Nigeria beat Mexico to zoom into final

Firsstclass newsline~Holders Nigeria have reached their second
consecutive final thanks to a thrilling 4-2 victory against Mexico in
Concepcion.
Mexico opened the scoring through Kevin Magana, with stunning efforts
from Kelechi Nwakali and Orji Okwonkwo seeing the African side ahead.
Diego Cortes's remarkable solo effort levelled matters, before
Osinachi Ebere and Victor Osimhen's late record-equalling penalty saw
the Golden Eaglets into an all-African final against Mali.
Mexico controlled the ball in the opening stages of the match, and
took the lead early on. Kevin Lara beat his man on the Mexican right
and delivered a teasing cross into the middle. Aguirre tried to
control with his chest, but Magana took charge and fired home.
Emmanuel Amuneke's side began to grow into the game, with Kelechi
Nwakali hitting a low drive from the edge of the Mexican penalty area
with his venomous drive stinging the palms of Romero before the ball
was cleared away.
The game see-sawed back Mexico's way, with a free-kick from the
Mexican left headed goalwards by Jose Esquivel. The chance forced a
superb point blank stop by Akpan Udoh, onto the crossbar and
eventually cleared behind.
Nigeria rode their luck, with a couple of good Mexican opportunities
and after riding the storm, managed to level things up thanks to the
superb technique of their captain. Nwakali lined up a free-kick from
around 25 yards, and curled a perfect effort into the bottom left-hand
corner. Romero stood no chance.
Amuneke's charges sensed their opponents were on the back foot, and
Okwonkwo took advantage, producing one of the moments of the
tournament to see his side ahead. He cut inside from the left onto his
right foot and thumped an effort in off the crossbar.
After the break, Mexico took time to reassert their rhythm after the
shock of going behind. Cortes then stepped up to score what must be
considered one of the best goals ever scored in the Estadio Ester Roa.
He picked up the ball on the Mexican right just inside the Nigerian
half and proceeded to dribble past five players, showing incredible
close control before slotting calmly past Udoh.
Nigeria were undeterred by Cortes's golazo and struck back. Ebere
found space on the Nigerian right just inside the Mexican penalty area
after a long through ball. His right-footed effort was too strong for
Romero, who got a hand to the strike but could not keep it out.
John Lazarus was taken down in the Mexican penalty area, giving
Osimhen the chance to score his ninth goal of Chile 2015 and go level
at the top of the all-time U-17 World Cup goalscoring charts. He
slotted home with ease, adding gloss to the Golden Eaglets victory.
Nigeria head to Vina Del Mar on Sunday for an all-African final
against continental champions Mali while Mexico will face off against
Belgium in the match for third place earlier the same day.
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Enyeama apologizes to Nigerians, holds meeting with NFF

Firstclass newsline gathered that Nigeria's most capped footballer,
Vincent Enyeama, on Saturday, apologised to Nigerians for the
controversy surrounding his exit from the Super Eagles.
The goalkeeper, on Thursday, following a clash with the coach of the
national team, Sunday Oliseh, had announced on Instagram that "I am
out of the team. I am no more available for international duties."
Oliseh on Tuesday had stripped Enyeama of the captaincy of the Super
Eagles and handed it to CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa, forcing the
Lille keeper to end his international career in controversial
circumstances.
The goalkeeper, on the social networking site, alleged insults to his
late mother as well as being thrown out of the national camp by hotel
security in Verviers, Belgium.
But the coach, while debunking the claims on Friday, expressed sadness
over Enyeama's retirement from the national team, which he said had
turned many fans against him, following the team's 2-0 loss to Congo
in a friendly on Thursday night.
Enyeama, on his Instagram account on Saturday, however, expressed
sombreness, saying he was "humiliated," which led him to quit the
national team.
"Who would be happy after just burying your mother that carried you
nine months in the womb and suffered for you day and night, jumping on
a six-hour plane to represent your fatherland only to be stripped of
the captainship and humiliated at the first meeting in front of
everyone after serving the nation for 13 years?
"I have honoured about 99 per cent of the national team's invitations,
no matter where the match is played. Anyway, my decision to quit the
national team is for the best interest of the nation. I don't want to
be the reason that Nigerian football house is divided.
"I want Nigeria to get back up to where it belongs. It's a
professional decision made for the blessing of the nation. I am very
sorry for being the reason that all these things are happening. God
bless Nigeria," he said.
Meanwhile, there were indications on Saturday that the Nigerian
Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, held talks with Enyeama
in Brussels, Germany, in a bid to convince the veteran player into
changing his mind about his sudden exit from the Super Eagles.
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Okagbare’s 200m miss throws up confusion

Firstclass newsline gathered that the hopes of Nigeria winning a medal
in the individual events suffered a huge blow on Wednesday when
Blessing Okagbare did not show up for the women's 200m of the ongoing
IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. The situation
has left many confused. Gabriel Okon, who is the head coach of Team
Nigeria in Beijing, said Okagbare copped a hamstring in her warm-up
and had to withdraw from the race but some other sources in China
suggest she was not prepared for the race.
After her disappointing eighth-place finish in the 100m on Monday,
Nigerians had hoped that the 2014 Commonwealth gold medallist would
redeem herself in the 200m, which she was billed to take part in, but
surprisingly, she did not start.
As of Wednesday morning, Okagbare was still listed in the start list
of heat three, but she failed to show up for the race eventually.
The bronze medallist from the same event two years ago in Moscow did
not give any inkling that she would not run on Wednesday as it was
confirmed that she was at the warm-up track with other athletes prior
to the race. An official with access to the warm-up area of the
stadium said that the Commonwealth double-gold medallist was at the
place but that she was not as active as those who finally ran the
race. That appears now as perhaps the only sign that she had decided
to pull out of the race.
However, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria released a statement on
Wednesday explaining that the 26-year-old got injured during the
warm-up before the race.
"A hamstring injury during warm-up on Wednesday prevented Blessing
Okagbare from participating in the heats of the 200m," the statement
read.
"Okagbare, who went for surgery shortly before the All Nigeria
Athletics Championships held in Warri, Delta State, was certified fit
for the World Championships. The injury probably recurred because of
the rounds she did in the 100m."
The statement, however, expressed the Team Nigeria's optimism that she
will be fit in time to compete in the women's 4x100m relay, which will
hold on Saturday.
Okon, said, "Blessing was focused on doing well in the 200m; her warm
up was okay but she developed a hamstring injury.
"After examination of the injury by the medical team, she was advised
to rest the leg as running with the injury could aggravate it before
her participation in the relays and All-AfricanGames. I can confirm
that Blessing will be okay before the relays start."
Okagbare has not made any personal statement and did not respond to a
message sent to her by a source via herTwitteraccount.
Meanwhile, former world and Olympic champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown
and her Jamaican teammate, Elaine Thompson have qualified for the
semi-final of the event. Also in the semi-final is the silver
medallist in the women's 100m, Netherland's Dafne Schippers.
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BREAKING NEWS:Wimbledon: Serena Williams wins 21st Grand Slam cup

Firstclass newsline gathered that serena Williams defeated Garbine
Muguruza 6-4 6-4 to win her 6th Wimbledon Championship and her 21st
Grand Slam title.
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BREAKING NEWS:Chile emerges Copa America winner, thrash Argentina on 4-2 penalty

Firstclass newsline~Hosts Chile ended a 99-year wait to win the Copa
America, a football fiesta played by the South American nations, on
Saturday, beating pre-tournament favourites, Argentina 4-2 on
penalty.
The highly exciting final had ended in 120 minutes without a goal to
separate the two teams.
In the penalty shootout, only Lionel Messi converted his kick among
the three Argentines that tried from the spot while Chile converted
their four kicks, with Arsenal striker Sanchez, converting the
Chileans fourth penalty with a cheeky kick to wrap up victory for the
hosts.
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I don’t want to leave United –Di Maria

Firstclass newsline gathered that Angel Di Maria admits he is
uncomfortable at being left on the bench at Manchester United but
insists he is not looking to leave Old Trafford.
According to Goal, the Argentina international made his final start of
the Premier League season on March 4 as manager Louis van Gaal opted
to play Juan Mata and Ashley Young ahead of him in wide areas.
Despite that, the £59.7m signing from Real Madrid still managed to
contribute three goals and 11 assists in the English top flight during
his debut season with the Red Devils.
And the 27-year-old feels it is difficult to explain why he found
himself out of the team towards the end of the season.
When asked by Ole if he felt uncomfortable in Manchester, he said,
"Yes. For me, and my family. Because not everything goes as I want,
because I don't play.
"Because I came with an intention and end up on the bench. It's hard
to tell how I feel there.
"I started well, with goals and assists. I was having a good time,
until I was out. It's a little hard to explain why I do not play."
Di Maria's omission from the starting XI has led to speculation he
could leave the 20-time English champions amid reported interest from
Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
But the player himself does not want to walk away from the club after
just one season and is hopeful he can answer his critics when the new
campaign starts on August 8.
"No (I will not leave), because I'm not thinking like that," he
insisted. "In Madrid there were times when I was whistled around the
stadium but faced it and then it turned around. I like to deal with
things.
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Enyeama must apologise – NFF

Firstclass newsline gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation
insists Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama must apologise for
questioning the security situation in Kaduna ahead of Nigeria's Africa
Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad on June13 in the city.
Enyeama had said he was not satisfied with the choice of Kaduna,
following the current security conditions and challenges in parts of
the North.
"I am concerned because of the security thing. I really don't care
where we play as long as there is going to be security and safety of
the players and everyone coming to watch the match," Enyeama had said.
But the NFF was upset that the captain of the national team made such
comments and queried the Lille goalkeeper. His case was also referred
to the Ordinary & Disciplinary Committee of the NFF.
The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said the "uncomplimentary comments"
cost the football body a huge sum of money.
The committee was ready to listen to Enyeama's explanation on Tuesday,
but the player did not show up, saying he was not invited.
"Enyeama was not at the sitting in Abuja on Tuesday because he was on
holidays. However, his comments about the choice of Kaduna for the
game against Chad were quite unbecoming," Chairman of the committee,
Christopher Green, was quoted as saying onSuperSport.
"He must apologise for his actions or face severe actions."
The 32-year-old, who is the most capped Nigerian player with 101
appearances, toldBBC Sportthat he was not officially asked to appear
before the committee on Tuesday.
"I respect my country and those in charge of our football, which is
why I find the whole thing strange," he said.
"As the captain, I only raised our concerns about the venue before our
game, which didn't go down well with the football authorities.
"I was told to apologise for my comments, which I did immediately, and
they told me that's fine.
"I only received a letter cautioning me about it (my comments) and to
avoid a repeat of such. As it was resolved in-house, I thought that
was the end of the matter.
"I only found out about a disciplinary hearing in the media but I
didn't get any letter to that effect."
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Eagles will be very tough on Chad –Keshi

Firstclass newsline learnt that the Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi
has admitted he is wary of the dangers posed by Chad ahead of their
Group G 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Saturday.
The former Mali coach said he had learnt his lessons after Nigeria
failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON, but warned that Chad's French
coach and their professionals could cause problems for the Super
Eagles in the encounter.
Egypt and Tanzania are the other teams in the group.
"Chad may be tiny in size but football in Africa today is dynamic and
as such we have to respect all the teams and prepare very well, which
is quite important. We have to be ready and be serious minded about
this match because it is going to be our first in the qualifiers and
we have to give more than 100 per cent so that we can be victorious,"
Keshi said on CAF website.
"We are not going to handle them (Chad) with kid gloves because they
have a lot of professional players. I played against them in 2008, but
they are a different team now and their current coach (Emmanuel
Trégoat) is from France; we are probably going to play a team complete
with a lot of foreign professionals from France and Morocco. So we are
expecting a good match."
Keshi believes Nigeria have an equal chance of qualifying like the
rest of the teams in the group, insisting that the players have to be
at their best and pray for luck when they begin their campaign.
He attributed Nigeria's failure to qualify for the last AFCON to lack
of unity between the team and the Nigeria Football Federation.
"There were lessons learned and basically, there was lack of unity the
last time. We were not a united force both the Super Eagles and the
NFF. The biggest problem was the NFF election crisis and everything
was crazy about that time. At some point, we were not even sure
whether we were going to play some matches or not. So much
distractions and despite all our efforts, it affected the players
psychologically. What I'm saying in effect is that Super Eagles would
have qualified for the 2015 AFCON if we were united."
The coach also addressed the reported controversy between him and
Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi, who was excluded from the squad that
will face Chad.
"I don't have any problem with Mikel. I spoke with him and duly
informed him that he was not going to be part of the group for this
match. Mikel is about one of the most responsible players I have
worked with in this team. Not being here for this match against Chad
has nothing to do with any quarrel. I have told him, I want to give
opportunity to some other players.
"Maybe he would be available in September because Mikel for me is the
most professional and disciplined player I have had in the team. This
is just an opportunity for some other kids; Mikel is part of the team.
So, there is no problem between us.
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Nigeria not a cheap team to easily defeat – Oshoala

Firstclass newsline learnt that Nigeria forward, Asisat Oshoala, has
said the Super Falcons will not be easy to be ridden over by favourite
teams at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
Nigeria began their quest for their first World Cup title on Monday
with a 3-3 draw against Sweden at the Winnipeg Stadium with Oshoala
scoring the team's second goal.
She told Liverpool Ladies official website that the team would not be
content with a knockout stage stop, insisting they want the title.
She said, "We are in a tough group, but I think it's going to be a
good outing for us.
"Having some tough teams in the group will really help us to prepare
well. I don't think there is ever a cheap team in the World Cup. For a
team to qualify they have to be a very good side.
"In 2011, we didn't qualify out of the group so it would be nice to
achieve that, but I'm not going to say we just want to reach the
knockout stages because the aim of every team is to win the trophy."
The Liverpool Ladies forward added that the team was prepared to face
any team in the competition.
"This is the World Cup. People are looking forward to it and saying
Nigeria are going to go out there and perform with flying colours, and
hopefully we can do that," she said.
"The team has been training hard during the weeks ahead of the
tournament and the players are ready. We have a good camp and the
girls are prepared. We are here with a lot of confidence."
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‘Flying Eagles victory over hungary, a big sign of relief’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flying Eagles
defeated the Hungarians in their last Group E match at the ongoing
FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
The Nigerian team, alongside Brazil, have qualified for the second
round of the competition with six and nine points respectively.
The football enthusiasts however told NAN that the team's victory was expected.
Obi Offor, a sports journalist said he was relieved by the team's victory.
"I will say that, first and foremost, I am relieved. I was very
worried and, at the same time, confident that we are going to be
victorious today (Sunday).
"The Hungarian side exhibited a lot of skills and displayed a very
good tactical formation. They showed that they actually prepared to
get the three points.
"But unfortunately for them, it was not a very good time to achieve
such a lofty ambition, especially at a time when Nigeria most needed
the win,'' Offor said.
Joseph Yeigba, captain of NAF FC, an Abuja-based Nigeria Nation-Wide
League (NNWL) clubside, also said the team had done well.
"Even though the Hungarian side were tactically good, the moves of
players like Taiwo Awoniyi really helped the Flying Eagles carry the
day.
"I think the team's technical crew is doing a great job and I urge the
coaches to continue to do well so as to win the championship, " Yeigba
said.
Okechukwu Onwudiewe, a newspaper vendor said the team was an improved
one, in comparison with the one against North Korea in their second
group game.
"They played well. It is just that they were relaxed, unlike in their
second game against North Korea.
"For now, the defence is okay. But the midfield should be strengthened
a little bit more, and they should play as team.
"`However, above everything, it is a good thing that they won today
(Sunday),'' he said.
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Barcelona lift fifth Champions League title

Firstclass newsline learnt that Barcelona claimed their third
Champions League in six years as the brilliance of their attacking
trident proved too much for the brave challenge of Juventus in
Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Saturday,British Broadcasting
Corporationreports.
It was Barca's fifth Champions League win overall.
In a thrilling spectacle, and with both Barcelona and Juventus
attempting to claim a treble after winning domestic league and cup
competitions, it was Luis Enrique's side that eventually came out on
top.
Barcelona started as if they would romp to a comfortable victory when
Ivan Rakitic capped the sort of passing move that has become their
symbol to put them ahead inside five minutes.
Juventus, always a danger after ending notions of an "El Clasico"
final by beating Real Madrid in the last four, showed fierce
resilience and with veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon defiant, held on
for Alvaro Morata to scramble an equaliser before the hour.
Redemption time arrived for Suarez, the player who ended last summer's
World Cup in disgrace after biting Italy's Juventus defender Giorgio
Chiellini, in the 68th minute when he showed a predator's touch to
pounce after Buffon failed to hold Lionel Messi's shot.
Juventus could not mount another recovery and Brazil superstar Neymar
wrapped up the win in what he described as the biggest match of his
life with the final kick of the game.
For all Barcelona's brilliance, built around Neymar, Messi and Suarez,
Juventus ran them every inch of a compelling encounter and were left
with a hard luck story to tell as they were convinced they should have
had a penalty when Paul Pogba tangled with Dani Alves seconds before
Suarez scored.
In the end, however, Barcelona simply had that extra touch of fantasy
that places them above the rest of Europe and Enrique's side can put
their names alongside those who brought the giant trophy back to
Catalonia as they claimed their fifth triumph in the tournament.
As well as Suarez's happier storyline, there were other sub-plots too
as Neymar made up for his own World Cup heartbreak last summer, when
he was injured before their 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-final.
And for 35-year-old Barcelona legend Xavi, he was able to say farewell
after a glittering career with another Champions League win before a
move to Al Sadd in Qatar. It was the perfect ending as Andres Iniesta
handed him the armband.
This was a wonderful antidote to the sour taste left after a week of
corruption allegations levelled at Fifa, the world game's governing
body.
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Under 20 World Cup: play every game with seriousness, Nigerians in S/Africa tell Flying Eagles

Firstclass newsline gathered that Nigerians residing in South Africa
yesterday, urged the National U-20 team, Flying Eagles, to take every
of their matches at the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup as a final
game.
The President of Nigerian Union in South Africa, Ikechukwu Anyene,
said in Pretoria, South Africa, that the Eagles had improved their
chances of advancing in the tournament with the emphatic 4-0
demolition of Democratic Republic of Korea.
"The African U-20 champions have proved that they are a force to be
reckoned with. Nigerians in South Africa are proud of them and we are
happy they won''.
Anyene urged the team to put behind them the 2-4 loss to Brazil in
their opening game and remain focused so as to win in the other games.
Mathem Okafor, a Johannesburg-based IT specialist said the Eagles'
victory was significant for the country. I urge the team to take each
match as the final, so that they can play with enthusiasm and vigour
as a team.
"They should be level-headed and play according to the instruction of
Coach Manu Garba. We have made great strides and they should make us
proud,'' he said.
The chairman of Nigerian Union in Northern Cape Province of South
Africa, Kennedy Osagie, said the victory would motivate the team to go
for more good results in the tournament.
"I am happy they overcame their initial loss to Brazil to take up the
challenge in the second game''.
According to Osagie, the victory did not come as a surprise to many
Nigerians in South Africa because Nigeria performs well in world youth
tournaments.
"I am optimistic that the team will go far in this tournament,'' he said.
Lawrence Okolo, a Pretoria-based businessman said the team's victory
was pleasing and good news to all Nigerians resident in South Africa.
"This is a pleasing result for all Nigerians. We are proud of the players.
"As a Nigerian, I wish them luck in the tournament and pray that they
go places in the World Cup,'' he said.
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Ex FIFA President,Blatter under probe in US

Firstclass newsline learnt that the outgoing FIFA president Sepp
Blatter is being investigated by US authorities probing the corruption
scandal, according to reports,Sky Sportsreports.
Blatter shocked the football world on Tuesday night by announcing his
resignation just days after being re-elected for a fifth term as the
head of world football's governing body.
Sources familiar with the probe have told US broadcaster ABC News that
Blatter is being investigated by FBI and US prosecutors.
In addition, several US officials speaking on condition of anonymity
told the New York Times they are hoping to build a case against
Blatter by earning the cooperation of some of the officials who have
already been indicted over alleged bribes totalling more than $150m
(£98m).
When contacted bySky,FIFA refused to comment on the reports coming out
of the United States, as did the US Justice Department and FBI.
As part of the US investigation, seven FIFA officials were arrested in
Zurich, Switzerland, last Wednesday, sparking the worst crisis in the
organisation's history.
A source toldABC: "Now that people are going to want to save
themselves, there's probably a race to see who will flip on (Blatter)
first."
The Swiss authorities have said Blatter is not a part of their
enquiries, and the 79-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing.
The news of Blatter's departure came at a hastily arranged news
conference in which he announced he would leave within months and
called for a new election to appoint his successor.
Blatter said: "FIFA needs profound restructuring. I decided to stand
again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for
football.
"Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does
not seem to be supported by everyone in the world."
One official said the election of a replacement might not take place
until at least December.
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BREAKING NEWS:FIFA President Blatter quits, demands new election

Firstclass newsline learnt that Jordanian Prince Ali bin al Hussein
will stand in new elections for the presidency of world football's
governing body after Sepp Blatter announced he was to quit FIFA, a
senior Jordanian football official told AFP.
Prince Ali failed in his bid last week to oust Blatter, the Swiss
veteran winning a fifth term in Friday's vote, but then announcing
Tuesday that he was to step down amid a growing corruption scandal.
"As for new elections, Prince Ali is ready," Sala Sabra,
vice-president of the Jordanian football federation which the prince
heads up, told AFP.
The prince, Sabra added, was also ready "to take up the presidency
immediately if they ask him".
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BREAKING NEWS:Arsenal win FA cup, trash A’Villa 4-0

Arsenal win FA cup, beat A'Villa 4-0

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BREAKING NEWS:Blatter wins FIFA president for fifth term

News reaching Firstclass Newsline says that Sepp Blatter won FIFA
presidential re-election for an unprecedented fifth term as
challenger, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, conceded after
failing to win by a two-third majority in the first round of voting on
Friday.
At FIFA's 65th Congress in Zurich, the 209 member nations cast their
votes and the 79-year-old Blatter garnered 133 votes to Prince Ali's
73 of the 206 valid votes cast, but failed to win the two-third
majority on the initial vote (more than 139 out of 209).
At that point, Prince Ali addressed the voting members and conceded.
"It has been a wonderful journey in terms of knowing you and working
with you, seeing the challenges you have and I want to thank in
particular those of you who were brave enough to support me," Ali said
in conceding the election.
"But, having said that I will be withdrawing from the race. Thank you
all very much and I wish you all the best of luck for the future."
Voting was done over secret paper ballots in alphabetical order at two
special booths set up at each end of the venue.
"I thank you, I thank that you have accepted me," said Blatter in a
rambling acceptance speech.
"We will bring this boat back, we will bring it back to shore."
Blatter vowed reform, adding, "I will not touch the World Cup because
the World Cup is too important."
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My elder brother kola is a failure in Germany – Adebayor

Firstclass newsline gathered that Emmanuel Adebayor, has described
his elder brother, Kola, as a failure saying that he dashed the
family's hope of getting liberated through him (Kola) when he
travelled to Germany.
The 31-year-old in a latest post on his Facebook page on Wednesday
fulfilled his promise in an earlier post to reveal the secrets he had
kept about his elder brother.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward had in two previous posts accused
different family members of different crimes while also accusing his
younger brother of stealing his special shirts and necklace.
In Wednesday's post, Adebayor explained how Kola and his late brother,
Peter, had fleeced him of his money and how he had contemplated
suicide on many occasions adding that his sister, Iyabo, could bear
him witness.
"If I decide to bring out the Part 3 today, it is because my brother,
Kola Adebayor, and my other siblings have decided to talk about our
family issues on social media, through letters to my club, radios… I
could write an autobiography and sell it but I decided to share with
you here," he began.
"My older brother, Kola, went to Germany 25 years ago, and he became
the hope of our family. We all thought he could change the way we were
living. Years after he left Togo, we still had no electricity and no
phones. If he wanted to talk to us, he would call the Atlantic Hotel
that was very close to our house. We would then run to the hotel
reception and talk to him.
"When I got the opportunity to go play football in France for the
first time, we needed money for the flight tickets and other expenses.
My brother was nowhere to be found. Only God knows what he was doing
in Germany.
"When I arrived in France, I did all the paperwork with my team and
they allowed me to stay in the academy. A few months later, my brother
wanted to come visit me. I was running out of money and I was living
at the academy. Therefore, I had to borrow money so I could pay for
his hotel. At that time, my teammate, Sega N'diaye, from Cameroon was
kind enough to lend me some money. I also had to borrow some more
money because I had to give my brother some money for his trip back to
Germany. Keep in mind he is my older brother."
The Togolese captain added that after he signed for Monaco, he took
Kola and Peter in after persuasion from a friend saying that Kola
always got angry anytime he helped his friends and teammates.
He wrote, "Another day after training, I was very tired and decided to
take a nap. I woke up and a knife was held to my throat. As I opened
my eyes, my two brothers were there. They were shouting and they
claimed that I was wasting their time. Peter was going mad and Kola
was supporting. I asked them: 'Is this the only way to solve this
issue? If yes, then kill me and take the money'. It's only at that
moment that he put the knife down.
"After all this, I found a way out of my own apartment and I called my
parents. My mom suggested that I call the police. That was the only
way for me to get back into my house safely.
"Many times I wanted to give up. Ask my sister, Iyabo, how many times
I have called and was ready to commit suicide? I kept these stories
for years…But If I die, no one would know my story, no one would learn
from it."
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Okagbare wins 100m in Shanghai

Firstclass newsline special~Okagbare, who won the long jump and 200m
events in Shanghai last year, arrived at a time of 10.98 seconds ahead
a star-studded line-up that included Olympic champion, Shelly Ann
Fraser-Pryce, and other Jamaicans and Americans.
USA's Tori Bowie came second after finishing with a personal best of
11.07 secs, Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago, who clocked
11.13 secs,was third, while Veronica Campbell-Brown was fourth with
11.22 secs and Fraser-Pryce finished fifth in 11.25secs.
Sunday's result was an improvement for Okagbare this season after she
finished second in a time of 11.05 secs at the Jamaica International
Invitational last week.
With the end of the Shanghai meet on Sunday, the Diamond League series
will resume on May 30 in Eugene, USA.
"My race was pretty good," Okagbare said after the event. "It is not
easy to compete with the best of the world – but I won. I focused on
my start. Normally I don't have the best start, but now I was leading
from the beginning."
Fraser-Pryce was not overly concerned with her 11.25 opener.
"It was one of those races," she said. "I have time to get it right."
Asked if she would now have her work cut out in defending her title in
Beijing later in the year, Fraser-Pryce said, "I always have my work
cut out. No one hands anything to you."
Triple jumper, Tosin Oke, has commended the organisers of the Doha
Diamond League. Oke, who went out in the first round at the Doha meet,
attributed his performance to rustiness.
He tweeted on Sunday, "The @dldoha was truly world class from the
organisation, medical staff through to the competition and
performances. It was great to be a part.
"I did my best ever opener in round 1, but did not get to show my
worth that day due to being rusty. I am looking forward to the next
one."
In Port Harcourt, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria will take a
major step in its plan to develop young talents and also provide a
good training environment for star athletes who are based in the
country as it commissions a High Performance Centre at the University
of Port Harcourt on May 25.
The centre which is equipped with standard facilities also has quality
accommodation for athletes. The President of the Confederation of
Africa Athletics Hamad Kalkaba Malboum and the AFN president Solomon
Ogba are expected to declare the centre open.
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Eniola Aluko listed in England World Cup squad

Firstclass newsliChelsea ne has learnt that Ladies forward, Eniola
Aluko, has been called into England's final list of players for the
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
The 28-year-old sister of Hull City forward, Sone Aluko, was named in
coach Mark Sampson's list on Monday.
She has played at every World Cup for England since her debut at the
2007 edition in China but has yet to score at the quadrennial event.
Aluko took to Instagram to express her delight at the selection. She
wrote, "Delighted to be selected for my 3rd Women's World Cup!!!
"So excited to get out to Canada now & hopefully do something special
in an England shirt. Let's go England #WWC #Canada."
England have not had it good at the world stage in women's football
having featured only made four appearances and only gotten to the
quarterfinal on three occasions – 1995, 2007 and 2011.
They will play in Group F against France, Colombia and Mexico. Their
coach however believes this year would be different.
He said, "It is tough to leave people out. The toughest thing I have
had to do in my career is to contact those who missed out, because it
has been a real group effort to get to this point."
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Rotimi my younger brother stole my €43,000 necklace and 21 phones – Adebayor

Firstclass newsline gathered that Tottenham Hotspur forward, Emmanuel
Adebayor, has accused his younger brother, Rotimi, of stealing shirts
given to him by late Cameroonian striker, Marc Vivien Foe and French
football legend, Zinedine Zidane and a necklace worth €45,000.
The 31-year-old in a latest post on his Facebook page, made good his
promise to reveal more atrocities committed by his brother in an
earlier post, which had generated diverse opinions from followers of
the Adebayor-family feud.
The Togolese star had in a post last Tuesday accused different family
members of different crimes but had particularly accused Rotimi of
stealing 21 phones from other players in an academy, where he was
enrolled to learn football.
In the latest post, released on Sunday, Adebayor explained in detail
all the things Rotimi had stolen repeatedly from him and their
mother's reaction. He also promised to reveal more about his elder
brother, Kola, in his next post.
He wrote, "Here is another part of the story I have kept inside since.
This is about a brother who keeps saying today that I am not a good
support for our family. His name is Rotimi Adebayor.
"In 2002, I went to play the AFCON in Mali and I had the huge
privilege to swap my shirt with Marc-Vivien Foé (May his soul rest in
peace) When I got back to Togo, I put that shirt in a secure place. My
brother found a way to steal that shirt and sold it.
"When I moved from Metz to Monaco, we reached an advanced stage in the
Champions League and we played against Real Madrid. It was one of most
beautiful day of my life because I was lucky enough to get a signed
shirt from the football legend Zinedine Zidane. As I brought that
shirt back to Togo, my brother still found a way to steal that shirt
and sold it.
"When I was in Metz, I was earning about €15,000 a month. I wanted to
get something unique for my mom to thank her for all she did for me. I
wanted to make her happy. So I decided to take an amount worth 3
months of my wages and I bought her a Cartier necklace for about
€45,000.
"Rotimi and his friends Akim and Tao made a plan and stole that
precious necklace. They sold it for about €800. When my mom and I
found out, my mother asked me not to bother because he is the younger
brother.
"In my house, I have a storage room where I keep some of my belongings
when I travel back to Europe. I am the only one with that key but my
brother managed to get a master key that was able to open every single
door in the house. He frequently stole drinks and other items from
that room.
"By the way, after I published the first story about him, he called me
to say that he did not steal exactly 21 phones. He claimed that the
number was lower than that. Still…Is that acceptable? He also added
that I should be happy that he stole drinks and other items from my
storage room. I asked him why and he replied: "Because I am your
brother"."
Adebayor added how Rotimi stole a Play Station Portable from former
Cameroon footballer, Jacques Songo'O's son, who was an academy
teammate of his, adding that the incident fouled the relationship
between the two families.
"I was still in Monaco when I decided to collect all football boots
from my teammates so I could give them to people in Africa. I had a
huge bag full of shoes. I brought that bag to Togo. A few days after
when I decided to give the boots out to the people in need, I noticed
the bag full of boots disappeared. Later on, I found out that my
brother was the one who stole the bag and went to sell the shoes in
Hedzranawoé (famous public market in Togo).
"The part 3 is coming out soon and it will be about the man that calls
himself the father of the family Kola Adebayor A.K.A Lion of Judah."
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