AFCON Gets Bigger and Better – Amaju Pinnick Say it’s All About Positioning African Football

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w038E4k8PNc/WXDmfSBujzI/AAAAAAAARjY/QR7dzbIClCwV0p41p_nWLC3-Sbg3peB3gCLcBGAs/s1600/ahmad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="690" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w038E4k8PNc/WXDmfSBujzI/AAAAAAAARjY/QR7dzbIClCwV0p41p_nWLC3-Sbg3peB3gCLcBGAs/s640/ahmad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">CAF President .Ahmad Ahmad, has moved swiftly to fulfill the promises made ahead of March’s elections, one of them is to take a closer look at the Africa Cup of Nations calendar and to find ways of expanding the revenue base of the Confederation of African Football and its member associations.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">These issues, among many others, have been discussed this week at the Caf Symposium in Rabat, Morocco, where the biggest changes to African football in decades would be ratified. By the time the continent’s football chiefs arise from the Extra-Ordinary General Assembly on Friday, we might have a 24-team Afcon, a shift from January/February to June/July and a reworking of the majority of the continent’s domestic football calendars to mirror the European season of August to May.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <b><i><span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is this change really good for African football?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is about more money, which is why is Caf making all these changes. Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick said: “It will increase revenue for Caf and we can triple our income. It will also force more infrastructure development,” a tad bit too optimistic even as many countries, including Nigeria, have cut down spending on sport and other leisure activities due to a fall in oil prices amidst an economic recession.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFDFzRhg-2w/WXDmo0PzwJI/AAAAAAAARjc/ydpwJuZ3A_A_n-1oAbJtOZZD9JrZ-yxdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Amaju-Pinnick-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="408" height="326" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFDFzRhg-2w/WXDmo0PzwJI/AAAAAAAARjc/ydpwJuZ3A_A_n-1oAbJtOZZD9JrZ-yxdgCLcBGAs/s400/Amaju-Pinnick-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cameroon is already falling behind schedule on its plan to deliver infrastructure for the 2019 Afcon, with talk that Morocco could step in after their 2015 plans were thrown overboard by the Ebola fever scare that gripped the continent.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But a summer tournament will make African players more attractive to European clubs who will no longer worry about losing their stars for upwards of six weeks every two years in the middle of hot campaigns.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There has been special joy among Liverpool fans who saw their Premier League title chase falter due to the going away of Sadio Mane last January. The Kops have also added the Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah to their ranks this transfer window, so there is truly cause for joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyCUs0qWuCA/WXDm0pt1KwI/AAAAAAAARjg/WGBFaZtPn00XmQWKggQLQ2-aX0h6P27jgCLcBGAs/s1600/afcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyCUs0qWuCA/WXDm0pt1KwI/AAAAAAAARjg/WGBFaZtPn00XmQWKggQLQ2-aX0h6P27jgCLcBGAs/s400/afcon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <b><i><span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Rational Behind the Changes<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One cannot fault the thinking that has gone into these deliberations. The new guys at the helm of Caf are trying to implement populist ideas that have been bandied around African football for years but stone-walled by former president Issa Hayatou.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Cameroonian tried to protect the continent with his resoluteness about the tournament remaining in January, a time when many sub-Saharan African countries enjoy the dry weather as against the middle of the year when the heavens unleash their reservoirs upon the land, turning football matches into water polo.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Still, Africa needs to align itself with the world of football as long as the bulk of its star footballers play in European leagues. It is not good to jeopardise the careers of these boys who risk losing their places in their clubs every time they come to defend their countries’ colours at the Afcon.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">However, one of the snags has to be the expansion of the tournament to 24 teams. This brings with it massive economic and infrastructure requirements – stadia, hotels, transportation – that many countries on the continent will not be able to afford.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It will bring about infrastructure development and African countries more preparedness to host bigger competitions like the world cup<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So co-hosting could be the future for a 24-team event.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <span style="color: #081f2c; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Gabon Africa Cup of Nations" style='width:24pt;height:24pt'/><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> </div>

AFCON Gets Bigger and Better – Amaju Pinnick Say it’s All About Positioning African Football

CAF President .Ahmad Ahmad, has moved swiftly to fulfill the promises made ahead of March’s elections, one of them is to take a closer...

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2 Day CAF Symposium in Rabat: Explores the Future of African Football [The View Points]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GibrXNkoFQg/WW7vvBHPOKI/AAAAAAAARhc/mcH7_ywoK3cDVF-gxRhlA7cM3uIWyh9IQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_062438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GibrXNkoFQg/WW7vvBHPOKI/AAAAAAAARhc/mcH7_ywoK3cDVF-gxRhlA7cM3uIWyh9IQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170719_062438.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <b><i>The view points:</i></b><b><i>1. Recession in the Organization  of AFCON</i></b><b><i>2. Expanson to 24 teams AFCON tournament</i></b><b><i>3. Grassroots football and the development of Academies </i></b><b><i>4. African national teams cheating at Age grade developmental competitions</i></b><b><i>5. Under development and lack of due attention on Women football in Africa</i></b></blockquote> <br /> The symposium will mark the attendance of Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Ahmad Ahmad, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Federation (FRMF), other presidents of African federations, and international footballers.<br /> <br /> The event will comprise discussions on African football competitions, youth training, and the organization of upcoming African Cup of nations.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGo_mXymG8M/WW7wZQu-gqI/AAAAAAAARhg/AWw-Ff4qywo9ou6AULHnFPJQ8qFhZXNbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_062542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGo_mXymG8M/WW7wZQu-gqI/AAAAAAAARhg/AWw-Ff4qywo9ou6AULHnFPJQ8qFhZXNbgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170719_062542.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> CAF will also discuss its new plan to expand the number of participant teams in the African tournament. The confederation intends to boost participants’ number from 16 to 24.<br /> <br /> The symposium will be followed by CAF Extraordinary General Assembly, which will be held on July 21 in Rabat<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyytb0UJIXU/WW7xFwLDwyI/AAAAAAAARho/6T_PByhXkbgqJt7iYAGcLAT5wz908FufgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_062220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="800" height="337" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyytb0UJIXU/WW7xFwLDwyI/AAAAAAAARho/6T_PByhXkbgqJt7iYAGcLAT5wz908FufgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170719_062220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> “The two meetings will be devoted to the discussion and validation of the recommendations emerging from the symposium,” said CAF in a press release.<br /> <br /> For his part, Lekjaa, who is also a member of the CAF’s executive board, said that Morocco is ready to replace Cameroon as the host of the 2019 African Football Cup of Nations cup in 2019 African Cup of Nations, in case the latter is unable to hold it due to “lack of capacity.”<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpxozx2UCnE/WW7wwAuSrbI/AAAAAAAARhk/EfKAgcPcZ8sb9Lop6HNmT7653-jfWd-bQCLcBGAs/s1600/DFBaUJrWAAAibC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1200" height="383" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpxozx2UCnE/WW7wwAuSrbI/AAAAAAAARhk/EfKAgcPcZ8sb9Lop6HNmT7653-jfWd-bQCLcBGAs/s400/DFBaUJrWAAAibC1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Cameroon has been reportedly “experiencing delays in the execution of various Nations Cup infrastructural projects,” according to sports platform Inside World Football.<br /> <br /> The president of the Algerian Football Federation, Kheireddine Zetchi, has also expressed his country’s desire to organize the 2019 African Cup of Nations.<br /> <br /> Morocco was expected to host the African in 2015, but fears of Ebola spread led Moroccan authorities to ask CAF to postpone the event. The postponement request was rejected, and the organization of that year’s cup went to Equatorial Guinea.</div>

2 Day CAF Symposium in Rabat: Explores the Future of African Football [The View Points]

The view points: 1. Recession in the Organization  of AFCON 2. Expanson to 24 teams AFCON tournament 3. Grassroots football and the dev...

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2017 Masterclass Talent Exhibition Lagos Nigeria: Re-living the Best Moments in Pictures [See All the Photos]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKvYTYrmYE4/WW2YAoJjZVI/AAAAAAAARgE/NayVJQ0gsS8u5SDhHDP2WqxvSGHfpPjAACLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1500022008212.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="720" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKvYTYrmYE4/WW2YAoJjZVI/AAAAAAAARgE/NayVJQ0gsS8u5SDhHDP2WqxvSGHfpPjAACLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1500022008212.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> 2017 Masterclass Talent Exhibition (MTE) that was held at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) private stadium facility, CAPPA Oshodi in Lagos Nigeria was one soccer scouting event the participants will not forget in a hurry.<br /> <br /> The program scheduled to last for one week in July ended up two weeks because of the heavy downpour (one week rain in Lagos) and the pitch waterlogged. So both the Organizers, Scouts, Media and Participants had to sacrifice one week more (time and money). Superior Options, the facility managers also deed a lot to accommodate the extended time.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvo8O9IhHc/WW2YTVoYeqI/AAAAAAAARgI/MJ1rAjPZw2sm996OsRpgvVEAsCWIJAyegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170708-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvo8O9IhHc/WW2YTVoYeqI/AAAAAAAARgI/MJ1rAjPZw2sm996OsRpgvVEAsCWIJAyegCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170708-WA0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch waterlogged due to heavy downpour</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The longer stay created enough time for bonding and building relationships among the players, inspite of the hectic training and match preparation sessions.<br /> <br /> The participants had to play three friendly but very competitive matches in three days...against Great Olympics Academy; Ogere FC (An Amateur league side) and People to People (P2P FC).  And Masterclass team drew two of the matches and won the one against Ogere FC.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JspVE-D9b4/WW2Y5hgNnrI/AAAAAAAARgM/SJ_RuarsFt4fLY3-8u1z3nr1OBh6u1oqACLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1500022644937.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1368" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JspVE-D9b4/WW2Y5hgNnrI/AAAAAAAARgM/SJ_RuarsFt4fLY3-8u1z3nr1OBh6u1oqACLcBGAs/s400/PhotoGrid_1500022644937.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masterclass Vs Ogere fc</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The program attracted a lot of spectators, estimated to be about 1000daily, mostly students of DBI and of the Open University as well as youths from the Military barracks close to the venue.<br /> <br /> DBN Africa, the TV right holders covered the event and the highlights of the daily program were aired on DMS Startimes 124 and UHF32 on free-air 8pm news round ups. Apart from television, the program was also streamed live online on the social media...Inspire Football pages on Facebooklive and Snapchat stories; and here on, CheerOnNigeria blog.<br /> <br /> <b>Let the photos tell you more of the story:</b><br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpqsgY3eZ-I/WW2c4vTmgiI/AAAAAAAARgU/Kv5vnx2aELUIFmiS2xDsJbBwrm_WnSJqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpqsgY3eZ-I/WW2c4vTmgiI/AAAAAAAARgU/Kv5vnx2aELUIFmiS2xDsJbBwrm_WnSJqwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-20170713-WA0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the participants</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b><br /></b> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra0hA6cEg1w/WW28uO-_BuI/AAAAAAAARgk/nPoeRUTPH1IRJR9Szh-5pU3DGaVJ6_AagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra0hA6cEg1w/WW28uO-_BuI/AAAAAAAARgk/nPoeRUTPH1IRJR9Szh-5pU3DGaVJ6_AagCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0010.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olawale and Alfred MVP in Match Day1</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDr0lLJxF80/WW29cjKUFbI/AAAAAAAARgo/VT6VI98INgcCF9GjVljDSeDXjsvv5X3YgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDr0lLJxF80/WW29cjKUFbI/AAAAAAAARgo/VT6VI98INgcCF9GjVljDSeDXjsvv5X3YgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0018.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derek Luwii Scored winning goal in Match Day2</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <b><br /></b> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-B5RRHO1A/WW2-aso2ssI/AAAAAAAARgs/s94mlrla9gk05A59CbZfGeLpPqo7I9J_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-B5RRHO1A/WW2-aso2ssI/AAAAAAAARgs/s94mlrla9gk05A59CbZfGeLpPqo7I9J_wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0004.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divine Madu, one of the newly discovered Talent</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b><br /></b> <b><br /></b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAMT6okWtIQ/WW3Anz3GbpI/AAAAAAAARg0/rckP9XaQ6_oAPaFHnWdUFybzTud1NLs-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAMT6okWtIQ/WW3Anz3GbpI/AAAAAAAARg0/rckP9XaQ6_oAPaFHnWdUFybzTud1NLs-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0007.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chika Johnson, defemsive midfield marshall</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BY7ZqxzQ_Zk/WW2_UhRE6FI/AAAAAAAARgw/hARbVRxwq18V2ylgkdlX1xDoSSc-VngnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BY7ZqxzQ_Zk/WW2_UhRE6FI/AAAAAAAARgw/hARbVRxwq18V2ylgkdlX1xDoSSc-VngnwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0009.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Val Obi, hard working midfielder</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <b><br /></b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVKQDPFD2Uw/WW3FQNJ_kTI/AAAAAAAARg4/UNjacnOp4N4YBnI8VUZbbErg_SP9pPLUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVKQDPFD2Uw/WW3FQNJ_kTI/AAAAAAAARg4/UNjacnOp4N4YBnI8VUZbbErg_SP9pPLUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0005.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel Ekezie,Asute Central Defender</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <b><br /></b> <b><br /></b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj8xmO_slT0/WW3GCVBagcI/AAAAAAAARg8/of_wxZcMrfQQFTALM_FbPOqCOGaV_aIcgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj8xmO_slT0/WW3GCVBagcI/AAAAAAAARg8/of_wxZcMrfQQFTALM_FbPOqCOGaV_aIcgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0013.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uche Davis, very Experienced Attacking Midfielder</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b><br /></b> <b>For further inquiry on how you can participate in the next edition of Masterclass Talent Exhibition. Email: gh.sports1@gmail.com or phone call or WhatsApp: +234(0)809 877 2556</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b><br /></b></div>

2017 Masterclass Talent Exhibition Lagos Nigeria: Re-living the Best Moments in Pictures [See All the Photos]

2017 Masterclass Talent Exhibition (MTE) that was held at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) private stadium facility, CAPPA Oshodi in...

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How to Make A Promo Video Clips that Instantly Interest Agents and Clubs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJt0qsGBMbQ/WWz-4KL2ayI/AAAAAAAARfs/QztVhwiu6NsLU1xCbroFGrPehj02n2SDgCLcBGAs/s1600/supersport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="620" height="412" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJt0qsGBMbQ/WWz-4KL2ayI/AAAAAAAARfs/QztVhwiu6NsLU1xCbroFGrPehj02n2SDgCLcBGAs/s640/supersport.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">A lot of players send me all sorts of video documents and links online. Some of them laughable though, while some are so terrible to sit down and watch such boring match videos that are poorly shot...movement of football players running about the pitch in such disorganized way you hardly could tell who is who.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">What Promo Videos Are Not...<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">#1. Promo-video clips are not match videos! So do not send an entire 2 hours game to an Agent. He may never watch it at all...or he may start, but will never finish watching it. He may doze off and not catch the moments when your best performance roll over in the match video. So save him all that stress!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">#2. Promo-video clips are not videos of a player's training session! So never make the promo video that contains juggling, free styling, free kicks taking only, futsal playing or playing for fun with friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Promo-video clips are document that showcase your best performances as well as outline your best playing attributes.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Promotional video is the most important part of your football CV. It is a short clip, made from various games (matches), where a player presents himself and emphasizes his attributes.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"> #3. Promo-video clips are not acted like movies, they are extracted from real match situation and compiled as an highlight of your best performances and attributes. Have you ever watched the best of Cristiano Ronaldo 2016/17 Season? It gives you an idea of what a Promo Video Clips looks like.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmgqkr6a7tg/WWz_B3Y8pJI/AAAAAAAARfw/GCHV6QqHnPkTRDWBYIRAMCiR4HTBHbYqwCLcBGAs/s1600/ronaldo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmgqkr6a7tg/WWz_B3Y8pJI/AAAAAAAARfw/GCHV6QqHnPkTRDWBYIRAMCiR4HTBHbYqwCLcBGAs/s400/ronaldo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><i>How to create A Promo Video...</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">In case you do not have a Promo-video clips, these are the things you must do immediately to create the best marketing document for yourself. Promo-Video clips are the single most important document every aspiring footballer or even professional player must have.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">First, if you are a Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) player, you can ask your club management of your current season videos.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">A lot of match video highlights are posted online. Search Youtube to see if you can find the match videos of the games you played.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Third, you can visit Supersports office at Ilupeju Lagos Nigeria to make inquiry of the NPFL matches they recorded on video...if they can make available the ones that involves you and your club.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvDbZISRGsc/WWz_PwqHsRI/AAAAAAAARf0/2Zck2MSe1YoqSDRi7Y_wr2SUTQ8c-FQsgCLcBGAs/s1600/video%2Bclips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvDbZISRGsc/WWz_PwqHsRI/AAAAAAAARf0/2Zck2MSe1YoqSDRi7Y_wr2SUTQ8c-FQsgCLcBGAs/s400/video%2Bclips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">ACTION NOTES</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">: Get to recordings of your matches or make sure (together with your team-mates) your matches are getting recorded.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Ask Your Coach.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"> If you’re using videos to analyze your performance after the game then you can surely get a copy directly from your club.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Get It From The Broadcast Station</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">. If your matches are broadcast live on TV, you can ask the TV station to give you a copy.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Hire A Cameraman:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"> or ask a friend. If the above options aren’t possible then you can hire a cameraman. Talk to your teammates so you’ll be able to share expenses and get copies for everyone. If all of you agree, you could even get a camera crew and end up with a professional recordings with multiple angles.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Unfortunately, most league matches or tournaments in Nigeria do not get professional video coverage, especially at the grassroots. It is extremely difficult for most players to show their talent and skills to Agents and clubs on Video.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Our answer to this need is to organize twice a year <b>Masterclass Talent</b> <b>Exhibition (MTE)...</b>a Scouting event in Lagos Nigeria. First, players from Nigeria and around West Africa countries attend a one day talent Assessment program, where only outstanding players are selected and invited for the next MTE program event where their games are captured on video in a match situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Now, let’s get back to the best way to produce your Promo Video Clips. Gather your recent match videos and look for a good multimedia video editor to produce the clips for you. Two things you will watch out for will guiding the editor are:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">1 Watch out for your best moves for each match video and get the video editor to extract them.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">2. Watch out for actions in the match videos that showcase your unique attributes such as: Eye for Goals, Good ball passer, good ball winner, and good with ball on flight...<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">The promo video must point out the best attributes according to the player’s position on the field, not just the best moves. Learn from these examples for:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: defensive play, tackling, positioning, reading the game, changing the sides of the play, short passes, long passes, long range shooting, set pieces, etc.;<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">GOALKEEPER: command of an area, best saves, one on one situations, reaction to high balls, good technique, long balls shooting, long ball throwing, etc.;<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">STRIKER: goals from all positions, with both legs, with head, defensive working habits, ability to keep the ball, one on one situation, set pieces, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">3 Get the editor to add as slow motion of your best moves and best attribute display extracted from the various match videos...if possible label them accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">4. Note: to make your Promo video very interesting to watch, go straight to the point and leave out unnecessary displays! Promo video should be between 10 minutes and max 20 minutes duration. No Agent or Club management have the time to watch long videos. Of course, they know they will see more of you during the club trials. So what your Promo Video clips set out to achieve is to capture the interest of club management so they can duly invite you for trials.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">For further inquiries on this subject matter</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">, <b>email:</b> gh.sports1@gmail.com <b>or phone call/ WhatApp</b>: +234(0)809 877 2556.<o:p></o:p></span></div> </div>

How to Make A Promo Video Clips that Instantly Interest Agents and Clubs

A lot of players send me all sorts of video documents and links online. Some of them laughable though, while some are so terrible to s...

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Masterclass Talent Exhibition Lagos Nigeria - What's Next for Africa's Biggest Football Scouting Event [Meet the Chairman, Organizing Committee]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHR-SH0kGQA/WWlavhPZhkI/AAAAAAAARfg/J5yWIBamM-wK8w1lVd8oE-MR0RdhCljggCLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1500022008212.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="720" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHR-SH0kGQA/WWlavhPZhkI/AAAAAAAARfg/J5yWIBamM-wK8w1lVd8oE-MR0RdhCljggCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1500022008212.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>#1. Let's meet you Sir?</b><br /> <br /> I am Benson Chukwueke, Co-founder as well as Chairman, organizing committee of Masterclass Talent Exhibition, 2017 Edition.<br /> <br /> <b>#2. Why Masterclass Talent Exhibition? What's the Concept all about?</b><br /> <br /> Masterclass Talent Exhibition (MTE) is perhaps an answer to the cry of millions of grassroots, semi professional and professional football players, seeking for a platform to showcase their football talent and skills to the world. We came about this concept through feedbacks we got from CheerOnNigeria Blog.<br /> <br /> CheerOnNigeria Blog is the publications of GreenHunters Sports International, a Sport Marketing outfit based in Lagos Nigeria, which I am also the Chief Executive Officer.<br /> <br /> We receive over a thousand calls daily through our various contact forms, email, phone calls, chats... of  people getting us to pay attention to the need of talented football players in the nook and cranes across Africa, estimated to be over 100 million youths, pushing so intense to break out to limelight...so intense we couldn't just ignore their 'out cry.'<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqzmxWXOcjY/WWlZ4nQdc9I/AAAAAAAARfY/SXK_VBj4E48UV3mC4v-UGQ52a-JFYTWtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170713-WA0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqzmxWXOcjY/WWlZ4nQdc9I/AAAAAAAARfY/SXK_VBj4E48UV3mC4v-UGQ52a-JFYTWtQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-20170713-WA0012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We found ourselves enagaging several of these players... and the incredible talents we discovered from the several players assessment programs we held convinced us even the more that we just have to do something to meet this need. So we set out to collaborate with Amiyno Sports Management and Kingchuza to organize this Scouting event.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>#3. So what are the goals and objectives; What Solutions does MTE provides?</b><br /> <br /> MTE is bridging the gap between talented players at the grassroots level and the various professional football clubs across the globe needing their services. MTE provide a platform where these skillful players can display their talents in front of invited Club Managers, Scouts, Agents and the media.<br /> <br /> Our Vision is to make MTE the Biggest and most popular Scouting event in Africa. Already players from Ghana, Guinea, Cameroon, Zambia, Kenya, Nambia... have indicated interest to participate in the program. And in this first edition we struggled a bit with bringing in Coaches, Scouts and Agents from Europe, Asia and America.<br /> <br /> We are hoping to build a preferred brand where Major clubs around the world will insist their officials come to scout for players in our subsequent editions.<br /> <br /> Our Mission is to help alleviate poverty across Africa by empowering youths with alternative means of livelyhood. With the Kind of money thrown at pro-players these days, we believe our success in getting any of these players scouted and possibly sign for big teams will help alleviate poverty in their family lineage.<br /> <br /> Beyond our primary goal, we are also building ROLE MODELS that will inspire other youths to aspire for greatness.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBdo3-yp1NY/WWlaTGygy2I/AAAAAAAARfc/sTyF58TcB9Mts4crqYP_3NnVPi9_8VXAgCLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1500022580189.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1288" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBdo3-yp1NY/WWlaTGygy2I/AAAAAAAARfc/sTyF58TcB9Mts4crqYP_3NnVPi9_8VXAgCLcBGAs/s400/PhotoGrid_1500022580189.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>#4. What are the Challenges you faced in this first edition of MTE?</b><br /> <br /> The MTE is a capital intensive project... and we had initial challenge of funding, but we had to get what we refer to as ''Golden Boot Capitalization option," a venture capitalist regime that bankrolled the football event for a percentage commission from any successful signing. So we got Kingchuza, the Solar people, on board who invested less than N2million for an event estimated to cost N20million or so. Of course, that put us on a very  tight budget, which greatly limited the ideal concept<br /> <br /> <b>#5. With All these challenges, would you say this first edition was a success?</b><br /> <br /> We are so excited with the outcome of this first edition, already we see that the second edition will be far better. The performances of some participants gave us so much joy, super striker Moses Alemoh, quick and sharp shooting,  could be an instant hit in Europe. Tough and skillful defensive midfielder, Chika Johnson, can make the first team of any top team in the world.<br /> <br /> Young and enteprising Divine and Tochukwu were outstanding in their techniques and ball intelligence.. could easily get the attention of any coach in the world....<br /> <br /> We have all their performances documented on video and will be sending them to our contacts in Europe, Asia and America. We are very hopeful that in the following weeks some of them will be contacted for club trials abroad.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEITmSoMJQ0/WWlZPJ_YkoI/AAAAAAAARfU/CAC8zgkJfzo2QUJUyrQyVRQbQD5v6yyPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/PhotoGrid_1500076308323.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1001" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEITmSoMJQ0/WWlZPJ_YkoI/AAAAAAAARfU/CAC8zgkJfzo2QUJUyrQyVRQbQD5v6yyPwCEwYBhgL/s400/PhotoGrid_1500076308323.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <b>#6. What's Ahead, what are your projections for the future?</b><br /> <br /> We have always known that Sponsorship is the life blood of any Sporting event. And we are working on the brand preference of MTE... that will make it the most attractive football scouting event in Africa. We are hoping we could attract some Associate Sponsors for the 2018 edition.<br /> <br /> Already the media awareness of MTE as a news worthy event is growing, especially online. We are optimistic that most of the media elements will go viral over the next six months. Already our feedback has been tremendous...thousands of grassroots players are asking us daily when we will  hold the second edition.<br /> <br /> We have already put place some mechanism that could help us expand our network with major clubs around the world, especially in Europe, China and USA. The future is bright for MTE!<br /> <br /> ~</div>

Masterclass Talent Exhibition Lagos Nigeria - What's Next for Africa's Biggest Football Scouting Event [Meet the Chairman, Organizing Committee]

#1. Let's meet you Sir? I am Benson Chukwueke, Co-founder as well as Chairman, organizing committee of Masterclass Talent Exhibi...

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Everton Tour East Africa to Campaign Against the Killing of Albinos: Land Tanzania Ahead of Gor Mahia Friendly

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4YgG0H-oo/WWZX_Kal5KI/AAAAAAAARe4/GTCSIQ-rgBgLhG3w0cPfV8wXNfqOqqhfQCLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="469" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4YgG0H-oo/WWZX_Kal5KI/AAAAAAAARe4/GTCSIQ-rgBgLhG3w0cPfV8wXNfqOqqhfQCLcBGAs/s640/images%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> English Premier League side Everton have arrived in Dar es Salaam for their first ever tour of East Africa.<br /> <br /> The visit is part of their pre-season tour ahead of the 2017/2018 Premier League season kick-off.<br /> <br /> Everton, who finished seventh in the league last season, have brought the entire first team squad.<br /> The team touched down at Dar es Salaam's international airport at 8am from Liverpool.<br /> <br /> Among the travelling party is newly signed Wayne Rooney, who returned to the Toffees from Manchester United at the weekend on a free transfer.<br /> <br /> Rooney is a big draw card and is expected to make his first appearance for Everton since he rejoined the club on Thursday in the friendly against Kenya's Gor Mahia at the 60,0000-seater National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuOKYbxrxko/WWZYUo_FY6I/AAAAAAAARe8/hhXyjYJ_th8KaAsEdD2MSyoPSL5JXuHGACLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuOKYbxrxko/WWZYUo_FY6I/AAAAAAAARe8/hhXyjYJ_th8KaAsEdD2MSyoPSL5JXuHGACLcBGAs/s400/images%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Many fans have travelled from neighbouring country to watch the game.<br /> Those who gathered outside the team's Dar es Salaam hotel were chanting "Rooney Rooney" as he made his way out of the bus.<br /> <br /> Also on hand was a sizeable group of nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were elated to see their hero Yannick Bolasie.<br /> <br /> They sung traditional songs which Bolasie responded to with some dances.<br /> Thursday's match is organised as part of Everton's new shirt sponsorship deal with football betting firm Sportpesa of Kenya.<br /> <br /> During their visit, Everton players will conduct coaching clinics and play a match against Albino United to help raise awareness against attacks on albino people.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GvkJ8Qhcaw/WWZY3htMnKI/AAAAAAAARfA/Jj7b45Mm7ZctPYRCtKONz5bxboRJ4QL0wCLcBGAs/s1600/1595769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="860" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GvkJ8Qhcaw/WWZY3htMnKI/AAAAAAAARfA/Jj7b45Mm7ZctPYRCtKONz5bxboRJ4QL0wCLcBGAs/s400/1595769.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Many albinos have been killed in Tanzania for ritual purposes.</div>

Everton Tour East Africa to Campaign Against the Killing of Albinos: Land Tanzania Ahead of Gor Mahia Friendly

English Premier League side Everton have arrived in Dar es Salaam for their first ever tour of East Africa. The visit is part of their ...

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15 Done Deals! Nigerian Players Who Completed Transfer Move This summer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD2YBmtTpDg/WWPur2G3kUI/AAAAAAAAReo/9ofQZqBlOTkHFTzCFls7IF-WLqntr3CIACLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD2YBmtTpDg/WWPur2G3kUI/AAAAAAAAReo/9ofQZqBlOTkHFTzCFls7IF-WLqntr3CIACLcBGAs/s640/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">While the dynamics of the summer transfer market are still playing out, we expect more Nigerian football players to switch clubs. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Lots of speculations have been around Kelechi Iheanacho, he is expected to move from Man city this summer. The same for players like Kayode Olarenwaju and home boy Stephen Odey...<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;">So far we can confirm  to you 15 Nigerian players who have completed their transfer deal early enough... (Transfer window closes by midnight August 31st, 2017):<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgL4MPdeylk/WWO41xurYKI/AAAAAAAARc8/8uDJ86Jo2dEZl-idbpGobTRtrQ-55oSVwCLcBGAs/s1600/henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgL4MPdeylk/WWO41xurYKI/AAAAAAAARc8/8uDJ86Jo2dEZl-idbpGobTRtrQ-55oSVwCLcBGAs/s400/henry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#1. Henry Onyekuru; [AS Eupen - Everton £6.8m].</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFNI_vVXYo4/WWO5NJY2ArI/AAAAAAAARdA/SZ0SOOHe0C0VtqFdnBm7JwhZ6aiChvLQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Anchebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFNI_vVXYo4/WWO5NJY2ArI/AAAAAAAARdA/SZ0SOOHe0C0VtqFdnBm7JwhZ6aiChvLQwCLcBGAs/s400/Anchebe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#2. Victor Anichebe; [Sunderland - Beijing Enterprises $10m]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> </b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rypXmGJLNws/WWO5iWyX7hI/AAAAAAAARdE/l4a_bE8vQow86C55sNoKJQdmH3Ye2m_2gCLcBGAs/s1600/emenike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rypXmGJLNws/WWO5iWyX7hI/AAAAAAAARdE/l4a_bE8vQow86C55sNoKJQdmH3Ye2m_2gCLcBGAs/s400/emenike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#3. Emmanuel Emenike [Fenerbanche - Olympiakos €2.5m]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /> </b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uaga01PLK4/WWO539NvYMI/AAAAAAAARdI/mAkbav66v_ADHbfnbB9a4zw8uAKYJQeMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Elderson-Echiejile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uaga01PLK4/WWO539NvYMI/AAAAAAAARdI/mAkbav66v_ADHbfnbB9a4zw8uAKYJQeMgCLcBGAs/s400/Elderson-Echiejile.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#4. Elderson Echejile [Monaco - Swasspor (undisclosed)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NK1AgSS7D9o/WWO6P7UaSFI/AAAAAAAARdM/viZuGojeWWIPST3h07AaeGC5cwTQYdhagCLcBGAs/s1600/rabiu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NK1AgSS7D9o/WWO6P7UaSFI/AAAAAAAARdM/viZuGojeWWIPST3h07AaeGC5cwTQYdhagCLcBGAs/s400/rabiu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#5. Rabiu Ibrahim [Gent - Slovan Bratislava €1m]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /> </span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsI-yLV9yyg/WWO9Vc5V0xI/AAAAAAAARdc/GBXMEPD7ysgpMkyWZsn4IIpnkDAD7IpjwCLcBGAs/s1600/ekong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsI-yLV9yyg/WWO9Vc5V0xI/AAAAAAAARdc/GBXMEPD7ysgpMkyWZsn4IIpnkDAD7IpjwCLcBGAs/s400/ekong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#6. William Troost-Ekong [ Gent - Bursaspor (Unxisxlosed)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /> </b></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsm3jJ16mjs/WWO9msi8QzI/AAAAAAAARdg/SVN67QQg4-wYjKaC4Bac38FQkmOiwRa4gCLcBGAs/s1600/emem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsm3jJ16mjs/WWO9msi8QzI/AAAAAAAARdg/SVN67QQg4-wYjKaC4Bac38FQkmOiwRa4gCLcBGAs/s400/emem.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#7. Emem Eduok [Esperance - Kasimpasa $325k]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /> </span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOGNQJd9_XU/WWO988Da9xI/AAAAAAAARdk/vDO_3erPmzcKwvLzG8z2hNvM6WvIx8pWACLcBGAs/s1600/Imoh-Ezekiel-Konyaspor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="690" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOGNQJd9_XU/WWO988Da9xI/AAAAAAAARdk/vDO_3erPmzcKwvLzG8z2hNvM6WvIx8pWACLcBGAs/s400/Imoh-Ezekiel-Konyaspor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#8. Imoh Ezekiel; [Al Arabi - Konyaspor (undisclosed)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b><br /> </b></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkCLb51Y-TQ/WWO-Ud2u-BI/AAAAAAAARdo/n-9ikWZh0PQgU3K_Ym0hGmb46QfPvyl5wCLcBGAs/s1600/awaziem.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="670" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkCLb51Y-TQ/WWO-Ud2u-BI/AAAAAAAARdo/n-9ikWZh0PQgU3K_Ym0hGmb46QfPvyl5wCLcBGAs/s400/awaziem.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#9. Chidoziem Awaziem; [FC Porto - Nantes (Loan)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /> </span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h1aZT9wdO8/WWPAJ9q86lI/AAAAAAAARdw/guYvnj746GcojCK5_zsQLYACDlxhJny3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Dominic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h1aZT9wdO8/WWPAJ9q86lI/AAAAAAAARdw/guYvnj746GcojCK5_zsQLYACDlxhJny3wCLcBGAs/s400/Dominic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#10 Dominic Solanke; [Chelsea - Liverpool (free transfer)</b><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">]</span></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /> </span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmUEekDe8go/WWPAZrvU-VI/AAAAAAAARd0/hsksckW-TR4Dg8yf1GpKynjfWtTjixKKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Abraham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="631" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmUEekDe8go/WWPAZrvU-VI/AAAAAAAARd0/hsksckW-TR4Dg8yf1GpKynjfWtTjixKKgCLcBGAs/s400/Abraham.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">#11. Tammy Abraham [Chelsea - Swansea (Loan)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /> </span><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1kjlLMTnhY/WWPMXU5W03I/AAAAAAAAReE/2kQ3wmQEMLslf1pDIVqyuAgZcYIvyEXfQCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="324" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1kjlLMTnhY/WWPMXU5W03I/AAAAAAAAReE/2kQ3wmQEMLslf1pDIVqyuAgZcYIvyEXfQCLcBGAs/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">#</span><b style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">12. Peter Olayinka; [Gent - Zulte Waregem (Loan)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> </div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bj1NLIvIoA/WWPM09eqd6I/AAAAAAAAReI/aggEDGAqOCoWijzNKI80JFNu-8NP7aDMwCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="446" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bj1NLIvIoA/WWPM09eqd6I/AAAAAAAAReI/aggEDGAqOCoWijzNKI80JFNu-8NP7aDMwCLcBGAs/s400/unnamed.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">#</span><b style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">13. Kingsley Sokari; [CS Sfaxen - Club African (Free transfer)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> </div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbvYlZ3EFc/WWPNehr527I/AAAAAAAAReM/roHwZudEGOwCllLgDAr6185S8UuoAxxFACLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="485" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbvYlZ3EFc/WWPNehr527I/AAAAAAAAReM/roHwZudEGOwCllLgDAr6185S8UuoAxxFACLcBGAs/s400/unnamed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">#14. Abdul Jeleel Ajagun; [Panathioakos - KV Kontrijk (undosclosed)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> </div> <div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 130%;"> <br /></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zQqVtw0mbI/WWPPERwTYYI/AAAAAAAAReY/bZJ0Ain9iQEhct0KfFrYusZBBZFVGCvaQCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zQqVtw0mbI/WWPPERwTYYI/AAAAAAAAReY/bZJ0Ain9iQEhct0KfFrYusZBBZFVGCvaQCLcBGAs/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">#</span><b style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 130%; text-align: left;">15. Osaguona Ighodaro; [KV Mechelen - JK Kabylie (free transfer)]</b></td></tr> </tbody></table> </div>

15 Done Deals! Nigerian Players Who Completed Transfer Move This summer

While the dynamics of the summer transfer market are still playing out, we expect more Nigerian football players to switch clubs.  L...

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Sunshine Stars Stun ABS, Win Away From Home in Ilorin [See All NPFL Week28 Round up]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YetwGj6xZyw/WWNKaNvMt0I/AAAAAAAARco/6NKmcibXdW0hrnqYi_4I01C9y1lq1gvhACLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="460" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YetwGj6xZyw/WWNKaNvMt0I/AAAAAAAARco/6NKmcibXdW0hrnqYi_4I01C9y1lq1gvhACLcBGAs/s640/images%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> six-goal thriller between Aboubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS)  FC and Sunshine Stars at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, is a top pick  of the Matchday-28 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches played on Sunday.<br /> <br /> Sikiru Alimi opened the floodgate of goals in the ABS-Sunhine game in the 46th minute. The Sunshine lead was doubled eight minutes later through Ajibola Otegbeye with a pinpoint header.<br /> ABS pulled a goal back in the 61st minute through Samuel Oyedeji. Teammate Adeshina Gata hit the woodwork there minutes after the Ilorin side scored.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8nMDEBFSjg/WWNKl2R_b4I/AAAAAAAARcs/0-YpThcQ9ME4O_CNuOIjvGJ7AYz8XakIQCLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="454" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8nMDEBFSjg/WWNKl2R_b4I/AAAAAAAARcs/0-YpThcQ9ME4O_CNuOIjvGJ7AYz8XakIQCLcBGAs/s400/images%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> ABS' Ebola Anaekwe made it 2-3 from a goal-line scramble but Sunshine restored their two goal lead through Ezekiel Thompson seconds later. The match ended ABS 2 - 4 Sunshine Stars.<br /> <br /> <b>Other Week 28 Round Up</b><br /> Enyimba of Aba, Wikki Tourists, Katsina United,  Plateau United and Gombe United all won their NPFL games on Sunday.<br /> <br /> League leaders,  Plateau with 51 points; Enyimba (3rd on 44 pints) and Wikki have thus extended their run of successive home wins following Sunday's wins with eight victories on the spin.<br /> <br /> Emma James scored Plateau's first goal of the evening in the 21st minute from the penalty spot.<br /> Emeka Umeh (86th minute) and Kabiru Umar (90th minute)  scored the other two goals for Plateau.<br /> <br /> Enyimba's Ikechukwu Ibenegbu curled in a beautiful freekick at the death of the first half in their clash against Niger Tornadoes at the UJ Eusene stadium in Calabar.<br /> <br /> Two other goals by the People Elephant came from Chinonso Okonkwo in the 64th minute and Stanley Dimgba in the 90th minute.<br /> <br /> Enugu Rangers were ahead in their match against 3SC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu through Godwin Aguda who put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 29th minute. But the Cathedral was quiet when Abu  Azeez equalised with ten minutes left on the clock.<br /> In the other matches,  Katsina United defeated Lobi Stars 2-1, Gombe defeated El Kanemi 2-0 ,Wikki won 2-0 at home against Pillars while Lobi lost 2-1 to Katsina United.<br /> <br /> Results of Week 28 matches<br /> Rangers 1-1 3sc<br /> Wikki 2-0 Pillars<br /> Katsina 2-1 Lobi<br /> Gombe 2-0 El Kanemi<br /> Enyimba 3-0Tornadoes<br /> Abia 2-0 Nasarawa<br /> ABS 2-4 Sunshine<br /> Plateau 3-0 Akwa<br /> <br /></div>

Sunshine Stars Stun ABS, Win Away From Home in Ilorin [See All NPFL Week28 Round up]

six-goal thriller between Aboubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS)  FC and Sunshine Stars at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, is a top pick  of th...

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Lionel Messi's Prison Sentence Dropped, Spanish Court Issues Fine Instead

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnA9lmIFdoM/WWDame2G-TI/AAAAAAAARcQ/HIQ9UKeGZz8yN90GohCupcneNeBqDAbRQCLcBGAs/s1600/gettyimages-666256546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="580" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnA9lmIFdoM/WWDame2G-TI/AAAAAAAARcQ/HIQ9UKeGZz8yN90GohCupcneNeBqDAbRQCLcBGAs/s640/gettyimages-666256546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> A Spanish court has on Friday July 7, 2017 withdrawn a 21-month sentence handed to Lionel Messi for tax fraud, and instead issued the Argentine football superstar with a fine of €250,000 ($285,600).<br /> <br /> In July last year, the Court of Catalonia ruled that Messi, who plays his club football with Spanish LaLiga team Barcelona, and father Jorge were guilty of three counts of tax fraud in relation to the player’s image rights.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28nID5dmpls/WWDb0C-2W1I/AAAAAAAARcY/GI5X5A7q2Xc0D9hgZHqselgGpUSDdQAXACLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="443" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28nID5dmpls/WWDb0C-2W1I/AAAAAAAARcY/GI5X5A7q2Xc0D9hgZHqselgGpUSDdQAXACLcBGAs/s400/images%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Spanish tax office accused Messi and Jorge of defrauding the government of €4.2m in tax between 2007 and 2009. The court said the pair had used a group of shell companies to reduce tax on income from image rights deals.</div>

Lionel Messi's Prison Sentence Dropped, Spanish Court Issues Fine Instead

A Spanish court has on Friday July 7, 2017 withdrawn a 21-month sentence handed to Lionel Messi for tax fraud, and instead issued the Ar...

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Michel Platini Loses Appeal Against Football Ban

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAXaUKHhmbI/WV-CUd2V9yI/AAAAAAAARb4/PNApOTDbr0ggQatVHr8BxfM731uQwDjJwCLcBGAs/s1600/platinififapres_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="580" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAXaUKHhmbI/WV-CUd2V9yI/AAAAAAAARb4/PNApOTDbr0ggQatVHr8BxfM731uQwDjJwCLcBGAs/s640/platinififapres_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Swiss Federal Tribunal, the highest legal institution in that country, has rejected an appeal by Michel Platini against his four-year ban from football activities.<br /> <br /> The initial ban imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Platini, the former president of Uefa, football’s European governing body, blocked the Frenchman from participating in the February 2016 presidential election at Fifa, the sport’s global administration.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqH7dDheWdU/WV-Dr80m_MI/AAAAAAAARcA/tlvbvzNeEVsLzOmbGWdfjiBW4Osj0LZXgCLcBGAs/s1600/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="443" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqH7dDheWdU/WV-Dr80m_MI/AAAAAAAARcA/tlvbvzNeEVsLzOmbGWdfjiBW4Osj0LZXgCLcBGAs/s400/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Swiss court said that the ban did “not appear to be manifestly excessive.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Platini was found not to have been entitled to a CHF2m ($2m) payment in backdated salary in 2011, apparently for working as an adviser to Sepp Blatter, then the president of Fifa.<br /> <br /> Platini and Blatter, who both denied any wrongdoing, claimed that they had a verbal agreement in place for the payment. However, both received bans.</div>

Michel Platini Loses Appeal Against Football Ban

The Swiss Federal Tribunal, the highest legal institution in that country, has rejected an appeal by Michel Platini against his four-yea...

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