SPORT

                                       EBEWELE PROTEST OVER DISQUALIFICATION

Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN technical director, Brown Ebewele has fired the electoral committee that supervised Tuesday’s election into the board of the federation describing the members as unserious even as he is set to file an appeal today to the appeals committee.

Reacting to the incident that led to his disqualification and that of Rosa Collins and Charity Opara, the former Edo State commissioner for sports said that he was shocked to the bones that having emerged a board member on May 23 during the election of technical representative, he does not understand why he would be disqualified on election day.

“You won’t believe there was no reason given for the action and the electoral committee had nothing to say than to ask those disqualified to head to the appeals committee if they feel unjust.
“We have documents to show that the list of delegates from the ministry had our names but it was manipulated between the ministry and the national stadium. Whoever is responsible for that action must be brought to book.

If there is a need, I will even to go to court because you can’t be killing me and you tell me not to go to court. It’s unfair,” he stated.

Ebewele further explained that he does not understand the rationale for using Gad Onwuebulam that stepped down during the polls for technical representative on election day, yet the election was supervised by three ministry officials.

MOU MONEY, Prem Rivals Want £100m For Manchester United Target

Everton have set a £100million transfer tag on Manchester United target, Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are tipped to move for the player.

However, it is understood that United have moved ahead of the Blues in the pursuit of Lukaku, as Jose Mourinho look to add firepower to his attack, with reports that the Portuguese boss is hoping to sign the Belgian forward as an ideal replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is recuperating from a cruciate ligament injury.

Romelu Lukaku has hinted that he wants to leave Everton this summer, after Toffees boss Ronald Koeman confirmed that the striker has refused to sign a new deal with the club.

The 23-year-old has been tipped to become of the best strikers in the Premier League due to his goal-scoring prowess in recent seasons although, he has also been criticised for his below par performances against big teams.

But United will have to stump up £100million to sign Lukaku despite his agent, Mino Raiola’s comments that the player is keen on moving away from the Goodison Park.

Breaking: Man United sacked Louis Van Gaal as manager

Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement.

The Dutchman leaves after completing two years of a three-year contract.

BBC Sport reported on Saturday that United's FA Cup win over Crystal Palace would be his last game in charge.

Mourinho's appointment is expected to be confirmed after the 53-year-old Portuguese meets with senior United officials on Tuesday.

Van Gaal, 64, took control of United after leading the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

The Old Trafford club finished fourth in the Premier League in his first season in charge to qualify for the Champions League.

But they finished fifth this term and will play in the Europa League next season.

They only scored 49 league goals, too, their lowest total since 1989-90.

Saturday's FA Cup success at Wembley gave United a first trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson delivered the Premier League title in 2013 in his last season before retirement.

But it was not enough to stop Van Gaal from losing his job.

Mourinho, 53, was sacked by Chelsea last December, just seven months after leading the London club to the Premier League title.

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Rio 2016 to offer 450,000 condoms to athletes

Around 450,000 pieces of condoms will be distributed to athletes during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a figure three times higher than the condoms distributed in London 2012.

An online portal, Insidethegames, on Monday said that the increase was partly due to 100,000 female condoms being made available for the first time, along with 350,000 condoms for men.

It said that about 175,000 packets of lubricant are also being supplied ahead of the event holding from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21.

The statement claims that the increase was not related to Zika, the health scare which has caused Rio 2016 organisers a major headache.

It said that the virus was most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes, but can also be transmitted sexually.

The portal quoted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as saying that the condoms would encourage 10,500 athletes and staff to practice safe sex.

It stated that the condoms would be distributed free at the athletes’ clinic in the Games Village, which opens on July 24, or from vending machines.

The statement recalled that Australia had earlier announced that its athletes would be given extra-protective condoms to guard them from Zika at Rio 2016.

According to the statement, some scientists have suggested that the Games should be postponed due to the health risk, while the World Health Organisation has advised pregnant women not to attend the event. 

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Basketball: Friendlies essential for D'Tigress - Ahmedu

Ahmedu, President, Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA), Africa Zone 3, on Thursday urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to engage the France bound D’Tigress Women National team in friendly games.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress is currently in camp in preparation for the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) to come up from June 16 to June 19 in France.

Ahmedu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the friendly matches were essential to fine-tune the team and generally assess the 27 players currently preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers in France.

``We have a good squad of talented players in camp; although I felt calling 27 players at this time is too cumbersome for the Coach Scot Nnaji-led team.

``The federation could have limited their call-up to the 12 players that won bronze medal at the 2015 Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo and then look out for four other quality players.

``This will give each player a fair chance and give the coach much easier work to handle, especially when the team is engaged in friendly matches,’’ Ahmedu said.

According to him, D’Tigress have a lot of hard work to do in picking a slot out of the five teams considered for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

``It is a very tough task for D’Tigress considering the quality teams like Belarus and South Korea in their group; however, determination and good team work could see them through.

``If we work hard enough to defeat any of the teams in our group, we must win our quarterfinal match, which is even tougher considering teams from other groups.

``Overall, we wish the entire team well and hope they are able to emulate the team that qualified for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece,’’ Ahmedu said.

In the same vein, Chioma Udeaja, a power forward player with D’Tigress, said that the team is confident of picking a ticket for the Olympics.

She said that the team was determined to work together and do the nation proud by leaving France 

with one of the available five slots for the Olympics.

``We are calling on lovers of the game to support us with their prayers because we believe with their support we can achieve together.

``There is no doubt that we have a huge task before us but we are determined to achieve at the end, ’’Udeaja said.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress is ranked 42, the lowest among the 12 teams that will compete for the five available tickets in Olympic Qualifiers.

The other African contender, Cameroun, is in Group B with Turkey and Argentina.

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John Terry signs one-year extension at Chelsea

John Terry has signed a new one-year contract to continue his stay at Premier League club Chelsea.

The 35-year-old defender has made 703 appearances since his debut in October 1998, but was suspended for the season-concluding 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Leicester.

Terry's current contract was set to expire on June 30, but an agreement has been reached for him to stay on at Stamford Bridge under new manager Antonio Conte next season.

"I am delighted to sign a new contract with the club," Terry told the club's website. "Everyone knows I'm Chelsea through and through.

"I am looking forward to next season under the new manager and hopefully we can make it a successful one.

"Also, a special mention to the fans for their continued support. You're the best in the world."

Terry had looked set for a Chelsea exit after a career in which he won four league titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and the Europa League, along with 78 England caps.

However, a new one-year deal was put on the table last week, the length of contract in keeping with the proposal offered by a number of top clubs to players over 30 years of age.

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Chelsea Confirms Conte as New Manager

Chelsea football club have confirmed the signing of Antonio Conte as the new manager of the team.

Conte penned down a three-year contract worth £15m to become the new Chelsea manager and will join the club after Euro 2016 campaign.

The guardian reported that the Italian had already announced his decision to step down as his national team’s manager after the European Championship and he has been in talks with Chelsea officials for several weeks and has agreed a £5m-a-year contract, which includes a £5m bonus if he wins the Champions League.

According to Conte, “I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that,” said Conte.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League. Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.

“I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”

The 46-year-old has already submitted to the club a list of players he would like to sign. 

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Egbuchulam Voted Player of The Month

Chisom Egbuchulam of Enugu Rangers has been voted as the player of the month for March.

The Antelope forward honoured due to his unique impact during an encounter Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Lobi Stars, Wikki Tourists, Plateau United and Warri Wolves.

He racked up more than two assists and scored three goals in the process.

While speaking to media men shortly after his team's 2-1 victory over Enyimba International Football Club on Sunday, Egbuchulam expresses his happiness and further appreciate other members of the team, the coaching crew and the fans for their support.

According to him, "I can't find enough words to express my joy.

"First of all I want to thank God for this Award. My gratitude goes to the management for this gesture. The technical crew led by coach Imama Amakpakabo should be commended for a great job done in moulding the team to a great side. My team mates have been supportive too. My family and fans have never stopped praying for my success.

"The Award is a reward of hardwork. I promise to continue to be focused and ensure that I don't disappoint those who have massive faith in my talent," the forward concluded.

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My son should be a footballer, just like his dad - Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he wishes his son becomes a professional top footballer just like himself, but said he wouldn't force his son to take up football as a career.

Ronaldo frequently uploads pictures of himself and his son in the gym or playing football and says his son's athletic characteristics and love for football at 5 years of age is a sign his son might go into the football world.

"I want my son to be a player. I am a footballer and I want him to be one too," the Real Madrid star told the Chinese channel Zhejiang Satellite TV, which has been filming Ronaldo as part of a reality show based around the player.

I think he has something of an athlete about him, he has athletic characteristics. Obviously he is very young, a baby, he's only five but he loves football, that is a big plus.

I have 30 balls at home, he is always with the ball and he loves it. But I will not force him to be a player because it comes naturally, it has to be his choice,

He will be whatever he wants to be, I am not going to push him at all. But obviously I want Cristiano to be a player. A top one, like his dad," he said.

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Eagles Fail to Qualify for AFCON2017

The Nigerian Super Eagles on Tuesday failed to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.

The Eagles, who played 1-1 draw with the Pharaohs of Egypt last Friday in Kaduna State, were defeated by 1-0 in the return leg played at Alexandria, leaving Egypt with 7 points clear to represent the group.

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I believe in Super Eagles - Pinnick assures Nigerians

The Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick says he believes Super Eagles will come out victorious in the first leg must win clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna this weekend.

There is a high air of optimism in the Eagles' camp and the NFF supremo feels English premier league trio Alex Iwobi, Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will help Nigeria defeat Egypt, a fact even the Egyptians know

The Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick says he believes Super Eagles will come out victorious in the first leg must win clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna this weekend.

There is a high air of optimism in the Eagles' camp and the NFF supremo feels English premier league trio Alex Iwobi, Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will help Nigeria defeat Egypt, a fact even the Egyptians know

"Our boys are in the best form for the Egypt game, and if they reproduces such form in Kaduna on Friday, goals will rain against the visitors. Already, some of the players have called to reassure us that they would show no mercy against Egypt and I believe them.

"We are not taking any chances against the Pharaohs," Pinnick states in chat with Completesportsnigeria.com. 

"With the form of Iwobi, Mikel, Odion and other players in England and other leagues of Europe, Egypt know they are in real trouble and will not escape defeat in Kaduna.

"What we are praying for is that our foreign based players give the game their best and win the first leg before going for the final kill in the second leg duel, They (Egypt), might also boast of the form of Salah and Elneny, but we have better quality players whose experience will get us this much needed victory.

"The boys are self motivated to beating the Pharaohs and the NFF on our part will give them all the necessary support and logistics to win."