The MATADOR is BACK to winning ways......Sao Paulo is CONQUERED!

World Number Five Rafael Nadal is a winner again. The Spanish Superstar beat David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in Sao Paolo, Brazil to claim his 1st title since his return from a seven month injury lay-off. It was a win written in the stars. The script was slightly disrupted when Horacio Zeballos upstaged the Majorcan in Chile to win his maiden title. Nadal however won his 51st title of a glory laden career in style after coming from 3-0 down to win the 2nd set and the match. He thrust his arms in the air and fist pumped to show how much the title meant to him. It was his 8th singles match since his return to action. The victory in Sao Paolo was the 37th Clay Court title of his immeasurably successful career.

Agreed, the level of competition in both tournaments was low by Rafa's standards. This was a good start nonetheless. Reaching 3 finals in two weeks is a fine beginning for Nadal. With star studded Tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami coming in thick and fast, his level of preparedness must be in peak conditions to compete well with the elite of Tennis. Rafa hasn't reached that level yet. Playing 3 setters v lower ranked players especially on clay is not Nadal-like. Even Roger Federer struggles to take a set off a fully fit Rafa on clay. His shot-making, running, fighting ability, forehand, backhand, etc haven't exactly been present in the 8 matches he has played. Uncle Toni and the rest of the team have a lot of work to do in order to put Rafa in top shape.

The Majorcan powerhouse might skip one of the two American hard court tournaments to prepare well for the Clay Court swing. He has said in the past that he will have to re-plan his Calendar for this season and others ahead-Which means he will play less hard court Competitions to protect his knee. Hard Courts ask too much of his knees. Tennis fans all over the World are hopeful that he recaptures his best form to regain his place in the ATP Rankings.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

KESHI lives up to his nickname; 'THE BIG BOSS'

The renaming of the Asaba stadium to STEPHEN KESHI was a fantastic decision by Delta State Governor,  Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. Stepehn Okechukwu Keshi took Nigeria from the doldrums of failure to the pinnacle of Success in 6 weeks. The manner he did it is even more glorious than what Otto Rehhagel achieved with the Greeks. The former Mali and Togo manager proved all the doubters wrong by bringing home a trophy that has eluded the most populous black nation in the World for 19 barren years.

When assembling the Victorious team, he left out so many so-called stellar names like Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Victo Obinna Nsofor, Chinedu Ogbuke, Taye Taiwo, John Utaka, Yakubu Aiyegbeni to mention but a few. People growled, frowned and groaned regarding his stance on players who he deemed surplus to requirement because of their lack of respect, indiscipline, poor form and unpatriotic attributes. Osaze was adamant that he was the right choice for the position of super eagles skipper which was never vacant in the first place. How he wanted to topple Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama was inexplicable. His rudeness, arrogance and disregard for constituted authority simply exemplified his unacceptable behaviour. Keshi made decisions based on what he thought best suited the team. He didn't want a repeat of the Mafia and sects that characterized previous Squads. The 'Boss' Keshi is no Saint...Judging by his antecedents when he was a player and skipper of the old Super Eagles. But his Managerial career has been built on Discipline, Unity and Oneness since it commenced and that has brought him the success he has garnered up till this present day.

BIG BOSS of LIFE...Proof that DISCIPLINE is KEY.

His blend of home and foreign based players was seen as experimental to a lot of Nigerians. He paid deaf ears to criticisms, jeers and negative opinions to focus on the job of accomplishing his set objectives. The road to success is very narrow and thorny. The first two matches didn't go well. Consecutive draws v Burkina Faso and defending Champions, Zambia were crushing blows to Stephen's ambitions. But he remained resolute, calm, and goal driven. The final group match v Ethiopia was almost going to end in disappointment until a certain Victor Moses stepped up the gear and made himself an instant hero with two well taken penalties in the last 10 minutes of the game. 2-0 it ended and the Super Eagles were  in the Quarters to face Massive favourites, The Ivory Coast. Then the NFF struck.

The Nigeria Football Federation led by Aminu Maigari directed its Secretary, Mr Musa Amadu to book tickets back to base for the Nigerian Contingent before the match v the Ivory Coast. The Boss was furious on getting wind of this information, but decided to lead his boys to go all out v the Ivoriens. At the end of the game, the unfancied Eagles dominated the highly favoured Ivory Coast team in a 2-1 win. Keshi was ecstatic and told former Super Eagles goalie cum Super Sport analyst, Peterside Idah of his dream and objective to hoist the AFCON and afterwards tender his resignation letter. The semi-final was more straightforward. Mali were put to the sword. The 4-1 bashing of the Aigles sent shock waves round the African Continent. In the final, the Burkinabe met with a reinvigorated Nigerian team that couldn't afford to lose. It ended 1-0 Nigeria and the 3rd ANC was sealed in exemplary fashion. KESHI and his CHOICES were VINDICATED!

It wasn't only the Nations Cup win that made Keshi loved. adored and respected. It was his man management, timely substitutions and mastery of the game when it became difficult that stood him out as a man who was well groomed and brilliant. For the first time since the 2005 WYC, Mikel Obi played extremely well much to the admiration of those who disliked him (including me) for his sluggishness and boring play. The Midfielder was at his best at the just concluded Tournament and led the way in passes made and passes completed. It was seen as a huge surprise when Jonathan Pitroipa of Burkina was named Player of the Tournament ahead of Mikel, Moses and Emenike. Perhaps the Technical Study Group of CAF had other ideas. Emmanuel Emenike bore the burden of being the main striker as Ikechukwu Uche failed to show up. The former Getafe Striker was useless and ineffective throughout the Tournament. Sunday Mba, scorer of the winner v CIV and the Championship clinching goal v the Stallions of Burkina Faso,warmed his way into the hearts of Nigerians who sang glory songs with his names after the final whistle was blown.

It was a successful journey for the BIG BOSS who resume is now intimidating. He made do his promise of resigning immediately after the Tourney ended. Nevertheless, after due consultations with Bolaji Abdulahi, the Minister for Sports, he rescinded his decision to resign and then re-signed.

He and the Super Eagles were well received by the Government of Nigeria. National Honours, Lands, and Cash Rewards were among the goodies doled out to the Team after an amazing and successful two weeks of Competition in South Africa which culminated in excitement, merriment and mission accomplished.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

Manchester United-Reading PREVIEW

                                             

Double Impact

Brian McDermott was named Barclay's manager of the month of January and rightly so. The recognition for Reading did not stop there. Hotshot, Adam Le Fondre scooped the players' award and deservedly so. His 2 goals v Chelsea at the Madejski were precisely taken and expertly executed. That earned a vital draw for the Royals and continued their survival push. The drama that has made their campaign an exciting one.

Tonight, they come to Old Trafford for a chance to mete out revenge on Manchester United. The fixture at their home turf ended 4-3 in United's favour in match they led 2-0 and played exceptionally well. This is no League game though. It is the FA Cup and represents a chance for Fergie's men to win it for the 1st time in 9 years. The hard luck of always being drawn against EPL teams hasn't daunted the red devils one bit. It has motivated them to excel more than ever before.

The Royals will be full of confidence going into this one. The way they have come from behind to claim vital points in the last couple of weeks has been phenomenal. But they currently lie 18th in the Premier League and will see this as a chance to go further in a cup competition and perhaps have a shot at winning it. With the draw yesterday, a Championship team will feature in the semi-finals of the World's oldest competition. Millwall were drawn against Blackburn in the last eight, so if they progress, there's a great chance they can spring a surprise or two.  BMD's side are looking to progress to the Quarter Finals for only the 3rd time ever. However, the hurdle they have to scale is very tough.

Little Pea needs a game badly.

Manchester United come into this match on the back of a hard earned 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League match v Real Madrid. SAF and members of the playing staff want to do well in this competition to keep alive their aspirations of a treble. Whoever comes out of this will face either Boro or Chelsea in the next round. Fergie will ring the changes as expected although he will be expected to name a strong squad for the very important game. Players like Chicharito, Smalling, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani, Ashley Young, et al will be in the Squad. RVp might have to make do with a place on the bench. He has yet to start a Cup game this season.

As ambitious as McDermott is, he will be aware of the fact that his side will have to employ metaphysical powers tonight if they want to see out the red army. Sir Alex needs another FA CUP and will do everything humanly possible to progress tonight. Hope both teams are up to it.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS
MUFC: Lindegaard-Rafa, Vidic, Smalling, Buttner, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani, Young, Rooney, Chicharito

READING: Federici-Kelly, Morrison, Mariappa, Harte, Liegertwood, Kebe, Tabb, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu, Pogrebnyak

Rafa Da Silva won't forget in a hurry what he suffered in the hands of Robson-Kanu and McAnuff in the League Fixture. He was immediately hauled off by the gaffer after some uncharacteristic errors and rash tackles. He has to put in a better display tonight or face the same situation of a few months ago.

Ohireime P. Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

EL BERNABEU KLASSIC....MUFC come to town..THE PREVIEW!

When the Round of 16 draw for the Champions League was made, a mouthwatering tie was set. It is not everyday that you get to watch MANCHESTER UNITED play REAL MADRID in a 2-legged tie for the right to progress to the next round. Rivalries renewed not only between the two great clubs, but also the men at the helm. Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho are pretty much close friends with mutual respect for each other. The witty, old Scot hasn't done well against sides the Portuguese has managed. 3 wins in 14 with 6 losses is not one to be proud of. Although he threw Inter Milan and Jose out of the Champions League in the 08-09 season. On the way to Porto's triumph in Gelsenkirchen-2004, the Dragons shattered Fergie's dreams in the Round of 16 in a controversial 2nd leg that saw a legitimate Scholes goal disallowed, then Costinha went on to score in injury time to send the English giants out of that season's UCL campaign.

Redondo bamboozling Captain Roy

The sad memories of 2000 and 2003 are still fresh in Sir Alex's memory. The red devils led by Superintendent Roy, earned a creditable 0-0 draw in the Spanish capital and were expected to finish the Blancos at the Theatre of Dreams. However, a certain Fernando Carlos Redondo, the Buenos Aires born Midfield conductor had other ideas.8 years after setting the King Fahd Confed Cup alight with some mesmerising displays, he rekindled the form at Old Trafford. The Argentine Midfielder who was famously called the 'White Machine' by the Merengues faithful, bossed the game like none other, leaving Roy Keane and Paul Scholes in awe at such an explosive display. He was head and shoulders above all his teammates and opponents that night. His brilliantly executed back heel  that went round Henning Berg was the highlight of a wonderful night...the resultant effect was a great pass to the deadly Raul who had no problem scoring the 3rd and final goal. The match ended 3-2 and Del Bosque's men went on to win the tournament for the 2nd time in 3 seasons.

Lethal Ronaldo

In 2003, it was another story entirely. At the Bernabeu, Luis Figo, Zizou and Raul Blanco put on a show to ensure that Manchester United were soundly beaten 3-1. In the return leg, II Fenomeno Ronaldo had a score to settle with French Goalkeeper Barthezd who was part of the World Cup winning Les blues team v  Brazil 5 years prior. A match in which De Lima Ronaldo was below par and half fit. The Selecao legend registered a well taken hat-trick against Manchester United on the way to a 3-4 loss, They actually led 3-1 until David Beckham came off the bench to score two quickfire goals. 6-5 (on agg) it ended in favour of the 'Whites'. Yet another disappointment for the red army.




Tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester United will attempt to make things right v a great team comprising of former ward, Cristiano Ronaldo. the 08 Ballon D'or winner aside, Los Blancos have Ricky Kka, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Karim Benzema, Pipita Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Pepe, Sergio Ramos et al to call on when things become difficult. Young Raph Varane has come of age too.

Manchester United are not far behind in terms of quality players who can turn the tide. Wayne Rooney and RVP are currently the deadliest strike force in the World in my humble opinion and it will take something much more than the Ramos-Pepe tandem to stop them from causing untold damage over both legs. In midfield, Michael Carrick has shone brightly this term and has what it takes to pull the necessary strings. Ryan Giggs is playing like an 18 year old. The evergreen jewel of Sir Alex hasn't put a foot wrong in the last two months. His old head will be needed to negotiate through this daunting task. The likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia haven't been impressive at all this season. It is a miracle that the red devils lie 12 points ahead of closest challengers City. All the wingers are in wretched form at the moment. Japan's Shinji Kagawa showed signs of his Dortmund form in the last couple of games he featured in...Although he hasn't controlled any game like he used to, when  he was a Borussen. If there's any stage he will like to light up, then this is the one. The defence of the red army must also be at its best to keep out the rampaging RM attackers. Vidic was rock solid v Everton on Sunday. The old warrior attributes were evident in his commanding defensive display two days ago. Jonny Evans at his side was his usual calm and composed self, but he might pave way for the experienced Rio Ferdinand when the team sheet is read out tomorrow. The fullbacks-Evra and Rafael have to maintain complete concentration levels throughout the encounter to avoid being exposed by Di Maria and the GREAT CR7 of life.


KEY BATTLES:

CR7 v Rafael da Silva

Faces the Club that nurtured him to Greatness.

Rafa..capable of the impossible

It is common knowledge nowadays that Ronaldo operates from the left flank, then comes infield sometimes and occasionally drifts to the right and the middle. Apart from the Brazilian youngster, Rafael, whoever plays defensive midfield must be alert and supportive to reduce the threat posed by the Portuguese Captain. Phil Jones did a great job on Bale and most recently Fellaini, but none of them is Ronaldo Dos Santos. Anderson would have been the right pick for this kind of job...Oh well, the injury prone left footer is not good enough at the moment. Some flashes of brilliance have been shown by him this season though. That's all to it.

Benzema/Higuain v VIDIC/RIO

None of them are in form currently, but to dismiss the strengths they possess would be plain daft and unprofessional. Pipita Higuain was a different animal when he wore the Albiceleste jersey v Sweden in a recent friendly. He is perhaps weighed down by the continued alterations at the Bernabeu. That and injuries have contributed to his poor form this season. Nonetheless, he is fully fit and wants to make the centre forward role at the capital his own. Benz on the other hand, is not doing well. Granted, he scored a fortuitous goal at the weekend. His all round play has been woeful at best. Whoever Jose chooses to lead the line must be closely watched by Captain Vida and his friend Rio.

OZIL V CARRICK, CLEVERLEY/ANDERSON.AKAGWA V KHEDIRA-ALONSO

WORLD CLASS FOR SURE

Elegant Alonso

Games of recent times are now won or lost in midfield and this one is no exception. Mesut Ozil is currently one of the best attacking midfielders in the game. Only Andres Iniesta is better to me. If not closely attended to, he will cause lots of havoc tomorrow. His vision, defence splitting passes, great technique and ball usage cannot be overemphasised. Those who watch the Spanish League are aware of this all. If there's anyone who can make the German superstar uncomfortable, it is Carrick. The Englishman has been reborn and is playing the best season of his career yet. He dominates his position like none other and makes others around him look great. His job tomorrow will be very important and confidence is sky high on his part. He should have a good game. Whoever partners Carrick in the centre of the pack must also play out of his mind. Sami Khedira is fast becoming the best in his position. His mazy runs and fast interplay are breathtakingly majestic. Xabi Alonso-oh my GOD. The man who also bears Olano is one of my favourite players ever..His qualities are countless. He can pass to Heaven if he wants. He is a WORLD CLASS AND DYNAMIC footballer any day. The only time his dominance wanes is v Barcelona, not hanks to Xavi and Busquets. The former Liverpool midfielder needs no further introduction. Set him loose and you get more than what you bargained for. He is the fulcrum of the Madrid team and his effectiveness should be suppressed.

ROONEY-RVP v PEPE-RAMOS

Generals in the Red Army

Contrary to what many people believe, I think it is Wayne Rooney that will come out shinning tomorrow at the Bernabeu. Analysts and pundits have singled out RVP as the main man for MUFC. That is a surprise. RVP can only play his position. Wayne is a versatile beast. A bull. A monster. His all round play against the toffees was a sight to behold. He assisted Evra on more than one occasion and made himself available when others were tight and had no space. If Manchester United will take anything significant from Madrid tomorrow, Rooney has a big role to play. Way bigger than any other for the red devils. Robin Van Persie has fit in well into the system at Manchester United. He looked rusty on Sunday,fluffing at balls and missing easy chances..He wouldn't make any mistake v Real Madrid. More than anything, he wants to succeed this season and do well in the Champions League. his 23 goals this season is nothing compared to Ronaldo's 36 in actual fact. He is the highest goal scorer in the Premier League and that's no mean feat. His goals have been very important and 10 assist added to that is nothing such of exemplary. The combination/partnership with Rooney is blossoming. It will have to be profound and deadly to drive the team to victory.

Hurdles of Life...in football parlance.

Kepler Laveran Lima 'Pepe' is back from injury. The towering centre back has been out for a while. Mourinho's men have coped well without him. His return from injury is a welcome development. The merengues are a stronger set-up with PEPE-RAMOS at the back. One is strong and ruthless, the other is physical and gigantic. Their plan to stop the Roo-RVP strike force must have alternatives because of the talents the aforementioned have in abundance. Roo can drop deep, RvP can also go wide and their movements sometimes is terrifying.

Improving day by day

David De Gea has been widely criticised for his shaky start to life as a Manchester United gloves man. The undisputed 1st choice has shown his incredible talent many times this season. Magnificent saves have become like bread and butter for the long term heir to Iker Casillass' Roja goalkeeping throne. Despite his well documented problem connected to lack of command of his area, his shot-stopping abilities outweigh whatever he falls short of. He will be called upon many times to save his team and he will rise to the challenge. That is most assured. For Real Madrid, Iker is injured/out for a while. The captain and great goalie was accidentally kicked in the hand by his own teammate, Arbeloa. Jose acted quickly by sealing a deal for former RM keeper, Diego Lopez who was at Sevilla. Lopez has been an able deputy, playing exceptionally well v Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey 1st Leg and has been superb ever since. Antonio Adan, Iker's able deputy, has been overlooked ever since, fuelling the speculation that Mou only used him to remind Casillas that he isn't indispensable.

This titanic clash will be an interesting spectacle for the viewing public. Mourinho and Fergie face each for the 15th time. Cristiano Ronaldo faces his old club for the fist time since he left 3+ years ago. Both clubs haven't crossed paths for 10 years. It remains to be seen how this will play out. Whatever happens, Football is the ultimate victor.


Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED- EVERTON PREVIEW

                                     



The 4-4 draw at Old Trafford last season was a dampener and eventually cost Manchester United the Premier League title. A repeat of that might be disastrous for the players as the Fergie hair dryer treatment will come down on them like Hiroshima. Manchester City's crumbling at St Mary's yesterday means that the red devils can go a massive 12 points clear if they get the better of the slippery Evertonians later today.

One eye will be on the trip to the Bernabeu on Wednesday. Real Madrid warmed up for the duel in spectacular style, destroying Sevilla 4-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 20th Real Madrid hat-trick and 17th in La Liga. Something mere mortals can only imagine achieving. The former Manchester United employee is now the 6th highest goal scorer of all time in the Blancos history with 182 great goals in just 179 appearances over 3 and a half seasons. Bionic. Sir Alex Ferguson will be expected to tinker the squad selection ahead of the Spain trip. RVP and Rooney should start this one, but it is in defence that he will hope to rest one of Vidic or Ferdinand who are not as fit as they used to be with age and niggling injuries playing a huge part. The toffees are always a potential banana pill for the Old Trafford outfit and inflicted the first defeat on the EPL Leaders in August. A Marouane Fellaini headed goal split the sides at Goodison.

in-form WAZZA can fire his team past his beloved Everton

Manchester United are on a 13 game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Since the Carrow Road loss, it has been 11 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeat(s). It has seen them stretch their lead at the top to 9 points and have a very good chance of making that 12 v a team that has given them problems in recent times. Sir Alex will take heart from the fact that Wayne Rooney is in red hot form at the moment. He has scored 5 goals in 4 games since his return and bagged the 1st v Brazil and created the winner for Lampard in the same match. Robin Van Persie hasn't scored in 3 games now (2 for club). However, there is no cause for alarm as his 18 goals have been massively helpful in swinging the advantage in Man Utd's favour.

Tough customer

Everton are draw specialists this season, Despite losing only 3 games all season long, they have drawn (12) more than they have won (10) and this has seen them drop to sixth in the Premiership table. They can't afford to drop points anymore as Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all registered wins yesterday and the latter are 6 points clear albeit haven played a game more. David Moyes is battling to get Fellaini fit for the encounter.. The Belgian doesn't like seeing Manchester United. He was the catalyst behind the toffees revival last season and has scored big goals against today's opponents.

Sir Alex and his coaching staff are aware of the threat Everton pose. From Baines to Fellani to Pienaar to Mirallas to Anichebe, the North West club are armed to the teeth and in reserve too. Nikica Jelavic has been on a bad run of late. This is contrary to his lightening start to life in Merseyside. He shouldn't be underestimated as great players come to life anytime. Everton haven't won at the Theatre in 21 years. They'll be looking to emulate Spurs who stunned the red army 3-2 four months ago to notch their 1st win at OT in 23 years.

Manchester United have scored the most goals (60) and the most headed goals (13) in the PL. Everton have conceded the most goals from headers (12). The blues of Merseyside have also hit the woodwork 16 times this season-more than any other team in the Division.

PROBABLE LINEUPS:
MANCHESTER UNITED:
DDG, Rafa, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Young/Kagawa, Rooney, RVP/Welbeck

Phil Jones is reportedly out with shingles.

EVERTON:
Howard, Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Gibson, Osman, Peinaar, Mirallas, Fellaini, Anichebe

Old boys, Tim Howard, Darron Gibson and Phil Neville are set to feature in the match. The latter most likely not from the start.Tony Hibbert and Seamus Coleman are still injured.

Eagles aim to soar above the Stallions...the Battle of Jo'Burg

SK...History chaser.

SUPERMEN

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have against all expectations qualified for the FINAL of the 2013 African Cup of Nations. It has been an astronomical rise for the Giants of Africa as they were once known. The young team put together by former Eagles captain, Stephen Keshi has proved all the doubters wrong by sending the Ivory Coast out of South Africa and dismantling Mali in the semis to earn a shot at a title which has eluded them for the past 19 years. Coach Stephen Keshi who is affectionately called the 'BOSS' is aiming to become only the 2nd man to win the Nations Cup as a player and manager after Egypt's Mahmoud Al Gohari. The former eagles captain won the trophy in 1994 when Tunisia hosted it. The Nigerian Coaching crew have been sweating on the fitness of key players-Emma Emenike and Victor Moses who picked up injuries in the 4-1 humbling of the Aigles of Mali in the previous match. Other players are available and hungry to come back home with the trophy.

PUT et Jo.

The Burkinabe were almost robbed by the Calamitous Slim Jdidi in the semi final showdown with  Ghana. A series of astoundingly bizarre decisions went the way of the Ghanaians in the match including a soft penalty which should never have been and worse still, the RED CARD awarded to Star Stallion, Jonathan 'Beninwende' Pitroipa- a decision which has since been reversed. Belgian tactician, Paul Put will be hoping to 'put' the name of Burkina Faso among Nations that have won the AFCON later today when proceedings end.

Both teams know a bit of each other. They were in the same group (C) and the game contested between them ended in a 1-all draw made possible by a last minute Alain Traore equaliser. The Lorient front man whose 3 goals ensured that the great Stallions qualified for the knockout stages.

The unlikely finalists will slug it out this evening at the beautiful soccer city stadium in Johannesburg with all eyes on the men on the sidelines who have somewhat contrasting fortunes. Paul Put the Belgian manager has been ostracised in his home country over allegations of match-fixing and bribery (The YE ZHEYUN SCANDAL) and cannot manage in his country unless a fresh license is given to him by the FA of Belgium. He has found a new home in Ouagadougou and has surprisingly reshaped the football philosophy in Burkina. The former Gambia coach (2007-2011) affirmed that he gave his boys clips of Greece's 2004 Triumph, Chelsea's UCL win last season and Zambia's road to success last time out, to show them that underdogs can come from nowhere and upstage the so-called cup favourites. The videos have made the desired impact to his delight and he will be hoping to add his name to the Di Matteos, Renards, and Rehhagels of this World in a few hours. Stephen Okechukwu Keshi the 50 year former Super Eagles skipper is a man well respected and revered in Africa. After guiding Togo to the 2006 World Cup against all odds and managing the Malian National team with considerable success, he has etched his name in the History books and expects to add a Nations Cup trophy to his burgeoning resume after today's battle. It will even be more remarkable because of the number of so-called big boys he left out of his final squad list. The likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Taiye Taiwo, Obafemi Martins, Yak Aiyegbeni, Obinna Nsofor, etc were overlooked for Kenneth Omeruo, Obaobana, Brown Ideye, Sunday Mba and co. Even Captain Joseph Yobo has been warming the bench for the past 4 games. It has reaped the desired results as the EAGLES have swept aside all before them in their quest for Continental glory. One more hurdle to scale.

PROBABLE LINEUPS:
NIGERIA:
Enyeama, Ambrose, Obaobana, Omeruo, Echejile, Mba, Mikel, Onazi, Ideye, Moses, Emenike

BURKINA FASO:
Diakite, Koffi, B.Kone, Koulibaly, Panandetiguiri, D. Kone, Rouamba, Pitroipa, Nacoulma, BANCE.


Aristide Bance is deputising for the injured Alain Traore who sadly, can play no further part in this tournament. Burkina Faso have been boosted by the decision of CAF to rescind the RED CARD awarded to Pitroipa and the suspension of Slim Jdidi who should not be handed a whistle again for 2 years. Bance scored the leveller v the Black Stars and took his penalty well in the shoot-out.

Captain Joseph Yobo will watch from the bench once again as his guys try to win the AFCON  for the 3rd time ever. The team leader is in his 1st ever final, alongside all his other teammates. Vincent Enyeama will lead the Eagles out, but it remains to be seen who will lift the trophy should the Nigerians emerge victorious. This is Nigeria's 7th final-only Ghana and Egypt have appeared in more.

Old Stallion, Moumouni Dagano has appeared in 6 ANC (African Nations Cup) Tournaments, but has registered just 1 goal. An appalling stat.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

.              

  NGR                          BKF

FULHAM - MANCHESTER UNITED PREVIEW!

DEADLY DUO

Manchester United have been buoyed by the return to training of Jonny Evans, but are still without Ashley Young whose knee hasn't healed up yet Otherwise, SAF has a healthy squad to pick from. The 2-1 win over Southampton three days ago extended their lead at the top of the pile to 7 points and they could go 10 points clear, at least for 24 hours, if they come out with a victory this evening. Wayne Rooney is on a hot streak at the moment. His brace against the Saints were his 11th and 12th goals of the season and with RVP partnering him upfront, goals are a guarantee. The Dutchman has been exceptional this season, with 22 goals and a truckload of assists to his name already. The EPL top scorer failed to find the net on Wednesday, but will be expected to find the net. His 10 away goals this season is a league high. The red devils have won 8 away games already this season, more than nay other side in the Division.

Both sides met just a week ago at Old Trafford in the F.A Cup and Manchester United cam out on top in a pretty one-sided affair. The Cottagers will be hoping to make life difficult for Sir Alex Ferguson's men this evening. The red devils are on a spectacular run at the moment. They have forgotten how to lose domestically and will be heavy favourites going into this one. Although recent visits to the Cottage haven't been fruitful, the last one there ended in a whitewash for the home side as the League leaders ran out comfortable 5-0 winners. Sir Alex said in his press conference that Rio will start and Jonny Evans has returned to training. In the build -up to this game, Wayne Rooney cam out to say he has handed over spot-kick duties to RVP since he has imbibed the habit of missing more than he scores. Missing 10 out of 27 penalties is unacceptable and that had to be put right. Good decision from the Englishman.

Jol....will be hoping his boys deliver today.

Martin Jol is faced with yet another misery on his hands. The daunting task of defeating a Fergie-managed team has reared its ugly head again. But his managerial impetus will be a total waste if he doesn't try to end the horrendous run his teams have against Manchester United. Easier said than done as the red army are marching magnificently at the moment. Football is no mathematics though. One bad day in the office and boom, things become awkward.

Urby hoping to shine today

Fulham won for the 1st time in 8 games on Wednesday, putting the Hammers to the sword 3-1 at the Cottage with former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov among the scorers. He pulled his hamstring during the match and will play no part in proceeding today which is a huge blow to his team's chances of taking anything from this encounter. Mladen Petric or Hugo Rodallega will be called upon to fill the vacuum. New signings, Eyong Enoh on loan from Ajax, Stanislav Manolev from PSV, and Urby Emmanuelson from AC Milan are available but Eyong and Stanislav are ineligible because of work permit issues. However, the Dutch import from Milan is most likely to make his debut. Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong who also made the loan switch to West London will be in the squad, but might not be in the starting line-up.

PROBABLE LINEUPS:
FULHAM: The Cottagers are still without Diarra, Frei, Sidwell and Richardson.

Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Dejagah, Karagounis, Kacaniklic, Ruiz, Emmanuelson, Petric/Hugo

MANCHESTER UNITED; Ashley Young will play no part, Jonny Evans just returned to training and has to make do with a place on the bench.

DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley/Anderson, Nani/Valencia, Kagawa, Rooney, RVP

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