[PHOTO] World Best Cristiano Ronaldo To Wear diamond-Encrusted Golden Boots In Next Match

Footwear giant Nike has created their first ever micro-diamond encrusted gold football boots for Cristiano Ronaldo For winning his third Ballon d'Or,  which he will wear in his next match which is today January 15th against Atletico Madrid. It's a gift

The boot, (pictured Below) dubbed the Mercurial CR7 Rare Gold, is a gift from Nike to Ronaldo as a tribute 'to his remorseless work ethic'. The company explains;

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Third Ballon D’or

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid forward has been awarded the Ballon D’or for the third time in his career tonight.
He was given the nod ahead of close rival and four time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi as well as Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Nueuer.
The 29 year old player is winning it for the second time in a row after winning the award last year. He also won the award in 2008.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a whooping 37.66 percent of the votes, while Messi edged Neuer, 15.76 to 15.72 percent, for runner-up.
In guiding Real Madrid to their “La Decima”, Cristiano Ronaldo set a record of 17 goals in the prestigious Uefa Champions League

Ronaldo Wins Best Player Of 2014 Award

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended 2014 in style by collecting the Best Player of the Year accolade at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Ronaldo has enjoyed arguably the greatest year of his career, breaking the record for the number of goals in a single Champions League season as he led Real Madrid to their 10th title, while maintaining his better than a goal-per-game ratio across five prolific years in Spain.

Ronaldo is hotly tipped to follow up this success by claiming the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row, and third time overall. He faces competition from Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer for the prize, which is announced on January 12.

“I want to say thank you to the people at Real Madrid, – the players, the coach – we had a fantastic season, we won four trophies and we are one of the best teams in the world. “To win this is one of the great pleasures, I am very proud.” The Globe Soccer Awards, an event that has been streamed live, has a number of other categories promoting the very best football has had to offer across a hugely successful year.

Lionel Messi Accuses FIFA Of Targeting Him With Doping Tests

Lionel Messi has claimed he was subjected to more rigorous anti-doping controls than his Barcelona team-mates ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Officers from AETSAD (Spanish Agency for Protection of Health in Sport), who work in conjunction with Uefa, visited Barcelona and conducted tests on five players – Messi, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Jordi Alba – prior to Monday morning’s training session..

Super Eagles Striker, Obafemi Martins Retires From International Football

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins has retired from the Super Eagles & International football.

Martins had made only two appearances for the Eagles since 2012, and believes there are people who don’t want him in the team.

“No, I am done with my national team, I will not go there any more. I do not have good relationships with some companions, ” Martins said in an interview with Italian daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Ronaldo, Messi, Neuer Makes Final Three for the Ballon d’Or 2014

FIFA has revealed the final 3 nominees out of the initial 23 candidates for the 2014 Ballon d’Or award. The list includes current holder, Portugal and Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo; Argentina and Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi and Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. Of the three, Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the awards four times while Cristiano Ronaldo, widely believed to be the favourite this year, has won it twice – in 2008 and again last year .
The winner will be announced at a glittering gala on Monday, January 12, 2014.

Keshi to earn N84m annually

Stephen Keshi will reportedly sign a new deal with the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) and will now be earning seven million Naira per month.
The deal is expected to be a 12-month contract that will elapse at the end of 2015.

Keshi’s last contract with the NFF which ended after the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament was at N5million per month.
And one of the reasons why a deal failed to be brokered since then was the haggling over the price he wanted to be paid.

[PHOTOS] Orezi Signs Multi-Million Naira Merrybet Deal

Popular Afro hip-hop & dancehall artiste, Esegine Allen aka Orezi has just signed a juicy multimillion naira deal with Nigeria’s foremost and most innovative bookmaker, Merrybet.

The shoki crooner “Alhaji Orezi”, who was elated at signing the deal said “Merrybet has brought a lot of appeal and sophistication to the business of sports betting and that it felt good to be associated with such an innovative brand.”

At the event which held at the company’s VGC office, the company’s Chief communications officer, Mr Lanre Odiase said “Merrybet is pleased to have Orezi as an ambassador as he has a fresh style and also a large fan base especially among the youths.”

Nigeria Turns Down 2015 AFCON Over Ebola Concerns, Equatorial Guinea to Host It

Equatorial Guinea has just been named the hosts for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) selected the country as a replacement for Morocco who requested that the Nations cup be postponed due to concern over an outbreak of the Ebola virus in their country.

It would appear that Nigeria was also in strong contention as a replacement for Morocco as hosts, but turned it down also due to Ebola fears. According to football analyst Colin Udoh, “Nigeria were this close to accepting to host, but backed down to the Ebola argument, saying – We were lucky to escape it first time, don’t test the fates.”

You Can’t Criticize Me, I’ve Not Been Playing” – Ideye Hits Back

Brown Ideye has fired back at his critics, stating that he is not a flop and he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

The Nigeria international joined West Brom Albion as their record signing, but failed to make the match day squad for the last two games. Ideye has only played two games for the Baggies and scored just once.

“A lot of people are writing on my Instagram and Twitter page saying ‘you’re s***’ or ‘you’re not worth the money’,” Ideye told Birmingham Mail.

"I Don’t Think It Is Proper To Say My Fate Is Tied To Nigeria's Job" - Keshi

Stephen Keshi has said that he is not worrying over if Nigeria will offer him a new deal, as his present concern is to qualify the country for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The Big Boss was initially dismissed after a 3-1 victory over Sudan and replaced with Shuaibu Amodu. But a series of events had led to his reinstatement and he will not oversee the final two matches against Congo and South Africa.

Why I Rejected World Cup Bonus – Courtney Dike

Falconets’ forward, Courtney Dike has cleared the air on why she rejected the bonus paid to her for representing Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada. And according to her, it was due to rules governing her status as a student athlete under the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).

The NCAA is the governing body of all college sports in the United States of America. An acceptance of the bonus would have meant 19 year old Courtney losing her almost $35,000 annual football scholarship at the Oklahoma State University under NCAA rules.

Nations Cup 2015! Morocco Would Not Host Competition For Fear Of Ebola Outbreak

According to BBC Sports, Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because of its fears over the Ebola outbreak elsewhere on the continent, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed.

However Caf did not announce a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.

It said it had had "some applications of national associations confirming their desire to host the competition".

Arsenal Signs David Beckham’s Son

David Beckham's eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham has just been signed by Arsenal. Brooklyn was wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, but after showing his skills at the Gunners' training ground; he was quickly snapped up until the end of the season. Though the contract is a short-term one, reports say there are tendencies it will be renewed before it’s over. congrats to him.

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Mikel Obi Out, Ahmed Musa and Enyeama Nominated For African Player Of The Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday in Cairo announced the nominees for the 2014 African Player of the Year and the 2014 African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) in the Glo-Caf Awards.

Twenty-five players were nominated for the African Player of the Year, while 20 players made the list for the Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category.
Super Eagles’ duo of Ahmed Musa who plays for CSKA Moscow and Vincent Enyeama of Lille, France are the two Nigerians who made the list of topmost twenty five players in the main Award category while Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers International, Enugu is the only Nigerian shortlisted in the 20-man list of Africa-based Player of the Year.

Ahmed Musa, a very resourceful player and Vincent Enyeama, the outstanding goalkeeper were members of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa and also participated actively in the Super Eagles’ campaign in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ejide Uzoenyi on the other hand made his international debut for Nigeria in 2012. He was called up to Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and was named to Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 African Nations Championshipwhere he emerged the most valuable player of the tournament.
He was also named in the Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and made the final squad after Elderson Echiejile was excluded by injury.
The list was compiled through a vigorous exercise by the Confederation of African Football took into consideration the performance of the nominees for their national teams and clubs from January to November, this year.
Other Players shorted listed for the African Player of the Year award include the Ghanaian duo of Asamoah Gyan of  Al-Ain  and Kwadwo Asamoah   Juventus, the Senegalese:  Dame N’doye of Lokomotiv Moscow and Sadio Mané of Southampton, Emmanuel Adebayor  of Togo and Tottenham and the Cameroonian trio of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Schalke 04, Stephane Mbia of Sevilla and Vincent Aboubakar of Porto,
Others are Yao Kouassi Gervais ‘Gervinho’ of Cote d’Ivoire and AS Roma and his fellown country men: Wilfred Bony of Swansea and Yaya Toure of Man City as well as Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Ferdjani Sassi from Tunisia and CS Sfaxien.
Also listed are Algerian quartet of Islam Slimani of Sporting Lisbon, Raïs M’Bolhi of Philadelphia Union, Sofiane Feghouli of Valencia and Yacine Brahimi of Porto. Yannick Bolasie of DR Congo and Crystal Palace, Thulani Serero of South Africa and Ajax, Seydou Keita of Mali and As Roma, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund and Mohamed El Neny  of Egypt and Basel completed the list.
In the African  Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, the twenty players short-listed are South Africa’s: Bernard Parker, Bongani Ndulula and late Senso Meyiwa of Kaizer Chiefs Amazulu and Orlando Pirates, Amr Gamal  of Egypt and Al Ahly, the duo of Akram Djahnit and El Hedi Belamieri  of Algeria and ES Setif. The list also included Tunisian and CS Sfaxien players: Fakhereddine Ben Youssef and Ferdjani Sassi.
Others are : Congolese quartet of Firmin Mubel Ndombe of As Vita, Jean Kasusula of TP Mazembe, Kader Bidimbou of AC Leopards and Lema Mabidi of As Vita.
Also nominated are Geoffrey Massa of Uganda and Pretoria University, Mudathir Al Taieb of Sudan and Al Hilal, Roger Assalé of Cote d’Ivoire and Sewe Sport, Solomon Asante of Ghana and TP Mazembe, Souleymane Moussa of Cameroon and Coton Sport and Yunus Sentamu of Uganda and AS Vita.
The winners of the two categories will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches and Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF.
The Glo- CAF Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, 8 January 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ivorian Yaya Toure was crowned African Player of the Year for the past three years whilst Mohamed Aboutreika of Egypt was named African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) last year.

[Photos] Gov. Godwin Akpabio Set To Open Olympic Sized Stadium In Akwa Ibom Tomorrow

The beautiful City of Uyo  is the perfect setting for the opening of a new chapter in the history of sports in Nigeria. Come November 7, 2015, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Godwin Akpabio, will lead the government and people of Akwa Ibom state in opening the Akwa Ibom International Stadium aptly nicknamed the Nest of Champions.

The truly amazing sporting edifice is an Olympic Sized stadium is a 30,000 capacity ultra modern complex that is already regarded as the best in the West African region and compared with South Africa's Soccer city. Continue below...

Modelled after the Allianz Arena in Germany, the home ground of reigning German Champions Bayern Munich, the Stadium boasts 4 -tier, covered, seating terrace,  all-natural grass, high-tech floodlights and security cameras, 36 emergency exits, bullet proof VVIP and VIP along with other ultra-modern facilities.

The stadium will be opened with a friendly match between long time rivals, Super Eagles of Nigeria and Black Stars of Ghana on Friday, November 7 at 3pm, with notable dignitaries from all over in attendance.

Messi equals Raul’s 71 Champions League goals record

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi equalled Real Madrid legend Raul as the top goalscorer in the history of the Champions League on 71 goals after scoring twice against Ajax on Tuesday.

The Argentine leapfrogged Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one behind on 70 Champions League goals, in his 90th appearance in the competition as he headed Barca in front in the Dutch capital before prodding home Pedro’s low cross to match Raul’s mark 15 minutes from time.

Courtney Dike Rejects World Cup N1.2m Bonus

Super Falconets player, Courtney Dike has turned down the N1.2m ($7,000) bonus given to each player as bonus for playing in the 2014 FIFA U20 Women World Cup.


Courtney who is the younger sister of Super Eagles player, Bright Dike said she valued playing for Nigeria, more than the monetary reward. Head of competition, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, made the revelation, saying that the federation was amazed at her refusal.

Sanusi told www.footballlive.ng that efforts to reach her mother could not even change Courtney's mind as her mother instead supported her daughter's stand not to collect the money. The Federation member said:

    "Courtney Dike is based in America. When she was paid the outstanding 10 days worth
    of allowances in the tune of seven thousand dollars, she turned it down. When we called her mother to confirm the delivery of the allowances, she declined it and insisted the opportunity to serve Nigeria was all the reward the family needed. Besides she said she was to young to earn that much.”

Keshi To Return As Eagles Coach

According to reports, the NFF has been ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan to reinstate former Nigerian international as the head coach of the African Champions.


Supersports made it known that the president had an emergency meeting with troubled NFF president Amaju
Pinnick on Wednesday night and advised that Keshi should return as the national team gaffer..
 
“I can confirm to you that Stephen Keshi will return as the head coach of the Super Eagles because of the presidential intervention.

“The president (Jonathan) met with all football stakeholders last night and he told them that Keshi must return as the Super Eagles coach with immediate effect," the source revealed to supersport.com

Supersport.com also asked the source what the fate would be of Shuaibu Amodu who replaced Keshi as the Super Eagles handler.

“It has been concluded that Shuaibu Amodu would step down, and Stephen Keshi will continue as the head coach,” the source added.

Nigeria will face Congo and South Africa next month, and the Eagles must win the two encounters to have the chance of making it to the 2015 Afcon.

Fifa Issues A Warning To Nigeria To Comply With The Rules Or Face Suspension

Football's world governing body has given Nigeria's government until 8 July to reinstate the sacked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee.
The NFF was dissolved on Thursday and replaced by a sole administrator - a move the government said was essential while legal proceedings against the country's football authority were ongoing.



The situation was compounded 24 hours later when the NFF president Aminu Maigari was arrested upon his return from the World Cup.
All this comes in the wake of a high court ruling which granted 'an interlocutory injunction' to suspend Maigari, his executive committee and the NFF congress.


Fifa statement

Fifa, however, has taken a dim view of the development and warned that Nigeria risked suspension if the sacked officials are not reinstated.
Under Fifa statutes, national football associations must not be subject to government control.


"FIFA has also taken note of the detention of NFF President Aminu Maigari carried out by representatives of the Department of the State Security Service," the Zurich-based governing body said in a statement.
The statement went on: "FIFA will not recognise any person or organ not elected in compliance with the NFF statutes (article 17, par 2 and 3 of the FIFA Statutes) and therefore it will not consider the appointment made by the Minister of Sports. An elective Congress has been duly convened by the NFF for 26 August 2014 and only decisions and persons elected then will be considered legitimate.


"FIFA is also aware that the Minister of Sport has appointed an assistant director to take charge of the NFF. It is alleged that the members of the NFF have been convened to attend an Extraordinary Congress on 5 July 2014 in Abuja.


"FIFA has reminded the NFF that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties as clearly stipulated in articles 13, par. 1 and 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes. The above mentioned actions are preventing the NFF from managing its affairs independently and are considered by FIFA as undue interference in the NFF affairs.


"The NFF has been asked to relay FIFA's position to the relevant authorities and inform them that if the aforementioned NFF officials are not fully reinstated by Tuesday 8 July 2014 the case will be referred to the appropriate FIFA bodies for sanctions, including the potential suspension of the NFF."


Fifa rules protect its members from government interference, and a suspension bars teams and officials from taking part in international matches and meetings.
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