Football Glee Nigeria

Ighalo Grabs Brace As Watford Humbles Liverpool

Watford Nigerian forward, Odion Ighalo grabbed a brace for Watford as they defeated shambolic Liverpool 3-0 at Vicarage Road to emerge one point away from the Champions League places.

Nathan Ake, on loan from Chelsea, put Watford in the driving seat as he pounced on Adam Bogdan's howler to poke home in the 3rd minute. Bogdan failed to catch a routine cross at the first attempt and it led to the opening goal.

Ighalo made it 2-0 after fellow striker, Troy Deeney ball over the top was chased down by Ighalo. After out muscling Martin Skrtel to the ball, he struck home from a tight angle.

Ighalo put the game beyond any doubt in the 85th minute with his second and Watford's third of the day as he nodded into the back of the net substitute, Valon Behrami's cross to seal miserable afternoon for Liverpool.

Ancelotti To Replace Pep Guardiola At Bayern

Former PSG and Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelloti will replace Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich manager at the end of the season after Pep Guardiola decided not to extend his contract with the German giants.

Ancelloti, 56, has signed a 3 year contract which will run till 2019.

Karl Heinz Rummenigge spoke about Guardiola's desire to leave the club: "We are thankful to Guardiola for all he gave our club and hope to celebrate more success in the current season."

"With Ancelloti we have another very successful coach coming to Bayern. We are looking forward to working together."

Barca Win World Club Cup

La Liga and European Champions, Barcelona earlier today retained the World Club Cup trophy as they trounced Argentine side River Plate 3-0 in the final.

Lionel Messi opened scoring in the 36th minute as hooked home after controlling Neymar's flicked header.

Luis Suarez made it 2-0 after he latched on to Sergio Busquet's through pass and fired home in the 49 th minute.

Suarez grabbed his second of the game and sealed River Plate's hopes of any fight back in the 68th minute when he nodded into the back of the net Neymar's superb cross. It was his 18th goal in all competitions this season.

With this result, Messi has now scored in a record seven different competitions in 2015. They include: La Liga, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League, Copa America and the World Club Cup.

Where Do Chelsea Go From Here?

After Monday night's loss to Leicester City, Chelsea's flirtation with relegation and the troubles of Jose Mourinho in the Premier League has been given a lot of media attention.

What is wrong with Chelsea? This is a question many have grappled with. But the answer to this question is not as straight forward as Chelsea supporters would like.

Many pundits in the British media have had their say as to what needs to be done for things to improve at Stamford Bridge. Some are of the opinion that certain players need to be shown the exit door while others like Jamie Carragher feel Mourinho's time is up.

Others such as Frank Lampard feel that Mourinho, although, needs time to turn things around, appears not to know what to do since this is the first time in his career he has had to deal with what seems to be a relegation dogfight.

In his post match interview after the defeat to Leicester, Mourinho appealed to the Chelsea board and Roman Abramovich to stand by him because he intends to remain as manager and fix the problems with the squad's performances.

But how long Abramovich will heed this call is anybody's guess. He is not one to be too patient with failure as Roberto Di Matteo and Luis Felipe Scolari can attest. They were kicked out in situations that would be considered bliss now. Apparently, Mourinho's popularity, track record and reputation is what's keeping the "Special One" in a job.

With Chelsea lying 16th on the league table after 9 defeats, should Chelsea allow Mourinho to remain as manager so that he can oversee a change in the club's fortunes? Does he deserve it? If Roman Abramovich decides to pull the trigger on Mourinho's time at the club, who is out there that could galvanise the team? Is Chelsea's predicament solely down to the actions or lack thereof of Mourinho?

Some analysts are of the opinion that Chelsea's problems is more than just Mourinho not doing his job properly and the players under performing. It stretches up to the very top as far as Technical Director, Michael Emenalo.

Looking at Chelsea's transfer policy since Mourinho's second coming, it is clear that there is some sort of disconnect between Mourinho and Emenalo. Players like Felipe Luis, Mohammed Salah, Juan Cuadrado, Papy, and others seem not to be the type of players Mourinho likes to deploy. And as a consequence, Mourinho hardly gives them much playing time.

This has led to the sales of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku to other clubs. Then the policy of loaning out bit part players have also played a role in Chelsea's struggles as there seems to be no back up for injured and fatigued players. Players like Victor Moses who are in good form would have offered an alternative to Mourinho as Hazard struggles to reenact last season's form. Chelsea surely, could do with the attacking threat of the likes of Moses.

And speaking of players, Chelsea have serious issues with their current playing staff. Whether it is a coincidence that all Mourinho's trusted 'Generals' in the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill,Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are out of form at the same time will only be confirmed in the coming weeks if their form improves dramatically or Mourinho is fired (it is inconceivable to think that Roman Abramovich will not act decisively if the current meltdown continues).

But many critics are of the opinion that the under performing stars plight might be a combination of age catching up with some of them like John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic and/or a mutiny is well and truly in progress in the dressing room. This is not out of the realms of possibility but what could cause a team to turn against their manager?

Some have spuriously suggested that Mourinho lost the players support the moment he fell out with Dr Eva Carneiro. But this seems a bit too simplistic. Yes, some players might have been upset at how Dr Eva was treated but this happened in August. Come on, who holds a grudge that long because of a third party who was being made a scapegoat?

A more credible explanation for the poor form of key Chelsea players is that which has been alluded to Mourinho's methods which is physically draining to the players. The problems of Chelsea can be traced to last season when they managed to crawl over the line to win the league as they laboured to win games or held on for draws in their last 8 or 9 matches.

The warning signs were there, nobody heeded them. Now, it has led to a crisis and a fall that is more than anyone anywhere could have envisaged. Perhaps this is the reason why Mourinho after the Leicester City game made a damning statement that his players betrayed him because he brought them to the level where they could compete and win trophies but were unable to repeat same this season.

How would Mourinho's men react to his criticism? Would they continue to struggle for form or will they raise their game to the levels we know they can? Whatever it is their response turns out to be, Mourinho has to act fast and tweak his squad so that they can claim maximum points in their next two home games against Sunderland and Watford.

But where does he need to make changes? John Terry may have to accept the fact that he is past his sell by date. He can't play games anymore at the level we know he used to. He needs to be dropped. Matic has to be motivated to regain his form of last season or anything close to it. John Obi Mikel does not look like a solution. Fabregas is no longer assisting unlike last season that he racked up assists such that he threatened to set a record. He has since faded as usual but has failed to come back this season. Mourinho may need to look at options on the bench to bring energy and creativity in midfield.

Diego Costa and Eden Hazard between them last season contributed 40 goals as Chelsea marched all the way to the title. But this season, only 4 goals have been scored between both forwards. A stat which shows the extent at which Chelsea has fallen this season. Diego needs competition which he at the moment isn't getting because Falcao and Remy have been out of their

depth. Costa has been all aggression this season but no substance and has even drawn criticism from Mourinho himself. Had his form been okay, things might have been better.

Eden Hazard on the other hand needs to rediscover his form quickly or Mourinho may need to give Kennedy a run in the team. But with reports suggesting Hazard and Mourinho already have a fractious relationship then someone has to eat humble pie for the benefit of the team.

The verdict though is that Chelsea's fortunes can be turned around by Jose himself if given time. Any other manager can as well because the Chelsea squad is a good one. This is based on the premise that the players are under performing not out of a desire to frustrate the manager but because of other variables already discussed. But will things get worse before they get better? Time will tell.

Keshi's Wife Passes On

The wife of former Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, has passed on after an undisclosed ailment.

Keshi and his wife, Kate, were married for 35 years.

"She was ill for a while now and I'm in still in shock of this great loss," Keshi told Completesportsnigeria.com

He announced that the funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks.

Can LVG Turn United's Season Around?

After Manchester United's embarrassing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Wolfsburg in Germany, questions about Louis Van Gaal's tactics and methods have been brought to the fore again by analysts.

A group featuring the likes of Wolfsburg, PSV Eindhoven, and CSKA Moscow who are hardly European heavy weights is one a team of the status and calibre of United should successfully negotiate through. This brutal failure to get past this stage is a huge wake up call to both deluded fans and the powers that be at Old Trafford.

How did Man United get to this sorry mess? LVG who was given a mandate to restore Man United into the Champions League after the ill fated David Moyes reign, achieved the goal but the club's sharp exit at the group stages is not what anyone with any ties with United had in mind.

The team's performance against Wolfsburg may have been valiant, but ultimately, they came up far below the standards required to progress further than the first round. This United team is regarded as a dull and boring side with a lack of pace and pedestrian movement. Many fans and critics alike have rightly pointed at LVG's system or philosophy as the reason for this style which contrived to produce a goalless draw against PSV which with the benefit of hindsight proved to be the game that sealed United's fate in the Champions League this season.

As Paul Scholes said, you wouldn't expect Wolfsburg or PSV to get past the round of 16. Yet, these are the teams (not Barcelona, not Bayern Munich, not Real Madrid but Wolfsburg!) that eliminated Man United. What Scholes forgot to add is that on the evidence of that display in Germany, that United team would also not progress beyond the second round.

Michael Owen buttressed this fact when he said that LVG's transfer policy should be called into question when he said that the players that have been pushed out for those brought in would defeat Wolfsburg. He mentioned the likes of Vidic, Evra, Chicarito, Evans, Van Persie etc would defeat Wolfsburg easily if they were in his squad.

Former Wales striker, John Hartson, believes that there hasn't been any significant progress with LVG in charge from the Moyes era. A transfer policy and squad management where Wayne Rooney is the only recognisable striker has to be slated.

Javier Hernandez whom LVG sold to Bayer Leverkusen meanwhile has at this point scored 14 goals in 19 games for Leverkusen. How desperate would LVG be for such firepower now?

Wayne Rooney has come in for criticism for his performances this season but the performance against Wolfsburg shows that United's problems in attack is not down to Rooney alone. He may be past his best but LVG should receive a large share of the blame for the bluntness of United's attack. No one foresaw the scale of Rooney's regression even though the signs have been there a few years. But the fact that LVG only signed an unproven 19 year old from Monaco and let experienced strikers like Van Persie and Chicarito leave has to be a serious mistake on his part, one deserving of the sack were LVG a nonentity.

In LVG's defence, it has to be said that he hasn't had much luck with injuries. Luke Shaw's double fracture against PSV in the first leg started a run of injuries that has swept Valencia, Jones, Herrera, Rooney, Schnerderln, and now Darmian and Smalling.

These injuries though, reveal the hollowness in the squad. A lack of depth which is surprising considering the amount spent on the squad. Another minus for Van Gaal.

What next for LVG now? Can he turn United's fortunes around? Should the top brass start thinking seriously about the direction United will be going after Van Gaal?

LVG can turn the fortunes of United if he wants to. However, as former United captain, Roy Keane said, it appears LVG has seen something many United fans don't want to admit: that the players, good they might be, aren't good enough for a club like Manchester United. And as a result, LVG has taken the safe option of making his team compact and difficult to breakdown so that the weakness in the squad won't be exposed. But the strategy has led to a sacrifice of a more fluid and dynamic style.

As things stand, he has to raid the transfer market in January in the hopes of getting a dependable striker, particularly if Wayne Rooney's poor form continues. Perhaps, his current system could yet work if United had a dependable striker who will bury the few chances they create.

United are only 3 points off league leaders Leicester City. The Premier League is quite open and with Chelsea out of the picture in the title race and also with Leicester City expected to falter as the title race begins to hot up, United have a good chance of winning the league if they can get a decent striker. A feat which will more than compensate for the early champions league ouster.

Monk And Swansea Part Ways

Swansea have sacked manager Garry Monk after a string of poor results. Swansea have recorded only one victory in their last 11 games.

Monk has been with Swansea for 11 years. First as a player and later as a manager 2 seasons ago after he replaced Michael Laudrup as manager.

Their defeat last weekend to Leicester City 0-3 at home turned out to be a final nail on the coffin for Garry Monk. Afterwards, Swansea chairman, Huw Jenkins was reported to have said "something needs to change".

After the news of the sacking of Monk broke, Huw Jenkins, stated that: " the decision has been made very reluctantly and with a heavy heart".

Monk last season led Swansea to their highest position in the league ever as Swansea finished in 8th position. Monk who had even been touted as a future England manager continued from where he left of from last season this season as Swansea drew with Chelsea and defeated Manchester United.

But results started deteriorating with Swansea only winning only once against Aston Villa in 11 games.

The bookmakers are already tipping former Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers as Monk's replacement.

Moyes Open To Offers In Europe

Former Everton and Manchester United boss, David Moyes, has announced that he is still open to job offers in any of the top European leagues despite his Real Sociedad experience.

Moyes was relieved of his post in November by Real Sociedad after the club struggled in La Liga for form.

"I'm open minded and Spain has whetted my appetite. If the right opportunities came up in the major leagues I'd be interested". He said.

Sociedad were 16th on the league table by the time Moyes was dismissed as manager.

Moyes said he enjoyed his time at La Liga and believes the experience will help him in future.

"I think the experience will help me", he added.

"I gained great knowledge from my time there. it was a great experience what I did and I hope that will make me better."

Football Remains A Uniting Sport

England and France yesterday went ahead with their international friendly match at Wembley after the deadly Paris terrorists attacks that claimed the lives of 129 people and injured hundreds more last Friday in a show of defiance, unity and respect between both nations.

The game ended 2-0 in favour of England with goals from Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur and Wayne Rooney of Manchester United. But it was a game where the score line or the performance was secondary.

It was a show of support by the English for their French rivals who were suffering at this time from the devastation of the attacks.

England fans joined the French supporters in singing the national anthem. Flowers were laid by Prince William, French Manager Didier Deschamps, and Roy Hodgson.

The stadium was filled to capacity with 70,000 fans turning up to show support for the French. The game was attended by prime minister David Cameron, the Duke of Cambridge, the London Mayor and other dignitaries.

There was of course, the outpouring of emotion by some fans who could not hold back the tears and even the players' resolve would have been tested to the limits by the occasion. A moment's silence was held before kick off with the players and match officials having joint photographs taken in a show of solidarity with the French.

The game in which the French FA turned down a request by the English to be called off turned out to be a spectacle not on the field of play but in the display of unity, love, respect and in its message to the world and the terrorists particularly- Terrorism will not win. Good will always triumph over evil.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra, lost his cousin in the attacks and was given a standing ovation when he came on for Yohan Cabaye. Athletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann was also applauded after his sister narrowly escaped being murdered by the extremists at the Bataclan concert were most of the massacre occurred.

In Germany, the friendly between Germany and the Netherlands was called off an hour before kick off due to bomb threats to the Hannover stadium where the game was supposed to be played. Police searched through the stadium for explosives but none has been found yet.

The friendly between Belgium and Spain was also called off due to security concerns since some of the suspects were Belgian nationals.

So far, investigations and raids are ongoing in France, Belgium and Germany with different levels of success. However, it is important to note that what has happened in France occurs on a regular basis in the Middle East, Asia and in Africa. And there has been debates concerning the degree of coverage by the media of the Paris attacks when compared to the attacks in other third world countries which may not get near as much coverage as the one in France.

This post is not meant for taking sides or adding to the debate that is currently raging especially on social media over the media's failure to report extensively or show sympathy or empathy to other atrocities else where.

I will however say this, the media should learn to as much as possible, give due and balanced reporting to atrocities done all over the world. As I write, there are reports of a terrorist activity here in Yola, Nigeria were a bomb went off and killed over 30 people at a Tipper Garage. It is not getting any serious coverage as it should on world media.

All in all, football has shown once again that it can unite people of different race, creed, belief and religion no matter the circumstance. It also has the power to send a strong message to those opposed to peace and liberty. The game between France and England last night is a testament to that fact.

Benzema And Valbuena Left Out Of France Squad

France internationals, Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema have been left out of the French squad to face Germany and England his month during the international break.

France manager, Didier Deschamps has stated that Valbuena is not in the right frame of mind to be involved in the French squad after attempts were made to extort money from him.

Benzema, the principal suspect in the investigation, has been placed under formal investigation by French Police in relation to a sex tape involving Valbuena. Benzema is currently not fit to appear for France as he is out with a thigh injury.

Benzema who maintains his innocence has been questioned by police and has been banned from contacting Valbuena or anyone charged in the case.

Deschamps stated that he chose to leave Benzema out after speaking to him as he was not physically ready to play. He also said he was not aware of the investigation of Benzema and would allow the police handle the situation.

Ronaldo: I Am The Best In The World

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo regards himself as the best player in the world today and comparable to the greats in the game. He made these statements in a BBC interview with Sports Editor Dan Roan.

He said: "I don't need to say 'I'm in the history of football, I'm a legend.' The numbers say everything."

"To improve more it's very tough. I just want to maintain because this is I think the most difficult part for a football player". He continued.

"In my mind, I'm always the best. I don't care what people think, what they say. In my mind, not just this year but always, I'm always the best". He added.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award for world player of the year 3 times and is Real Madrid's all time leading goal scorer with 326 goals in 314 matches. His career record stands at 504 goals in 760 appearances.

Golden Eaglets March Into World Cup Final

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets are through to the FIFA U-17 World Cup final after defeating Mexico 4-2 in a thrilling semi final clash and will now take on the Eagles of Mali in a repeat of the African championship finals.

Kevin Magana put Mexico in front after just 7 minutes but the Eaglets got back on level terms through Kelechi Nwakali who scored after converting a free kick from 25 yards in the 35th minute.

Okonkwo put Nigeria ahead 2 minutes before half time after scoring a spectacular goal. He cut in from the left

and onto his right foot struck the ball in off the crossbar.

The Mexicans equalised through Cortes who slotted past Eaglets' goalkeeper Udoh after dribbling past 5 Nigerian players.

Ebere restored Nigeria's lead after Mexican keeper Romero could not keep out his shot after he found space on the right. Osimhen put the icing on the cake for the Eaglets as he scored from the penalty spot and has now taken his tally to 9 goals.

Nigeria now take on Mali in the final on Sunday at the Vina Del Mar stadium.

Ighalo Grabs Brace For Watford

Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo grabbed a brace for Watford in their premier league clash with high flying West Ham at Vicarage road over the weekend to move Watford into mid table.

The forwards 2 goals were enough to sink West Ham. His first goal came in the 38th minute after Chelsea loanee, Nathan Ake, dispossessed Andy Carroll and crossed low for Ighalo who made no mistake.

Ighalo doubled Watford's lead after Tomkins failed to deal with a weak pass with the ball slipping through for Ighalo who blasted the roof of the net to grab his second goal and his seventh of the season.

Ighalo is now joint second highest goal scorer with Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez on 7 goals and 3 behind Leicester's goal machine Jamie Vardy.

Mascherano Admits Tax Fraud

Javier Mascherano has admitted two counts of fraud totalling 1.5 million euros.

The Barcelona defender failed to declare 1.5 million euros in earnings in 2011 and 2012, according to state prosecutors.

He admitted the charges in a brief appearance in court near Barcelona.

A court filing released in September revealed that Mascherano deposited nearly £1.25M with the authorities to repay the amount owed plus interest.

The judge however, must now decide whether the case proceeds to trial.

There is every likelihood though, that Mascherano might be made to pay a fine before the case goes to trial since he has admitted his guilt and paid the tax plus interest.

Mourinho To Oversee Liverpool Game

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho is expected to be on the bench when Liverpool visit Stamford bridge on Saturday for this weekend's premier league cracker.

Mourinho is currently facing a charge of misconduct for his behaviour in last weekend's premier league match at West Ham. He was sent off to the stands during the match as Chelsea lost 2-1 to West Ham.

His case is expected to be treated after Chelsea's game with Liverpool.

Mourinho has also lodged an appeal with the FA against a separate suspended stadium ban he received for comments he made about officials in Chelsea's 1-3 loss to Southampton where he accused officials of being scared of awarding penalties to Chelsea.

Di Maria Explains United Departure

PSG winger, Angel Di Maria, has given reasons for his departure from Old Trafford last summer.

In an interview with Spanish sport paper Marca, he for the first time gave reasons for his unceremonious departure from Manchester United.

" I started very well, then I had problems with people in the club," he said.

"Then I started being put on the bench, things like that happen in football. After the robbery at my house, everything made me want to leave," he added.

He also went on to say that he initially didn't want to leave Real Madrid but when it was clear he was no longer wanted at Madrid, he opted for Paris St Germain.

Unfortunately, due to Financial Fair Play clampdown on PSG, the deal could not be done. And so he had to proceed to United. But when the offer from PSG came last summer, he could not pass up the opportunity.

Ideye Grabs Winner For Olympiacos

Former West Brom striker, Brown Ideye grabbed a late winner for Olympiacos in the 79th minute to give Olympiacos a vital Champions League Match day 3 win over Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

The striker chased what appeared a lost cause to strike home past Dinamo's Eduardo from a tight angle on 79 minutes in a smash and grab win for Olympiacos.

Dinamo created the better scoring chances but failed to utilise them whereas Olympiacos were restricted to long range efforts.

Olympiacos remains in 2nd place with 6 points in Group F behind Bayern Munich who are also on 6 points after a surprise 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.

Golden Eaglets Whitewash Chile 5-1

The Golden Eaglets have secured their place next round after they trounced hosts Chile 5-1 in the Estadio Sausalito Vina Del Mar.

It didn't take long for the Nigerian team to get on the driving seat as Chukwueze opened scoring in less than a minute after kick off. Nwakali increased the Eaglets led from the penalty spot on 17 minutes.

The goals fest continued in the second half as Chukwueze grabbed his second of the game in 61st minute while Osimhen made it 4 for Nigeria 5 minutes later again from the penalty spot.

Allende grabbed a consolation for Chile on 81 minutes but Nigeria restored their 4 goal cushion 5 minutes later through Osimhen who also got his brace.

Nigeria next takes on Croatia in their final group game.

Emenike Quits The Super Eagles

Nigeria striker, Emmanuel Emenike has announced his international retirement from the national team. He made the announcement on Instagram in a post which indicates he may be quitting because of on going tensions in the Super Eagles camp which he described as a "threat zone" and "family house"

Emenike, 28, who currently plays for Al Ain has been out of form for the Super Eagles and last scored for Nigeria in October 2013 in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia were he bagged 2 goals in Addis Ababa. Since then, he has struggled for form for both club and country.

He is the second senior player after Vincent Enyeama to retire from the national team since the last international break.

He wrote on Instagram: " No more Eagles career! After 5 great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace".

"It is a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it is the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good times and bad times".

Emenike will be fondly remembered for his contributions to the national team during the African Cup of Nations in South Africa where Nigeria emerged winners. He won the top scorer award after scoring 4 goals.

Neymar Hits 4 To Take Barca To Top Of La Liga

Brazilian forward, Neymar, scored 4 goals including 2 spot kicks as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 5-2 to go joint top with La Liga rivals, Real Madrid.

Rayo Vallecano had gone ahead after 14 minutes through Guerra after he stabbed home a low cross from former Manchester United winger Bebe.

Neymar restored parity from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute and put Barca ahead again from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

He bagged his hat trick in the 69th minute after stabbing home a rebound after Suarez's initial shot was saved. Neymar made it 4-1 after Suarez raced clear and unselfishly squared to Neymar who tapped into an unguarded net.

Neymar returned the favour as his cross was turned into the back of the net by Luis Suarez.

Rayo Vallecano who had created several scoring opportunities and dominated play for most of the second half got a deserved second on 86 minutes as Sanchez Ruiz took advantage of sloppy defending by Barcelona.

Neymar, 23, becomes the first Brazilian since Julio Baptista to score 4 goals in a La Liga game and is now top scorer in La Liga with 8 goals.

Golden Eaglets Off To Winning Start

Reigning U-17 World Cup champions, the Golden Eaglets, got off to a winning start as they defeated the USA 2-0 in their opening match in Santiago Chile.

Chukwudi Agor put Nigeria in the driving seat 5 minutes into the second half after a goal mouth scramble in the US 6 yard box.

Nigeria increased their lead 11 minutes later after Victor Osimhen beat two US defenders to calmly finish past the hapless US goalkeeper.

Matters got worse for the USA as Auston Trusty was shown a straight red for a poor challenge.

Nigeria go top of the group after Chile were held by Croatia to a 1-1 draw. Nigeria will next take on the hosts, Chile.

Efe Ambrose Promises Not To Repeat Errors

Celtic and Nigeria defender, Efe Ambrose has promised to not repeat the mistakes that cost Celtic a win in their 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League as they head for Motherwell in this weekend's Scottish Premier League fixture.

Efe Ambrose was guilty of 2 costly mistakes which Fenerbahce's Brazilian attacker, Fernandao, took advantage of to cancel out Celtic's 2-0 lead. Leigh Griffiths and Kris Commons had put Celtic in a commanding position.

Ambrose's back header to Craig Gordon was poor and Fernandao latched at the opportunity to pull one back. He also failed to mark Fernandao as he nodded home Fenerbahce's equaliser.

"It was a gift for them but the most important thing is the management, the gaffer, the players stood by me. They know it can happen", said Ambrose.

"Sometimes in football, when the defender or goalkeeper makes the mistake, everybody sees it"

"If Craig was able to catch the ball then no one would speak about this, it is not a mistake but the communication between me and Craig was not there." He added.

New Job For Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has landed a job with Qatari owned television network BeIn Sports as a pundit.

One of the network's anchormen, Richard Keys revealed on twitter Rodgers will be recruited by the company to work as a pundit.

Rodgers has been out of work for less than 2 weeks after the ex- Liverpool boss was sacked and replaced with former Borussia Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp.

Rodgers will work as a pundit alongside Richard Keys and Andy Gray. His role is likely to be studio based rather than a co-commentary.

I've Never Blackmailed Anyone - Cisse

Former Liverpool and France Striker, Djibril Cisse has denied any wrongdoing after being arrested by French authorities in an inquiry into a sex tape extortion plot.

Cisse was one of four people held by French Police over an investigation into what could be an attempt to blackmail an international footballer.

"They (French Police) came to get me to hear my side of the story. I've never blackmailed anyone," said Cisse after he was released.

It is claimed that the 3 other detainees have a mobile phone video footage of an international footballer having sex with his partner.

Prosecutors indicated that Cisse was not thought to be an instigator of the conspiracy and has been released without charge.

Ings Out For Rest Of The Season

Liverpool have been hit with another injury blow as striker, Danny Ings, is set to miss out the rest of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Jurgen Klopp's first training session in charge of the Reds.

Ings, 23, has scored 3 goals for Liverpool in 7 matches and also recently featured for England in the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Lithuania.

Liverpool's Joe Gomez has also been ruled out for the rest of the season for a similar injury while on international duty.

Liverpool will travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspurs this weekend and will also be without Belgian striker, Christian Benteke who is also nursing a hamstrung injury.

UEFA To Back Platini For FIFA Presidency

UEFA president, Michel Platini, continues to retain the support of European football's governing body in his bid to become FIFA president despite concerns over a £1.35M payment made to him by Sepp Blatter.

Both Platini and Blatter have been questioned by Swiss authorities about the payment while Blatter still faces criminal proceedings over it. Both deny any wrong doing.

It had been reported that several countries had threatened to drop their support for Platini if they didn't get assurances about the £1.35M payment made to him by Blatter since there was an absence of a written contract detailing the payment.

UEFA's 54 members met in Nyon to discuss the issue and it would appear that they got those assurances.