tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59865255045480090812024-03-19T06:45:44.317+01:00Colin Udoh - Beyond The Ball GameBeyond The Ball GameColin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-83215621119469999442022-11-11T17:49:00.002+01:002022-11-11T17:49:50.373+01:00Pundit's bank on Manchester City and Arsenal and other predictions<p> Last weekend produced plenty shocking results but Godwin d Pundit was able to call six match outcomes correctly. He is back this weekend with his expert tips on all the EPL games. So which team is he backing for the win? Read on to find out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxSC255MmCR5641DWNkGJtLx6Wq7iOZNX1HxS_1OTXAWofJnOaJVMkJvCFDaagMC7VP_UVLL_cG7jjPQdI_CDyk2r-ub9jvRg-ONRhx08ObqJGcPvxOWNnNk7hKsghFKlYHSQdYbpjOcM6GkCNpXEsLOgbDQ_r4_E_qUuiL6CAvdnj22hKFZN3e0KAg/s554/images%20(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxSC255MmCR5641DWNkGJtLx6Wq7iOZNX1HxS_1OTXAWofJnOaJVMkJvCFDaagMC7VP_UVLL_cG7jjPQdI_CDyk2r-ub9jvRg-ONRhx08ObqJGcPvxOWNnNk7hKsghFKlYHSQdYbpjOcM6GkCNpXEsLOgbDQ_r4_E_qUuiL6CAvdnj22hKFZN3e0KAg/s320/images%20(8).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Brentford</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I thought Manchester City showed their class last weekend to win against Fulham with ten men. You won't find many teams in the league that will be able to pull such a feat. This is the last game before the World Cup and Manchester City will be looking to end on a winning note. Brentford have been really poor recently and they will be low on confidence going into this game. I am going for a comfortable Manchester City win here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Manchester City 3-0 Brentford</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Liverpool vs Southampton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>If Liverpool still have the hope of finishing in the top four, then they ought to be winning this sort of game. The Reds have not really impressed this season against the weaker teams and Southampton with a new manager will be fancying their chances here. I think if Liverpool play with top gear here they will win. So I am just going to back Jurgen Klopp's men to win but it's going to be a slim one.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Liverpool 1-0 Southampton</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tottenham vs Leeds United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Looking at the previous matches of these two sides, one can't really tell who will triumph here. Any of these two sides can win here. But Tottenham have got the edge in their head-to-head record. Tottenham lost at home to Liverpool last weekend and they will be looking to avoid back to back defeats at home. So I am backing Antonio Conte's men to either win or draw this game.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Tottenham 2-1 Leeds United</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>West Ham vs Leicester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Gradually, Leicester City are beginning to find their feet having started the season on a very poor note. However, they have struggled against West Ham in recent meetings. West Ham have won three in their last four meetings; with their most recent meeting ending in a 2-2 draw. West Ham lost at home to Crystal Palace last weekend, the Hammers will be looking to avoid back to back defeats at home in this one. I am just going to bank on this one to end in a draw. As I really can't separate these two sides.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: West Ham 1-1 Leicester City</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bournemouth vs Everton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Both teams are really struggling in the league but it's Bournemouth that came out on top when these two sides met in the Carabao Cup in midweek. Bournemouth have shown their dominance in this particular fixture by winning the last three games between these two in all competitions. I am struggling to call a winner here because any of these two sides can actually win this game but I think a draw will be a decent result for both teams. So I am going for a draw here on Saturday.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Bournemouth 2-2 Everton</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Nottingham Forest are a very funny side, they can win against a very difficult side today and go on to lose their next five games against teams they should really be going shoulder to shoulder with. I think Crystal Palace will get something out of this clash. Patrick Vieira's men have really impressed me this season. I didn't give them a chance against West Ham last weekend and they went to London and took all maximum points. So I am going to bank on Crystal Palace to win or draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Newcastle vs Chelsea</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The Blues are really going through difficult time under new manager Graham Potter. They have not won in their last five domestic fixtures. And if they looking to win to end the poor run of form, Newcastle is the wrong choice of opponent to face at the moment. The Magpies are really flying at the moment - winning all of their last five domestic fixtures. Chelsea will be banking on their decent run against Newcastle in recent meetings but this is going to be a difficult mountain to climb for the Blues. If you want my honest opinion about this game I will tell you I am going to bank on Newcastle to either win or draw this one. I don't see a Chelsea victory here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Wolves vs Arsenal</b></p><p><br /></p><p>If Arsenal are looking to go into the World Cup break on top of the log then they should be winning this one. Wolves are really struggling so far in the season and a really decent team will beat them on any ground. So if Arsenal come up with their A game here, I don't see Wolves stopping them.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Wolves 0-1 Arsenal</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brighton vs Aston Villa</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Aston Villa and Unai Emery shocked everyone last weekend when they comfortably defeated Manchester United 3-1. They will be looking to cause another shocker in this fixture. But Brighton have started to enjoy a decent run of form and they will be looking to building on the run here. I am going to go for Brighton to win or draw but if Aston Villa win here I wouldn't be surprised.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Brighton 1-0 Aston Villa</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fulham vs Manchester United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Manchester United really disappointed me last weekend. The manner inn which they lost to Aston Villa was really upsetting. Aston Villa really dominated the game and were worthy winners at the end of 90 minutes. Erik Ten Hag's men showed some efforts in midweek to win 4-2 when they met Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup. Fulham are a tricky side and are very difficult to beat on their day but Manchester United can take solace from the fact that Fulham have lost against all the top five teams they have met so far this season. I am not confident on a Manchester United win even if this looks like a fixture they should be winning. So I am going to bank on Manchester United to win or draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Fulham 1-2 Manchester United</p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-3554006895022186992022-11-04T14:22:00.004+01:002022-11-04T14:22:49.919+01:00D'Pundit pick winners as Chelsea and Arsenal do battle at Stamford Bridge<p>Godwin D Pundit is back with his weekly EPL matches predictions as Chelsea and Arsenal look set to do battle this weekend. So who is D'Pundit tipping to win in the game? Read on to find out...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyc2_PeXtoPNORYrFgipg6AiOQCUzW94qkFPyXLz3ITHgSAPhELE-nVgB3V9wCVKs9etTEgDPu9dU-Pve6-QOTeEYi0PugCDlLc3CpX81eR6QcYKxAJ2n8TgyviYUGz7qyY5uv__5DVMI2ZphG1tjRUkg67hpeI2sn0hMUMC1yT3a4-noEuBNgZIcJg/s678/images%20(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyc2_PeXtoPNORYrFgipg6AiOQCUzW94qkFPyXLz3ITHgSAPhELE-nVgB3V9wCVKs9etTEgDPu9dU-Pve6-QOTeEYi0PugCDlLc3CpX81eR6QcYKxAJ2n8TgyviYUGz7qyY5uv__5DVMI2ZphG1tjRUkg67hpeI2sn0hMUMC1yT3a4-noEuBNgZIcJg/s320/images%20(7).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Fulham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I don't know if Erling Haaland will be available for this match otherwise I would have tipped this game to result in a drubbing. However, Manchester City without Erling Haaland are still a very quality side. Fulham are also no pushovers and they will prove their worth here but I still expect Manchester City to find a way past them. So I am going for a very slim Manchester City win.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Manchester City 1-0 Fulham</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Wolves vs Brighton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Wolves come into this game on the back of one win from their last eight league games. They will be low on confidence level. Meanwhile, Brighton will be coming into this game on the back of an impressive 4-1 victory against Chelsea. That will boost their confidence ahead of this game. The last time these two sides met on this same ground, Brighton were 3-0 winners. I don't expect Brighton to win again here with that sort of a margin but I think Brighton have got what it takes to win this game. My prediction on this game is a narrow victory for Roberto De Zerbi's side.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Wolves 1-2 Brighton</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leeds vs Bournemouth</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Both sides have lost many games prior to this match but it is Leeds who will be energized by their win last weekend at Anfield. They will try to prove in this game that the win against Liverpool isn't a fluke. I expect the game to be a very tough one for both sides but in the end I think Leeds have got what it takes to at least get a point from the game. So, I am going for Leeds to either win it draw this one.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leeds 1-0 Bournemouth</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Brentford</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Nottingham Forest won against Liverpool only to go on last weekend to lose 5-0 to Arsenal. I was really disappointed with the result last weekend. I thought a team that have just defeated Liverpool should be very buoyed by that and try get something from their next game. Brentford are a very inconsistent side and one simply can't predict what they can come up with. But I am going to tip this one to end in a draw; and I expect goals at both ends of the pitch.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Everton vs Leicester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I am strongly tipping Leicester City to get something out of this clash. They look the more in-form side and also posses the better quality. I am tipping Leicester City to either win or draw this match.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Everton 1-1 Leicester City</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chelsea vs Arsenal</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This game is the biggest game of the weekend in the EPL and I expect it to really entertain. Brighton put a dent on Chelsea's impressive run under new manager Graham Potter last weekend and the Blues will be looking to find their feet again. However, Arsenal are not just on top the log for nothing, they have really merit their spot on top of the table. The Gunners play swashbuckling football and have only been defeated once so far in the league. However, if you ask me if this Arsenal can win the league, I will say no. I say so because aside the first eleven the Gunners do not posses a quality reserve side that can come in and prove their worth in the absence of an injured or suspended first teamer. That's where Manchester City are supreme. Pep Guardiola can easily tweak his starting eleven and still win games with his reserve side. But I think Arsenal will finish in the top four this season. The players just need to try to stay fit. On this game I am struggling to separate both teams so I will tip this one to end in a score draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Aston Villa vs Manchester United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Aston Villa are still trying to cope with sacking Steven Gerrard and I think this will be Unai Emery's first game in charge of the club. Unai Emery is not a bad manager but I think he will struggle again in the Premier League unless he is heavily backed in the market. And we know a club of Aston Villa's stature do not spend heavily in the market. Meanwhile, Manchester United are enjoying a purple patch and I think they have got what it takes to win here. The Red Devils just need to be more clinical in front of goal and they will keep winning matches. My prediction on this game is Manchester United to win but win narrowly.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>West Ham vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Both teams are not doing badly but I think West Ham are the favourites here. West Ham are playing at home and they look the more in-form side. West Ham have not lost in the last four meetings between these two clubs and I see them extending the run here. I am going for West Ham to either win or draw here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: West Ham 1-0 Crystal Palace</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Southampton vs Newcastle</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I see Newcastle winning this one. Southampton might make things difficult but Newcastle will win eventually. The Magpies are in a great vein of form and I just can't see this struggling Southampton stopping them.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: <b>Southampton 1-2 Newcastle</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Tottenham vs Liverpool</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This is another big one this weekend. Liverpool have been very inconsistent this season otherwise I would have tipped then to win this one. Liverpool showed their inconsistency again when they lost to struggling Leeds United but defeated in-form Napoli in the Champions League. No one can tell what Liverpool will produce on Sunday. But the last two meetings between these two sides have resulted in a draw so I am going to back this one to also end in a draw.</p><p><br /></p><p>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool</p><p><br /></p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-38604569234695767102022-10-21T15:24:00.002+01:002022-10-21T15:24:25.665+01:00D'Pundit's EPL correct score tips<p>The Premier League has been churning out loads of surprising results and this weekend looks set to produce more stunning results. So look out for Godwin d Pundit's super tips to guide you on which team to bank on this weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ_pcM9YzVTV4HDtWhmO3mFCVK2MmIYuuzD35YI5sqWl46wiG-fCZJhM9PkIBCgTAqirBBtX6bI83bmpqr0UQKVnV2HE_zB2D_qfuodEiyTSRrl-GLaYADBn-wnm3R_VpZco0D0GxPTR8qld2mQgcKhvvXHb9ni1tSR8PsxayGR8xxFbM6n2z8mlJOw/s689/images%20(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="689" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ_pcM9YzVTV4HDtWhmO3mFCVK2MmIYuuzD35YI5sqWl46wiG-fCZJhM9PkIBCgTAqirBBtX6bI83bmpqr0UQKVnV2HE_zB2D_qfuodEiyTSRrl-GLaYADBn-wnm3R_VpZco0D0GxPTR8qld2mQgcKhvvXHb9ni1tSR8PsxayGR8xxFbM6n2z8mlJOw/s320/images%20(5).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Nottingham Forest have not won in their last nine league games and they don't look like they are going to win here. Liverpool seem to have turn the tide since their 7-1 win over Rangers in the Champions League. They have gone on to win both Manchester City and West Ham since then. If they keep up the momentum here I don't see how they won't come out of this one with all maximum points.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: <b>Nottingham Forest 0-2 Liverpool</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Brighton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Manchester City will come into this match as a wounded lion after that 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend. However, Brighton are no pushovers and I expect them to give Manchester City a good run for their money. I think Manchester City will win this one at the end of 90 minutes but it won't be an easy one for Pep Guardiola's men.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: <b>Manchester City 1-0 Brighton</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Everton vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Everton have lost all their last three league games and they will be bereft of confidence coming into this clash. Crystal Palace are not doing excellently well at the moment but they are also not doing badly. They have won two out of their previous three league games and I think they will get something from this clash. I am not confident of a Crystal Palace win here but I am sure they will get something from this clash. That's why I am going to go for a draw here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA452bcoRVQ6dYG2M9kAFXELI4v8TAbIKbhOjBs1PDSyFkp1OTC5k9DRqHIiJHq1iVmaRj_Uw2BLbvFbN9ZHedBkRXzBnzV40m3cAwipTETBfcLiU-IzBbSTXaYLN8ih4hXpsylWbdqQlSWH26pn3qU15q2vQBeMr-A_K7OrmXjkM9o1hhgTDk1P8f6Q/s678/images%20(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA452bcoRVQ6dYG2M9kAFXELI4v8TAbIKbhOjBs1PDSyFkp1OTC5k9DRqHIiJHq1iVmaRj_Uw2BLbvFbN9ZHedBkRXzBnzV40m3cAwipTETBfcLiU-IzBbSTXaYLN8ih4hXpsylWbdqQlSWH26pn3qU15q2vQBeMr-A_K7OrmXjkM9o1hhgTDk1P8f6Q/s320/images%20(6).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Chelsea vs Manchester United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge as this two Premier League heavyweights clash on Saturday evening. Recent meetings between these two have been closely contested. To put things into perspective, the last four league meetings between these two have resulted in a draw. Both teams are under new manager's and both are still trying to figure out the best team for their respective side. This is going to be another difficult match for both teams and the side that will take their chances will come out victorious. However, I am just going to go for a draw here as I really can't point out the winner between these looking at their current form.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: <b>Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Southampton vs Arsenal</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I know Southampton won in their last game in the league at Bournemouth but they are going to lose this one. Arsenal are in an excellent form at the moment and I just can't see Southampton stopping Arsenal from winning here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Southampton 0-1 Arsenal</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Wolves vs Leicester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Both teams are really struggling at the moment and I think this will end in a draw. Leicester City are the favourites here looking at the quality in their rank but Wolves are playing at home in front of their supporters and I think that counts for something. To be sincere, I am really struggling to separate these two so I am going to go for a goalless draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Wolves 0-0 Leicester City</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Aston Villa vs Brentford</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Aston Villa are really struggling at the moment and I don't think they will be able to win here. They haven't won in the league since the middle of last month. Meanwhile, with Brentford, you can really tell what they are going to do. They are a very difficult side to predict but I am going to try my best here and predict this to end in a draw. However, if the game goes on to produce a winner, then it will be Brentford.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Aston Villa 1-1 Brentford</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leeds United vs Fulham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Leeds United are not really doing well in the league at the moment. For context, the last time they won a league game was in August. Meanwhile, Fulham win 3-0 in their most recent game against Aston Villa. The Cottagers will be looking to ride on the back of that winning result here. This is going to be a very difficult game for both sides and I am banking on the game to end in a goalless draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leeds United 0-0 Fulham</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tottenham vs Newcastle</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I watched Tottenham in midweek against Manchester United and I thought they were really poor. They will need to improve on that performance here if they desire a win against this Eddie Howe's Newcastle side. Newcastle are in form at the moment and Tottenham have got to be at the top of their game to win this. I really think Tottenham will improve on their performance here from their last game and nick a win here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: <b>Tottenham 1-0 Newcastle</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>West Ham vs Bournemouth</b></p><p><br /></p><p>West Ham are not doing badly at the moment even though they lost their last game to Liverpool. I think if they play their best here they will win. Bournemouth are a very tricky side - and can come up with any thing but I think West Ham will have too much much for them in this one.</p><p><br /></p><p>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: West Ham 1-0 Bournemouth</p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-22486762288412473412022-10-14T15:44:00.000+01:002022-10-14T15:44:22.717+01:00D'Pundit's Super Betting tips as Liverpool and Manchester City lock horns in the EPL<p>Godwin D Pundit called six outcomes correctly last weekend including the score-line of the game involving Manchester City and Southampton. He is back again this weekend to give his expert analysis on all EPL games slated for the weekend. So with Liverpool and Manchester City set to lock horns this weekend, who should you be banking on? Read on to find out...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfQNk24mljRkZgNlcOnI3SDMtKBEI81_p80nQY0mFEf3_zsvVMQD-sDsQJ-VvBp7D_FocGTT5JakHH5tgLOSeJgAEb4_JZOlt-VWM5XussLQuEzd-aFq4cCJxZY8E13WLj2Mkc3hmyFepQlmYNayxKqDcMwZRhgsOayl3k_uPi7GOKU3OXgJ9-sp3NQ/s739/images%20(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfQNk24mljRkZgNlcOnI3SDMtKBEI81_p80nQY0mFEf3_zsvVMQD-sDsQJ-VvBp7D_FocGTT5JakHH5tgLOSeJgAEb4_JZOlt-VWM5XussLQuEzd-aFq4cCJxZY8E13WLj2Mkc3hmyFepQlmYNayxKqDcMwZRhgsOayl3k_uPi7GOKU3OXgJ9-sp3NQ/s320/images%20(4).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brentford vs Brighton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Brentford have not won in their last three league games - losing twice in the process. They will be looking to change that trend on Friday night when they come up against Brighton. Meanwhile, Brighton come into this game on the back of 1-0 loss to Tottenham. They too will also be looking to bounce back in this game. I think this game is going to end in a draw as I simply can't separate these two sides.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Brentford 1-1 Brighton</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leicester City vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Crystal Palace are a very difficult side to play against under Patrick Vieira and I think they will prove difficult to beat here. Brendan Rodgers does not have much time left, he is got to start delivering results otherwise he will get the sack. This is also going to be a very difficult game for both teams, a game I am struggling to call a winner. I will just go with my guts and stick to a draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leicester City 1-1 Crystal Palace</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Wolves vs Nottingham Forest</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I mentioned on this blog last weekend that Nottingham Forest's boss Steve Cooper has got to start earning points otherwise he will get axed and he earned a draw at home against Aston Villa as I predicted. Nottingham Forest will have to play out their best if they desire a point or more from this clash. Wolves have lost all their last three league games and will be looking to turn things around with a win here. This is going to be a difficult match for both teams but I think Wolves have got what it takes to get a win here at home.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Wolves 1-0 Nottingham Forest</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fulham vs Bournemouth</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Bournemouth are still unbeaten under Gary O'Neil. They will be looking to continue that run here. However, they are going to be playing against a highly technical side in Fulham. The Cottagers have lost their last two games and will be looking to change that trend here. If Fulham play to their best here, Bournemouth doesn't stand a chance. In my opinion, Fulham are the better side. So I am going to bank on Fulham to nick a win here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score</b>: Fulham 2-1 Bournemouth</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tottenham vs Everton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I expected Tottenham to draw at Brighton last weekend and they went on and got a 1-0 win there. I think I am going to trust them here to get the win. Everton's revival was halted last weekend when they played Manchester United and I think they will find things difficult playing against Antonio Conte's Tottenham here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Tottenham 1-0 Everton</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester United vs Newcastle</b></p><p><br /></p><p>After that heavy defeat at Manchester City, Manchester United are slowly getting back into good form having won all the games they have played in since then. Newcastle are a very difficult side to play against these days and I think they will really give Manchester United a good run for their money. This is the kind of game that can go both ways. I really don't see this one ending in a draw. I think the team that is going to take their chances will win here. And I am going to stick with Manchester United to win here for the fact that they are playing at home in front of their massive fans. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Aston Villa vs Chelsea</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Aston Villa have not lost in their last four league games but they have only won once. They come against a Chelsea side that have won their last four games in all competitions. This is going to be a very interesting game and a very difficult one for both teams but I think Chelsea have got what it takes to run away with all three points here. Though, it's going to be a very slim win for the Blues.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leeds vs Arsenal</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Arsenal are unstoppable at the moment. They are winning every team in front of them. Leeds will prove difficult but I think Arsenal will win at the end of 90 minutes here. I say so because Leeds have lost three out of their last five league games and are currently lacking in confidence making things easier for the Gunners.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leeds 1-3 Arsenal</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Southampton vs West Ham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>West Ham are currently experiencing purple patch at the moment having won their last four games in all competitions. Meanwhile, things are the opposite for Southampton who have lost all their last four league games. West Ham will be brimming with confidence here and I expect them get the maximum points here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Southampton 1-2 West Ham</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Liverpool vs Manchester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p>All eyes will be on this game on Sunday when these two heavyweights clash at Anfield. Liverpool come into this game on the back of an impressive 7-1 win at Rangers. The Reds are lacking several senior team players to injury but they showed against Rangers that they can perform without them. Manchester City have always find playing against Liverpool very difficult and I think it won't change here. This is going to be a very difficult game for both teams one that is sure to produce goals at both ends of the pitch. Manchester City are still the favourites here I think they have got what it takes to nick victory here. So it's going to be Manchester City to win narrowly for me.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City</p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-81256296879550005262022-10-07T17:36:00.004+01:002022-10-07T18:57:36.278+01:00D'Pundit picks winners as Arsenal and Liverpool do battle in the EPL<p>Last weekend, I was able to correctly call seven (7) match outcomes out of ten. I am back this weekend to give my predictions on all matches in the EPL slated for the weekend. So, read on to find out who I will be backing for the win this weekend.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccKtnNwj9MQ3EafRuxsuV42R5M1Dq52trTi8mR6iT72BdguxRbDMxYG8cFxcv-LODMS8CpCeFMEX4GKopLKRFLdKOPlc-Ow8_7sbb7WFhC5Uo7DMLogn48aPjN15nKndXMj-8kqNlzMClK4Vs-w8eET9N5ITF4sm2E9n5pfC_23c6VYuxRSjPeybUAA/s678/images%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccKtnNwj9MQ3EafRuxsuV42R5M1Dq52trTi8mR6iT72BdguxRbDMxYG8cFxcv-LODMS8CpCeFMEX4GKopLKRFLdKOPlc-Ow8_7sbb7WFhC5Uo7DMLogn48aPjN15nKndXMj-8kqNlzMClK4Vs-w8eET9N5ITF4sm2E9n5pfC_23c6VYuxRSjPeybUAA/s320/images%20(2).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Southampton</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This is not a matter of who will win here, it's a matter of how many goals will Manchester City win by here. Southampton have been really poor this season - and they have lost their last three league games coming into this clash. Manchester City have been scoring for fun recently and I expect them to feast in this one.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Chelsea vs Wolves</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I predicted last weekend that Chelsea were going to pick up their first win under Graham Potter - and they did. I think if they play their best here they will win. Wolves have been utterly poor this season - picking up just one win so far. Chelsea will have too much for Wolves here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Wolves</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bournemouth vs Leicester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Bournemouth are still unbeaten under Gary O'Neil, but I think their resolve will be truly tested here. I say so because Leicester are coming into this game on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The Foxes will be brimming with confidence in this one and I expect them to get something out of this game. I think Bournemouth will make things difficult for Leicester City here, that's why I can't guarantee a Leicester City win. I am just going to go with a draw here. However, if this game goes on to produce a winner then it will be Leicester City.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester City</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Newcastle United vs Brentford</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This is going to be a very interesting match on Saturday. I didn't give Newcastle a chance at Fulham last weekend yet they went on to drub Fulham 4-1. They will certainly be looking to continue on that momentum here. Meanwhile, Brentford have been inconsistent this season - one really can't tell what they can come up with. However, I think if Newcastle play on top gear here, they will win. So I am going to back Eddie Howe's men to come out top but it's going to be a slim win.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Brentford</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brighton vs Tottenham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I will be looking out for this game on Saturday evening. These two teams have impressed so far this season and it will be difficult to call a winner here. I enjoyed watching Brighton play under Graham Potter and now under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton have shown that they can still entertain whilst getting result. Brighton really impressed me against Liverpool last weekend and they were unlucky not to come out of that one with the maximum points. Tottenham have been result oriented under Antonio Conte and they will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Arsenal last weekend. I am really struggling to pick a winner here, so I am just going to back this one to end in a very entertaining draw.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Brighton 2-2 Tottenham</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>West Ham vs Fulham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>West Ham will be looking to build on their 2-0 win over Wolves here while Fulham will be looking to react to their defeat against Newcastle here. I think this is also going to be a very entertaining game. It's really going to be a difficult game for both teams but I think West Ham playing at home have got what it takes to nick victory here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: West Ham 1-0 Fulham</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Crystal Palace vs Leeds United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Both teams have been poor in their recent games and I think they will both be looking to win this game to turn their season around. Crystal Palace can be very difficult to play against at home. So I see Leeds United struggling here. I am not overly confident on this one but I think Crystal Palace have got what it takes to come out with all maximum points here.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds United</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Arsenal vs Liverpool</b></p><p><br /></p><p>This is the game everyone will be looking out for this weekend. This fixture has always been very entertaining. Arsenal fans will not go into this game very confident because of how their team has fared in this fixture in recent time. Liverpool have won in the last four league meetings between these two. But looking at current form of both teams, it will be difficult to trust Liverpool with victory here. Arsenal have been very impressive dismantling every opponent they have faced save for Manchester United only. Liverpool will need to be very organized at the back if they don't want Arsenal to do to them what they have been doing to other opponents this season. I see this game ending in a very entertaining draw. I really think Liverpool will look at the quality of opponent they are facing and turn up. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLKd0_7WMslMIMMhEqJrrUgZ4TlxfGpHWJKCQyEyLGqx1S-PH7EPAANwrZYD17Rgd6w2LqRGIXwpFl5rodRnxUux-1NLbuqgssFGLKhDWlCl2lXTko1BAKpR8iIH3cjVZ_UZ6Xcu8gphnDLuXAb8V4NLC6HYSYHUxW1Q_TTNETfyf9JHJfidPo9V7IQ/s714/images%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="714" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLKd0_7WMslMIMMhEqJrrUgZ4TlxfGpHWJKCQyEyLGqx1S-PH7EPAANwrZYD17Rgd6w2LqRGIXwpFl5rodRnxUux-1NLbuqgssFGLKhDWlCl2lXTko1BAKpR8iIH3cjVZ_UZ6Xcu8gphnDLuXAb8V4NLC6HYSYHUxW1Q_TTNETfyf9JHJfidPo9V7IQ/s320/images%20(3).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Everton vs Manchester United</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Everton seem to have turn a corner winning their last two league games. They will definitely be looking to continue on that winning form here. Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking to react after losing scandalously to Manchester City last time out. The Red Devils were involved in Europa League game in Thursday at Omonia Nicosia, winning there 3-2. Their last two games in all competitions have shown that their defense need fixing. They conceded eight goals in just two games which is alarming. Everton will be looking at that stat and be thinking 'we can do it'. Erik Ten Hag simply needs to sort out his defense otherwise they might be in for another shocker against Everton. I am projecting this game to end in a draw as Manchester United haven't really impressed me in their last two games to warrant me giving them a win here. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Everton 1-1 Manchester United</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa</b></p><p><br /></p><p>If Nottingham Forest loses here, I think the manager will be gone by Monday. I say so because the manager has been fully backed in the window and now needs to deliver. Aston Villa on their part will come here looking to pile more misery on Nottingham Forest. I think this will end in a draw. As I simply can not separate these two looking at their current form. Nottingham Forest have got to avoid defeat here to save Steve Cooper's job.</p><p><br /></p><p>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Aston Villa</p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-64966353640827962142022-09-30T22:05:00.003+01:002022-10-01T00:08:09.284+01:00D Pundit's Derby Weekend Millionaire Picks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RnvvWUWEMoHVoVybfZWWyn5s4ni0B6IU0WHf3PA_fAj-jzaYrw3AL-bEwXMzjKg5G2-ZVSX2rOpa5rN3n-nEID9JzrCZ6fzlbc2BvOgSk9x4OhBXC_PMuJnNjd745-NgEXb3Gl11d6AJilzsXZVTdHT4x_ky5eOvN_gGmFY-volgq5QJXMHjJTJHA/s690/Derby.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="690" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RnvvWUWEMoHVoVybfZWWyn5s4ni0B6IU0WHf3PA_fAj-jzaYrw3AL-bEwXMzjKg5G2-ZVSX2rOpa5rN3n-nEID9JzrCZ6fzlbc2BvOgSk9x4OhBXC_PMuJnNjd745-NgEXb3Gl11d6AJilzsXZVTdHT4x_ky5eOvN_gGmFY-volgq5QJXMHjJTJHA/w474-h295/Derby.webp" width="474" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>International break is over! Club football is back and back with a banger in the Premier League as we will witness two derby games this weekend. Arsenal welcome Tottenham to the Emirates in the North London derby, while Manchester City play host to Manchester United in the Manchester derby. So, who will clinch the bragging rights in both derby games? </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Arsenal vs Tottenham</b></p><p>Arsenal went into the international break on a winning note, defeating Brentford 3-0 away from home. Tottenham also won in their last game; humiliating Leicester City 6-2. Both teams will be looking to continue their winning streak in this one. Arsenal are my favorites here but in this sort of game you never can tell how the result may go. The Gunners are my favorites because they are playing at home and have been impressive at home in this fixture. To be honest, I am really struggling to call the result here as both teams have got the potential to win the game but I will just lean on Arsenal to come out of this one with a slim victory.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Liverpool vs Brighton</b></p><p>Brighton's new manager Roberto De Zerbi is yet to manage affairs in the Premier League due to the postponement of League games after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He will be looking to engineer his men to victory in his first game in charge against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. Liverpool have been very inconsistent this season but if they turn up in this game I see them defeating Brighton. I am just going to bank on Liverpool to win but marginally.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Liverpool 1-0 Brighton</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Crystal Palace vs Chelsea</b></p><p>Chelsea are yet to win under new manager Graham Potter, so they will be gunning for their first win under the English manager in this one. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are no pushovers and I expect them to give Chelsea a good run for their money. However, Chelsea have completely dominated this fixture, winning in the last nine encounters between the two clubs. I expect the Blues to extend their winning streak over Crystal Palace here but it's going to be a very difficult one for Graham Potter's men.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDuXkSl8XZc3PqwucjzUcOm4L3GYTkUd50D2cFvc8IUaBpTs2oqqowX4IlaC5xyOgnT9O-4wLvuCVWcWRaq8uiR98blrQ5UwbzWbZGEEkujX6Q6iBzXd83sFTAhs9RcfshJHYh3s6oJ7jZUntG-lp4uRjmuMCufUh4hvqSdKwg1Rrr9igLC1mBNY7zA/s1045/NL%20Derby.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1045" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDuXkSl8XZc3PqwucjzUcOm4L3GYTkUd50D2cFvc8IUaBpTs2oqqowX4IlaC5xyOgnT9O-4wLvuCVWcWRaq8uiR98blrQ5UwbzWbZGEEkujX6Q6iBzXd83sFTAhs9RcfshJHYh3s6oJ7jZUntG-lp4uRjmuMCufUh4hvqSdKwg1Rrr9igLC1mBNY7zA/w439-h247/NL%20Derby.png" width="439" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Southampton vs Everton</b></p><p>Both teams are really struggling in the League at the moment. Southampton have won just once in their last four league games, while Everton have won just once in their last six league games. Southampton look the better team ahead of this clash as they were 2-0 winners in this same fixture last season. Everton will want to build on their win from their last game before the break, while Southampton will be looking to turn things around having lost their previous two games before the break. I think this will end in a draw, but this game should be entertaining.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Southampton 1-1 Everton</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fulham vs Newcastle</b></p><p>Fulham are in the top six on the log heading into this clash because they have been impressive in some games this season. That 2-2 draw against Liverpool in their first game of the season still rings a bell. Newcastle should be looking at keeping Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet, otherwise the Serbian can be very deadly especially in the air. This is going to be a very interesting match, a game that can end in a very entertaining draw but I think Fulham have got what it takes to run away with all three points here. So I am going for a Fulham win in this one.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Fulham 1-0 Newcastle</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bournemouth vs Brentford</b></p><p>Bournemouth have looked a revived side since they sacked Scott Parker - winning one and drawing the other game under Gary O'Neil. Brentford are a very good side and I think if Bournemouth can get something from this clash they should be applauded. If this game was played before the break I would have banked on Bournemouth to get something on the back of their form at that moment but it remains to be seen if the break will sort of halt their momentum. I can't see Brentford losing here though, so I am just going to bank on this game to end in a draw. And if the game goes on to produce a winner then it will be Brentford.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Brentford</b></p><p><b>West Ham vs Wolves</b></p><p>Both teams have won just once in the league so far in this campaign. I expect this to be a very tough one for both teams but I am going to go with West Ham to nick the three points here. If David Moyes want to keep his job as manager of West Ham this season then he should be winning this sort of game. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>West Ham 1-0 Wolves</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Manchester United</b></p><p>This is unarguably the biggest game of the weekend as these two league juggernauts clash at the Etihad on Sunday evening. Manchester City are unarguably the favourites and I think they will win here unless Manchester United put up a spirited performance. The Red Devils have looked rejuvenated lately - racking up four wins from their last four league games. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their form here against a very talented Manchester City side. Erik ten Hag's men will need to stay compact at the back especially and try to make every of their attacking moves count because they will not get many of them against Pep Guardiola's men. Manchester United can get something from this clash really but I just can't guarantee that. What is sure is that Manchester City are favourites and I think they will win slimly here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leeds United vs Aston Villa</b></p><p>This game should end in stalemate. I say so because these two sides are struggling at the moment and I think a point here from both teams won't be bad. However, if this game goes on to produce a winner, I am think it will be Leeds United.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Leeds United 1-1 Aston Villa</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest</b></p><p>Leicester City haven't won any game in the league so far - losing a mammoth six times. If they really want to turn things around, then they should be winning here. I say so because Nottingham Forest are also struggling at the moment - they come into this game on the back of four straight league defeats. Leicester have got to win this otherwise I can't mention any other team they will be able to defeat to turn their season around and keep Brendan Rodgers' job.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Leicester 2-1 Nottingham Forest</p><div><br /></div>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-37317009045728593672022-09-05T20:08:00.005+01:002022-09-05T20:08:59.573+01:00USWNT coach speaks on what he expects to get from playing Nigeria<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="359" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EgnvRpO0i8c" width="431" youtube-src-id="EgnvRpO0i8c"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I asked USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski what he expects to take away from playing Nigeria, a team that the USA have never lost to and beat 4-0 just recently </p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-19119957819461365032022-09-03T04:28:00.006+01:002022-09-03T04:35:37.390+01:00D'Pundit picks winners as Arsenal, Man Utd in clash of the titans<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsYtlnpRmpw8UtIcLD_FhGnlCd2iKHVIIlysYeXgOhFOLeC4A00XpUurzO0HFpGiYrDNwxcz7uVMAI6877GHl2FUJ2qDdmAOAYcE5aUtIcAbalgAZ6rXtsVhUYItJtaUUCVMctN9An0UuHZLCIxIGMcpQxkYzXkv5mzIBTk5nttsYJw06p-I_UfMLWg/s500/Man%20Utd%20v%20Arsenal.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsYtlnpRmpw8UtIcLD_FhGnlCd2iKHVIIlysYeXgOhFOLeC4A00XpUurzO0HFpGiYrDNwxcz7uVMAI6877GHl2FUJ2qDdmAOAYcE5aUtIcAbalgAZ6rXtsVhUYItJtaUUCVMctN9An0UuHZLCIxIGMcpQxkYzXkv5mzIBTk5nttsYJw06p-I_UfMLWg/w519-h346/Man%20Utd%20v%20Arsenal.webp" width="519" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I called correctly seven match outcomes and two score-lines from the midweek games. Now, I am back to give my predictions on all EPL games slated for the weekend. With Manchester United and Arsenal set to lock horns in what will be a Super Sunday, find out who I am tipping to win in the games so you can also win!</p><p><b>Everton vs Liverpool</b></p><p>This is going to be a very interesting match on Saturday afternoon. Everton are still without a win in the league this season, they will be looking for their first win here in the Merseyside derby. I thought Liverpool weren't really impressive against Newcastle in midweek but they got the win in a bizarre fashion. I think Liverpool would win this one if they turn up but I am going to bank on this one to end in a draw because I expect Everton to really up their game in this derby game and cause Liverpool all sorts of problem.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Everton 1-1 Liverpool</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chelsea vs West Ham</b></p><p>I predicted that West Ham will draw against Tottenham in midweek and they drew. I think if they really up their game here they will cause Chelsea problems. I expected Chelsea to win against Southampton in midweek and they lost the game 2-1. So, one can not really predict what kind of Chelsea will turn up on Saturday evening. West Ham are a very tricky side but I think Chelsea will be looking to react here in front of their fans after losing at Southampton. I am just going to bank on Chelsea to win here but it's going to be a very slim victory.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Chelsea 2-1 West Ham</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tottenham vs Fulham</b></p><p>Fulham have really impressed me so far this season and they have recruited more players on transfer deadline day. So they are going to be a very formidable force in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Tottenham have not really done badly also. Spurs are unbeaten so far in the Premier League and they will be looking to extend the run here on Saturday evening. I think Tottenham have got what it takes to win this game but I will not be shocked if Fulham gets something out of this clash. I am just going to bank on a narrow Tottenham win here </p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Tottenham 1-0 Fulham</p><p><a href="https://www.bestbet360.com" target="_blank">Play these tips on BestBet360</a></p><p><b>Newcastle vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p>I saw Newcastle's game against Liverpool in midweek and I think they were very unfortunate not to come out of that game with a point at least. They really missed the trickery of Alan Saint-Maximin. In my opinion, if he was in the game, Newcastle would have got more than one goal because he has got the ability to unlock stiff defense lines. Having said that, I think they will struggle here against Crystal Palace without Saint-Maximin. Crystal Palace are a very dangerous side to play against under Patrick Vieira and I see them making things difficult for Newcastle here. I am just going to bank on this one to end in a draw as I can't see a winner here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Newcastle 0-0 Crystal Palace</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brentford vs Leeds United</b></p><p>I think this is going to be a very interesting match because of how these two sides set up to play. Both teams love to play on the front foot. I think this game will end in a very entertaining draw as I honestly can't pick a winner here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Brentford 1-1 Leeds United</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Wolves vs Southampton</b></p><p>After winning against Chelsea in midweek, Southampton will come into this game brimming with confidence. However, they will come up against a Wolves side still looking for their first win of the campaign. And if Wolves will win any match this season then it should be this type of game. Because Southampton are a very inconsistent side, and if Wolves should turn up here they will win. I am just going to bank on Wolves to win here because of their home advantage.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Wolves 1-0 Southampton</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth</b></p><p>Nottingham Forest were walloped 6-0 at Manchester City in midweek and I see their coach demanding a reaction here in front of their home fans. Forest brought in a record 21 players in the just concluded transfer window. Those players will need time to really understand each other; which might be a serious issue for Steve Cooper's side. Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker after losing 9-0 against Liverpool. But I don't think Parker was the issue. The Bournemouth board failed to back the manager in the transfer window automatically making things difficult for him. Whoever they will settle with as their permanent manager will also experience the same problem he faced. I think they will get relegated this season unless a miracle happens. Having said all of that, I expect Nottingham Forest to win here but I am not entirely confident on them winning, though.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bournemouth</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqzhiWFpA93IXkX2uAoTTg074YNwnOosbis-TuZb67qOxXbZh0L5snQV7S2EivHmyPAy7rxnhU2LCiaLgR4IHvK1uHx_vdE2I5ZyTvf0FDnGmRyzL7OZRSug50VGIIoo5bWP13maG6z6U-gPs3ecxXGAwBgRCCAhbP0h4-qmKEl0-fSTvDxdZR3Xq2w/s720/Citeh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="720" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqzhiWFpA93IXkX2uAoTTg074YNwnOosbis-TuZb67qOxXbZh0L5snQV7S2EivHmyPAy7rxnhU2LCiaLgR4IHvK1uHx_vdE2I5ZyTvf0FDnGmRyzL7OZRSug50VGIIoo5bWP13maG6z6U-gPs3ecxXGAwBgRCCAhbP0h4-qmKEl0-fSTvDxdZR3Xq2w/w413-h232/Citeh.jpeg" width="413" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Aston Villa vs Manchester City</b></p><p>I think it's a matter of how many goals Manchester City will score here because I see Pep Guardiola's men winning comfortably. I watched Aston Villa against Arsenal in midweek and I thought the score line really flattered Villa as they should have conceded more goals. I thought Arsenal weren't really clinical in front of goal. Manchester City with the in-form Erling Haaland will feast on Villa's poor defense.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Aston Villa 0-4 Manchester City</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brighton vs Leicester City</b></p><p>I thought Leicester City's performance was really underwhelming in midweek against Manchester United. Brendan Rodgers needs to find a way to turn things around quickly for the Foxes, otherwise I see him getting the axe very soon. Meanwhile, Brighton have really been impressive under Graham Potter so far this season. I know they lost at Fulham in midweek but they will definitely react here because they are a quality side. I think Brighton will compound Leicester City's woes here with a win.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Brighton 2-1 Leicester City</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester United vs Arsenal</b></p><p>This is the game everyone will be looking out for in the weekend as these two rivals clash at Old Trafford on Sunday evening. Arsenal are flying at the moment as they have won all of the five games they have played so far this season. But I think they will come up against their first big test on Sunday evening. If Arsenal can win at Old Trafford then I think people should start to really take them serious. But I think Manchester United will make things difficult for the Gunners in this one. Manchester United are coming into this game on the back of three wins in a row and they will really love to continue the run here. I am really struggling to pick a side here because both teams are on a winning streak and both teams will love continue the streak in this one. I am going to settle for an entertaining draw but I won't be shocked if any of the two sides end up winning.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal</p><div><br /></div>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-92204790929818576762022-08-29T17:12:00.003+01:002022-08-29T17:12:22.819+01:00Pundit's banks on Arsenal and other predictions<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNxQniFzLXiBjcoBAjaSN4XjGxq0nD19046mnxUgrLDKpNlvXXs3cf9q17vwnsfoIQCFxR8_GDJUQnw0RKH2lG30wYUVK4If39X6f2LgEr_vBBkf_18h1inNEkmPJhwpvVzYfV8wwrrcsGT7DykmNmK1wsilZDEs0hFNJW0eGaG7rrNLV7nEuQMBUjQ/s2154/Arsenal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2154" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNxQniFzLXiBjcoBAjaSN4XjGxq0nD19046mnxUgrLDKpNlvXXs3cf9q17vwnsfoIQCFxR8_GDJUQnw0RKH2lG30wYUVK4If39X6f2LgEr_vBBkf_18h1inNEkmPJhwpvVzYfV8wwrrcsGT7DykmNmK1wsilZDEs0hFNJW0eGaG7rrNLV7nEuQMBUjQ/w533-h355/Arsenal.jpeg" width="533" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Once again, I called two score lines from this past weekend games correctly. The game involving Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge and the game involving Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates. How about that!</p><p>Now, I am back to give my predictions on the midweek games. So find out which team to put your money on to take all three points in this round of matches...</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fulham vs Brighton</b></p><p>This is going to be a very interesting match on Tuesday evening. Fulham tasted their first defeat against Arsenal in the weekend, while Brighton are still undefeated. I didn't think Brighton will be able to win against Leeds in the weekend and they won so I backing them to get something from this clash if they can keep on the momentum. Fulham showed against Arsenal that they can be a very dangerous side to play against and I think they too will try to get something from this clash. That's why I am going to go for an entertaining draw here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Fulham 1-1 Brighton</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Crystal Palace vs Brentford</b></p><p>Everyone thought Crystal Palace were going to shock Manchester City at the Etihad when they raced to a 2-0 lead in the game, only for City to comeback and win 4-2. I thought they missed the services of Wilfred Zaha in the game and could have harmed Manchester City more if the Ivorian international was on the field. I don't know the severity of his injury, but if he misses this game also I think Brentford will fancy their chances. I am going to bank on this game to end in a draw as I really can't find a winner.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Crystal Palace 0-0 Brentford</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Southampton vs Chelsea</b></p><p>If Chelsea can win against Leicester with ten men, I think they should be able to win here convincingly on Tuesday evening. Southampton weren't really bad against Manchester United in the weekend but they still lost the game. They lack a winning mentality and I see them losing this one too.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Southampton 0-1 Chelsea</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Leeds United vs Everton</b></p><p>I really fancied Leeds United to get something out of their weekend clash against Brighton and they lost the game 1-0. I think they will be looking to bounce back here and against a very poor Everton side. I really can't see why they can't come out of the game with all three points. That means the pressure will start to mount on Frank Lampard with another underwhelming performance here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Leeds United 1-0 Everton</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest</b></p><p>I feel sorry for Nottingham Forest because they lost at home at the weekend to Tottenham and they are going to lose this one also at the Etihad. I expected Nottingham Forest to at least get a point against Spurs but they disappointed. I don't think this is going to be an easy ride for Manchester City, but they will get the win.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Manchester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Arsenal vs Aston Villa</b></p><p>I see a comprehensive Arsenal win here. Aston Villa have been very poor so far this season. And it's only a matter of time before Aston Villa fans will begin to call for the head of head coach Steven Gerrard. </p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bournemouth vs Wolves</b></p><p>After suffering a heavy hammering at the hands of Liverpool last weekend, Bournemouth will be looking to react in front of their home fans here. Meanwhile, Wolves will be looking to compound the home team's woes. I think this will end in a draw but if this game eventually produces a winner, then it will be Wolves.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YGtHH1Txw0iFuqTIYPwFKqzjvJZjvhZZ9hwc-a9-Rg7GMWZVpLgzBd9gR0IV2VSDYyAf0Iynx34YjTGdNRzZrP7V5fJe-Yu4x2wbht9hCPbAlYxEmnuJNQ5u7egyGQWtrKi5T44qL-ORzjJ1q8P3X2frr7iJ_F5pncFjFcuGZzn7ZSLrp3zUB598vg/s3896/Ronaldo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="3896" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YGtHH1Txw0iFuqTIYPwFKqzjvJZjvhZZ9hwc-a9-Rg7GMWZVpLgzBd9gR0IV2VSDYyAf0Iynx34YjTGdNRzZrP7V5fJe-Yu4x2wbht9hCPbAlYxEmnuJNQ5u7egyGQWtrKi5T44qL-ORzjJ1q8P3X2frr7iJ_F5pncFjFcuGZzn7ZSLrp3zUB598vg/w460-h259/Ronaldo.jpeg" width="460" /></a></div><br /><p><b>West Ham vs Tottenham</b></p><p>This should be a very interesting match as it's also a derby. West Ham finally got their first win of the season in the weekend against Aston Villa and they will surely be looking to build on that result. I can guarantee that Tottenham won't lose this game as they will look to continue their unbeaten streak here but I can't guarantee that they will win here so I am going to bank on this game to end in a draw.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>West Ham 1-1 Tottenham</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Liverpool vs Newcastle</b></p><p>After hammering Bournemouth 9-0 at the weekend, Liverpool will be looking to consolidate on that result and get another win here in front of their home fans. Newcastle have shown so far that they are a very dangerous side to play against so I think they will make things difficult for Liverpool here. But I expect Liverpool to grind out a win here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Leicester City vs Manchester United</b></p><p>Having won their last two games, Manchester United will be looking to extend the run here. I thought Leicester were embarrassing in the weekend. Chelsea lost a man to a red card very early in the game when it was still nil-nil yet Leicester couldn't capitalize. I think if Manchester United turn up here they will win. Leicester are a very poor side this season, without a single win so far. I think Manchester United will win this. I just can't see Leicester stopping Erik Ten Hag's resurgent men</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Leicester 0-1 Manchester United</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-13087668913019351052022-08-26T23:58:00.002+01:002022-08-26T23:58:16.528+01:00D Pundit's EPL Correct Score Tips<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtrO_3xEhP3uLbwUf_lxzJvgniMoYAI4bpG8P0BTY8TUTRftizUV05-DdnZqstKWkPsXYjeuSBlckqOOQTenzqdRj6Our8XCm_h6gXn-H1ilL3Xy7rUgEomewPDfISt7t7y06U44slAbPSNj9ziLQ-46nT0lfdPyMFhwxaNQKrGZnGbZ3sGKEpheBqA/s1920/Jesus.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtrO_3xEhP3uLbwUf_lxzJvgniMoYAI4bpG8P0BTY8TUTRftizUV05-DdnZqstKWkPsXYjeuSBlckqOOQTenzqdRj6Our8XCm_h6gXn-H1ilL3Xy7rUgEomewPDfISt7t7y06U44slAbPSNj9ziLQ-46nT0lfdPyMFhwxaNQKrGZnGbZ3sGKEpheBqA/w595-h335/Jesus.webp" width="595" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Last weekend, I got five match outcomes correctly, including the score-line of the game involving Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. So, if you are missing out on these juicy tips, make a change now.</p><p>Which team looks good to come out on top this weekend? Read on to find out...</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Southampton vs Manchester United</b></p><p>Manchester United got their first three points against Liverpool last weekend and to be sincere, it was easy to predict. Erik Ten Hag's men weren't going to display another lackluster performance after losing scandalously to Brentford 4-0 in the previous weekend. So, it was easy to predict that they were going to step up their performance against Jurgen Klopp's side. I am also going to predict another win for them here as I expect them to build on the momentum from the win against Liverpool.</p><p>Southampton also won last weekend at Leicester but they will struggle against an in-form Manchester United side. So I am backing the Red Devils for a win here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Southampton 0-2 Manchester United</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Liverpool vs Bournemouth</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I think Liverpool will get their first win of the season here. Any result other than a win will be considered shocking looking at the quality of opponent they are facing. Bournemouth are no pushovers but they really lack the quality to excel in the topflight. I know Liverpool are also struggling at the moment, but if they really want to turn their season around, then they should be winning here.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Manchester City vs Crystal Palace</b></p><p>I know many people will be predicting an easy ride for Manchester City here but I beg to differ. Crystal Palace are a very technical side under Patrick Vieira and I think they will cause Manchester City lots of trouble here. But Manchester City have got tremendous quality in their ranks so I expect them to find a way to come out on top here even though I expect it to be tough for Pep Guardiola's men.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Manchester City 2-1 Crystal Palace</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chelsea vs Leicester</b></p><p>Chelsea were really humbled at Leeds last weekend but I think their manager will be asking for a reaction here. I think they will struggle to beat Leicester but I still am confident they will prevail here. Leicester are really struggling this season and I expect them to lose again here on Saturday as I just can't see them getting anything from a Chelsea side that will be rejuvenated after losing horrendously last weekend.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brentford vs Everton</b></p><p>Brentford lost at Fulham last weekend but they are really a very quality team under Thomas Frank. They showed everyone the stuff they are made of when they walloped Manchester United 4-0 the other day. I think they will win here against a very poor Everton side. Everton are really struggling and I think they will find it hard to get anything here against a very resolute Brentford side.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Brentford 1-0 Everton</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcISju843sQNwonAwWutaOsx5M1KRQ2gPTmDk3hucnNP6zIM2Nfatg74-5qCMpygrfQ6MoHPdEWAMs8BIYHHd8hktAeqrhKUioUaQU_FDo1a8ON6WysWN5YOX541uQVNbAVvCikOr9t9KRsDyyy91gs606pFctt_iji8zn5bnCEFl9q0H-qwygfFL7Kg/s400/Rashford.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcISju843sQNwonAwWutaOsx5M1KRQ2gPTmDk3hucnNP6zIM2Nfatg74-5qCMpygrfQ6MoHPdEWAMs8BIYHHd8hktAeqrhKUioUaQU_FDo1a8ON6WysWN5YOX541uQVNbAVvCikOr9t9KRsDyyy91gs606pFctt_iji8zn5bnCEFl9q0H-qwygfFL7Kg/w437-h292/Rashford.jpeg" width="437" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Brighton vs Leeds United</b></p><p>In my opinion, this is the biggest match of the weekend because of the quality of these two sides. Both managers are quality coaches who love to see their team play on the front foot. I will really love to watch this game because it promises to be very entertaining. I really can't find a winner here as these two sides have been undeafed so far this season. So I am just going to back this game to end in a very entertaining draw.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Brighton 2-2 Leeds United</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Arsenal vs Fulham</b></p><p>Arsenal have been flying this season but this game should really test their resolve.</p><p>Fulham have shown so far that they are a team to beat as they are currently undeafed. I expect Arsenal to really work hard for their win here because Fulham are going to push them hard. But I going to predict a slim win here for the Gunners as they are playing on their turf in front of their fans.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Arsenal 2-1 Fulham</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Aston Villa vs West Ham</b></p><p><br /></p><p>West Ham have lost all their games so far in this campaign but I think they will pick up their first point here. Aston Villa are also struggling this season and I really see this game ending in a draw.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Wolves vs Newcastle</b></p><p>I thought Newcastle were very impressive against Manchester City last weekend. They were on course to win that game if not for a moment of brilliance from Pep Guardiola's men. I think if they keep up that kind of performance here they will win. Wolves are no pushovers but they have been poor this season as they are still without a win. I think they will really struggle against Newcastle here, so I will just stick with a Newcastle win.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Wolves 0-1 Newcastle</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham</b></p><p>Tottenham should win this game if they turn up and show their quality. But I think they have not been very convincing with their performance so far albeit they are winning. I think they will struggle to win here against a very resolute Nottingham Forest side. I really see this game ending in a draw. But if the game goes on to produce a winner then it should be Tottenham.</p><p><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham</p><div><br /></div>Godwin Odikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11891305367710816650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-59489036887664822862022-08-25T09:30:00.004+01:002022-08-25T09:40:06.145+01:00Warriors Steve Kerr, Jazz's Azubuike among NBA stars coming to coach in Africa for BWB<p> </p><p><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xlPH_7kHrJ5aS7H3QT55imzLz2t4LMd3_pLzk9eCwHRG6G4ctOLFk_f3bpqHnPBfEm8oot8PAElX6_rMBOgE8wUoQvFfdfzU2jeqLAfNfK-gXdi2GIusYVerAEgQAyruO5EMsLmqz0hIBYarVtIshEB-uonz8qIjvpso_8Agq29uFUN6BiGbOz7pzw/s1280/Kerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xlPH_7kHrJ5aS7H3QT55imzLz2t4LMd3_pLzk9eCwHRG6G4ctOLFk_f3bpqHnPBfEm8oot8PAElX6_rMBOgE8wUoQvFfdfzU2jeqLAfNfK-gXdi2GIusYVerAEgQAyruO5EMsLmqz0hIBYarVtIshEB-uonz8qIjvpso_8Agq29uFUN6BiGbOz7pzw/w507-h285/Kerr.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><br /><a name="m_-8505828863856384026__Hlk103856025"><b><i>Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is heading to Egypt this month for Basketball Without Borders camp</i></b></a><p></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a name="m_-8505828863856384026__Hlk103856025"><br /></a></span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a name="m_-8505828863856384026__Hlk103856025">Nigeria's Udoka Azubuike will join Golden State Warriors NBA title winning coach Steve Kerr and other NBA players, coaches and executives to coach 64 of the top boys and girls from 26 African countries at the 18th Basketball Without Borders camp in Cairo Egypt this month.</a></span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><a name="m_-8505828863856384026__Hlk103856025" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">NBA Africa, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Egyptian Basketball Federation announced on Thursday that the camp, holding at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt, will mark the first time the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in Egypt and the first time on the continent since 2019 in Senegal.</a></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">BWB Africa 2022 will bring together more than 60 of the top male and female players ages 18 and under from across Africa, including 14 NBA Academy Africa prospects and six NBA Academy Africa Women’s Program participants, to learn directly from current and former NBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and compete alongside the best young players on the continent. The campers and coaches will also take part in life skills, leadership development and community service programming.</span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Of those 64 players, Segun Obe and Emmanuel Tobi Stephen, will </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">represent Nigeria. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AojigEAON5IRo5okYCEJIJrkg0EHD27q6DZMpd8_NCWollh49FCXp5-VPVWgz5r_s4OGEH_0VmmkJ6LRX9bv1EVL1XBv_gaABbsmyvOhnRFuPNfzwBiXeJn4q0nmsPJj8Z3wlzGHoMhJiBfGpEMzuiEBl5ETD2WSPxo7dOMYM2N2uy2kbrQ3lBG43A/s900/Udoka1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AojigEAON5IRo5okYCEJIJrkg0EHD27q6DZMpd8_NCWollh49FCXp5-VPVWgz5r_s4OGEH_0VmmkJ6LRX9bv1EVL1XBv_gaABbsmyvOhnRFuPNfzwBiXeJn4q0nmsPJj8Z3wlzGHoMhJiBfGpEMzuiEBl5ETD2WSPxo7dOMYM2N2uy2kbrQ3lBG43A/w438-h247/Udoka1.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Nigeria's Udoka Azubuike of the Utah Jazz will coach at the BWB camp in Egypt</i></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Apart from Nigeria's Udoka, the campers will be coached by NBA players Mo Bamba (Orlando Magic; U.S.; ties to Ivory Coast), 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon (U.S.; Boston Celtics) and Grant Williams (U.S.; Celtics), as well as NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo).<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Joining the NBA players and legends will be Kerr, the nine-time NBA champion and Golden State Warriors head coach, 2004 NBA champion and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, two-time NBA champion and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. and Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, tying for the most NBA head coaches to participate in a single BWB camp. Milwaukee Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee and Charlotte Hornets associate head athletic trainer Quinton Sawyer will also coach at the camp.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri completes the Nigeria connection. He will be joined by Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager Mike Gansey, Los Angeles Clippers scout Lance Blanks, and World Association of Basketball Coaches President and FIBA Technical Commission Chair Patrick Hunt (Australia) who will all serve as camp directors.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Players and coaches will lead campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life skills and leadership development sessions. Players and coaches will also host a unified Jr. NBA clinic for 100 boys and girls at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex on Monday, Aug. 29, in collaboration with Special Olympics.</span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A ceremony on the final day of the camp will award the BWB Africa 2022 MVP, Defensive MVP, Three-Point Champion and Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award to the boys and girls who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.</span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A record 41 former BWB campers were among the record 121 international players on 2021-22 NBA opening-night rosters, including Gorgui Dieng (San Antonio Spurs; Senegal; BWB Africa 2009), five-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011) and NBA champion Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The NBA and FIBA have hosted 65 BWB camps in 30 countries since the program’s launch in 2001. BWB has reached more than 3,800 participants from 134 countries and territories, with 105 former campers having advanced to the NBA or WNBA.</span></p><p class="m_-8505828863856384026MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-6599977614998105892022-08-25T06:34:00.006+01:002022-08-25T06:34:53.828+01:00NFF "saddened" by Falconets travel snafu, promises bonus payments<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5z5FH7jrnl7EPq7x_uGVaAzUw_pPhGT4_0E5KyaZq68wT-NXAkGhlseL9NUNE8wgr5THKw_or2kDTcvs46ImLfjll8hU89UV7KdJ0JGKSOTodTBgJ9bQIgkHjMSY2c9yVzIODTvcWsL3rwY3etqkok6nXQsxpSir_BAEaHDrnB8DQHV_QU85q0pnJA/s1280/Falconets%20return.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5z5FH7jrnl7EPq7x_uGVaAzUw_pPhGT4_0E5KyaZq68wT-NXAkGhlseL9NUNE8wgr5THKw_or2kDTcvs46ImLfjll8hU89UV7KdJ0JGKSOTodTBgJ9bQIgkHjMSY2c9yVzIODTvcWsL3rwY3etqkok6nXQsxpSir_BAEaHDrnB8DQHV_QU85q0pnJA/w546-h307/Falconets%20return.jpeg" width="546" /></a></div><br /><p><b><i>Falconets on arrival in Abuja and received by NFF officials led by General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">After a grueling travel schedule, Nigeria's under 20 women's national team finally arrived home on Wednesday afternoon and were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja by an NFF delegation led by General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, who expressed sadnesss at the travel snafu experienced by the team.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.colinudoh.com/2022/08/dejected-falconets-sleep-on-turkey.html" target="_blank">The team spent 24 hours at Istanbul's Ataturk airport sleeping on the floor</a> while waiting for their connecting flight to Nigeria after flight delays saw them miss their original connection</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"We just want to let you know that Nigerians appreciated all you did," Sanusi told the players. "But we are saddened that on your way back, you had to sleep at the airport for reasons beyond our control. The arrangement was done by FIFA and you know what happened better than us."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Sanusi also promised the players that the NFF would pay them qualifying bonuses for the tournament </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">"We want to assure you that the same time the Super Falcons are going to be paid, you are also going to be paid your bonuses."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Earlier on Wednesday, the federation released a statement explaining the embracing travel situation </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The NFF did not book the team’s tickets from Costa Rica; FIFA did," Ssanusi said in the statement. "FIFA also did not envisage the hitches that saw the team delayed for more than three hours in Bogota, and another one hour in Panama. By the time the team got to Istanbul, the flight to Abuja had left.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Our officials pleaded for compassionate transit visas so as to take the players and officials to a hotel inside the town, but this was not possible as they were informed that Nigeria had been removed from the list of countries whose citizens were issued visa-on-arrival in Turkey. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">"The airline then took the team to a sleeping area at the airport and gave them tickets to have meals every five hours. This situation has nothing to do with NFF, who had made arrangements to receive the team in Abuja before the complications in travel arrangements.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The federation also explained that the players chose to wash their jerseys by hand on their own, but was quiet as to why they had to buy footwear with borrowed money</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The players were handed three sets of green jerseys and two sets of white jerseys, several house-wear types and training jerseys. The players opted to wash only their jersey top (no other stuff) because when the first set of body-wear was sent to the laundry people at the hotel, it returned with some FIFA and NFF badges at the front and names at the back peeled by the machine.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-35505602238226134212022-08-24T06:00:00.003+01:002022-08-24T07:41:19.675+01:00Dejected Falconets sleep on Turkey airport floor <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ViFPHgTScs_deh5tZohxDPeW1eBA3aKAzsE5bUepQEcvOylUTvdLjcgZgaEQjh6YPI2Z_uN6yYsq_7ZeeCGqAMWO0_PiOxnOq7dfQvk9qtlHotiT2fWk2hLo31uKjt8XTFh5eSsS7fn_bN45wmuuO6dguYl5rjErJG7XcLsZPbMUaNjkbLqf6SVjRQ/s1080/Falconets3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ViFPHgTScs_deh5tZohxDPeW1eBA3aKAzsE5bUepQEcvOylUTvdLjcgZgaEQjh6YPI2Z_uN6yYsq_7ZeeCGqAMWO0_PiOxnOq7dfQvk9qtlHotiT2fWk2hLo31uKjt8XTFh5eSsS7fn_bN45wmuuO6dguYl5rjErJG7XcLsZPbMUaNjkbLqf6SVjRQ/w469-h480/Falconets3.jpeg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It is rare that a Nigerian national team travels to an international competition and returns sans drama, usually of the embarrassing and disgraceful variety.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And once again, that ugly devil strikes again, with the Under 20 women’s team stuck at the Istanbul airport on a 24 hour layover, sleeping on airport benches, and on the floor of the biting cold airport.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That is just the latest in a litany of troubles the team has faced while competing at the tournament.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beneath their stirring performance at the 2022 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup, the Falconets weathered and continue to weather head winds that not even adults should have to experience, let alone teenage kids.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Player sources say the team were provided very limited equipment, with just three sets of their green home kit and two sets of the white away kit. This meant the players had to wash their jersey by hand after every game, and were unable to exchange jerseys.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrMfgflv_XPvtCUAUDdGKT5dPzf8bmWv60RAiIbfN0ceeGzSe3aU319dQ-Sv96W5reX7zglB6oBBVpdtQOWDOfTYTzcxA0W1hZeZ8bliR3AFG6PSvMcGVsFE0zRyhWknXM9qztFwFcMfMLMSAwuoS0nEbwnJ1v2MEz9GLUBAem0XOec5MLykokqIseg/s1080/Falconets1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrMfgflv_XPvtCUAUDdGKT5dPzf8bmWv60RAiIbfN0ceeGzSe3aU319dQ-Sv96W5reX7zglB6oBBVpdtQOWDOfTYTzcxA0W1hZeZ8bliR3AFG6PSvMcGVsFE0zRyhWknXM9qztFwFcMfMLMSAwuoS0nEbwnJ1v2MEz9GLUBAem0XOec5MLykokqIseg/w401-h320/Falconets1.jpeg" width="401" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Worse, despite the NFF having an official kit supplier, the young ladies were not supplied official footwear and were asked instead to buy their own footwear.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And so the players - who are only getting paid $50 as daily match allowance and no bonuses - borrowed money to buy Nike sneakers and playing boots.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Worse was to come. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After their elimination against the Netherlands, the players had barely three hours to sleep before heading off to the airport, expecting to arrive home within a day or two. They were sorely mistaken.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“We’ve been on a trip to Nigeria since 6:30am Monday. We are currently sleeping at the Istanbul Airport awaiting a 6pm Wednesday flight Istanbul time to Abuja.”</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KgpIY6pPNFZ-A3H1nDVRluIm_Pwez__igRfCjlYCz74qpLOPcXIzRLyq9ukmzQnQoqAvEaB_Y5EBlIQTrOx1wR3sb1STvSXaP3UBe3bQpDjIYFKWumLvHtAXAwoy-EcpqEnlSpKFwjBU9bz9hCTfWXoS__ZpTt0ZUR02yf235Cqj78A-9fcrse9LoA/s1080/Falconets5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KgpIY6pPNFZ-A3H1nDVRluIm_Pwez__igRfCjlYCz74qpLOPcXIzRLyq9ukmzQnQoqAvEaB_Y5EBlIQTrOx1wR3sb1STvSXaP3UBe3bQpDjIYFKWumLvHtAXAwoy-EcpqEnlSpKFwjBU9bz9hCTfWXoS__ZpTt0ZUR02yf235Cqj78A-9fcrse9LoA/w371-h278/Falconets5.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">How did that happen?</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">According to team officials, their tickets were booked for Tuesday evening on Avianca.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But the Colombian flag carrier rebooked the team on Turkish Air leading to a four-hour delay in Colombia. That, coupled with a stop in Panama meant the team missed their Tuesday connection flight.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">NFF’s Leader of Delegation Ruth David tried in vain to ask the airline for accommodation, but without transit visas, the pleas accomplished nothing and the team were forced to spend 24 hours at the airport awaiting their connecting flight to Abuja</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6YYHIXFEIQI_8wmcQXjn61QGawEIu-5IWnl-sfzJTNF5Kl8VufJYcCRLewe21upBlPkltItNPoNHyIjvUp5Za4IaYxcvsbSklGg8sghjoyFewcRm2hPsnkT3JicL_lvam2_uJsLUBNo_AjQ5Rs43uabKFPXaDhFYR2gvA_Jy6JWppXRmYlTuITAlMQ/s1080/Falconets4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6YYHIXFEIQI_8wmcQXjn61QGawEIu-5IWnl-sfzJTNF5Kl8VufJYcCRLewe21upBlPkltItNPoNHyIjvUp5Za4IaYxcvsbSklGg8sghjoyFewcRm2hPsnkT3JicL_lvam2_uJsLUBNo_AjQ5Rs43uabKFPXaDhFYR2gvA_Jy6JWppXRmYlTuITAlMQ/w347-h320/Falconets4.jpeg" width="347" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But their struggles will not end when they arrive in Abuja. The players have been given N40 000 each as local transport allowance.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Meaning that after three days of grueling travel, they would have to travel by road (or train) from Abuja to whatever state their final destination is.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To be a Nigerian. . .</p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-56814443437421015592022-08-20T06:03:00.001+01:002022-08-20T06:03:29.529+01:00D'Pundit's EPL Correct Score Tips<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDe-ELK17Jt5JGmXtxvACtAMP7S3HcJwPfRmRz3CnNpBvSkmbHmxa41HXqJN2wTWFhaWe_IBfA4hPw4SFpKmEtyyYEhd_vdM3AU133OQUT6-bEFmHcGQmNwnuOFzl0n9Jo5Lf-n6LmXxMKu_p5Fvo0EZbdYXw4Nbe3u6Ewu9vqiuDD9M3hLoFjV7LQ/s2560/B84F563D-9555-4483-AE6D-F431D045B7F1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDe-ELK17Jt5JGmXtxvACtAMP7S3HcJwPfRmRz3CnNpBvSkmbHmxa41HXqJN2wTWFhaWe_IBfA4hPw4SFpKmEtyyYEhd_vdM3AU133OQUT6-bEFmHcGQmNwnuOFzl0n9Jo5Lf-n6LmXxMKu_p5Fvo0EZbdYXw4Nbe3u6Ewu9vqiuDD9M3hLoFjV7LQ/w557-h313/B84F563D-9555-4483-AE6D-F431D045B7F1.jpeg" width="557" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div dir="auto">Last matchday was filled with many shocking results especially the 4-0 hammering of Manchester United by Brentford. However, I still managed to call five match outcomes correctly including the score-line of the game involving Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. I expect matchday three to also give us many surprising results. So, which team is going to shock fans this weekend? Read on to find out...</div><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolves</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I watched Tottenham last weekend against Chelsea I I think they were lucky to come out of that one with a point. Chelsea completely outplayed them. If they do not step up their game here, they might drop points. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Wolves drew at home last weekend and are without a win so far in this campaign. So, they will be going all out here for the win but I think Tottenham will have too much for them. Albeit, I foresee a very slim Tottenham win as I expect Bruno Lage's Wolves to really give them a run for their money.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Tottenham 2-1 Wolves</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Leicester vs Southampton</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I think this should be Leicester's first win of the season. I say so because Southampton are very poor on the road. Last season, this same fixture ended in a 4-1 win for Leicester but I am not expecting the score line to be that large in this one but there is no stopping a Leicester win.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leicester 2-0 Southampton</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Everton vs Nottingham Forest</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Everton really disappointed me last weekend. I was rooting for them to at least get something at Aston Villa but they went on to lose the game 2-1. That's two defeats in a row now for Frank Lampard's men. If they want to win then, these sort of games are the games they should be winning. But I fear Nottingham Forest; especially with the sort of business they have done this season in the window. They brought in 15 new signings and they are still looking at getting more. I think if those signings can blend on time Nottingham Forest will be a force to reckon with in the league.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am just going to back this one to end in a draw. It should be a very entertaining draw.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Everton 2-2 Nottingham Forest</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I thought Crystal Palace were impressive against Liverpool last Monday. They took the game to Liverpool and got something out of the game. They should have won at Anfield if not for a moment of brilliance from Luis Diaz. I think they should be able to win this one in front of their home fans. Aston Villa are not consistent with their performance; they could be brilliant today and play out a very disappointing performance the next day. So I am going to stick with Crystal Palace to win slim.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Crystal Palace 1-0 Aston Villa</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Fulham vs Brentford</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Brentford shocked the footballing world last weekend when they trounced Manchester United 4-0 at halftime. But I don't expect them to find Fulham that easy to beat here. Fulham have been decent in their games so far this season and I think they will cause Brentford lots of trouble. I am seeing a score draw here as I am struggling to pick out a winner.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Fulham 1-1 Brentford</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Bournemouth vs Arsenal</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Under Scott Parker, Bournemouth love to play expansive football and that's why it was easy to predict a big defeat for them against Manchester City last weekend. Because they will open up spaces to be exploited by trying to play expansively. In-form Arsenal are also going to win here as this will be a battle of quality which Arsenal clearly have the edge. I am going for an Arsenal win here.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Leeds vs Chelsea</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Chelsea were very unlucky not to come out last weekend's encounter against Tottenham with a win. I the referee got some of his decisions wrong and it costed Chelsea their win. I expect them to come here in a very vengeful manner after all that transpired last weekend. Leeds are not pushovers but I don't think they will be able to withstand Chelsea on Sunday. So, I am backing the Blues to amass all three points here.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leeds 1-2 Chelsea</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>West Ham vs Brighton</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">West Ham have lost their opening two games and will be out to get their first win in front of their fans here. But the problem here is that Brighton are a very decent side under Graham Potter and will seek to cause the home team lot of trouble. I think this will end in a draw. I really can't find a winner here.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: West Ham 1-1 Brighton</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Newcastle vs Manchester City</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Newcastle have become a thorn in the flesh since they changed owners and started bringing in players and a very decent manager in Eddie Howe. Manchester City will have a tough time here on Sunday but I think Pep Guardiola's men have too much quality in their ranks and should be able to squeeze out a very slim victory.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Newcastle 0-1 Manchester City</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Manchester United vs Liverpool</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I think the Manchester United fans will begin to question the new manager's credibility if they lose this one against a very depleted Liverpool side. Jurgen Klopp's men will come into this game without a recognized striker, having lost Darwin Nunez to suspension and Roberto Firmino to injury. So I really expect Manchester United to take advantage and hurt them on Monday night.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am going to back Erik Ten Hag's men to pick their first win here because anything other than a win will be disappointing to me. Having lost scandalously to Brentford last weekend, they should be gingered to crush any opponent they come against so as to appease the fans.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: </b>Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool </div></div>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-59933424197643846082022-08-13T04:00:00.002+01:002022-08-13T04:23:05.594+01:00SABASTINE'S FLOURISH AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS FROM FALCONETS 1-0 WIN OVER FRANCE<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn_GsoEpbd4c8jEd0UXIne2bNoFEZw-7sEp7ttRqRPR0EuZMmk2xuHirVd1eR3vqTXi07Xs62Sexg2_dj8ADd4Uk4yN0vUSH_WEdZ4dWwE0T8MoHZhp3X5Y-zsfK6-QKkjdYogRQ6R6SMlq1k18H4ulNus3N04JGYuPbFPja92mA6NmmL2cLZQYV5Yg/s802/93C6A3AB-09AB-495B-B078-BABA7727A6F6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="724" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn_GsoEpbd4c8jEd0UXIne2bNoFEZw-7sEp7ttRqRPR0EuZMmk2xuHirVd1eR3vqTXi07Xs62Sexg2_dj8ADd4Uk4yN0vUSH_WEdZ4dWwE0T8MoHZhp3X5Y-zsfK6-QKkjdYogRQ6R6SMlq1k18H4ulNus3N04JGYuPbFPja92mA6NmmL2cLZQYV5Yg/s320/93C6A3AB-09AB-495B-B078-BABA7727A6F6.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After the crushing disappointment of Randy Waldrum’s poorly-coached Super Falcons at the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations, football fans were looking up to the Falconets to restore some measure of respect back to the name at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hopes may be one thing, expectations are quite another. So, despite those hope, not many expected them to do too well against European champions France. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which would explain why not many Nigerians stayed up at the ungodly midnight hour that it was in Nigeria, to watch the next iteration of Super Falcons open their World Cup campaign.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But Christopher Danjuma’s girls were not to be discouraged, and completely dominated and outclassed the bigger, more physical French players in the opening 20 minutes under torrential rain.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The downpour forced the game to be suspended, and on resumption, they appeared to have lost some of their steam, the French looking marginally better in the second half of the first half.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Still, Flourish Sabastine’s well-placed goal late in the game sealed a well-earned win and three points for the Nigerian girls. More than that, their disciplined tactical play was a marked improvement from the dross Nigerians were served at WAFCON.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So what did we take away from their heartening win? Here goes</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>THIS IS HOW WE PLAY</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Watching the Falconets play out with confidence from the back, passing the ball crisply, playing as a team, making good runs, using space and just generally making good decisions overall, reminded Nigerians exactly why they fell in love with the original Super Falcons in the first place.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yess, the team made some basic errors and some of their decision-making, especially in the final third could have been better. But their foundations looked good, and it was clear that they were trying to play the right way. Always looking to find the open player, never ball hogging, quick, energetic and disciplined, esspecially in defence.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">France, as good as they were, did not present any real threat in open play, Their most dangerous opportunities only came from corner kicks. Which takes us nicely into point 2</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>SET PIECE DEFENDING AND GOALKEEPING MUST IMPROVE</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Almost everything the girls did was superb. The one area where they had issues was in defending set pieces, especially those lateral balls from cornerkicks. Goalkeeper Oyono Omini was having troubling dealing with crosses, flapping away at them with troubling regularity. That included one occasion when her misjudgement saw the ball bundled in by substitute Jade Nassi. Thankfully, that was chalked off - with the aid of VAR - for a foul on Omini, but the worries remain.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If the Falconets, two-time runners up, are to match and even exceed their previous results by winning the whole shebang, they will need improved showings from Omini. Or a replacement.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>FLOURISH LEADS CAST OF IMPRESSIVE STARS</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What a joy it was to watch Flourish Sabastine, and not just for her goal. All game long, her energy, positive attitude, fearless ability to take players on and skill on the ball marked her out as one to make a difference which she eventually did with a controlled precise finish.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But she was not alone. Skipper Oluwatosin Demehin showed why she earned an invitation to the senior squad, defending with composure, unyielding in her strength, quick to the ball and smart in making her reads of dangerous plays.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And in midfield, Esther Onyenezide showed she could be as smooth an operator as any.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mercy Idoko’s vision to pick out Sabastine for that flourishing finish was just as worthy of commendation as any. And one needs to keep an eye on left back Rofiat Imuran</p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-73590698791648700482022-08-13T03:05:00.009+01:002022-08-13T03:09:32.062+01:00D Pundit's Super Betting tips for EPL Match Day 2<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN3oQySvYsYYoedK2NNl5stAIcihE4bIkrQyuuGPAWJvUt9GUiQqr0XVYTNwUU5MnVodi-1_3U0Ke9GSfKlvIzxUITS7jnMkqP3il5WE905Q6R9Kn09iY_Wr-i7yyT0lIsQiB13A0jY9-Nbeu15Pepz315WKfKNcvDVqcWTKu4H89t_vKv9jSvR-G7nQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="744" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN3oQySvYsYYoedK2NNl5stAIcihE4bIkrQyuuGPAWJvUt9GUiQqr0XVYTNwUU5MnVodi-1_3U0Ke9GSfKlvIzxUITS7jnMkqP3il5WE905Q6R9Kn09iY_Wr-i7yyT0lIsQiB13A0jY9-Nbeu15Pepz315WKfKNcvDVqcWTKu4H89t_vKv9jSvR-G7nQ=w482-h313" width="482" /></a></div><br /><b><i>- By Godwin Odiko</i></b><br /><p></p><p>Last weekend, we witnessed so many shocking results but I still got five match outcomes correctly including the score-line of the match involving Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. So, which team is on course to produce a shocking result this weekend in the Premier League? </p><p>Read on to find out</p><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Aston Villa vs Everton</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I was very disappointed with Aston Villa last weekend as I expected them to at least get a point at newly-promoted Bournemouth. But they went on to lose the game 2-0.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I think they will struggle here again against Everton. Frank Lampard's men are not also convincing but they have got more quality and I think they will get something from this clash. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">So, I am going to go for a draw here. But if the game goes on to produce a winner then it will be Everton </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Aston Villa 1-1 Everton</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Manchester City vs Bournemouth</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am going to go for an Erling Haaland hat-trick here. This will be Manchester City's first home game and they will be looking to produce a spectacular performance and I expect the Norwegian striker to really flourish in this game.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I will be surprised if Bournemouth are still in this game at halftime. Therefore I am going for a 5-0 win for Pep Guardiola's men which should propel them to the top of the table.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Manchester City 5-0 Bournemouth</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Arsenal vs Leicester City</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Arsenal have won the last three meetings between these two sides and I think they will win here again on Saturday.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Leicester have still not brought in any player to add quality to their squad and I think they will struggle this season if they end up not signing any player before the transfer window closes.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Having said that, I am back the Gunners to win here, albeit; a very slim victory.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Arsenal 2-1 Leicester City</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Wolves vs Fulham</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I thought Fulham were very impressive last weekend against Liverpool. If they can replicate the same performance here they will defeat Wolves.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">If Aleksandar Mitrović's performance against Liverpool is anything to go by, then Wolves are in for some trouble in this one.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am going to go for a draw here as I really fancy Fulham getting something out of this clash.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Wolves 1-1 Fulham</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Southampton vs Leeds United</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Southampton will really need to produce an extraordinary performance to win here as I see Leeds United as clear favorites.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Jesse Marsch's men will be looking to consolidate on their victory against Wolves last weekend and I really do not see this poor Southampton side stopping them. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am going to back Leeds United to win here but I think it's going to be a tough victory for them considering the fact that they are playing away from home.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Southampton 0-1 Leeds United</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Brighton vs Newcastle</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am struggling to really separate these two clubs as I am really impressed with their performance last weekend. Brighton went to Manchester United last weekend and completely outclassed them. They will be looking to build on that performance here.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Newcastle were also very impressive against Nottingham Forest last weekend and they will be looking to continue in that vein of form.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I am really struggling to pick a winner here to be very sincere so I will just bank on this one to end in a draw.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Brighton 2-2 Newcastle</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Brentford vs Manchester United</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Manchester United will be looking to appease their fans for what was a very embarrassing defeat at home to Brighton last weekend. Anything other than a Manchester United win here is unacceptable to the fans.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">However, Brentford are no pushovers and they will also be looking to cause Erik Ten Hag's men more trouble on their turf. But I think the Red Devils should be able to win this one. I just can't see Manchester United coming out of this clash with any result other than victory.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Brentford 1-2 Manchester United</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Nottingham Forest vs West Ham</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">West Ham have got more quality than Nottingham Forest and I think if they really show their quality here they will win. Nottingham Forest are newbies and will need time to fully acclimatize to the rigours of the Premier League. I think Nottingham Forest will struggle here against David Moyes' men. So, I am backing the Hammers to take all three points from this encounter.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Nottingham Forest 0-2 West Ham</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Chelsea vs Tottenham</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">This is unarguably the biggest fixture of the weekend. Tottenham have shown so far in the transfer window that they really mean business and they also put up a commanding display in their opening fixture against Southampton last weekend. They will be looking to build on that performance here and try to get something out of this clash.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Meanwhile, Chelsea weren't really convincing against Everton last weekend despite winning the game 1-0. So, if they are not careful in this game they might lose to Antonio Conte's men.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">However, I think this one will end in a very entertaining draw as I see both teams finding the back of each other's net.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Liverpool vs Crystal Palace</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">If Liverpool really want to contend with Manchester City for the title this season then they should be winning this sort of match. They dropped two points against newly promoted promoted Fulham last weekend, they just can't afford to drop any point in this game.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Crystal Palace will try to make things difficult for Liverpool but I think the quality of Jurgen Klopp's men will be too much for the Eagles to handle.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction:</b> Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-21099784171815174182022-08-05T17:40:00.003+01:002022-08-05T17:56:32.655+01:00D’Pundit Picks for EPL MatchDay 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6H1eGW9MGLR2BlaOLmkwnExInMS9_xLTVX5rvHIrTJNoWxMGtInkDNZsBBQCchaBiw4npUrW4_9I0iBBtzkRr7AXQ3nMtueWWLUfKcHX_KHviOQf9kFNT9V7QYbDkEO9c0y5mPZU2drxApP5V8xmhS5scVvvCJTtDsDklVm3naZ4avimsWqSPFtK9A/s1536/A356F27A-52F3-479A-A34E-B91A74F3F5C0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1536" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6H1eGW9MGLR2BlaOLmkwnExInMS9_xLTVX5rvHIrTJNoWxMGtInkDNZsBBQCchaBiw4npUrW4_9I0iBBtzkRr7AXQ3nMtueWWLUfKcHX_KHviOQf9kFNT9V7QYbDkEO9c0y5mPZU2drxApP5V8xmhS5scVvvCJTtDsDklVm3naZ4avimsWqSPFtK9A/w422-h290/A356F27A-52F3-479A-A34E-B91A74F3F5C0.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Football is back! The wait is finally over. I will be dishing out weekly predictions on all the matches to be played in the EPL this season. So, join me on the ride. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Which teams will win their first EPL games this season? Read up my predictions to find out</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Crystal Palace vs Arsenal</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Crystal Palace took four points from this fixture over two legs last season and they will be raring to continue in that vein of form this season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Crystal Palace under Patrick Vieira have been very impressive and I see them finishing well again this season. However, I expect Mikel Arteta's men to give us the viewers a real spectacle <span dir="ltr">on Friday night</span>. Judging from Arsenal's pre-season performance, they should impress this season but I still can't put my money on them finishing in the top four this season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I will bank on the game to end in a draw as I am struggling to find a winner here.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Fulham vs Liverpool</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Liverpool layed down a marker with their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and I am going to back them to win the league this season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Fulham on their part will struggle again playing topflight football and they will also struggle to withstand Jurgen Klopp's men on Saturday. So it's a comfortable Liverpool win for me. infact, I will be surprised if Fulham are still in the game at halftime.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Fulham 0-3 Liverpool</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Tottenham vs Southampton</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Tottenham have really done well on the transfer market so far, but it remains to be seen if they will replicate their impressive transfer dealings on the field of play.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Southampton were lucky not to be relegated last season and I think they will still struggle this season. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I think Tottenham will have too much for Ralph Hasenhüttl's men.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Southampton</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Leeds United vs Wolves</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">This two sides are at their very best a midtable team. But I think this game will be entertaining on Saturday with both teams looking to lay down a marker. However, I think Wolves should be able to get something here so I am going for a draw.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leeds United 1-1 Wolves</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Bournemouth vs Aston Villa</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Aston Villa look very inspiring under Steven Gerrard and I think they will get something out of this clash.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Bournemouth will struggle in the league this season and I see them returning back to the Championship at the end of the season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I am just going to back Aston Villa to win here, albeit very slim one.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Aston Villa</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I won't be surprised if Newcastle finish in the top six this season. They have a wealthy owner these days and they have looked very ambitious. They are chasing Leicester City's James Maddison. If they can get him, I think that will really improve their quality.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Nottingham Forest on their part were very impressive in the championship last season but it remains to be seen if they can also impress playing topflight football this season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I am just going to stick with Newcastle to win on their turf with the backing of their fans.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Everton vs Chelsea</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I think Chelsea should be able to win this one. if the Blues want to finish in the top four this season, then they should be winning this sort of matches. However, I expect Frank Lampard's Everton side to trouble Chelsea but still Thomas Tuchel's men should be able to edge this encounter.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Everton 1-2 Chelsea</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Manchester United vs Brighton</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Just like I said about Chelsea, if Manchester United want to finish in the top four this season then they should be winning this sort of match. However, Brighton are no pushovers and should give Erik Ten Hag's men lot of problem on Sunday.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">The Red Devils impressed in pre-season and I think if they replicate same form here they should be able to win this one. I am going for a Manchester United win here in front of their fans but it's going to be a very tight game.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Leicester City vs Brentford</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">So far, Leicester City remains the only side to have not bring in any new face ahead of the new season. Do I think they can finish as high as eighth as they finished last season? No. They will need to reinforce their squad if they wish to finish anywhere close to where they finished last season.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Brentford really impressed last season and I am backing them to get something from this clash. Therefore, I am going for a draw.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: Leicester City 1-1 Brentford</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>West Ham vs Manchester City</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">Pep Guardiola's men will be looking to retain the title this season. But they need to show their quality here if they desire a win in this clash. They were very unappealing against Liverpool in the Community Shield and will need to step up their performance here to get the maximum points.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">West Ham can be very difficult to play against on their day and City will be hoping it's not West Ham's day on Sunday.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;">I am going for a Manchester City win here but it going to be a very slim one.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><b>Godwin d Pundit's correct score prediction</b>: West Ham 0-1 Manchester City</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 23px;"><br /></div></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-64757621777406834622022-07-16T06:39:00.004+01:002022-07-16T14:42:05.574+01:00Vengeful Lionesses Tamed and Nigeria's 'La Decima' Quest Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhr92M3ziBrfxTlRe4IOL2JFYiSGurPBpSBLeSxnRV6qUTMwsP95Wl6Whv8KnxKlgtu_NFiwdnB8or78irwH_lzlUfLvQ1_DMyU-RZ-7aI8Od2l_IBUi_7We2JhXpCOlr7IZJlFfK7Zp1v1ZzCSj3b2jmnlX1QNu_EKPQDbefDeNGRv5wsgXz2qSylw/s1940/7D42E136-B241-4BB2-B4BF-22240A81CA4E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1940" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhr92M3ziBrfxTlRe4IOL2JFYiSGurPBpSBLeSxnRV6qUTMwsP95Wl6Whv8KnxKlgtu_NFiwdnB8or78irwH_lzlUfLvQ1_DMyU-RZ-7aI8Od2l_IBUi_7We2JhXpCOlr7IZJlFfK7Zp1v1ZzCSj3b2jmnlX1QNu_EKPQDbefDeNGRv5wsgXz2qSylw/w491-h275/7D42E136-B241-4BB2-B4BF-22240A81CA4E.jpeg" width="491" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It was meant to be a belle party experience but turned out a gritty, feisty feast of stop-starts in, perhaps, the most-anticipated clash of the Morocco 2022 CAF Women's African Cup of Nations.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A well-recycled ball by Gotham FC's Ifeoma Onumonu was plunged into the back of the Cameroonian net with Ange Bawou caught napping on her near side by a perfectly placed header from the blue-haired Rasheedat Ajibade, and that was all she wrote as the champions, Nigeria women's national team continued the defence of the title last won on Ghanaian soil four years ago.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The win takes the Super Falcons into the semis where they will play against a Moroccan side that has earned the right to be tagged a formidable opponent.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Before Monday's semifinal showdown with the host, let's check out some of the talking points from the 1-0 win of Nigeria over the Indomitable Lionesses.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rasheedat Ajibade, a Contender for the MVP</span> </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is becoming her tournament, and oh my, she's wearing every game like a well-made dinner dress.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her goal, from the team's only shot on target on the night, is why Nigeria will play Down Under next year when Australia and New Zealand host the FIFA Women's World Cup.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Called RASH, the Atletico de Madrid player has come through the ranks from the juvenile levels to becoming a mainstay in the best team on the continent. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Although she's won the WAFCON, a 2018 feat, she's definitely hungry for more and that shows in every game she's played in in Morocco.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The 22-year-old gave a WOTM performance against Cameroon with her tenacious contributions across the forward line, and throughout this competition has been a tricky customer for her markers. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With three goals and two assists, she's the lead scorer of this tourney alongside Morocco's captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, who has two WOTM awards to her name. Both will face off on Monday and their individual performances will surely be an exciting sub-plot of the battle ahead.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Super Falcons Must Make the Most of Set Plays</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Times have changed. Big scorelines have thinned out. Women's football has grown and the days when the Falcons handed out heavy defeats to their opponents are long gone. But the team boasts of quality, grounded players that will always trouble oppositions. They'll always create chances and force teams to commit corners and free kicks in dangerous areas. So, they must readapt to taking advantage of these set pieces.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Aside from the penalty kick goal by Ajibade against Burundi and a Christy Ucheibe hearder off a corner, Nigeria has had a plethora of these opportunities but failed to turn a lot into goals.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Eight goals in four games make for an average of two per game. Not a bad return in these times but can be much better if set plays are harnessed. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMVU862_raKvl4WL8uPXIqibV750w4DsLknvh6cMsFUpTE7K6LFOee1lcQq4U0VzGMMOGu5tCOSJamfw1A5KM3oLXpZcmvF9-s-1fSopkH2Rm6nA-xRRfR1eg89slVFggR5fF4WnssjCOEY9apRbjrzwflc0ukWadHm0lX3L0dK-2p8wrRLjB96n9KA/s1204/D6652092-99BC-4683-9376-7FAED59774DC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1204" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMVU862_raKvl4WL8uPXIqibV750w4DsLknvh6cMsFUpTE7K6LFOee1lcQq4U0VzGMMOGu5tCOSJamfw1A5KM3oLXpZcmvF9-s-1fSopkH2Rm6nA-xRRfR1eg89slVFggR5fF4WnssjCOEY9apRbjrzwflc0ukWadHm0lX3L0dK-2p8wrRLjB96n9KA/w369-h213/D6652092-99BC-4683-9376-7FAED59774DC.jpeg" width="369" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who Won the Battle of the Midfield?</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My post match tag for this game is Battle of the Midfield. And neither Cameroon nor Nigeria won. This rivalry historically dates back to when this championship started in 1991. It has metamorphosed into a tight and conservative contest. This particular one was hard sore, draining and left the players leaving their hearts on the field. Didn't expect less as there were so much at stake.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Cameroon's five-person midfield set-up and three for their West African foes made the encounter not pretty for viewing, had plenty of play disruptions, aerial and ground duels ended in fouls and cautions. No way this game could have produced more than a goal.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Matter of fact, it took a moment of sweet dribbling skill from Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, out-of-position precise cross from Onumonu and a well-struck header by Ajibade for both teams to be separated by the odd margin. Other than that, this fixture was destined for a penalty shootout. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#GoingFor10 Alive and Running</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's been an arduous journey so far for the African champions. They've played Africa's top teams - Ghana and Cote d'Ivore in the qualifiers, South Africa and Cameroon at the tournament. A few bumps here and there but 'La Decima' dream is still hale and hearty.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Nigeria went into Morocco 2022 on the back of a social media campaign #GoingFor10, asking for support as they bid to win a 10th WAFCON crown. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As the final whistle blew and history repeated, Nigeria sealed a ninth consecutive ticket to the FIFA WWC. At the end of this championship, this might be the sweetest achievement for Nigeria considering the fact that they are Africa's best and have another chance to equalling their best outing at the World Cup - a quarterfinal in 1999 - or do better.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The team's third oldest player in Morocco at 34, Rita Chikwelu, winner of two African titles, couldn't hold back tears with the Nigerian flag on her shoulders after the win against Cameroon. Going to the World Cup next year could be her swan song to wrap up a decorated career that started in 2007. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kudos to Cameroon; WC Hope Still Alive</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“We will do everything to win this match” was what Cameroon coach, Gabriel Zabo said before the game. And he did have a plan to make that happen - resolute defending, stiffle the Nigerians when in possession and hit them on the transition. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Led by Estelle Johnson in the defence, the Lionesses limited the Falcons to just one shot on target (proved to be the difference though) and just four corners. Nigeria's frontline personnel were reduced to constantly changing positions due to Cameroon's great man-marking capacity.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The journey back home will be a long, reflective one but this effort in futility doesn't mean they're out of the chase for a world cup ticket. There's a glimmer of hope - a playoff match and a path to the FIFA WWC through the extended playoff process.</p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-26652383600642495012022-07-15T07:04:00.003+01:002022-08-20T07:30:52.166+01:00Super Falcons Player Ratings after 1-0 win over Cameroon<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MDCBt5l-WeRkPsd_rgahlFUe5HefGT-VDNwtqucSe9HRoP6QsEjb0WpO8o9QNQGco-Om6P1BtPUfbPrQNOtzDRMRUjtRaNayYwI-KsMKYhh9QEJK2qxiRN8am8fbIvhfO877FhbPyvhpvaGnL5gvvJlnLAxBBfkw8It_pi4502aewkrUlpned6uxug/s1133/4FE6D2EE-11C9-42FE-8CC0-23D10F4251F0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1133" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MDCBt5l-WeRkPsd_rgahlFUe5HefGT-VDNwtqucSe9HRoP6QsEjb0WpO8o9QNQGco-Om6P1BtPUfbPrQNOtzDRMRUjtRaNayYwI-KsMKYhh9QEJK2qxiRN8am8fbIvhfO877FhbPyvhpvaGnL5gvvJlnLAxBBfkw8It_pi4502aewkrUlpned6uxug/w511-h338/4FE6D2EE-11C9-42FE-8CC0-23D10F4251F0.jpeg" width="511" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s1">Nigeria qualified for the semifinals and also secured a spot at next year's FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and here's how </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Rotimi Akindele</span><span class="s1"> rated the players in the quarter final win over rivals Cameroon.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Chiamaka Nnadozie, 7</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Cool, calm and collected as always. Helped in making the defense pay attention to little details, was never really troubled and was solid enough to register her third straight clean sheet in the competition</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Toni Payne, 6</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Played as a make-shift right back before she switched to the left towards the latter stages of the game. Was pretty decent in the position especially with her pace and solid clearances. One of the versatiles in the team</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Osinachi Ohale, 6</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Had another decent game in the center half and would be proud to have helped register another clean sheet</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Onome Ebi</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Definitely marching on with her experience. Made some vital touches and intercepted a lot aerially. She won't be so bothered about getting into the referee's book</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Asleigh Plumptre, 6</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Played in a position where she is still trying to adapt but had put in a good shift before she was replaced in the second half</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Halimat Ayinde, 7</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Steady midfield performance. Easily breaks opponents play and has an eye to launch good passes towards the attack. One of Nigeria's best performers on the night</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, 8</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Proving to be a midfield maestro. She was solid all through as she helped the attack and the defense during the entire game. Made the strong brilliant move that led to the only goal of the game. It was an MVP performance but she didn't get the award post game and we all knew why…</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rasheedat Ajibade, 8</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Got Nigeria's only goal of the night. Proving to be an asset to the team since day 1 especially since Oshoala's injury. Was well positioned for the winning goal and read the ball nicely. Helped with defense as well whenever she's not driving the attack. She was voted the Woman of the Match post game</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Ifeoma Onumonu, 6</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Still struggling to lead the pack but her all round presence is commendable. She delivered the pin-point cross that found Ajibade for the only goal. She's got to find the back of the net often to boost her confidence</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Christy Ucheibe, 6</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Average performance in the midfield, good enough to help the team grind out the win</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Francisca Ordega, 5</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 47.9px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">After some early incursions in the first half, she was lost for the better part of the game especially as she struggled to really hold down her own from the wings</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Subs</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Michelle Alozie, 6</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Came in to help the defense and did well for over 25 minutes. A good asset</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Uchenna Kanu, 4</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Did little after being brought on</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rita Chikwelu, 5</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Brought in the needed experience to calm some nerves late on</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Regina Otu, 4</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Did little or nothing within the short time</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Gift Monday, 4</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Still struggling to get enough playing time</span></span></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-86411415081964639282022-07-14T17:16:00.005+01:002022-07-14T17:20:37.025+01:00REVENGE ONE OF THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR AS NIGERIA FACE CAMEROON FOR A WORLD CUP PLACE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UP3VmdMpF_BigiYnObos2-edHTcO6eUtOdyf6wio0U9sJ4PWIynptnp2B3IiLPXCC6jPE2xH7mbmWMjOc795bO4mQWeAe5mefQlrJrWMEx2CoMihPn-q3TprdsjXWvZGCxspkFdQm42D4rYjJW6O35vrUuvZMF1KRAscaECS8TVu4mfgMLDngoWYsg/s1437/6F453C7E-CE19-4FF1-91C1-A7DF3AC15080.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1437" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UP3VmdMpF_BigiYnObos2-edHTcO6eUtOdyf6wio0U9sJ4PWIynptnp2B3IiLPXCC6jPE2xH7mbmWMjOc795bO4mQWeAe5mefQlrJrWMEx2CoMihPn-q3TprdsjXWvZGCxspkFdQm42D4rYjJW6O35vrUuvZMF1KRAscaECS8TVu4mfgMLDngoWYsg/w435-h370/6F453C7E-CE19-4FF1-91C1-A7DF3AC15080.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Conquering Africa nine times in twelve attempts comes with both a blessing and a curse. That's the fate of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, the undisputed queens of African women's football. On one hand, they have the ultimate bragging rights and history a lot would kill for, creating a gap in the process that will take decades to reduce or close. On the flip side, it regularly puts a target on their back during African qualifiers and championships, as teams develop their game and prepare to topple them.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Kufre Ekpe provides a few things to look out for as the Super Falcons take on Cameroon in a high stakes game of winner takes World Cup ticket and place in the semifinal</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">CAMEROON GOING FOR REVENGE</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Among the biggest rivalries in African women’s football is Nigeria v Cameroon and this is as far as football rivalries go - rich, intense, exciting, gruelling and physical. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In 31 years, the Super Falcons and Indomitable Lionesses have met four times in the final of the WAFCON. The Nigerian ladies have dominated the Indomitable Lionesses in all.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Nigeria and Cameroon have met in all editions except for 2002 (paths didn't cross) and 1995 (the Lionesses were walked over).</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The last time both sides met was at the 2016 Final in Yaounde, where the Super Falcons denied the Lionesses their first time, and in front of their fans and president, costing them money and national honours.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It is a pain that is yet to go away and what better way for Cameroon to claim their pound of flesh than to deny their rivals the chance of a direct World Cup ticket for the first time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">CAN NIGERIA SHOW BOUNCEBACKABILITY?</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In 2018, the Super Falcons lost to South Africa in their opening game, but bounced back to win their next two games and qualify for the semfinal (it was still an eight team tournament at the time).</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Their semifinal opponents were, you guessed it, Cameroon. A tough game ended 0-0 and the Super Falcons triumphed 4-2 on penalties and then went on to win the final against South Africa, also on penalties.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Is history about to repeat itself?</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The first three games of the Super Falcons have taught us many things about the team. They have rebounded from a below-par, pegged-back performance against Banyana Banyana to play possessive, tactical games against Botswana and Burundi. They were good and dominant in the last two games of the group stage. But will that be enough going head-to-head against an ambitious Cameroon?</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And will it be enough to take them all the way to La Decima?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">HOW IMPORTANT WILL OKOBI AND PAYNE BE? AND HOW WILL WALDRUM SHAPE UP TACTICALLY</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Aside from the first game, midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has featured in others and has proven she's an asset that will a handful for Cameroon.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In a free role, Sweden-based Okobi-Okeoghene was instrumental to Waldrum's tactical deployment against Botswana. Bursting with agility, she was the driving force, providing energy, forward play and control to the team’s play for 64 minutes. In 90 minutes against Burundi, she had the higher number of key passes (5).</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The 28-year-old's influence in the midfield underlines her pivotal role as a versatile midfielder. The Eskilstuna United player is a battler, a clear head and a steady presence for the Falcons. Her recovery rate is also impressive. A midfield collaboration with Halimatu Ayinde and Peace Efih will avail the team grit and balance to match Cameroon's physical strength.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Defensively, Michelle Alozie is expected to be back on the right. But it will be fascinating to see what Waldrum decides for the left spot as he's started three different left-wing backs in three games - Ashleigh Plumptre (South Africa), Toni Payne (Botswana) and Nicole Payne (Burundi). Glory Ogbonna has also played there as a sub, for 43 minutes against Burundi.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Though not a natural left back, the overwhelming choice will be Toni Payne. She has established herself as an offensively gifted player and played an advanced role against South Africa. But Waldrum unpredictably played her as a left-wing back in Botswana's game, and she provided something new - pace, drive and quick recovery. These attributes will come in handy against Cameroon.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The centre-back partnership of captain Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale has gotten better with the passing of the competition. Both are good passers of the ball, recording excellent passing accuracy so far, specifically in the last two games. Singling out the WOTM against Burundi, Ohale, she's been impressive in her ball distribution, constantly supplying long balls to the forwards. Rasheedat Ajibade benefited tremendously from this against Burundi.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Waldrum reverted to the 4-3-3 formation against Burundi, this time making use of the wings. Nigeria's wing play troubled the Burundesi. Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu exploited their space, outpacing their markers. This is another element of their game strategy that Cameroon should be wary of.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It will be interesting to see how Waldrum will line up against Cameroon but a starting roster of Nnadozie; T. Payne, Ebi, Ohale, Alozie; Ayinde, Efih, Okobi-Okeoghene; Ajibade, Kanu and Onumonu will be very competitive and difficult to best.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Cameroonian Football Federation President, Samuel Etoó has given the team a semi-final target, which makes this fixture a do-or-die battle against the title holders.</span></p><p><br /></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-53656624558482264132022-07-06T05:02:00.003+01:002022-07-10T15:41:03.445+01:00Once Again, Desiree Ellis Proves to be Super Falcons Kryptonite<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0MA9HmusOz-kJWop-GxWbesOMpUIKnCPmbrsh_UOMEfx24y9NmCCGuhSQvn9k8-2ApCpfzWRwM7ie-_1jp3g-VUOWd4C_5Wh4t6-ozwJ_T8ka5oLx3mGnnXF5yhtcqOwSNZRkyIXreGiiajXUeqzdbFwkKdNpUq00D0KavtLrjDuqDz7fj-5l4uT_w/s3840/ThembiTochi.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="3840" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0MA9HmusOz-kJWop-GxWbesOMpUIKnCPmbrsh_UOMEfx24y9NmCCGuhSQvn9k8-2ApCpfzWRwM7ie-_1jp3g-VUOWd4C_5Wh4t6-ozwJ_T8ka5oLx3mGnnXF5yhtcqOwSNZRkyIXreGiiajXUeqzdbFwkKdNpUq00D0KavtLrjDuqDz7fj-5l4uT_w/w445-h296/ThembiTochi.jpeg" width="445" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>South Africa forward Thembi Kgatlana flies over Nigeria goalkeeper Tochi Oluehi in their opening match of the CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations. South Africa won 2-1</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><i>- Kufre Ekpe</i></b><br /><p>Desiree Ellis proved that she is the Super Falcons kryptonite when she masterminded a third win in four games against the reigning champions for the second consecutive opening game of the Africa Women Cup of Nations.</p><p>It was the same occurrence forty-four months ago at Ghana 2018. But this particular concept has a second part, and that would be a Morocco 2022 final match-up between Nigeria and Banyana Banyana, ending in a win for the former, just like it happened in Ghana.</p>But that is history that Ellis, a former player herself who suffered multiple defeats against Nigeria, is planning against. She says a lot has changed though for her girls since they last played the Super Falcons at the WAFCON four years ago. “We know what happened in 2018, but we have matured over the past four years and there are changes in our team,” Ellis said after the win.<br /><br />Noone can agree more. These ladies are more developed, experiended, tactical, motivated and hungrier. With these, the scepticism of many who think it will not be easy-peasy for the nine-time African champions shouldn't be waved aside.<br /><br />All of these come down to South Africa's investments in the beautiful game over the last few years. In the past, they have always played second fiddle to their Nigerian counterparts. The hope is that this is the year they conquer Africa. Ellis has handled the team since 2016, and her great knowledge of the women's game has developed South African football. The results are vastly seen in how Banyana Banyana have closed the gap on other power houses, in efforts, results and tactics.<br /><br />The women's league in South Africa is one of the few best administered in Africa. The returns were seen in the inaugural CAF Women's Champions League title lifted by the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in 2021.<br /><br />Regionally, they have won seven of the nine COSAFA Women's Championships. Continentally, the South African ladies have finished second on five occasions. Globally, they have been to two of the last three Olympics and played at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup - their first and only participation, so far.<br /><br />Just last year at the Aisha Buhari Cup in Lagos, they became the first African side to condemn the Falcons to their heaviest defeat, a 4-2 win.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><b>PURPOSEFUL FROM KICKOFF</b><br /><br />The South Africans started with all intent and purpose, putting the Falcons on the back foot from the start of the game. They served watchers a tip of the iceberg of what is to come when Nigeria conceded two corner kicks in three minutes and rendered them second best all through the first half. Overall, South Africa won the game from almost all fronts - successfully playing out from the back many times, sharply exchanging passes, quick and confident link ups between the defence and midfield, fast recoveries to deny the Nigerians time and space, GK Andile Dlamini's assured commanding of her box, and of course the two quick goals executed with aplomb and clinicality.<br /><br />The margin of difference in the average ages of the teams should quickly extinguish any argument that a youthful South African side versus a set of Nigerian old legs is the cause of how dominant the match was for the winners. The average age of South Africa's starting line up was 27.5 years compared to 29 for Nigeria. So, what went wrong? Tactical superiority? Bad selection by Randy Waldrum?<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>TACTICAL SUPERIORITY</b><br /><br />Coach Ellis perfected South Africa's dominance through her stand-in captain, Jane Refiloe, who plays for AC Milan in Italy and WOTM Linda Motlhalo, who plays in Sweden for Djurgardens IF. Both ran the show in the middle as defensive and offensive midfielders respectively, and took advantage of their ineffective and incohesive opposites, Halimatu Ayinde and Rita Chikwelu.<br /><br />Refiloe and Motlhalo's intricate and subtle passes, mostly short, consistently took Chikwelu and Ayinde out of their game and cut them napping most times. This was evident in South Africa's second goal.<br /><br />Joining the mix to knock the wind off the 2018 champions' sail were Nixolo Cesane and Hildah Magaia. They were breezy and purposeful in movement. They constantly stretched the Nigerian back-line. Cesane was a class act. Nifty and nimble. Leicester's Ashleigh Plumptre, with all her best efforts in the game, was hard done by the 21-year-old's skills. Cesane and Magaia combined beautifully to provide Jermaine Seoposenwe the assist for the first goal<br /><br /><b>BIG WIN</b><br /><br />Seoposenwe's goal sent Ellis on her knees in celebration. The ex-Spurs Ladies (SA) coach said in the post-match press conference that “This is a very big win for us as a team. We needed to get this result because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. We had a meeting before we started training to talk about our goals and ambitions. We want to qualify for the World Cup and win the title here.” Such is the magnitude of South Africa’s second win over Nigeria in the past 10 months.<br /><br />This was an intentional win for South Africa. Could it be the beginning of the dominance of the Super Falcons in African women's football? Have the South Africans become potential champions? Will this win generate far-reaching consequences on the game in Africa? Will it inspire more development of the women's game on the continent?<br /><br />Interesting days ahead for African women's football. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-65347701028731664812020-02-16T04:25:00.001+01:002020-02-16T04:26:59.315+01:00Rivers Hoopers make history with BAL<p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></p><p>The Basketball Africa has unveiled the 12 teams that will take part in its inaugural season which tips off March 13 in Dakar, Senegal.</p><p>Representing Nigeria at the historic competition will be Rivers Hoopers.</p><p>The Port Harcourt-based club are one of six champions from national leagues in six countries – Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia – who were guaranteed representation in the inaugural BAL season. </p><p>The remaining six teams, which come from Algeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique and Rwanda, secured their participation through BAL qualifying tournaments conducted by FIBA Africa across the continent in late 2019.</p><p>“This is a historic moment as we welcome the 12 teams that will participate in our inaugural season,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “These teams have earned the opportunity to represent their respective countries and will establish the BAL as a world-class product that entertains fans of all ages when the season tips off March 13.”</p><p>NIKE and Jordan Brand, the BAL’s exclusive on-court outfitter, today unveiled <a href="https://nba.box.com/s/vde9204iv4nceop16pkcldrqx5y86202" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the official BAL uniforms</a>. NIKE and Jordan Brand will outfit the league’s 12 teams with official game uniforms, warmup apparel, socks and practice gear, with six teams featured in NIKE and the other six teams in Jordan Brand. The collaboration with NIKE and Jordan Brand marks the BAL’s first partnership.</p><p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><img src="http://res.feednews.com/assets/v2/cd140811cbd9824923cc83bda2411fd6?quality=uhq&resize=720"></p><p>The BAL has also launched the league’s official website and social media accounts. Fans can now follow the BAL @theBAL on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and register their interest in receiving more information at <a href="http://www.thebal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.theBAL.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The inaugural BAL regular season will take place in Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Monastir (Tunisia) and Salé (Morocco). Kigali (Rwanda) will host the first-ever BAL Playoffs and Finals. </p><p> </p><p>The BAL will debut with 12 club teams from across Africa divided into two conferences, with each conference playing in three cities. Each team will play five games in the regular season, facing every team in its conference once. The top four teams in each conference will qualify for the single-elimination playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda.</p><p> </p><p>Additional details about the BAL including full game schedule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p>Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-44893533870312834942020-01-16T09:17:00.000+01:002020-01-16T09:17:57.797+01:00Super Betting Tips: The Pundit Gives Expert Tips for EPL MatchDay 23<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Godwin D' Pundit, who usually calls EPL games with unusual accuracy, makes his debut on ColinUdoh.com with his analysis and predictions for the weekend's match day 23 games in the Premier League. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With Liverpool going head-to-head against Manchester United this weekend, what should punters expect? Read on to find out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Watford vs Tottenham</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Watford have completely turned a corner under Nigel Pearson, picking up three wins from their last three and are unbeaten in their last five games. Tottenham will only be doing themselves more damage here if they underrate this rejuvenated Watford side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am going to settle for a draw here valued at <b>3.50 odds</b> with BestBet360. I say so because I see Tottenham going all out for the win here after last weekend's disappointing defeat against Liverpool, while Watford will look to ride on the back of their impressive showings these days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction</b>: Watford 2-2 Tottenham (<b>12.13 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Arsenal vs Sheffield United</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I watch Arsenal these days and I see a team that's heading in the right direction under Mikel Arteta. They just need to give the young manager time and enough backing in the window to completely turn things around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having said that, I think the Gunners will come up against a really good side in Sheffield United, and if they can get a win here, it will be a massive boost for the team going forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am just going to go safe here and tip Arsenal to win or draw at <b>1.19 odds</b> with BestBet360. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not that I will be shocked if Sheffield United get something from this clash on Saturday evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United (<b>7.60 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Manchester City vs Crystal Palace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When you look at this fixture, what automatically comes to the mind is that 3-2 victory by Crystal Palace the last time they visited the Etihad. But I can't see that repeating itself here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I think Manchester City will win this one comfortably at odds of <b>1.12</b> with BestBet360. In fact, I will count Crystal Palace to be fortunate to go into the half-time break level (in terms of score-line).</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace (<b>6.30 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Norwich City vs Bournemouth</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is definitely a relegation dogfight as 19th on the log take on bottom-placed Norwich City.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is definitely going to be an interesting watch as both teams will look to better their chances of staying up with a win here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am going to tip Norwich to win this at <b>2.21 odds</b> with BestBet360, because I have watched them play recently and it's not as though they play badly most of the times; they just can't defend. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have really been poor anytime I watch them play.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Norwich 2-1 Bournemouth (<b>8.10 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Brighton vs Aston Villa</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am going to back Brighton to win this one at <b>1.65 odds</b> with BestBet360.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I say so because I have watched these two sides play recently, and I just can't figure out how Brighton are going to drop points against a very poor Aston Villa side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Brighton 2-1 Aston Villa (<b>7.50 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>West Ham vs Everton</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">These two sides only changed managers recently and appear to still be under the new manager bounce thing. I watched West Ham the other day at Sheffield United and I thought they deserved to come out of that one with something. They will try to make amends here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">However, Everton have won all but one of their league games under new man Carlo Ancelotti, and will want to prove that those victories aren't fluke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am just going to settle for a draw here at <b>3.40 odds</b> with BestBet360, as I am really struggling to separate the two teams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> West Ham 1-1 Everton (<b>6.10 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Southampton vs Wolves</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Southampton are in the form of their lives right now; having won all but one of their last five Premier League games. But I think Wolves will really trouble them here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am going to back BestBet360's offer of <b>3.30 odds</b> for the two sides to share the spoils on Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Southampton 1-1 Wolves (<b>5.90 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Newcastle vs Chelsea</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I really fancy a Chelsea win here valued at <b>1.54 odds</b> with BestBet360.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Newcastle are starting to dwindle, and I really see Frank Lampard's men having too much for them on Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea (<b>7.40 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Burnley vs Leicester City</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Burnley come into this clash in their worst of form; having lost all of their previous four league games. That's why I see Leicester getting a point at least from this clash at <b>1.21 odds</b> with BestBet360.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Leicester will still be hurting from their 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton last time out, and they will try to react here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Burnley 1-2 Leicester City (<b>7.60 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Liverpool vs Manchester United</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Liverpool's 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend saw them go a whole 38 Premier League games without a defeat. That's some record!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But they have only drawn once inside this scintillating run, which came against Manchester United earlier in the season. I don't think Manchester United have what it takes to beat Liverpool on Sunday, but I think they can hold their hosts to a draw - looking at how Solskjaer's men have fared against the so-called big teams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whenever Liverpool play at Anfield, I always tip them to win, and that won't change here, that's why my money is on Jurgen Klopp's men to come out on top at the end of regulation time, which is priced at <b>1.42 odds</b> with BestBet360.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>D'Punditz correct score prediction:</b> Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (<b>7.40 odds</b> with BestBet360)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here is my code to play this weekend: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>OUDV0X</b></span></div>
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Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com371tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-79790700565558325362019-11-17T05:07:00.000+01:002019-11-17T06:36:26.312+01:00THROW BACK TO NIGERIA’S LAST TRIP TO LESOTHO<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kuwc_zA1KGw/XdDGShtlN_I/AAAAAAAACNg/778hpM2BYacpkLnc5w1LWSxFmPfKdAGmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/OBODO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kuwc_zA1KGw/XdDGShtlN_I/AAAAAAAACNg/778hpM2BYacpkLnc5w1LWSxFmPfKdAGmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/OBODO.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">Christian Obodo in Maseru after supplying the cross for Yakubu Aiyegbeni's game winner against Lesotho</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Nigeria arrived in Maseru on Saturday ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho on Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">It has been 13 years since the Super Eagles were last in the southern African country. Not a single Super Eagles player from that era remains in the squad today.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Recently-retired former captain John Mikel Obi, who missed that game (a story for another day), would have been the only player from that time still in the squad if he was still around.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">I was one of just two Nigerian journalists in Maseru for that game, which unfortunately, was n to broadcast live. So it was my match report for KickOffNigeria that most people had to rely on for proceedings.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Here is my throwback travelogue and report from that trip and game from 2006. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">This report was originally written for the CyberEagles forum</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>ARRIVAL</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">I left Nigeria on Thursday night and arrived Johannesburg about 6am Friday morning. Before leaving Lagos, I was told that the boys would be going by road to </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> (pronounced Lesutu). </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">On arrival, I rang Idah Peterside and he told me the plans had changed. A first batch of players had left at 6am that morning and a second batch was due to leave by 9:30am. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">As it was already close to 8am, I crossed over from Arrivals to Departures and was lucky enough to catch the second batch. Leading them was Tunde Adelakun, accompanied by Team Co-ordinator Jossy Dombraye (I will return to him later) and Chidi Ngoka, an NFA staff. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Luckily, I discovered there was a seat available and I quickly bought a ticket. Players on the trip were Emmanuel Okoduwa, Bob Osim, Uche Udeorah and Oguche (no relation to Lobi team mate Andy). </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>FLIGHT OF FEAR</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Nothing prepared us for the shock we got at the tarmac. We were to fly in a Jetstream 41 aircraft </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">It’s the smallest thing I have ever flown in and like I reported here, not an experience I want to repeat. Dombraye was providing entertainment of sorts for the players by clinging to the seat in front of him for dear life. By the time we touched down, there was a general agreement that we take photos in front of the plane, which we did. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>CAMP SPIRIT</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Most of the players were still in bed when we arrived and I only got to see them at lunch. But there was quite obviously a relaxed atmosphere in the camp. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">BTW, I had planned to join the team bus for training. After lunch, I decided to go upstairs to my room as we still had about an hour to go before training. The bus was due to leave by 2:45pm. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">While watching TV, I didn’t know when I dropped off, and by the time I opened my eyes to take a leak, it was 4pm! I had to find my way to the place. . .and it cost me. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">It would take someone who has been in the Eagles camp before, during- and post-Oliseh to understand what I mean here. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Yobo walked up to the two new boys,, Udeorah and Ogbuke, shook their hands and welcomed them to the family. Kanu did the same, and even took Udeorah under his wing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Players were walking into each other’s rooms, staying up late, talking, gisting, laughing and sharing jokes. The camaraderie was unbelievable. For instance, after the game I was in Oruma and </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">’s room where Kanu, Oruma, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, Obodo, Enakarhire, Ogbuke and Udeorah spent hours watching Nigerian home videos and reliving past experiences until 3am in the morning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">We were joined by others who came and went, like Nwaneri, Okonkwo, Enyeama, Yobo, etc. It was a mini-party of sorts with an i-Pod terminal hitting music like mad, and everyone singing and dancing. Even Samson Siasia joined the party, although he took some time to speak to Obinna about his game and how he should clean up his act. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>MIKEL SITUATION</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">The one sour angle to all this was the Mikel situation. All the players are very upset with Mikel for not turning up. Almost everyone compared him to Kanu, saying he hadn’t achieved as much as Papilo and yet he was doing big man. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">The general feeling is that Mikel is feeling like a ‘Big Boy’ because he plays for Chelsea, and I suspect he wont get hugs and kisses the next time he shows up in camp. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">I will post the story of the saga later. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>PITCH AND MATCH BALLS</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">The players got a chance to train on the pitch on Saturday afternoon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me just talk a bit about the weather. When I got there on Friday, I discovered the game was for 3pm </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Come 3pm, the whole place was hot as hell and I asked the FA official is they would not have to change the time to maybe 4pm? He said it would be fine by Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">On Saturday, by 3pm, the place was biting cold. I couldn’t believe it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">When the boys trained on the pitch, they were aghast. It was rough, bumpy and undulating even though it looked good from a distance. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">After dinner, the discussion was the best way to approach the pitch and the directive from Eguavoen was that they should not stretch themselves too much. Just do enough to make sure the Likuena did not have time on the ball and pressure them high on their side of the field. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">As for the ball, it was horrible. Just a touch (even for a non footballer like me) was enough to know that those match balls would not cut it. Unfortunately, the boys had to live with it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">By 1pm on Sunday, it was raining cats and dogs. Up until we got to the stadium, it was still pouring. In a way, this helped our boys as it softened the pitch, but it also meant the balls were flying and as they had been instructed to take it easy, it meant chasing lost causes was out of the question. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Martins tried on one occasion and learnt his lesson. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>MINUTE BY MINUTE REPORT</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>FIRST HALF</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">1’ Kickoff by the hosts. Nigeria in green, playing from right to left. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">4’ Martins chases down what looks like a lost ball, out paces his marker to win the ball. But there is nobody to meet his cutback inside the box. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> clear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">5’ Oruma hits a shot that is deflected for a corner kick. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">7’ Taye Taiwo misses a right foot clearance in front of the 18-yard box. Sello Muso latches on to it, but Taiwo recovers to block the shot. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">8’ </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> is put through by Martins, but he is crowded out by two defenders inside the box. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">10’ A poor defensive header almost lets Martins in, but he wins a corner kick from which Ogbuke’s shot is headed agonisingly over the top by Martins </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">14’ Yobo concedes freekick just past the halfway line. Bokang Mothoana hits a ferocious drive which is scrambled to safety by Enyeama as it headed for the bottom right hand corner. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> win their first corner kick after Nigeria’s three. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">19’ BOOKING: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> gets the ball inside the net, but the whistle had already gone for offside and the Middlesbrough striker is booked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">20’ Mothoana hits another long range drive that Enyeama fists away, as it heads for the top right hand corner. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">23’ </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">’s threaded ball splits the defence and Martins is through on goal, but goalkeeper Phasumane Kholuoe is quick off his line and makes a fine save </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">25’ Seyi Olofinjana, who has been having a great game, dispossesses one man and finds Martins who forces another good save from the keeper. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">28’ Olofinjana wins the ball—again—inside his half and makes a great run past defenders with ease. But he fails to make the pass and loses the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box. The subsequent counter attack almost proves fatal. Eguavoen is livid! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">34’ Obodo heads at keeper from Abbey cross </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">35’ Ogbuke misses from close range from Taiwo’s freekick. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">40’ Obagoal again just heads over as the half peters away. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>SECOND HALF</b> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">46’ Oruma wins freekick on the right hand channel. Taiwo curls it inside the box and is headed in by </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, but the goal is ruled out for a foul on the keeper. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>50’ GOAL! Obodo picks up the ball in the left hand channel, gets in a bit of a mess as Taiwo tries to shoot. But Obodo gets the ball, floats it into the area and </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b>Yakubu</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b> is on hand to make an easy tap in.</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">53’ Yobo almost makes it two from another Taiwo freekick, but heads narrowly wide. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">57’ BOOKING: Bushy Moletsane booked for a challenge on Oruma. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">58’ BOOKING: Abbey promptly joins him after a crunchy challenge from behind on Bokang, who has been </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">’s most dangerous player along with Muso. The Nigerian is lucky to escape with only a yellow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">62’ SUBSTITUTION: Bokang off for Katleho Moleko and Bushy off for Ralekoti Mokhahlane. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">73’ Nwaneri easily disposseses Refiloe Potse—for the umpteenth time, and frustrated fans call for the striker to be substituted. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">74’ Martins breaks through again, but the goalkeeper makes yet another great save. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">75’ SUBSTITUTION: Okoduwa on for Ogbuke </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">78’ Oruma’s freekick causes all manner of panic in the </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> box. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">’s ball looks to be dribbling in but is cleared off the line! </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">80’ Potse makes way for Tefo Maipato to derisive applause from the crowd. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">82’ Fans bay for penalty as ball hits Yobo on the arm. Ref rules it was shoulder </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">83’ SUBSTITUTION: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Yakubu</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> off for Kanu. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">86’ BOOKING: Langana Nkhethoa booked for poor challenge on Oruma </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">88’ SUBSTITUTION: Oruma off for Okonkwo. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">89’ A clearly unfit Kanu gives the ball away for the third time. Muso gets a good shot in but Enyeama has it covered. Five minutes of added time to be played. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">95’ FULL TIME: Crowd unhappy at referee ending the game ‘early’. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>PLAYER RATINGS</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Enyeama 6</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Apart from two long range efforts, one from a freekick, he could have taken a holiday in the Carribeans. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Abbey 5</b> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Took out one half of </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">’s dangerous duo with what should have been a sending off tackle from behind. Did his primary job of keeping his corner tight. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Taiwo 6</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Bounded up and down the left flank and gave the Likuena plenty to think about whenever they conceded freekicks. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Yobo 7</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Commanding in the air, solid in the tackle and quick to close down opponents. Gave nothing away except for that near-miss with hand ball. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Nwaneri 6</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Started shakily, but grew in confidence and mauled Potse so much that fans called for the striker to be taken off and the player himself must have been relieved to see his name on the board. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Olofinjana 7</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">By far his best game for the Super Eagles so far in recent times. This, despite being outnumbered in the centre of the park. All he needed was a goal, and he almost got one. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Oruma 7</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Ran the show in the middle, and kept possession well despite getting crowded out by a packed midfield. Involved in most of our attacking moves. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Obodo 7</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">As usual, kept cutting into the middle to help out. Fabulous, quick thinking assist for the goal. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Ogbuke 5</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Always willing to take on defenders and track back to win the ball back. Unfortunately, he lost the ball too often in trying to take on players. When his moves begin to come off, defenders will be in trouble. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Martins 7</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Worked hard, worked the channels and had about three half chances that he should have put away. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Yakubu</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b> 8</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Undoubtedly the man of the match. Roughed up the </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Lesotho</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> defenders, always available to give or receive a through ball and was willing to do his share of defensive duty. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Okoduwa 5</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">Showed committent on his debut and almost forced the keeper into a bad error with his never say die spirit almost immediately after coming in. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Okonkwo 5</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">His first international and he came out selling of roses. Kept it simple with the one-touch passing. All he needs now is a European club. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Kanu 3</b> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;">A poor game by his standards through no fault of his and even Papilo himself knows it. Gave the ball away each time he got it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>THE NIGERIA SQUAD TO LESOTHO</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Goalkeepers:</b> Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba, Nigeria) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Defenders:</b> Joseph Yobo, (Everton, England), Taiye Taiwo, (Olympique Marseille, France), George Abbey (Macclesfield Town, England), Joseph Enakhaire (Bordeaux, France), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia), Bob Usim (Heartland, Nigeria), Ude Uche (Nasarawa United, Nigeria) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Midfielders:</b> Wilson Oruma, (Olympique Marseille), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Kazeem Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Okardi Blessing (Ocean Boys, Nigeria), Oguchi Uche (Lobi Stars, Nigeria) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; background-color: white;"><b>Forwards:</b> Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesborough, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille, France), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle, England), John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France), Ayodele Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Chinedu Ogbuke (Lyn Oslo, Norway).</span></div>
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Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5986525504548009081.post-26269974421596758972019-10-30T00:52:00.003+01:002019-10-30T00:54:44.407+01:00SAI’D MAKES A STATEMENT, AND GOLDEN EAGLES SHOW SPIRIT, AGAIN<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byH6m1x9Cg8/XbjQRu0aJII/AAAAAAAACMs/Fp4MI-67LtoCyDYOZ8zqOg-h5340s1kxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/E277FD74-E0F0-460E-9351-F61966EFD2A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byH6m1x9Cg8/XbjQRu0aJII/AAAAAAAACMs/Fp4MI-67LtoCyDYOZ8zqOg-h5340s1kxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/E277FD74-E0F0-460E-9351-F61966EFD2A2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>THREE FOR THE WIN! Hattrick hero Ibrahim Sai'd shows how many goals he scored</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hattrick hero Ibrahim Sai’d willl claim the lion share of the plaudits, but it was another gutsy, unyielding team performance that carried Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets over the line as they came from behind to stun Ecuador 3-2 and advance to the 2019 FIFA Under 17 World Cup quarterfinals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sai’d pounced on a goalkeeping error from Lopez to open the scoring after just five minutes. That was also how much time it took Ecuador to draw level, Mejia’s shot helped in off goalkeeper Daniel Jinadu’s back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Mina despatched a dodgy penalty to put Ecuador in front nine minutes into the second half before the Golden Eaglets blitzed the last 10 minutes to claim a stupendous win and book their place in the knockout phase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have a few takeaways from the win</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>GUTS AND GLORY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It has been a wee while since Nigerians have seen a team so determined not to lay down and die.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For the second game in a row, the Eaglets came back from 2-1 down to win. As good as the scoreline was, what was even more remarkable was the spirit they showed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whether ahead or behind, the team played with guts and with fire in their bellies. They were simply determined not to lose. Not against Hungary on opening day, not against Ecuador on the night. And both teams looked both tactically and technically superior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But the Nigerians showed more heart, more spirit and certainly more lungs. Even at the end, they were still swarming all over Ecuador and were it not for poor finishing, they would surely have run up the score.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Nigerians have been weaned on attacking football. The great Green Eagles team which won the Africa Cup of Nations were loaded with attacking talent and played with expansive verve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The 1994 team wrote themselves into folklore in much the same way. And the best of Nigeria’s cadet teams - including all previous five Under 17 championship winning teams - all played in much the same way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This side are not nearly as talented as their predecessors, and there are quite a few holes to be picked in their game, but they do a good job of covering these holes with their unrelenting forward blitz.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The good news is they create a boatload of chances. The bad news is they need barn doors in front of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Akinwunmi Amos is a wrecking ball, captain Samson Tijani is a offensive controller and Said just showed how lethal he can be from range. Not to mention Wisdom Ubani and his set piece expertise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There will be goals with this team, the trouble is. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>DEFENSIVE WEAKNESSES</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There are weaknesses all over the team, and it starts well before the ball gets to defense. Against Ecuador, as in against Hungary, the biggest problem was before the ball got to defense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Players, especially in midfield, were in some sort of mad hurry to play balls. And for all of Garba’s emphasis on passing football, sometimes, players’ decision to go alone turned out ill-advised. All of this led to more than their fair share of turnovers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But the worst part was the after. Manu Garba needs to drill some basic idea of timing into his players until it becomes muscle memory. The amount of seemingly aimless running and mistimed tackles were simply insane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It led to goals against Hungary and again against Ecuador.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A more tactically disciplined side would leather these lads if allowed such freedom of the shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hopefully, they plug the holes sooner rather than later.</span></div>
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Colin Udohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11453812912819430801noreply@blogger.com5