I Will Give You 32 million CFA Francs If You Beat Greece – Ivory Coast President Promises | INFORMATION NIGERIA

I Will Give You 32 million CFA Francs If You Beat Greece Ivory Coast President Promises

Posted by: Deolu on June 24, 2014

Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara has promised his Ivorien national team over 30 million CFA Francs if they qualify for the FIFA World Cup round of 16.

Ouattara said this yesterday and his revelation was revealed to the players by president of the National Assembly Guillaume Soro, when he visited their World Cup home in Sau Paulo.

The Ivorien players are due 16 million CFA francs ($24,400, 17,900 euros) per player if they win against Greece and with the recent incentive, that will double to 32 million CFA francs, FIF revealed on their website.

It was revealed that the new promise was to motivate the players more to go out and give their all to make the next stage of the competition.

Ivory coast are currently second with three points in group C after beating Japan 2-1 and losing to Colombia 2-1. To make the next round the ivoriens need to win, a draw will leave them at 4 points and they will hopw Japan doesn’t beat Colombia in their final game.

This money might seem as a paltry sum for some of the big names in the team like Manchester City’s Yaya Toure or Galatasaray’s Didier Drogba who earn more thann that monthly but for reserve goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo it would be welcomed.

Mohamed Salah reveals how he joined Chelsea using Whatsapp | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Mohamed Salah reveals how he joined Chelsea using Whatsapp

Posted by: @femi4arsenal on June 24, 2014

Salah

Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah has revealed for the first time how an exchange of WhatsApp messages with Jose Mourinho helped clinch his January move to Stamford Bridge, after initially missing a phone call from the Blues manager.

The Egypt international joined from FC Basel in an £11 million deal in the mid-season window, but his arrival in west London might never have transpiredhad the Portuguese tactician not received the 22- year-olds reply via the instant messenger tool.

In an interview with Egyptian TV as reported by 101greatgoals.com Salah recalls the horror he felt after seeing a missed call from Mourinho, andwithout any credit on his mobile phone thinking he was unable to get back in touch with him.

However, the dismay felt after potentially missing out on a prospective transfer to Chelsea passed after he received an unlikely response on WhatsApp from the 51-year-old following his last-ditch attempt to make contact.

The pair continued negotiations from there, and thankfully an agreement between player and club was reached, meaning Salahs switch was completedbefore the transfer deadline.{GMS}

HEARTLESS: CITY did not give me time to see my brother- Yaya Toure | INFORMATION NIGERIA

HEARTLESS: CITY did not give me time to see my brother- Yaya Toure

Posted by: @femi4arsenal on June 24, 2014

Yaya Toure

Manchester Citys midfielder Yaya Toure has revealed his club displayed a lackadaisical attitude towards his late brother. Information Nigeria understands.

The Ivorian while on International duty received the sad news of the death of his brother aged 28, who was battling with cancer.

Now, Yaya Toure has told the press exclusively that Manchester City denied him visits to his sick brother after their title victory.

He [Ibrahim] was my confidant, my best friend too. City did not want to give me a few days [before leaving for the World Cup with Ivory Coast], Yaya said, as quoted by France Football and Goal.

The player revealed he was busy celebrating the English Premier League title triumph, while his brother was on the sick-bed, and regrets embarking on such decision.

I went to celebrate the league title in Abu Dhabi, while my brother was dying in his bed. Toure continued.

Afterwards, I was angry with myself for not having insisted. For not having enforced [my absence from the trip]. However, my [City] officials knew that I was suffering for a few months at seeing my brothers health decline.

This is not the first time Toure and City have been on the media headlines. Last time, we reported exclusively that the player was planning to leave the club after City did not celebrate their influential talisman on his Birthday.

TYPICAL: Luis Suarez bites another player in pulsating WorldCup contest | INFORMATION NIGERIA

TYPICAL: Luis Suarez bites another player in pulsating WorldCup contest

Posted by: @femi4arsenal on June 24, 2014

For the third time in a row, Liverpools striker Luis Suarez is in the media center again for an abhorrent similar antics of the past.

In a typical fashion, Luis Suarez bit the shoulders of Giorgio Chiellini and his reaction seems the defender didnt taste good.

Information Nigeria feels the Uruguay International has gone mad.

Suarez

Uruguay Edges Out Italy in a Fierce Group D Finale | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Uruguay Edges Out Italy in a Fierce Group D Finale

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

Diego Godins late strike sent Uruguay to the second round of the World Cup and eliminated ten-man Italy out of the tournament.

Claudio Marchisio was sent off for an ugly challenge on Egidios Rios with 30 minutes to go.

Captain Godins late header made the difference in Natal as La Celeste finished runners-up of Group D, behind Costa Rica, who played out to a goalless draw with the already ousted England in the other game.

Uruguays Diego Goddins Goal Made The Difference Against Italy in Natal.

Luis Suarez had tangled with Giorgio Chiellini moments before the goal and the Italy defender then claimed the striker had bitten him.

Suarez Appears to Bite Chiellini During Tuesdays 1-0 Win.

Italy came into the match aware that a defeat would out-rightly rule them out of the last-16.

The opening 20 minutes of the encounter accounted for 12 free-kicks, owing to some ferocious tackles and terrible challenges, which not until the 23rd minute rarely deserved punishment by Marco Rodriguez.

Alvaro Pereira Vies for the Ball With Italys Matteo Darmian.

Italys first chance arrived a minute after the half-hour mark as an unmarked Ciro Immobile let fly a shot from inside the Uruguay goal area.

Cesare Prandellis men restricted Uruguay to speculative shots, while Gianluigi Buffon was alert to smother one of those from Luis Suarez after a lovely one-two, before denying Nicola Lodeiro.

Italy were cruising at the break and Uruguay needed a goal to get back into the tournament.

Claudio Marchisio Sent Off After an Ugly Tackle.

The referee waved play on as Leornardo Bonucci wrestled Edinson Cavani to the ground seven minutes after the interval.

The fierce tackle between both opponent was always at some point going to irritate the Mexican match official and when Marchisio raised his stud too high- for the referees liking- on Arevalos leg, he eventually got his marching order.

Barlotelli Had a Disappointing Game, Having Been Suspended from the Azzuris Next Game, He Was Suspended at Half-Time.

The South American began making the most of their one-man advantage and Suarez, away from two defenders on the edge of the Italians box, poked a low shot towards the bottom corner, only to see Buffons outstretched palm push it away.

Italy resulted to a more defensive approach and with time running out coach Oscar Tabarez was beginning to get more and more agitated in the bench.

Just into the closing ten minutes of the fierce finale, Suarez appeared to bite defender Chiellini while challenging for the ball inside his sides penalty area, the referee was nowhere near the action so it went unpunished.

Italy players were still fuming about the incident when Uruguay won a corner and Godin rose highest to nod the resultant kick home.

Every attempt to smuggle out a point from the game were fended off by Uruguay before the referee brought the match to its climax.

Prandelli Steps Down from His Position as Italy Boss | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Prandelli Steps Down from His Position as Italy Boss

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli says he is resigning after his sides elimination from the World Cup.

Prandelli announced he has submitted his resignation to the Italian FAs president after the defeat to Uruguay.

I spoke to the heads of the Italian FA afterwards and I told them I’m resigning, Prandelli announced at his post-match press conference. We’ve come up short in technical terms and I’m the one who’s responsible for that.

The 56-year-old was handed the reins of the Azzurris after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, officially succeeding Marcelo Lippi on August 10, 2010.

Cesare Prandelli To Resigns as Italy Coach.

He signed a two year deal expected to keep him in charge of the team until Uefa 2016 in March, after guiding them to qualification for Brazil.

While at the tournament, Italy opened with a 2-1 win over England before losing to eventual group winners Costa Rica and Uruguay by a goal.

Something has changed since my contract was renewed. I dont know why. I chose a certain technical plan and thats why Im resigning because it did not work, he added.

The ex-Roma and Fiorentina boss also led the team to a second-place finish at the Euro 2012 final in Poland and Ukraine, where they were beaten by eventual champions Spain 4-0.

After winning 23 of his 51 matches in charge of the Italian team- drawing 16 with only 12 losses- Prandelli has decided to end his time with the four-time champions.

Italy lost a controversial final Group D game to Uruguay on Tuesday, to exit the World Cup at the group stage.

Claudio Marchisio was sent off for an ugly challenge on Egidios Rios with 30 minutes to go.

Captain Godins late header made the difference in Natal as La Celeste finished runners-up of Group D, behind Costa Rica, who played out to a goalless draw with the already ousted England in the other game.

It was an even game when it was 11 against 11, with both sides challenging for possession and us creating chances to go through, Prandelii said after the match. It was a good match but unfortunately for us Marchisio’s sending-off influenced the rest of the game.

The coach is not the only person to leave his position at the football federation, with president Giancarlo Abete also stepping down. He said he would recommend that Prandelli changes his mind, but that he himself was going.

I will go to the board and offer my irrevocable resignation too. I had already made this decision before the World Cup, he said.

NFF Says Yobo Needs Two More Caps to a Century | INFORMATION NIGERIA

NFF Says Yobo Needs Two More Caps to a Century

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to clarify minor discrepancies concerning numbers of appearances made by Joseph Yobo.

NFF Media Director Ademola Olajire has confirmed that the Super Eagles skipper Yobo, 33, only earned his record 98 caps in Saturdays 1-0 win over Bosnia-Hercegovina and not 99 as was earlier thought.

The official figure we have for Yobo is 96 caps after the USA friendly in Jacksonville, Olajire told KickOffNigeria.com.

He has now added two more at World Cup.

Yobo Won His 97th Cap in the Goalless Draw With Greece at PPL Park, Philadelphia.

He did not play in the game against Lesotho in Warri in 2007, which has been included in his appearances.

Olajire attributes the players longevity to his commitment to national duty, adding he is a good example to follow.

It is not easy to get to this mark, and it is a sign of his consistent commitment that he is where he is now.

This means the Fenerbahce of Turkey defender is now a couple of games shy of reaching his century and it is yet unclear whether he would get one against Argentina in his sides final World Cup Group F game on Wednesday, owing to the return to fitness of Godfrey Oboabona.

However, Yobo is indifferent about racking up 100 appearances with the national team.

Its good news that I will reach that milestone but what is upermost in my mind is for the team to wins to advance to the next stage. The rest will be bonus, said Yobo.

Keshi Unhappy With Nigeria’s Fans | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Keshi Unhappy With Nigerias Fans

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

Nigeria Coach Stephen Keshi has hit back at the countrys overbearing football fans, for abusing his person following the teams goalless draw against Iran.

Disgruntled soccer fans from the West African nation leveled loads of insensitive criticisms on the Afcon 2013-winning coach, after the Super Eagles opened their World Cup campaign in a stalemate.

Im disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but its their thing, no wahala (no problem), and angry Keshi said.

Stephen Keshi Lashes Out at Nigerias Overbearing Supporters.

Its a shame, just a shame that we keep doing the same thing and then they come back and they say they are sorry. Sorry for abusing my mum? Sorry for abusing my siblings? For what? That Im representing Nigeria?

Nigeria take on Argentina on Wednesday and need avoid defeat to progress to the round of 16.

Kanu: Eagles Will Be Better Against Argentina | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Kanu: Eagles Will Be Better Against Argentina

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

The third and fourth stanzas of the Nigeria National anthem charges us: To serve our father land; With Love and strength and faith.

And for the third time the Super Eagles will belt them out in Porto Alegre to open the stage for their final Group F clash with Argentina, who will be responding with their own version of Cancion Patriotica (the Patriotic Song).

Flying the countrys flag, is a honourable task that comes with its toils and broils, but to crown it up with the words of another compatriot who is testament to these national ethos, Kanu Nwankwo: Everyone wants to win it for Nigeria.

There are three goals everyone wants to achieve at the World Cup. The first is to participate, the second is to make your mark, and the third is to win it Kanu Nwankwo, OON on Fifa.com.

Kanu Nwankwo After Scoring a Sudden-Death Goal Against Argentina in Atlanta 1996.

The two-time Caf Player of the Year award recipient twice tasted heartbreaks in the hands of La Albiceleste either side of bearing it all with a failing heart, while coasting to the Atlanta Olympics Gold at the expense of the same foes.

From South Korea/Japan to South Africa and now Brazil. Despite not having to lace up his boots and don the now-lemon green-white jersey on to the pitch this time round, Papilo remains a loud voice cheering the younger generation to glory.

I love (following the team around Brazil), the 37-year-old told Fifa.com. Do I think I will be here for the whole tournament? I would say yes, because we are going to get to the semi finals of course.

Having never beaten Argentina on the biggest stage in world football, the time is right for Nigeria to take its fair pound of flesh. At the moment, a draw will do.

Last time we reached the second round of the World Cup, Kanu was a General at the forefront. Now a member of the rusty few who like me and you watches from the comfort of a four-legged upright, the ex-Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal striker remains critical of Eagless performances, but likens them to a good wine.

When we played against Iran, they were not really coming out. The Bosnians, of course, wanted to win so they came out and that suited our pattern of play, which was good for us, he added.

I think Nigeria will earn a point against Argentina, because what has happened with the Nigeria team is that they keep getting better game after game, so I believe when we play Argentina the confidence and the winning mentality beating Bosnia will bring will mean we will be able to do well against Argentina.

For fairness sake, that is one distinctive attribute of the coach Stephen Keshi lads, against the Clemens Westerhorf side, whom himself the big boss captained to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) triumph (the two best Nigeria coaches of contemporary times).

Keshi has been furious about Nigerians overbearing impatience, and the 52-year-old is right. Nigerians wants it sharp, sharp with no wahala, but football has never been bed of roses. Yet pardon me to say, even the footballing world scorned at the teams performance against Iran; but for the latter justification against the high-powered Argentina who waited until injury time to squeeze out three points against the Persians.

Never-less, the Eagles of today are habitual slow starters. Weve witnessed that for quite a couple of time- in last years victorious Afcon campaign and the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) early this year, both in South Africa.

He (Keshi) has done it in the Africa Cup of Nations but he still has to do it this time around, said Kanu, and he does not mean to subject the team to any form of pressure whatsoever.

When (Keshi) came in, he said we need to build a team and before we knew it we won the Nations Cup and now we are in the World Cup, so I think the work is in progress.

And Nigerians are loving it. Let the Nigerian team throng onto the Estadio Beira Rio pitch on Wednesday, knowing there are over 170 million others back home wishing them luck. The talents are there and they will never be found wanting. We are underdogs to our big name opponents, not when you remember the mighty ones have fallen. What else than a show of attitude and winning culture that were made of, and I promise Group F is for the African champions to progress.

(Excerpt from We Called Keshi Big Boss on Fifa.com was used in this article)

Safa Debunks Keshi Appointment Rumour | INFORMATION NIGERIA

Safa Debunks Keshi Appointment Rumour

Posted by: Omaku Cephas on June 24, 2014

The South African Football Association (Safa) have categorically denied speculations suggesting that current head coach of the Nigeria national team had signed a two-year contract to assume the Bafana Bafana coaching job.

Safa President Danny Jordaan in a statement reiterates they will only announce Gordon Igesunds successor mid-July following due process, while also dispelling a purported article published by a Nigerian website on Monday.

“That article, which is attributed to a source, is devoid of any truth as SAFA will only make the decision on the appointment of the new coach mid-July, Safa wrote in its statement.

Stephen Keshi Has Until 2015 to Terminate His Relationship With The Super Eagles.

Keshis name has been mentioned along with soon-to-resign Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz, as frontrunners for the Safa job.

The Super Eagles coachs future has taken centre stage since revealing that he has at least six offers on the table.

Keshi, 52, has until 2015 in his present contract with the Super Eagles, whom he guided to a third Afcon title in South Africa last year and, with whom they are presently making a fifth appearance at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

“Keshi’s name is among the various names that have been thrown around by the media. SAFA has not yet arrived at any decision regarding the appointment of the new Senior Men’s National Coach. That decision will be pronounced once the World Cup is over,” added Jordaan.

Nigeria will play their final Group F game against Argentina in Porto Alegre on Wednesday and need just a point to advance into the last-16.