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Thursday, January 7, 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned against banking on Chelsea slipping up this month, despite the Stamford Bridge club missing a handful of key men due to their duties at the African Nations Cup.
The tournament in Angola starts this weekend, and Carlo Ancelotti will be without Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel until the end of the month. However, Chelsea have a strong squad and will believe they have the means to cope with the absentees.
Sir Alex, on the other hand, is demanding his men focus on United's own task; namely taking maximum points against Birmingham, Burnley, Hull and Arsenal to put pressure on the current league leaders.
Wenger
Arsène Wenger hopes to welcome back Tomas Rosicky for the home game with Everton on Saturday.
The Czech midfielder missed the FA Cup tie with West Ham on Sunday and would have also sat out the game against Bolton on Wednesday if it had not been snowed off.
The return of Rosicky is the only change from Wenger's midweek squad however the Frenchman harbours hopes that more players will regain full fitness in the coming weeks.
"Basically [our squad] is exactly the same as it was before the Bolton game, apart from Tomas Rosicky," said the manager.
"We have a good hope that we will get him back in the squad. But he is the only one that should come back.
"He missed out at West Ham because of a groin injury.
"He has little problems but when you go back to the scan it always comes back reassuring. I believe that is down to the fact that he has not played for such a long time and that his body has to readapt again. But now he is back and completely fit."
Nigeria – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations squad
Nigeria's manager, S. Amodu, created his 23-man squad and he was fortunate not to have any big absentee.
Goalkeeper:
D. Aiyenugba; A. Ejide; V. Enyeama
Defenders:
U. Echiejile; O. Nwaneri; C. Odiah; A. Onyekachi; D. Shitu; T. Taiwo; J. Yobo; A. Yussuf; M. Yusuf
Midfielders:
D. Etuhu; S. Kaita; J. Obi Mikel; S. Olofinjana; K. Uche
Attackers:
Yakubu; M. Eneramo; N. Kanu; O. Martins; V. Nsofor; P. Odemwingie
Nigeria – Quick analysis: Things to expect from the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Nigeria will enter the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations with the aim of winning the tournament. January 2010 will mark ten years since Nigeria have not played in an Africa Cup of Nations final.
The entire country will feel that time can no more run down the years before the senior national football team of Nigeria brings silverware back home.
The disappointments suffered two years ago in CAN 2008 should serve as a motivation to go all the way and win the trophy this time around. Nigeria also grabbed late tickets for South Africa 2010 so they might find a boost in confidence with their heroics on the last day of the campaign.
The team possesses talent in players like Obafemi Martins, Marseille’s Taye Taiwo, Everton’s Joseph Yobo, and Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel. The coach, Shaibu Amodu, will need to bring out the best of these players and build a good team spirit as his side look forward to clinching the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – Africa Cup of Nations record
Nigeria have tasted African glory twice at the senior level. The might have achieved more glory if they didn’t stumble six times in the semi-finals of the continent’s biggest tournament.
Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa with over 154,700,000 inhabitants populating its 923, 768 km² territory.
After gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in the 60s, the people of Nigeria responded well to their national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” by growing in confidence and pride.
Despite the controversial figure that the country presents in Africa, in comparison to other peaceful nations such as Ghana, Nigerians keep on adoring the flag’s green and white colors.
Real Betis winger David Odonkor has been hit by another injury blow after it was revealed that he needs further surgery on his right knee.
More StoriesOdonkor in English link
Player profile: David Odonkor
He will be out for at least four months.
The Germany international, who last represented his country against Croatia at Euro 2008, had an operation on the same knee in 2008 and was sidelined for most of last season.
Odonkor joined Betis from Dortmund in 2006 but his time at the Seville club has been ravaged by injury and, when fit, he has struggled to make an impact.
A day before the surgery was confirmed, the 25-year-old told Eurosport that he would almost certainly leave Betis in the summer either for England or to another Spanish club.
Betis lie seventh in the Segunda Division after they were relegated from the top flight last season.
The supporters of the senior national team of football could lift the flag even higher come January 2010.
The Super Eagles can boast of a multitude of good memories and achievements at both the international and African level.
Three World Cup appearances in a row between 1998 and 2002, as well as a 5th place ranking in FIFA’s standings back in 1994 illustrate Nigeria’s potential over the years.
Now in 2010, the Super Eagles will try and emulate their 1980 and 1994 triumphs on the African continent by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – the road to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Seeded in Pot A during the draws for Round 2 of the joint Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaign, Nigeria fell in Group 4 where they had to meet the likes of South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria arguably imposed themselves as the best team in the second round by clinching all possible points from six games.
Defensively, the Super Eagles also proved to be stable by letting only one goal in their net.
In the third and final round of the qualifiers, Nigeria were drawn in Group B. The table looked difficult with the 2004 African champions Tunisia also included in it.
Nigeria’s focus was more on finishing top of their group as qualification for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa was a must. However, a third place finish would have been enough to reach the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Drama and thrill characterized Nigeria’s final round of the campaign but luck and determination finally fired them at the top of Group B, and en route to South Africa 2010 and of course the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria ended with 12 points from six games and also maintained an unbeaten record throughout the entire qualification campaign.
United's Premier League and Champions League Double apparently won't stop Sir Alex Ferguson further strengthening his squad - with German winger Bastian Schweinsteiger the latest player to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old impressed during Germany's march to the Euro 2008 final and, according to the Daily Star, is wanted by United and Chelsea for a fee of around £10million.
The UK press continue to link United with a host of European football's top strikers with Lyon's Karim Benzema, Ajax front man Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz all being discussed. Prices range from £15million up to £30m.
Agent - 'Merida Is Only Talking To Arsenal'
Fran Merida's agent has confirmed that the young Spaniard has not signed a deal with Atletico Madrid and indeed the only club they are currently talking to is Arsenal.
Reports had emerged that Fran had signed a five year deal with La Liga side Atletico and would move on a free transfer in the summer, however the player's agent, Joseba Diaz maintains that talks are ongoing at Arsenal and that there has been no agreement with any other club.
'We haven't signed anything with Atletico because, simply, the only club with whom we are negotiating is Arsenal,' said Diaz.
'The absolute priority of the lad is to renew with them. I repeat: There has been no agreement with anybody. Only if we don't renew with Arsenal will it be the moment to talk with other clubs. There's been interest from four clubs in Spain but I've not sat down to negotiate with any of them.'
'Arsenal have the priority. Moreover, as always, they are acting like gentlemen.'
Atletico have however publicly acknowledged their interest in the player labelling him 'One of the brightest talents in Europe'.
Out-of-favour Real Betis winger David Odonkor claims he is in negotiations with at least one Premier League club over a summer move.
More StoriesPlayer profile: David Odonkor
West Brom 'an option' for Odonkor
The Germany international came to prominence at the 2006 World Cup while playing for Dortmund, after which he joined Betis.
But he has had a nightmare spell in Spain, with three knee operations largely limiting him to a spectator's role.
Odonkor returned to fitness last season but Betis, who were relegated to the Segunda Division in the summer, have hardly used him and he expects to leave in June.
"My contract with Betis lasts until 2011, but I don't think I'll get a chance here any more," the 25-year-old told Eurosport.
"I will not move in January. I will concentrate on improving my fitness and look for a transfer in the summer.
"There are some interested clubs, but we have to wait for the best option. There are concrete negotiations with top-flight clubs in Spain and England, although Germany is a no-go."
Odonkor previously said that he was close to joining Championship promotion hopefuls West Brom in August but a move failed to materialise.
He has turned out only 40 times for Betis in three and a half years.
The tournament in Angola starts this weekend, and Carlo Ancelotti will be without Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel until the end of the month. However, Chelsea have a strong squad and will believe they have the means to cope with the absentees.
Sir Alex, on the other hand, is demanding his men focus on United's own task; namely taking maximum points against Birmingham, Burnley, Hull and Arsenal to put pressure on the current league leaders.
Wenger
Arsène Wenger hopes to welcome back Tomas Rosicky for the home game with Everton on Saturday.
The Czech midfielder missed the FA Cup tie with West Ham on Sunday and would have also sat out the game against Bolton on Wednesday if it had not been snowed off.
The return of Rosicky is the only change from Wenger's midweek squad however the Frenchman harbours hopes that more players will regain full fitness in the coming weeks.
"Basically [our squad] is exactly the same as it was before the Bolton game, apart from Tomas Rosicky," said the manager.
"We have a good hope that we will get him back in the squad. But he is the only one that should come back.
"He missed out at West Ham because of a groin injury.
"He has little problems but when you go back to the scan it always comes back reassuring. I believe that is down to the fact that he has not played for such a long time and that his body has to readapt again. But now he is back and completely fit."
Nigeria – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations squad
Nigeria's manager, S. Amodu, created his 23-man squad and he was fortunate not to have any big absentee.
Goalkeeper:
D. Aiyenugba; A. Ejide; V. Enyeama
Defenders:
U. Echiejile; O. Nwaneri; C. Odiah; A. Onyekachi; D. Shitu; T. Taiwo; J. Yobo; A. Yussuf; M. Yusuf
Midfielders:
D. Etuhu; S. Kaita; J. Obi Mikel; S. Olofinjana; K. Uche
Attackers:
Yakubu; M. Eneramo; N. Kanu; O. Martins; V. Nsofor; P. Odemwingie
Nigeria – Quick analysis: Things to expect from the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Nigeria will enter the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations with the aim of winning the tournament. January 2010 will mark ten years since Nigeria have not played in an Africa Cup of Nations final.
The entire country will feel that time can no more run down the years before the senior national football team of Nigeria brings silverware back home.
The disappointments suffered two years ago in CAN 2008 should serve as a motivation to go all the way and win the trophy this time around. Nigeria also grabbed late tickets for South Africa 2010 so they might find a boost in confidence with their heroics on the last day of the campaign.
The team possesses talent in players like Obafemi Martins, Marseille’s Taye Taiwo, Everton’s Joseph Yobo, and Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel. The coach, Shaibu Amodu, will need to bring out the best of these players and build a good team spirit as his side look forward to clinching the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – Africa Cup of Nations record
Nigeria have tasted African glory twice at the senior level. The might have achieved more glory if they didn’t stumble six times in the semi-finals of the continent’s biggest tournament.
Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa with over 154,700,000 inhabitants populating its 923, 768 km² territory.
After gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in the 60s, the people of Nigeria responded well to their national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” by growing in confidence and pride.
Despite the controversial figure that the country presents in Africa, in comparison to other peaceful nations such as Ghana, Nigerians keep on adoring the flag’s green and white colors.
Real Betis winger David Odonkor has been hit by another injury blow after it was revealed that he needs further surgery on his right knee.
More StoriesOdonkor in English link
Player profile: David Odonkor
He will be out for at least four months.
The Germany international, who last represented his country against Croatia at Euro 2008, had an operation on the same knee in 2008 and was sidelined for most of last season.
Odonkor joined Betis from Dortmund in 2006 but his time at the Seville club has been ravaged by injury and, when fit, he has struggled to make an impact.
A day before the surgery was confirmed, the 25-year-old told Eurosport that he would almost certainly leave Betis in the summer either for England or to another Spanish club.
Betis lie seventh in the Segunda Division after they were relegated from the top flight last season.
The supporters of the senior national team of football could lift the flag even higher come January 2010.
The Super Eagles can boast of a multitude of good memories and achievements at both the international and African level.
Three World Cup appearances in a row between 1998 and 2002, as well as a 5th place ranking in FIFA’s standings back in 1994 illustrate Nigeria’s potential over the years.
Now in 2010, the Super Eagles will try and emulate their 1980 and 1994 triumphs on the African continent by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – the road to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Seeded in Pot A during the draws for Round 2 of the joint Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaign, Nigeria fell in Group 4 where they had to meet the likes of South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria arguably imposed themselves as the best team in the second round by clinching all possible points from six games.
Defensively, the Super Eagles also proved to be stable by letting only one goal in their net.
In the third and final round of the qualifiers, Nigeria were drawn in Group B. The table looked difficult with the 2004 African champions Tunisia also included in it.
Nigeria’s focus was more on finishing top of their group as qualification for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa was a must. However, a third place finish would have been enough to reach the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Drama and thrill characterized Nigeria’s final round of the campaign but luck and determination finally fired them at the top of Group B, and en route to South Africa 2010 and of course the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria ended with 12 points from six games and also maintained an unbeaten record throughout the entire qualification campaign.
United's Premier League and Champions League Double apparently won't stop Sir Alex Ferguson further strengthening his squad - with German winger Bastian Schweinsteiger the latest player to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old impressed during Germany's march to the Euro 2008 final and, according to the Daily Star, is wanted by United and Chelsea for a fee of around £10million.
The UK press continue to link United with a host of European football's top strikers with Lyon's Karim Benzema, Ajax front man Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz all being discussed. Prices range from £15million up to £30m.
Agent - 'Merida Is Only Talking To Arsenal'
Fran Merida's agent has confirmed that the young Spaniard has not signed a deal with Atletico Madrid and indeed the only club they are currently talking to is Arsenal.
Reports had emerged that Fran had signed a five year deal with La Liga side Atletico and would move on a free transfer in the summer, however the player's agent, Joseba Diaz maintains that talks are ongoing at Arsenal and that there has been no agreement with any other club.
'We haven't signed anything with Atletico because, simply, the only club with whom we are negotiating is Arsenal,' said Diaz.
'The absolute priority of the lad is to renew with them. I repeat: There has been no agreement with anybody. Only if we don't renew with Arsenal will it be the moment to talk with other clubs. There's been interest from four clubs in Spain but I've not sat down to negotiate with any of them.'
'Arsenal have the priority. Moreover, as always, they are acting like gentlemen.'
Atletico have however publicly acknowledged their interest in the player labelling him 'One of the brightest talents in Europe'.
Out-of-favour Real Betis winger David Odonkor claims he is in negotiations with at least one Premier League club over a summer move.
More StoriesPlayer profile: David Odonkor
West Brom 'an option' for Odonkor
The Germany international came to prominence at the 2006 World Cup while playing for Dortmund, after which he joined Betis.
But he has had a nightmare spell in Spain, with three knee operations largely limiting him to a spectator's role.
Odonkor returned to fitness last season but Betis, who were relegated to the Segunda Division in the summer, have hardly used him and he expects to leave in June.
"My contract with Betis lasts until 2011, but I don't think I'll get a chance here any more," the 25-year-old told Eurosport.
"I will not move in January. I will concentrate on improving my fitness and look for a transfer in the summer.
"There are some interested clubs, but we have to wait for the best option. There are concrete negotiations with top-flight clubs in Spain and England, although Germany is a no-go."
Odonkor previously said that he was close to joining Championship promotion hopefuls West Brom in August but a move failed to materialise.
He has turned out only 40 times for Betis in three and a half years.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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