to also feature for Holland by virtue of his Dutch mother, debuted for Nigeria against Chad in an AFCON qualifier in Kaduna in June 2015.

Musa, on the other hand, made his long-awaited Eagles bow against Mali in a friendly in France in May.

He also featured in a 3-1 win over Luxembourg that same month.

He is an all-action right fullback, who has captained both the country’s U17 and U20s.

MIKEL: THE 'ODOGWU' OF TEAM NIGERIA.

MIKEL: THE 'ODOGWU'
Nigeria Olympic captain John Obi Mikel has been handed a nickname by his teammates at the ongoing Rio Olympics following his fatherly role and influential performances for the team.

The 29-year old has been a huge source of motivation for the Dream Team both on and off the pitch, and has now been aptly nicknamed ‘Odogwu’, which is an Igbo word that means ‘hero’, when loosely translated.

Mikel has been a leading light amongst the players and interestingly, his leadership qualities have been required more off the pitch, following the challenges the team has had to endure before and during the Games in Brazil.

The Chelsea midfielder has been spending his personal resources to bail out the team as they continue to encounter money problems, the latest being his benevolence in paying the sum of $4,600 for hotel bills accrued by the extra officials accompanying the team.

And on the pitch, his importance and influence has also gone a long way in helping the team progress to the semifinal.

He scored one and created the other in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Denmark, and has been impressive in the overall for the Nigerians.

He will be expected to star again when they face Germany in the semifinals on Wednesday scheduled for 8pm Nigeria time. Dream team of Nigeria will have to be at alert as the young German side is full with goal scoring heroes as well.

SABO SILAS ..#CEO #SILAS 9 SPORTS NETWORK.

EPL match day one results.

England - Premier League August 13
Hull City 2 - 1 Leicester City
Burnley 0 - 1 Swansea City
Crystal Palace 0 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Everton 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Middleborough 1 - 1 Stoke City  Southampton 1 - 1 Watford
Manchester City 2 - 1 Sunderland
August 14
AFC Bournemouth 1 - 3 Manchester United
Arsenal 3 - 4 Liverpool
August 15
20:00 Chelsea vs West Ham United.

The new EPL season..

The new 2016/17 EPL season.
 The new English premiere league season for the 2016/17 calender kicks off on Saturday 13th August, 2016..Surprise last seasons champions Leicester city, will look forward to continue their dominant foam as they kick open the league season.
 Big spending like Manchester united and close town neighbour Manchester city will look forward to give the title a fight as the blue side of London Chelsea, under the mentoring of Italian Antoine Conte is set to reclaim the title won two season's ago..

Below are the fixtures for match day one of the new EPL season.

England - Premier League August 13
12:30 Hull City vs Leicester City
15:00 Burnley vsSwansea City
15:00 Crystal Palace vs West Brom
15:00 Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
15:00 Middlesbrough vs Stoke City
15:00 Southampton vs Watford
17:30 Manchester City vs Sunderland
August 14
13:30 AFC Bournemouth  vs Manchester United
16:00 Arsenal vs Liverpool
August 15
20:00 Chelsea vs West Ham United.

**happy EPL season ahead...