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Tag: football

  • Sporting Lagos: An Avenue To Modernizing Nigerian Football

    Sporting Lagos: An Avenue To Modernizing Nigerian Football

    A few weeks ago, BetKing’s esteemed brand ambassador and Super Eagles legend, Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha made headlines. During a Premier League trophy tour in Kenya, he was asked about the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). In response, he candidly expressed his opinion, saying, “I don’t think I’d watch the Nigerian league if there is a Premier League match on the television, that is, if I am being honest…because the Premier League is more attractive. We need to go back to the drawing board and give ourselves time and put something together that will make our leagues attractive.”

    This statement offered an unfiltered assessment of the NPFL’s current status. Interestingly, just a few days after his comments, the start of the new NPFL season was indefinitely postponed, with no rescheduled date provided. This marked the third time in a few months that the league’s restart had been delayed, with the latest setback attributed to failing to secure crucial sponsorship deals.

    The current state of the NPFL

    Jay Jay Okocha’s perspective appears to be quite valid. Our primary focus should indeed be on making the league more appealing and entertaining, with “attractive” being the key concept here. He didn’t say we needed better players, which is a near impossible task given that Europe and the Middle East have massive financial advantages when it comes to recruiting top talent. However, what we can offer is a premium entertainment experience. This approach has proven successful for leagues like the South African and Egyptian domestic leagues, which have thrived for decades.

    It’s also worth noting the remarkable rise of the Tanzanian Premier League to 5th place in Africa and 39th in the world. In comparison, Nigeria’s NPFL currently ranks 9th in Africa and 77th globally.

    One club that clearly went to the drawing board in the Nigeria football landscape is Sporting Lagos. Founded in 2022, they’re the new darlings of club football in Nigeria and the online sports betting community, having gained promotion from the Nigeria National League (second tier) to the NPFL in just one year. However, to fully understand the rise of Sporting Lagos and why they standout, you must first understand the history of Nigeria and the change brought by a former Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo during his time as a democratically elected president.

    Privatization of Industries In Nigeria 

    During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure in Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, a significant shift towards privatization of various industries occurred, marking a departure from the previously state-dominated economy. This era witnessed the sale of state-owned enterprises, including telecommunications, banking, and energy sectors. The primary objectives were to promote efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate economic growth.

    Nigeria’s telecom sector underwent a notable transformation, with the privatization of NITEL leading to competitive telecommunications companies like MTN and Econet (now Airtel). Privatization during this period had several benefits for Nigeria. It introduced competition and efficiency into monopolistic sectors, resulting in improved services and reduced costs for consumers. In telecommunications, it spurred widespread mobile phone adoption and improved connectivity and infrastructure.

    Privatization also attracted foreign investment, contributing to economic growth, and generating government revenue from asset sales. It created job opportunities and encouraged entrepreneurship as private sector players entered various industries. Despite challenges and criticisms, such as concerns about transparency and equity in asset sales, privatization during this era laid the foundation for a more dynamic and market-oriented Nigerian economy.

    Unfortunately, one sector that was not part of the widespread privatization during the Obasanjo era was the sports sector, especially football. Most football clubs remained under the ownership of state governments, leading to a combination of nonchalance and neglect in its day-to-day operations as sports often took a backseat in the priorities of state governments.

    Occasionally, there were governors who were passionate about sports, and their teams reaped the benefits of their enthusiasm. A notable example is Enyimba, whose main period of success was largely attributed to significant investment from politician Orji Uzor Kalu, who served as the governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure as Governor, Enyimba achieved remarkable success, securing 5 NPFL titles, 1 FA Cup, 2 Nigerian Super Cups, and, notably, 2 CAF Champions League titles along with 2 CAF Super Cups.

    The Rise of Sporting Lagos

    Seneca described luck as “what happens when preparation meets opportunity” and in 2022, Shola Akinlade, co-founder of PayStack, founded Sporting Lagos. In doing so, he plucked a low hanging fruit that many before him had missed.

    Lagos state is the center of entertainment in not just Nigeria but Africa as a whole. The state has played a pivotal role in the ascent of the music industry, particularly the Afrobeats genre, which has gained worldwide prominence with the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and more recently, Tems and Rema, enjoying worldwide renown.

    Within the global film industry, Nigeria’s Nollywood stands as the largest in terms of production output and ranks third in terms of revenue generation with BetKing Brand Ambassador, Tobi Bakre among the leading actors in Nollywood. Lagos state bears significant responsibility for these remarkable achievements.

    So, what could explain the fact that a state that has played a pivotal role in the success of two major entertainment sectors hasn’t replicated this success in the realm of football? It’s possible that the football clubs themselves bear some responsibility for this.

    Sporting Lagos is not the first football club to operate in Lagos. In fact, there have been several others, including Julius Berger FC (now known as Bridge FC), Ikorodu FC, and MFM FC – two of whom were side projects of already established organizations. One common oversight among these clubs was their failure to proactively tap into the enthusiasm and financial capacity of the youthful population in Lagos.

    Sporting Lagos has showed a commendable strategy by focusing on capturing the youth demographic and enhancing their overall match-day experience. They have specifically targeted the student community in prominent higher institutions within Lagos, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University(LASU) , Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), and LASUTECH, recognizing that winning the hearts of these young individuals not only establishes a robust fan base but also facilitates the dissemination of the Sporting Lagos brand, especially since this demographic is highly active online. As a result, a large chunk of its fanbase is made up of Gen Zs and millennials.

    In a city like Lagos, where transportation presents a significant challenge, Sporting Lagos has gone the extra mile by providing transportation services for students to and from their home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. This thoughtful gesture, aimed at simplifying the game-day experience for fans, has proven to be a stroke of genius for the club, which clearly places a strong emphasis on nurturing its youthful fan base.

    Home games at Sporting Lagos are truly remarkable, with celebrities in the stands and live performances to add to the excitement. Notably, Seyi Vibez and internet sensation, Portable, have performed at half-time and while those had mixed receptions, it was great to know that they were making efforts to give the fans something special. It is the thought, as they say, that counts.

    Additionally, there are several halftime games, one of which captures particular attention – a raffle draw that selects lucky fans for an opportunity to take part in penalty kick challenges, and, in turn, an opportunity to win cash prizes.

    When Jay Jay Okocha advocated for making the league more entertaining, he was alluding to the importance of these simple yet impactful elements: captivating the audience, ensuring an unforgettable game-day experience for the fans, and injecting an extra dose of excitement into the league. All of which Sporting Lagos have done, and quite well too.

    The role of private football clubs in furthering Nigeria’s sporting goals

    Private football clubs play a crucial role by alleviating the government’s burden of sports administration while simultaneously providing fans with what they desire – a robust, well-structured team they can passionately support. The pursuit of commercial partners and sponsors becomes more streamlined and accessible for private teams like Sporting Lagos. Furthermore, private clubs can execute executive decisions with greater ease, avoiding the internal political complexities that can sometimes hamper government-owned clubs.

    Private clubs, thanks to their well-defined strategies, which are often lacking in government-owned clubs, tend to attract not only dedicated fans and sponsors but also the league’s top-tier players.

    Shola Akinlade, who also holds a majority stake (55%) in Danish 2nd division football club Aarhus Fremad, has a vision of leveraging Aarhus Fremad’s support to advance the professionalization of Sporting Lagos. In return, Sporting Lagos serves as a talent pool for the Danish side.

    This clear pathway to European football has made Sporting Lagos the preferred destination for top talents in the league, both for the senior team and its academy. We can observe a similar trend with Ogun State’s Remo Stars, another privately managed club that operates with a high level of excellence and efficiency.

    On July 16th, Sporting Lagos won the Naija Super 8 Tournament, a pre-season competition, by defeating Remo Stars 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This triumph was an upset, given that Sporting Lagos had just recently earned promotion to the top-tier league, while Remo Stars had finished as runners-up to Enyimba in the NPFL standings and were naturally seen as the favorites.

    What made this clash even more significant was the fact that both teams were privately owned, and their encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena drew such an immense crowd that fans were seen jumping over fences to catch a glimpse of Sporting Lagos – a club barely a year old.

    They have gotten off to a good start to the season already, with four points from their first two games and currently sit in first place. This weekend, they host Doma United FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan and as always, BetKing provides the best odds for the NPFL, as well as other betting offers.

    You can bet on Sporting Lagos to beat their Gombe-based opponents on Sunday @ 1.47 with BetKing

    Our verdict

    Sporting Lagos provides a stellar example of how modern football clubs in Nigeria should be managed, and it’s a template that figures like Jay Jay Okocha would undoubtedly endorse and support. Off the pitch, they have showed excellence and a commitment of further growth. On the pitch, they’ve matched this excellence with consistent performances.

    While the resumption date for the new NPFL season has not been set, you can rest assured that when it does, you will enjoy the high odds we’ve become popular for, as well as tens of thousands in Free Bets and of course, our 300% acca bonus.

    What are you waiting for? Register on BetKing and start getting value for your money by betting on football matches today.

  • Football clubs owned by famous players

    Football clubs owned by famous players

    They are not only football players but also owners. Here are football clubs owned by footballers: 

    1. Inter Miami – David Beckham

    Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami is owned by  David Beckham. The idea of Beckham owning a club was first proposed when he joined LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007 and was offered the chance to buy an MLS expansion team for $ 25 million, however he turned down the opportunity.

    In March 2014, it was announced he had his option to buy an expansion team in Miami.

    England and United former captain Beckham bought the exclusive franchise of MLS for a whopping amount of $25 million. Currently, David Beckham is the president and co-owner of American Major League Soccer Inter Miami CF.

    2. Real Valladolid – Ronaldo Nazario

    Following Real Valladolid’s promotion in La Liga in 2017, the club announced its new owner.

    Two-time World cup winner is the proud owner of the club, the Brazilian ace and legend Ronaldo. In September 2018, Ronaldo became the first-ever former player to buy a club in one of the major European leagues after agreeing to invest €30 million to become the major shareholder of Laliga club Real Valladolid.

    According to reports gathered, the Brazilian bought the 51% controlling stake of the club for about 30 million euros.

    3. Miami FC – Paolo Maldini

    Former AC Milan legend, Paolo Maldini also ranks the list of footballers who owns football clubs.

    In 2015, Maldini co-founded Miami FC alongside Italian businessman Riccardo Silva.

    This came one year after former AC Milan team-mate David Beckham made the announcement he was looking to set up an MLS franchise. Maldini’s team joined the North American Soccer League – then America’s second tier.

    4. Hammarby IF – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Swedish superstar Ibrahimovic owns the Swedish top-flight side Hammarby IF.

    In November 2019 it was reported that Zlatan bought a 23.5% stake in the club.

    5. Andorra FC – Gerard Pique

    Former Barcelona center-back, Gerard Pique bought Andorra FC in December 2018. He purchased the club through his company Kosmos Holding Group. The football club is based in Encamp, Andorra.

    Andorra FC currently plays in Segunda División B, the third tier of Spanish football. The club was established in 1942 and was the first football club to be founded in Andorra.

    Ever since Pique took charge of the club, Andorra have climbed the ranks of Spanish football and this season play will in the second tier for the first time ever.

    Read Also: Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Industry Challenges in Football Streaming

    6. Pheonix Rising FC – Didier Drogba

    After his time in MLS, Drogba dropped down a division to USL Championship outfit Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, where he also became a minority owner by acquiring a stake in the club. With the deal, he became the first-ever player-owner in football history.

    Didier continues to oversee the club in an administrative capacity after his retirement from football.

    7. AFC Croydon Athletic – Wilfred Zaha

    Crystal Palace Wilfred Zaha alongside rapper Stormzy and Danny Young exchanged contracts with the existing ownership of AFC Croydon Athletic to acquire the assets of the club.

    Announcing the deal, AFC Croydon said: ‘A three person consortium comprised of Wilfried Zaha, Stormzy and Danny Young has exchanged contracts with the existing ownership of AFC Croydon Athletic to acquire the assets of the club.

    ‘The consortium will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.

    8. Rochester New York FC – Jamie Vardy

    Leicester City icon was unveiled as the new co-owner of Rochester New York FC (formerly Rochester Raging Rhinos) back in 2021.

    The club which went into hiatus in 2017 came back to life thanks to the funding of Jamie Vardy.

    However the club has been forced to withdraw from the 2023 MLS season due to lack of funds.

  • Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Industry Challenges in Football Streaming

    Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Industry Challenges in Football Streaming

    In the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment, football streaming has emerged as a dominant force, providing fans worldwide with the thrill of the game right at their fingertips. Yet, behind the seamless flow of live matches lies a complex web of challenges that the industry must tackle head-on. From technological hurdles to legal complexities, this article delves into the world behind the scenes of football streaming and the remarkable solutions devised to overcome its challenges.

    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction
    2. Technological Innovations
    • Leveraging AI for Seamless Streaming
      • Enhancing User Experience through AR and VR
    • Bandwidth Blues: Ensuring Lag-Free Streaming
    • Content Piracy: Guarding the Game
    • Digital Rights Management (DRM)
      • Watermarking Techniques
    • Monetization and Subscription Models
    • The Rise of Pay-Per-View
      • Balancing Advertisements and Viewer Experience
    • Global Accessibility: Language and Localization
    • Subtitles and Commentary Translation
      • Cultural Sensitivity in Presentation
    • Regulatory Hurdles in Cross-Border Streaming
    • Navigating Geographical Restrictions
      • Compliance with Different Jurisdictional Laws
    • Xoilac: Revolutionizing Football Streaming
    • Sustainable Streaming Practices
    • Green Data Centers
      • Eco-Friendly Production Techniques
    • Data Security and User Privacy
    • Implementing Robust Encryption
      • Protecting Personal Information
    • Engaging the Fan Base
    • Interactive Features and Fan Participation
      • Behind-the-Scenes Content
    • Emerging Technologies: What Lies Ahead
    • 5G’s Impact on Streaming Quality
      • Integration of AI Commentators
    • Conclusion

    Introduction

    Football, known as the beautiful game, has a universal appeal that transcends borders and cultures. In the digital age, football streaming has become the bridge connecting fans across the globe, allowing them to witness their favorite teams in action in real-time. However, beneath this seamless viewing experience lies a myriad of challenges that the industry has been diligently working to surmount.

    Technological Innovations

    Leveraging AI for Seamless Streaming

    One of the key challenges in football streaming has been ensuring consistent quality across various devices and network conditions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has stepped in to optimize streaming quality dynamically, adjusting resolution based on available bandwidth.

    Enhancing User Experience through AR and VR

    Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have transformed how fans engage with the game. Imagine sitting in your living room and feeling as if you’re on the field. These technologies offer immersive experiences that deepen the emotional connection fans have with the game.

    Bandwidth Blues: Ensuring Lag-Free Streaming

    In the fast-paced world of football, even a minor lag can mar the viewing experience. Overcoming bandwidth limitations has been a critical challenge. Content delivery networks (CDNs) have been employed to distribute data efficiently, minimizing lag and buffering.

    Content Piracy: Guarding the Game

    The battle against content piracy is ongoing. Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies have been adopted to encrypt streams and prevent unauthorized distribution. Watermarking techniques subtly embed ownership information into the video, acting as a deterrent to potential pirates.

    Monetization and Subscription Models

    The Rise of Pay-Per-View

    Monetizing streaming services while keeping fans engaged is a delicate balance. The introduction of pay-per-view models for premium matches ensures revenue generation while allowing fans to choose the matches they want to watch.

    Balancing Advertisements and Viewer Experience

    Advertisements are the lifeblood of many streaming platforms, but bombarding viewers with ads can drive them away. Striking a balance between advertising revenue and viewer satisfaction has led to innovative strategies like targeted ads and interactive ad formats.

    Global Accessibility: Language and Localization

    Subtitles and Commentary Translation

    Football’s global appeal means that fans speak diverse languages. Subtitles and localized commentary options make matches accessible to a wider audience, fostering inclusivity.

    Cultural Sensitivity in Presentation

    Recognizing the cultural nuances of viewers worldwide is vital. Broadcasting teams work to ensure that the presentation is culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds.

    Regulatory Hurdles in Cross-Border Streaming

    Navigating Geographical Restrictions

    Cross-border streaming must navigate intricate regulations. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide a solution by allowing users to access streams from different regions, but legal and ethical concerns persist.

    Compliance with Different Jurisdictional Laws

    Each country has its own set of laws governing streaming content. The industry is tasked with staying compliant while delivering a consistent experience to viewers around the world.

    Xoilac: Revolutionizing Football Streaming

    Amid these challenges, XoilacTV has emerged as a revolutionary platform, uniting cutting-edge technology with the passion of football fans. Xoilac’s dedication to quality streaming and innovative fan engagement strategies has set a new standard for the industry.

    Sustainable Streaming Practices

    Green Data Centers

    Streaming consumes substantial energy. To combat this, some platforms are transitioning to green data centers powered by renewable sources, reducing the carbon footprint.

    Eco-Friendly Production Techniques

    Minimizing the environmental impact of production is a growing concern. From utilizing eco-friendly materials for equipment to reducing waste, the industry is striving for sustainable practices.

    Data Security and User Privacy

    Implementing Robust Encryption

    Protecting user data from breaches is paramount. Robust encryption measures ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, fostering trust among users.

    Protecting Personal Information

    With data breaches becoming increasingly common, the industry is focusing on transparent data collection practices and giving users more control over their personal information.

    Engaging the Fan Base

    Interactive Features and Fan Participation

    According to research from Keo Nha Cai, streaming is no longer a one-way experience. Interactive features like polls, live chats, and virtual cheering sections allow fans to actively engage with the game and connect with fellow supporters.

    Behind-the-Scenes Content

    Fans crave a deeper connection with their favorite teams and players. Providing behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and glimpses into players’ lives creates a more intimate bond between fans and the game.

    Emerging Technologies: What Lies Ahead

    5G’s Impact on Streaming Quality

    The advent of 5G technology promises lightning-fast speeds and minimal latency, revolutionizing the streaming experience and enabling higher-quality streams on mobile devices.

    Integration of AI Commentators

    AI-powered commentators could become a reality, offering personalized match analysis and insights tailored to individual viewer preferences.

    Conclusion

    The world of football streaming is a captivating realm that demands innovation to surmount challenges. From ensuring seamless streaming quality to safeguarding against piracy, the industry is a testament to human ingenuity. As we continue to witness the evolution of football streaming, the magic of the game remains intact, bridging gaps and uniting fans worldwide.

  • Ekong, Etebo lead Eagles to Dnipro

    Italy –based defender William Ekong and England –based midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo are expected to lead Super Eagles to Dnipro, Ukraine today, ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly match with the host country’s senior team.

    It is the first outing for the three –time African champions since they finished third at the first – ever 24-team Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt, this year.

    Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa; defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, as well as midfielders Alex Iwobi and Etebo and forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu were in Egypt.

    But there would be excitement about a rash of new faces alongside a couple of returnees. Defenders Bryan Idowu and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho are back after being overlooked for the Africa Cup.

     

    Read Also: Intl friendly: Super Eagles to depart for Kyiv September 6

    Germany-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Joseph Aribo of Scottish club Glasgow Rangers and forwards Joshua Maja (France) and Emmanuel Dennis (Belgium) are hitting the camp for the first time.

    Saudi Arabia-based Captain Ahmed Musa pulled out of the trip on Thursday night as a result of injury that has failed to heal as quickly as he expected, adding to the earlier forced withdrawals of defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Tyronne Ebuehi, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Henry Onyekuru.

    The Dnipro Arena is a 31,000 –capacity facility that was opened on September 2008.

    Ukraine is rated number 25 on the FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 33rd.

  • Football Manager docked over alleged N2.8m fraud

    Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State has arraigned one Mr Olisa Onuchukwu for allegedly obtaining the sum of N2.8million from an Anambra based businessman, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, under false pretence. Onuchukwu, Manager of Nnewi United Football Club was accused of obtaining the sum on the ground of using it to facilitate overseas trip for young players desiring to be engaged by foreign countries.

    According to the charge read by the prosecution counsel, A.N. Obo Esq, the suspect committed the crime between July and October, 2017. The charge partly read, “That between July and October 2017 at Awka, within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court Awka you did by false pretence and with the intent to defraud, obtained from Hon Ndubuisi Nwobu, the sum of N2.8 million paid into Zenith and Ecobank account numbers. “Pretending that you will use the said amount to procure visa for one Chukwunonso Anumba, Ikechukwu Nwinoh and Uchendu Jideofor to enable them travel abroad which you knew to be false and there is no truth in it.

    “Thereby committed offence contrary to section 1(1)a and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006.” The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the defence council N.A Onwuechi Esq., who said the offence was bailable, made an oral application. Justice B. Quadri, in his ruling, however turned down the application, directing that a written bail application be filed and the conditions perfected, while the accused was remanded. The matter was adjourned to May 30 for hearing.

  • NEROS/Anambra FA Cup: drama as fan seizes football during penalty shootout

    The second round of NEROS/ Anambra FA cup match between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Udala FC played on Thursday could not produce a winner following seizure of football during penalty shootouts.

    The match, which was played at the Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium Nnewi, had ended 1-1 apiece in regulation time and went straight into penalties without extra time.

    Both teams had played one penalty each and scored but the melodrama started when the ball was positioned for Udala FC to take their second kick.

    However, a spectator suspected to be an ardent follower of one of the teams invaded the pitch, impounded the ball and walked away unhindered.

    That was how the decisive second round tie ended as match officials did not provide another ball for the penalty kick to continue.

    A football administrator who pleaded anonymity wondered what the future of football in Nigeria would be when such unsportsmanlike behaviour still existed at match venues.

    According to the source that saw the match, no security on ground, and no other ball was brought, after a while, the officials also left the pitch.

    “There were serious confusion, accusations and counter accusations, where is the state football going with this kind of scenario,” he queried.

    In his reaction, Coach Obinna Dike said it was unconscionable for a football fan who had no business in the pitch to ‘just walk into a football field and seize the match ball’.

    Obinna, who is the director of DOSAD Sports Academy, Awka, said he would not ascertain who was behind the unfortunate incident but condemned the act in its entirety.

    “On whose side the trouble is coming from I don’t know. But whoever is party to bringing Anambra football to ridicule, I personally will not accept as a stakeholder,’’ he said.

    Efforts by NAN to get reaction from the FA did not yield result as the Vice Chairman and a secretary did not respond to calls and messages sent to them.

  • This Weekend El Clasico Live on World Of Champions

    Multichoice said this weekend rivalry El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, in Round 26 of the 2018/19 La Liga season will air live on DStv and Gotv.

    The satellite television service provider made this known in a media statement made available on Thursday in Lagos.

    The 240th competitive match between Real and Barca is set to be a key factor in the La Liga title race this season: a win for Los Blancos will bring them back into the battle for Spain’s top honour, while the Blaugrana will feel that a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu will remove one of their last major hurdles on the path to glory.

    Both teams enjoyed victories in the previous round of La Liga: Real claimed a controversial 2-1 away win away to Leganes (thanks to two penalties), while Lionel Messi was in ominous form for Barca as they won 4-2 away to Sevilla. The Argentine master netted a hat-trick at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to move further clear at the top of the Spanish top-flight scoring charts.

    READ ALSO: Why Oshoala picked FC Barcelona

    Second-placed Atletico Madrid will be hoping their derby rivals can beat Barca at home on Saturday night, which would then give them the chance to close the gap at the top to just four points with a win away to Real Sociedad at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on Sunday.

    Atletico continued their good form with a 2-0 home win over Villarreal this past weekend (featuring goals from Alvaro Morata, his first since joining on loan from Chelsea, and Saul) and Diego Simeone will be highly motivated should the chance to put pressure on leaders Barcelona arise.

    Elsewhere in Spain, DStv and GOtv viewers can also look forward to Valencia hosting Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Mestalla on Sunday night. Both teams are in good form (Los Che are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions ahead of a Copa del Rey match on Thursday, while Bilbao racked up a second successive win when they beat Eibar 1-0 this past weekend) and chasing a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.

    Other games for DStv and GOtv viewers to watch out for include the round’s opening game on Friday night, which is a relegation six points between Rayo Vallecano and Girona at the Estadio de Vallecas; Villarreal will be desperate for a victory when they host high-flying Deportivo Alaves; and Real Betis could bring themselves into Champions League contention with a win at home to fourth-placed Getafe on Sunday.

    Key match stats

    Real Madrid v Barcelona – Head-to-head, all competitions

    Matches played 239

    Madrid wins 95

    Barcelona wins 93

    Draws 51

    Saturday 2 March

    8:45pm: Real Madrid v Barcelona – LIVE on SS7 & SelGo4

  • New female football club berth in Abeokuta

     iSON female football club has been inaugurated in Nigeria.

    The new female football club will serve as a discovery platform for talents, the owner of the club has said.

    According to Information Technology company, the club is ready to groom discovered talent from grassroots to the podium of the round leather game.

    An inaugural match was played in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between inbound and outbound teams of the company.

    READ ALSO: Female footballer banned for beating opponent

    According to iSON BPO’s Group CEO, Pravin Kumar, the club is open for employees explaining that this will help in improving employee engagement, improving job satisfaction amongst staff members, and portrays iSON as an advocate in women empowerment.

    “We are very proud to launch the first iSON female football team. We believe this is a step in the right direction in the advocacy for women empowerment. It is truly memorable inventiveness for us, as others are now following in our footsteps. It is a moment of pride for us and was an important occasion, as we now have a female football team,” he added.

    One of the key rationales behind the initiative is to reduce youthful exuberance and ensure that the female team can match their male counterpart in the sports arena. The team is ready to meet any female football team to further test their might.

  • Football, presidential poll and leadership

    The more I see (Manchester) United play, the more I’m amazed at how (Jose) Mourinho was able to get so little out of this group.-JJ Bull, football writer with The Telegraph of UK.

    The tragic reflection of a keen football writer thrown into incomprehensible consternation by the hard-up performance of a club brimming with world class stars on account of a coach’s inability to manage resources and talent in his custody is also the tale about, and the summary of, the recurring misfortune of Nigeria at the hands of destitute leadership since our Independence in 1960.

    After visiting Manchester United, under a new manager, had hammered Fulham 3-0 in a league match last week to give the club 11 games without a single loss and to lift it to fourth place for the first time this season, the Scottish newsman at The Telegraph wondered what had been happening all along in the days of Mourinho, when a string of losses and draws threatened United with unprecedented relegation. His surprise was that the new coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, fielding the same players at the disposal of his predecessor, had suddenly returned the winning ways to the Old Trafford giants. Now, a few soccer pundits say the club still has a chance of bagging the EPL crown.

    What has happened to usher in such wild optimism where until now there were negative omens? What changed when no new players had been bought? Why, in less than two months of the change in coaching leadership at the club, there is no more talk of a drop into a lower division, but of move ‘’beyond the top four’’? What is making the difference is leadership. Nothing else. There are some voodoo theorists arguing that the problem wasn’t management but dressing room feud, first, among the players and secondly between some of the footballers and Mourinho. They say it was a deadly mix no coach could handle, even if he was the collage of all the best coaches in history.

    Many don’t agree with them. The point remains that to be a good leader isn’t only about taking care of the agreeable hands in your care. You must make use of the ‘good’, ‘the bad’ and ‘the ugly’. The condemned ‘ugly’ and ‘bad’ all have a value, even if it is counted as the proverbial nuisance worth. They must all fit into your cosmos of operations. You will fail if you build your hopes only on the ‘good’ ones. So the argument of a player conspiracy being the undoing of the Mourinho era is knavish. Let’s just admit his legendary skills deserted him when it mattered. The man had a surfeit of resources he failed to prospect, which his successor is exploiting to no end.

    In Nigeria, we are also giving the global community the Eighth Wonder of the World, which the ancient world couldn’t offer. That old order stopped at Seven Wonders, unable to add another stupendous human feat. Now I am happy to declare that Nigeria, with our inexhaustible human and natural resources but perennially without an adroit manager to tend them, is The Eighth Wonder.

    If Nigeria were among a collection of museum pieces at an exhibition, I very much doubt whether any other artifact would command more interest than Nigeria. We would certainly be the cynosure of every tourist. The magnetic pull would be irresistible. For they would wonder as The Telegraph reporter did: The more we see Nigerians in their necessitous state, the more amazed we are at how they are getting so little out of their abundance.

    Why is our case akin to that of the misery of the sailors in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner by the English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge? When they had stayed for a long time on the high seas without a hope of sighting land and with basic needs out of stock, the seamen were now hungry and thirsty. Well, if there was no food, let there be water. Now, they were surrounded by water. But alas, it was salt water which they couldn’t drink. So a sailor on the trip exclaims: “Water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.’’

    Nothing could be more excruciating: to live in, and behold cornucopia, and yet be alienated from it or be denied access to it!  It has to do with those we elect to drive these resources. We need to choose those who would identify with the people who give them the mandate to rule. None ought to come from the circle of those we have marked as the authors and grandfathers of what has brought us to our knees and put us in the same vessel as that of Coleridge’s dying seafarers.

    Tomorrow, Saturday February 16 and March 2, Nigerians must go for the next generation of politicians for a new leadership who can convert our mammoth resources into prosperity for our land.

    Let us shun babalawo analysts who play down the leadership factor and insist that a docile citizenry is responsible for our stagnation, that once we do away with a pliant disposition, a pro-people leadership would emerge. No. Enduring change in society begins with right leadership. The great revolutions and movements in history had selfless leaders with the people on their side. These leaders didn’t have homes or doctors or schools abroad to flee to when fixing domestic infrastructural challenges. These are the leaders we need: those who will leave office poorer materially than when they come in, but unfathomably rich in unrestrained loyalty to the society!

  • Rohr leaves Eagles’ door open for Moses’ return, but

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr on Wednesday said that the door of the team was still open for the team’s ace winger, Victor Moses, but he must show commitment and fight for shirt.

    Rohr made the comment on the sidelines of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 4 between MFM FC and Rangers International FC of Enugu.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles gaffer was on the stands to watch out of outstanding players among the NPFL players.

    On Moses comeback to the team after announcing his premature retirement after the World Cup in Russia, Rohr said he appreciated Moses quality as a winger.

    “Victor Moses is a player with lots of quality but stopped playing for the National team after the World Cup. We have to respect his decision not to play again.

    “if he wants to come back to the team, it is okay but he must show a lots of motivation, he must show that he is fit to play for the team because we have other players playing well in his position now.

    “Moses has to be strong to come back to the team because we have more options on the wings now like Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa. All these players are on his wings.

    “Victor Moses comeback is a good news for us,” he said.

    Rohr said that he would present the fittest team in the last match of the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt.

    “We will invite the fittest players for the AFCON qualifiers against Seychelles and the friendly match against Egypt. The best of them will play the Match.

    “With the level at which some of the players are now in their different clubs, I believe they should turn that form to the national team.

    “For the local based players the ones that are good among them will surely be invited to the team. I regret that the league had a long break after the last season which affected the fitness of the players.

    “But now that the league is on, myself and my assistants are here to watch out for the outstanding ones that can make the team,” he said.