SPORT NEWS

Nigeria's International Players Nominated for Golden Boy Award.

The golden boy award is for a young player in Europe considered to be the best among his peers in a calendar year.

All nominees must be under the age of 21 and play in a European Nations' top tier. The shortlist for the 2016 edition has been released and in the list, two Nigerian internationals players have been included.

Iheanacho who recently became the first Nigerian to score in the Manchester derby made the list. In the year under review, the 19 year old was promoted to Manchester city first team and has never looked back since there.

He scored 10 goals in the 2015/2016 season and has three so far this term.

Iwobi also got into the Arsenal first team last season, scoring two goals. This season he has become a regular for the Gunners as he continues to impress.

Iwobi also became a full international in the year under review after making his super Eagles debut in October 2016.

Barcelona Defender Quits France Citing a Lack of Motivation

The Barcelona defender was initially included in Les Bleus Squad for the upcoming world cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Netherlands only to withdraw 24 hours later after a conversation with Coach Didier Deschamps.

Mathieu has only won five caps for his country despite producing strong performance for Valencia and Barca over many years and he feels now is the time to put all his focus on his club career.

The 32 years old told L’Equipe:

“I thought quite a bit before ending my international career. I did not refuse the call up, it’s just that I wanted to stop. I do not have the motivation to continue. I want to devote myself to my club. I will be 35 in 2018 and I want to leave room for younger players”.

Mathieu was part of Decamps Squad for Euro 2016 but had to pull out due to a calf injury and was replaced by now club mate Samuel Umtiti.

 Mathieu said, “I have no regret, he added. It was not my decision to miss the Euros but there are worse things in life”.

Mathieu’s challenge over the coming season is to stave off the threat posed to his first team place by Umtiti at camp Nou.

“I will fight to the end and the coach will decide, he said. I have nothing against Samuel, he is a very good player”.

Mikel Admits he is considering Leaving Chelsea.

John Obi Mikel has admitted that he is ready to talk to clubs in January if Chelsea fails to offer him a new deal. The Nigeria international has entered the final year of his contract and can begin negotiations over a Bosman move at the beginning of 2017.

He has so far struggled to get into Antonio Conte’s side after playing in the latter stages of the Olympics football tournament in Rio, where he helped his Country win Bronze, and he accepts that his time at Chelsea could be coming to an end.

He said, “I have one year left on my contract. When you have a year left as a football player, you have to start planning and start thinking about what’s going to happen at the end of the season. Yes, there are going to be rumours, yes, there are going to be conversations between clubs”.

I have been here for a long time, I have spent 11 years of my life in this football club, it is my home. This season is the last at the club if my contract ends. I am quite relaxed about it, the future looks good”.

Mikel is Chelsea’s second longest serving player after John Terry and has won three premier league titles, two FA cups, the Europe league and the champions league in his 11 years career at Stamford Bridge.

The 29 year old gave his verdict on a potential move to the Chinese Super League, where ex-Chelsea players such as Demba and Ramires are currently playing.

Yinka Ayefele Kicks Football during Novelty Match.

Yinka Ayefele has been living his life to the fullest while still believing God for a miracle. Popularly called the Enigma, Ayefele was seen kicking off a football match in Ibadan in a video shared by him on his facebook page.

The gospel Tungba crooner was seen kicking the ball with his wheel chair. The event was a novelty match marking the first anniversary of Ayefele’s fresh FM radio station, Fresh Fm.

The gospel singer was not born cripple but became one after a ghastly motor accident that almost claimed his life while he was still working for the late media personality Kola Olawuyi.

He has since turned his disability to ability with the many success he has recorded in business. Ayefele conquered the music industry with a new style of music he called gospel Tungba. He is the toast of many in high places. He later went on to open a radio station.

His other investments span hospitality Downtown hotels. Others are optimum Resolutions, G22 and Yinka Ayefele foundation from where he reaches out to the needy and less privilege. Most of his companies have their offices in his gigantic edifice in Ibadan Yinka Ayefele music house.