Lampard has ton of worries over Brazil

Frank Lampard admits that he will have to fight to ensure his place in the England squad at next year's World Cup finals despite being only the eighth Englishman to rack up 100 caps.

The Chelsea star will skipper England in Friday's friendly against Chile at Wembley where he will also be presented with a special golden cap having reached the landmark against Ukraine last month.

But the 35-year-old knows that his reputation alone will not guarantee a place in Roy Hodgson's Brazil-bound squad.

"All the players are in the same boat. What we've done up to now carries a bit of weight, some more than others, but if your form isn't good enough up until the end of the season...," said Lampard.

"If I walked around thinking my 103 caps would get me on the plane, I'd probably be on the beach, because that means you're taking things for granted. I don't think any of us can afford to do that."

Lampard added: "I understand that, with age and at different parts of your career, you have different challenges."

"I'm very determined in my challenge to show the manager, regardless of age – and he's always said it doesn't matter if you're 17 or 35 going on 36 – he'll not look at you any differently, so that's nice to hear. The rest is up to me.

Ibex initial storm critical

Former Nigerian international, Edema Fuludu, has backed the Stephen Keshi tutored Super Eagles to complete the task of picking the ticket to the Brazil 2014 Fifa World Cup.

Fuludu, who was in the victorious Tunisia ’94 Afcon squad with Keshi and his first assistant, Dan Amokachi, told supersport.com that the job is “90% done.”

“I don’t think anything can stop us. Except we shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said to supersport.com.

Fuludu called for caution despite the 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

“We’re almost there, but we must work hard to win. Though a draw will see us through, I expect the Eagles to go out and win.

"The Ethiopians will rush us and that’s when we will get the chance to use counter-attacks for goal,” said Fuludu, who is chairman of the Delta State Football League Management Board (DSFLMB).

Bafana look to protect unbeaten record

Bafana Bafana will be out to protect their unbeaten record when they face Swaziland in an international friendly match scheduled for the Somhlolo Stadium in the capital Mbabane on Friday. Kickoff at 8:30pm.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two nations – the previsous three have been in the Cosafa Cup.

South Africa and Swaziland first met 13 years ago in Witbank with Bafana Bafana emerging victorious 2-0.

The second clash took place two years later in Polokwane, South Africa winning 4-1.

The last official encounter was played seven years ago. Benson Mhlongo scored the solitary goal in a match held in Botswana.

Siphiwe Tshabalala is only remaining member of that squad – having come on in the 78th minute for Dillon Sheppard.

“That we have played them three times and won does not automatically make us winners again. We are expectign a tough match, more so because it is an away game. We have to be very cautious not to underestimate them but strive to do our best to win the match,” said Tshabalala.

Bafana will be playing on an artificial turf at Somhlolo Stadium.

Coach Gordon Igesund is using the match to prepare for the Chan tournament that will be hosted in South Africa from 11 January – 1 February 2014.

“We should have a good game and I don’t think the ranking will be an issue because international footobal has changed a lot. This is a going to be a good exercise for us as we prepare for Chan. I am trying to give as a many players a chance as possible because I have a big pool of players lining up to play in the Chan tournament and I have to select 23 that will represent South Africa,” said Igesund.

”So I am going to field a strong squad because I don’t want to disrecpect anybody but just want to win the match and get my preparations for Chan going. We would like to score as many goals as possible. The players that are here are fighting for their places which will make this match even more exciting.”

Defender Thabo Nthete is also confident about a positive outcome.

“We are going to approach this game like any other game, wanting to win. We know we are playing away so they are not going to make it easy for us more so with all the support behind them in the stands. and its going to be tough with all your supporters behind you. But I do believe we have the quality to get a positive result against Swaziland,” said Nthete.

Bafana held their last training at the match venue last night.

Big guns Italy, Germany meet in friendly

Italy and Germany play a high-profile friendly match in Milan on Friday after both teams ran a highly successful qualifying campaign to book their places for the 2014 World Cup.

Germany's pace in their group was impressive, with nine wins, one draw and 36 goals scored, making Joachim Loew's attack force the best in Europe.

Germany moved to second in the Fifa rankings, and are among the favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil, where they will be seeking

a fourth title.

Italy, who with four World Cup titles are second only to Brazil's five, closed their qualifying campaign with two draws, slipping out of the group of eight seeded teams for the tournament draw scheduled for December 6.

Both coaches praised their opponents ahead of Friday's game.

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli noted the steady improvement of the Germans under Loew, and praised the overall organisation of the German football federation.

"They should be taken as a model," Prandelli said. "Maybe for us it is time to change things. The projects of our youth sectors do not have long-term support."

Loew said he expects to find out something new about his players against the Italians.

"We wanted friendlies in November in which we can still learn something. And there is no better opponent for that than Italy," said Loew, whose team will then head to London to play England on Tuesday.

The German coach said the Italians were masterful, especially regarding tactics.

"You can really learn a lot from the Italian coolness, their cleverness and merciless efficiency."

At the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Prandelli plans an attack comprising Serie A top striker Giuseppe Rossi and the inconsistent Mario Balotelli.

Rossi has fully recovered from knee surgery and has netted 11 goals from 12 games for Fiorentina. But he has been battling tonsillitis and a fever since arriving this week at the Azzurri's camp in Coverciano.

Prandelli hopes he'll recover, and is looking to stir up Balotelli from a dull spell at AC Milan, with only three goals scored as the Devils languish on 13 points from 12 games.

"Rossi is a guy with great personal qualities, which grew stronger with his injury," Prandelli said. "He can play as first or second striker, and he not only has the ability to score, but also to make the team play well.

"Mario is going through a particular period, but if you have character, these moments can make you stronger. He must be able to live under pressure."

Although not in top form, Balotelli is likely to worry Germany, who will recall his brace in a 2-1 defeat in the semifinals of Euro 2012.

With seven months left before the World Cup kicks off, Prandelli has also called back defender Domenico Criscito from Zenit St Petersburg and in-form Parma midfielder Marco Parolo, who played a handful of minutes for the Azzurri in 2011.

Germany, for their part, will probably be without the injured Miroslav Klose, and Loew will definitely not have the services of the Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker, both of whom are still in London recovering from flu.

Italy holds the all-time advantage over Germany with 15 wins, seven defeats and nine draws. The Germans' last victory dates back to 1995 and has been followed by four defeats and two draws.

Rejuvinated Omeruo back to seal defense

Nigerian defender, Kenneth Omeruo believes there will be no recurrence of the shoulder injury that has troubled him in recent months if he’s selected for Saturday’s 2014 Fifa World Cup playoff against Ethiopia.

The 20-year-old has not turned out for the Super Eagles since injuring his shoulder against Spain at the Fifa Confederations Cup in June.

He aggravated the problem in training with Chelsea in August and subsequently had keyhole surgery in London to repair the damage.

Omeruo has now told supersport.com that he is ready for action on Saturday but it remains to be seen if coach Stephen Keshi is prepared to throw him into the deep end against the Walia Ibex.

“I am ready to play if the coach picks me. I have been training with Chelsea and I have been playing matches with the youth team so there is nothing to worry about. I have recovered fully,” he said.

The former ADO Den Haag man then cautioned his teammates not to handle the game against the Ethiopians with kid gloves stressing that the Walia Ibex are a side that can spring a few surprises if not effectively checkmated.

“I played against them at the (2013 Africa) Nations Cup so I know how dangerous they are.

“They keep possession well and can score goals. We must not underrate them if we want to qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

Omeruo has been capped 14 times by Nigeria.

Reuben back on the prowl

Kilmarnock FC of Scotland and Super Eagles midfielder Gabriel Reuben is glad to be back in the national team fold again after injuries kept him out for nearly a year from the team and hopes to stay put this time around.

The lanky former Kano Pillars star, says he is a very happy man that he has been recalled and is grateful to Coach Stephen Keshi for giving him another shot at the Super Eagles.

Reuben told supersport.com in Calabar that: "I'm over the moon because I am back to the national team against after a long while due to injuries.

"It means the world to me that the coach still rates me even after calling new players to the team. My gratitude knows no bounds and I'm willing to give more than necessary to help the cause.

"For a coach to show so much confidence in a player can only spur him to do exploits." Reuben added.

The Kaduna born player has endured a torrid 2013, and hopes that his injury worries are far behind him, as he plans to rediscover the form that made him a fans favorite while in the domestic scene.

"I'm fit as fiddle and I hope to get my form back as soon as possible. I haven't played competitive football for a long time, but that is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

"The most important thing is that I'm here and back for good to continue to give my best to Nigeria" He enthused.

Gabriel Reuben was coy about his future at the Scottish club and would rather speak about the game with Ethiopia.

"Let's talk about the Ethiopia game and what it holds for us" he answered ,when asked about his life in the Scottish League.

"My prerogative now is to try and make the team ( Super Eagles ) qualify for the World Cup, that's the number one target.

"When that is done, then I can tell you all you need to know about my club future, but for now I would rather talk about he Super Eagles."

Gabriel Reuben emerged the winner of the League Bloggers Award most valuable player two seasons ago ,and moved from Kano Pillars to Kilmarnock FC in Scotland, where injuries prevented him from making any official appearance for the Killies.

Bradley boosted by Zambia win

Egypt head coach Bob Bradley says he is satisfied after their 2-1 friendly victory over Zambia on Tuesday.

Al Salmyia striker Amr Zaki scored the first goal while Al Ahly defender Rami Rabiea scored the second.

"I am satisfied after this match as there were many players that did well especially our goalie Ahmed El Shenawy , Hazem Emam , Rami Rabiea and Amr Zaki" Bradley said after the match.

"This game makes me feel good and now we are ready for the Ghana clash.The next match is real challenge for me, my team and Egypt I spoke with the players and they will do their best " he added.

Al Ahly starlet Rami Rabiea picked up an injury in the second half and left the match. Nevertheless, Bradley said :" Rabiea's injury is not serious but just to be sure he will have X-ray’s and then train alone on Friday. We will then bring him back on Saturday to join the rest of the team and hopefully he will be ready for the Ghana game".

Egypt will host Ghana’s Black Stars on November 19 at the Air Defense Stadium , and they need to win by five unanswered goals to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after their 6-1 defeat in the first match in Kumasi.

Sikiru relishing Giwa FC U-turn

Giwa FC playmaker, Kamaru Sikiru, has attributed his impressive performance in just-concluded season in the Nigeria National League (NNL) to his return to the Jos side from six-time Nigerian champions, Enyimba.

Sikiri struggled for playing time during the first round of the 2012/13 Premier League and eventually returned to Giwa FC.

Interestingly, his return was eventful as he helped the club to the Premier League and also defeated Crown FC to advance into the final of the NNL Super Four play-off.

“Money isn’t everything. I played some matches for Enyimba but had to return to Giwa to play regularly and it’s a decision that has worked well for me,” Sikiru told supersport.com.

As recognition for his performance against Crown FC, Sikiru was named Man-of-the-Match, a feat that earned him plaudits on match day.

“To be voted Man-of-the-Match on a day I captained my team is remarkable for me,” he said to supersport.com.

Sikiru expressed confidence that Giwa FC will emerge champions of the NNL.

Before heading for Giwa, Sikiru played for El-Kanemi Warriors and Kwara United.

Portugal, France face moment of truth

The battle for the final four European places for the 2014 World Cup finals get underway on Friday with France and Portugal battling to join the likes of fellow continental heavyweights holders Spain and Germany in Brazil.

Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, have the toughest play-off as they face Sweden, who have their own icon in Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading their line.

Former champions France travel to Kiev to play Ukraine and will be hoping if they qualify it will not be in the controversial manner they did for the 2010 finals where the decisive goal against Ireland in their play-off was set up by Thierry Henry's infamous handball.

The other two play-offs pit goalshy Greece against Romania while the fairytale could be provided by Iceland, bidding to become the smallest country to ever qualify for the finals, as they host 1998 semifinalists Croatia.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento, who guided the side to last year's Euro semifinals, knows expectations are high.

"I can understand why there might be greater expectations because it's (the World Cup) in Brazil, although our objective would be exactly the same if it was being held somewhere else too," the 44-year-old told Fifa.com.

"Our level of ambition wouldn't change. But a fact's a fact. Outside the camp, expectations are really high about us getting there, because it's being played in Brazil and because they're Portuguese speakers.

"When we set out our long-term objectives, the main one was getting to Brazil, and it's still in our hands.

"Against Sweden we'll be tackling the game in a way that befits the situation: with belief, respect for our opponents and, more than anything, tremendous conviction that we can make it to Brazil 2014."

Many neutrals are disappointed that one of Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic will miss out on Brazil, but the PSG striker says his team deserve their place in the hat when the World Cup finals draw takes place on December 6 at Mata de Sao Joao.

"We have had tough matches during qualification but this has only stimulated us," said Ibrahimoivic.

"Portugal are probably favourites given their team and their individuals, but we came second in a group featuring Germany and we deserve to go to Brazil more." added the Sweden skipper.

Ukraine will host a France side in danger of missing out on its first World Cup finals since 1994 and keen also to erase memories of their catastrophic appearance at the 2010 edition both on and off the pitch where the players ended up refusing to train.

France coach Didier Deschamps – who in 1998 became the first French captain to lift the World Cup trophy as they beat Brazil in Paris – said his players were in the right frame of mind to overcome Ukraine.

"It's played on the pitch but it's the head that manages the legs," said the former Juventus and Monaco coach.

"We're in a state of mind of 'challenge', of 'combat'. There's no room for doubt, for uncertainty, for questioning," he added.

Ukraine coach Mikhail Fomenko has guided the team on a six game unbeaten run since taking over in December 2012 and says his team are extremely motivated for the challenge at hand.

"France are very experienced and dangerous opponents but we're not afraid of the upcoming matches," Fomenko told AFP.

"I think all of my players perfectly understand what we shall accomplish in the play-off encounters with France."

Romania are bidding to qualify for the first time since 1998 as they travel to Greece, who scored just 12 goals in 10 group games, in what could well be a finely balanced duel.

Iceland's surprising run to the play-offs has been due in large part to the calming and knowledgeable influence of experienced Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, who coached the Swedes at two World Cup finals.

Lagerback, who also coached Sweden at three European championship finals, said his side had nothing to lose.

"Of course it would be a huge disappointment if we didn't get to Brazil now that we are so close but, as far as I am concerned, we are in a win-win situation," he said.

"There weren't many outside Iceland and, to be fair, in Iceland who expected us to get this far, even though the expectations have grown the further we have got in qualifying."

FIXTURES

9:45pm Portugal v Sweden
9:45pm Ukraine v France
9:45pm Greece v Romania
10pm Iceland v Croatia

Nsofor keen to provide his experience

Obinna Nsofor is no doubt the most experienced Striker in the super eagles as they prepare to face Ethiopia in the Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Calabar tomorrow.

During the 2006 AFCON a young forward Obinna Nsofor exploded into the consciousness of most Nigerians with his performances in the few matches he played in. He even scored a cracking goal in the quarter-final victory over Tunisia - Nigeria going through on pens.

Nsofor went on to play in two other tournaments but failed to make the squad that finally won it this year. However, he is back in the team on the cusp of qualifying for the World Cup again and he is thrilled to be back in.

"Oh it is an absolute honour to be back playing for Nigeria again. There is nothing in football better than playing for your country, a privilege I have never taken for granted". He said with such boyish charm and smile you have to believe him.

Asked if he was sad that at missing out on the AFCON win "no way! I was rooting for the team and I celebrated with them when they won" He continues "those previous tournaments I played in gave me memories I will cherish forever in that I was able to play in the same teams as Kanu Nwankwo and JJ Okocha. I used to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming"

Nsofor has had a quite nomadic career having been in Italy, England and now with Lokomotive of Moscow "we are doing well in the league - second in the table - but I want to play more. I am not comfortable just being a bit part player so who knows by January I might have a look at things again".

As one who is a big fan of a player who is very quick, very two footed and can play as a striker or wide forward, this reporter had to ask him this: when are you going to settle down at one club so that the world can actually see how very good you are?

"I agree with you that I need to settle down and I want to do so within the next season" reminded that West Ham fans actually wanted him to stay "problem was that I don't think West Ham could afford the financial commitments at the time. I loved my time with them there"

For the Ethiopia match Nsofor wants it to be a perfect 2013 for Nigerian football "we have won the AFCON and the U-17 world cup so it will just be perfect to add the world cup qualification to crown it all"! Nigerians all over are hoping so.

Rufai wants no mercy for Ethiopia

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has charged the Super Eagles to bring thirst and hunger into the duel against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

The 2013 Afcon winners will clash with the East African foes in a decisive tie for a place in the Brazil 2014 World Cup at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday.

Rufai said the Eagles should not only win the encounter convincingly but by their performance drill the message into the brains of the Ethiopians that both sides are not of same category.

“We’re expecting nothing but a convincing victory. The victory should be total and humbling. I don’t want it written that we managed to qualify for the World Cup. I want us to qualify in grand style that even the Ethiopians will admit they met their superiors.

“I know the Ethiopians will try to offer challenges but we can quickly unsettle them with the strategy and approach we bring into the game, if we bring hunger into the game from start to finish then the Ethiopians will suffer a crushing defeat.

“The Eagles must make their opponents look ordinary, no room should be allowed for them to operate every department must work for 100% optimal.

“It may not be out of place for us to leverage on the encounter to send a strong signal to the world of what to expect from Nigeria when the global football fiesta kicks off in Brazil next summer,” said the former Deportivo La Coruna magnet to supersport.com.

Rufai said he has absolute confidence in the capacity of Eagles’ gaffer, Stephen Keshi to qualify the side as well as excel at the World Cup finals.

“Keshi can always fall back on the passion that runs through him as captain of the side he is at present overseeing as well as the coaching experiences in Togo and Mali to make the side’s opponents look cheap.

“Keshi has what it takes not only to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup but go ahead to the World Cup to stamp his side’s authority on their opponents. I have this feeling that Keshi is not yet done with the successes he will bring to Nigeria,” Rufai said.

Okosun has Eagle's mind set on victory

Super Eagles psychologist, Robinson Okosun insists he has never had an easier time with the squad and believes all 24 players in camp are primed for the kill ahead of Saturday’s 2014 Fifa World Cup playoff against Ethiopia.

Okosun, who has over 10 years of experience working with the Nigeria national team, has been monitoring the players since Monday and has now passed a vote of confidence on Stephen Keshi’s charges as he exclusively revealed to supersport.com that they are all in the right frame of mind for the task at hand.

“The players are all in high spirits. I have never had my work so easy in all my time at the national team. What I noticed when I discussed with the players is that they all have one burning desire; to play at the World Cup. At this point, I doubt if any team can stop them,” Okosun said.

He then expressed happiness with the form of the players at their different clubs which he said will be crucial in the eventual outcome of the game on Saturday.

“Victor Moses told me he’s enjoying life at Liverpool and even with the squad rotation of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Mikel has said that the coach rates him as one of the most important players in the team.

“As for Emenike, our top striker, he has been scoring goals every other day at Fenerbahce and he could hardly sit still during our session. He wanted the game (against Ethiopia) to begin immediately.

“The boys are all on fire. In all my years with the national team, I have never seen players as fired up as this. I honestly feel very sorry for the Ethiopians because they will be badly beaten,” he said.

Okosun concluded by discussing the role head coach, Stephen Keshi has played in the renaissance of the new-look Super Eagles and predicted that the best days of the team are still to come.

“Keshi is a special coach. You only need to be in the same room for a few minutes with him to realize this is no ordinary individual.

“He is someone the players easily relate to. They love him and respect him at the same time which is not something easy to achieve.

“He has built a team that is united for a purpose. The unity and friendliness in the camp is unbelievable. The players see themselves as brothers.

“In every training session, the mood is like a cup final as the players give it their all. No one shows complacency and that can only spell good tidings for Nigerian football in future,” he said.

England stars out to impress in friendly

With World Cup qualification done, the aim for England and Chile when they meet for a friendly at Wembley on Friday is to fine-tune their squads and perhaps look at whether fringe players merit a place on the plane to Brazil.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend admits he still sees himself as one of those on the edge of selection, despite making a goal-scoring debut against Montenegro last month and then excelling in the victory over Poland that secured qualification.

"It does sound good, being called an England international, but I have had two games and there have been a lot of players who have started their international careers well and have faded away," Townsend told FA TV.

"I can't let that happen to me, I have to keep playing well and try to force my way onto the plane next summer."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, James Milner and Raheem Sterling are all in contention for the right midfield slot.

"We have a big, fantastic squad, and every one of us is going to be trying to impress in training and the games to try and get to Brazil," Townsend said.

"There aren't many opportunities from now until the summer to play for England and impress the manager so everyone will be giving 100 per cent and looking to catch the manager's eye."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is likely to start in central midfield for England, with Frank Lampard alongside him.

Lampard will be named as captain on the occasion of his 100th cap as Steven Gerrard steps down to protect a hip niggle.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick are both out with injuries, with the Manchester United midfielder Carrick possibly out for as long as six weeks with an Achilles problem.

With Joe Hart out of form - and out of favour at Manchester City - Fraser Forster and John Ruddy will share the goalkeeping duties, although Hart is likely to return against Germany on Wednesday.

Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli says most of the squad that will head to Brazil is already decided. After playing England, Sampaoli's team heads to Canada to take on Brazil - the calibre of the opposition an indication of his ambitions.

"It's safe to say that Chile are contenders," the manager said. "History says that in World Cups people always list the same favourites and names, but we will be as competitive as possible.

Krol tripped by Government

The Tunisian Government has shocked head coach Ruud Krol by refusing to give Tunisian nationality papers to the duo of Fabien Camus and Stephane Houcine Nater.

The Dutch coach asked Tunisian officials to give them citizenship after they impressed him in their last matches.

Both Fabien Camus of Genk and Stephane Houcine Nater of St Gallen were born of Tunisian parents and can be claimed by the North African country.

In a statement, the Tunisian FA announced the development, telling the fans to "accept it and to move on”.

Meanwhile, the Eagles won their friendly match against a second division team Sporting ben Arous 2-0 when they played them on Wednesday, with both Fabien Camus and Ahmed El Akaishi being on form.

Fifa opens SA match-fixing probe

Frustrated with South African delays, Fifa's ethics committee prosecutor has opened an investigation into allegations of match-fixing in international friendlies in the buildup to the 2010 World Cup.

Fifa said in a statement to The Associated Press on Friday that Michael Garcia, the chairman of Fifa's ethics committee investigating chamber, had moved ahead because the South African government had not yet set up an inquiry, seven months after it was agreed it would.

Fifa said Garcia "has decided to open a preliminary investigation on the alleged cases of match-manipulation in South Africa in view of the time elapsed" since South Africa had initially agreed to start its own probe.

Fifa found strong evidence that international friendlies played in the host country just weeks ahead of the World Cup three years ago were fixed, with allegations that the matches were manipulated by crooked referees working for illegal Asian betting syndicates.

The alleged fixing came dangerously close to football's biggest event, with one of the games under suspicion the official opening of the Soccer City stadium in Soweto, the showpiece venue that hosted the World Cup final.

Although the exact games have not been identified, South Africa's 5-0 win over Guatemala and 2-1 win over Colombia in May 2010, just before the World Cup, have long been under suspicion. Three penalties were awarded in each match, mostly for handball, with a number of the decisions questionable.

The move by Fifa's ethics committee exposes a further breakdown in the relationship between the world body and its former World Cup host. South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula has criticised Fifa this week, accusing it of interfering in South Africa's business.

Fifa said on Friday it was authorized to investigate under its ethics code if "if associations fail to prosecute potential breaches of that code."

Mbalula led the South African delegation that met with Fifa in April, when it was agreed that South Africa's government would set up an inquiry to look into the fixing. As part of the agreement, Fifa asked for Garcia to be included on the commission.

The inquiry is being handled by South African President Jacob Zuma but no progress has been announced in seven months and it appears the commission members to lead the investigation have not even been appointed.

Ibex did not score in Addis

On October 13, 2013, African champions, Nigeria were under the cosh in Addis Ababa as the Walia Ibex threatened to rip them to shreds in the first leg playoff of their 2014 Fifa World Cup playoff.

The Nigerians were hardly having a kick in the early stages of the game as the Ethiopians dominated comprehensively.

Salhadin Said, Ethiopia’s most influential player, sent the 22,000 fans in the stands into frenzy in the 24th minute when he “scored” the game’s opening goal but as the striker wheeled away in celebration, he was stopped in his tracks by the referee, Neant Alioum who ruled that Nigerian defender, Godfrey Oboabona had cleared the effort off the line.

Said was livid but Oboabona has now exclusively told supersport.com that the referee was right to wave play on as he cleared the ball before it crossed the line.

“I am a very honest man. If the ball had crossed the line, I would have allowed it to hit the back of the net. I was closest to the ball than anyone in that stadium so when I say the ball did not cross the line, you have to believe I am saying the truth,” he said.

The Ethiopians eventually took the lead through Behalu Assefa in the 56th minute. Fans of the Super Eagles put the blame squarely on goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who appeared to be beyond his line when he grabbed Assefa’s harmless looking cross-shot.

The Nigerian goalkeeper and captain, Enyeama absolves himself of any blame and is still very angry that referee Alioum decided to award the goal.

“I am convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that none of those balls crossed the line. I knew how I positioned myself and I know where I caught the ball.

“The images seen on television were not conclusive. None of the efforts of the Ethiopians crossed the line so technically, you can say Ethiopia never scored in the first leg,” Enyeama said.

Both sets of players will finally have the chance to set the records straight and hopefully, the game will not hog the headlines over dodgy refereeing decisions.

Under-fire NZ coach defends tactics

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has defended his tactics in the All Whites' 5-1 humiliation in Mexico, amid calls for him to step down after eight years in charge.

Herbert has come under fire for negative tactics and selecting aged players for the loss in the first leg of the World Cup qualifier, which has left New Zealand with virtually no chance of progressing to Rio next year.

But the 52-year-old put the blame for the result on uncharacteristically poor defensive performances from his players and indicated he was not willing to go quietly.

In post-match remarks to New Zealand media published Friday, Herbert suggested there was no one capable of replacing him when asked whether he wanted to stay after the second leg in Wellington next week.

"Don't know yet, is there anybody better?" said the coach, whose contract officially ends when the All Whites' World Cup campaign draws to a close.

Herbert took over the All Whites in 2005 and for most of his tenure also coached the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's only professional football club.

Undoubtedly the highlight of his time in charge was New Zealand's qualification for the 2010 World Cup, the first time the football minnows had reached the showcase tournament in 28 years.

Herbert's tactics in South Africa were ultra-conservative but gained New Zealand three draws in the group stages, including a 1-1 tie against the-then defending champions Italy.

He said he was tired of senior players, rather than he and his coaching staff, being credited with the team's success in 2010.

"What does annoy (me) is that this group, this management group has never had the full reflection of what was achieved at that World Cup," he said.

Fairfax New Zealand said Herbert risked tarnishing his legacy if he tried to stay on.

"(He is) more interested in seeking credit for past glories instead of living in the now and apologising to New Zealand football fans," it said under the headline "Herbert's lived charmed life, now time to walk".

Dike out to roast Antelopes

FC Toronto star Bright Dike, is a very happy man as he looks to make the best use of this opportunity granted to him by Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi.

Dike, a late replacement for injured SC Heerenveen striker, Uche Nwofor hopes to cement a place in the team as the 2014 World Cup beckons.

The former Portland Timbers striker is optimistic that Nigeria will do the business against Ethiopia on Saturday and hopes to play some part to ensure Nigeria grabs her fifth World Cup ticket.

"I'm really glad to be back. Injuries have set me back a bit but my desire is to help Nigeria qualify for the World Cup," he told supersport.com in Calabar.

"Wearing the national colours is a huge incentive, a major honour and I'm glad to be part of this team that is about to make history.

"The team is united and raring to go. The first leg has been done and dusted, but we will treat this return leg like a cup final so that there will be no excuses," said Dike.

Dike, who scored in Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Catalonia prior to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, is happy to be with the team in Nigeria and says he is enjoying every bit of the experience.

"This is my first experience with the national set up in Nigeria. I must say it's been a wonderful experience and the atmosphere is totally unique.

"I've got folks and family here in Nigeria, and my grandparents are here as well, so I'm at home. It feels great. I'm loving it," he revealed.

Dike has two caps for the Super Eagles with a goal to the good.

Cameroon, Tunisia battle for WCup spot

Cameroon and Tunisia will be hoping to qualify for the 2014 Fifa World Cup when they clash at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Sunday, kick-off 16h0 (CAT, SA, GMT+2).

The indomitable Lions head into the encounter with a slight advantage having held the Eagles of Carthage to a goalless draw in the first leg in Rades last month.

The 0-0 result was largely due to the heroics of Charles Itandje who made several sparkling saves to frustrate the Tunisians.

Cameroon coach Volker Finke who will be aiming to guide Cameroon to their second successive World Cup finals has a full strength squad to choose from with a number of players returning from injury.

Skipper Samuel Eto’o who briefly retired from national football will lead the line for the hosts. His return to form at club side Chelsea will come as a huge relief to Finke who will be counting on the experience marksman to lead the Lions to Brazil.

Queens Park Rangers left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Lyon fullback Henri Bedimo and Sevilla midfielder Stephane Mbia have notably returned to the Lions setup.

Mbia didn’t feature in the first leg after picking up an injury while playing for Spanish club side Sevilla.

Cedric Raoul, Landry Nguemo and striker Vincent Aboubakar have also returned to face the North African side.

Meanwhile, Tunisia coach Ruud Krol has not included veteran forward Issam Jemaa in the 26-man squad. Jemaa has been replaced by Esperance forward Ahmed Akaich while former captain Karim Haggui who wasn’t in the initial squad has replaced the injured Alaeddine Yahia.

The former Orlando Pirates coach will have to do without Toulouse defender Aymen Abdennour who picked up an injury while star midfielders Youssef Msakni and Oussama Darragi still don’t fit into his plans.

The duo of Houcine Nater and Fabien Camus are still waiting on clearance and it is still uncertain whether Krol will be able to pick the pair.

Nater and Camus have seen their application for Tunisian citizenship rejected by the Ministry of Justice as they are not residence in Tunisia.

Rennes and Indomitable Lions midfielder Jean II Makoun expressed that his side will give everything to conquer Tunisia and subsequently book their place in next year’s World Cup.

“We will give our 100% to make sure that the team which will take on Tunisia has everything it takes to win. If we are here it is to go to the World Cup. We do not aim at anything else but the qualification,” Jean II Makoun told camfoot.com.

Krol who will be aiming to guide the Eagles of Carthage to their first World Cup since 2006 lamented his side’s missed opportunities in Rades before adding that he feels they have what it takes to score in Yaounde.

“It is a pity to have missed so many opportunities [in Rades]. We were in control for most of the game, with some shaky phases from time to time,” said the Dutch coach.

“We must not forget who were in front of us. Now we will do everything to score a goal in Yaounde. We have what it takes to achieve it.

Russia needs sanction system to battle racism

Michel Platini, the chief of the European football ruling body Uefa, on Friday called on the Russian Football Union (RFU) to work out a clear set of sanctions to punish racist abuse at football venues.

"We've discussed this problem at the Uefa congress. If one footballer abuses the other he's banned for the offence. But for the unruly behaviour of fans we have to penalise the spectators," Platini said on a visit to Moscow.

"We had and will always have zero tolerance to racism. You can close the stadiums partially or completely in case of the fans' racist behaviour."

However, Platini said he opposed the idea of points deduction as a penalty measure for the clubs.

"In this case not the clubs but their fans will decide the result of the matches," Platini said.

Last month Russia's reigning champions CSKA Moscow were hit with a partial stadium ban by Uefa due to racist abuse of Manchester City's Yaya Toure in a Champions League match.

In a statement, Uefa said that their disciplinary body had ordered the closure of Sector D of CSKA's Arena Khimki for the club's next Champions League game against Germany's Bayern Munich on November 27.

"The fight against racism is a high priority for Uefa. The European governing body has a zero tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands," a Uefa statement said.

Manchester City's captain Toure – who is from Ivory Coast – claimed he was the target of racist chanting during his club's 2-1 win in Moscow on October 23.

Toure later said a boycott of the 2018 World Cup, which Russian will host, should be considered in case the country's football bosses fail to solve the racism problem.

On other matters, Platini said he was opposed to the idea of a unification of the Russian and Ukrainian leagues into a single championship.

"The Russian and Ukrainian leagues are both strong and financially stable and there's no necessity to unite them into a single championship," Platini told a news conference.

"I can only praise the Russian Football Union and Ukrainian Football Federation for their decisions to withdraw from the project of integration."

Last year Alexei Miller, the head of the state-run gas giant Gazprom, which is the main sponsor of three-time Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg, suggested the idea of unification of the Russian and Ukrainian leagues.

Some clubs from Belarus and Armenia also voiced their desire to play in an eventual unified championship.

Kaindu focused on title run in

Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu says it is crucial to keep a firm grip at the apex of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in the remaining two matches of the season.

An injury time strike by Ozias Zibande saw Highlanders beat Triangle at Barbourfields on Wednesday to dislodge Close rivals and defending champions Dynamos from the top.

They have a narrow one point lead over Dynamos and third-placed Harare City.

“This is not the time to lose a point. Every point counts so it is important to tightly hold on at the top,” Kaindu said.

“We lost a lot of points earlier on in the season and that is coming back to haunt us. I think that gave us a strong lesson that we have to fight hard for maximum points.”

Making the league race more interesting is the fact that Highlanders face Harare City on Sunday in a match that will definitely have a huge bearing on the campaign.

“This is a very big match. We are playing a team that is also fighting for the championship. It feels like its a final of a Cup game,” the Zambian gaffer said.

Highlanders are bidding for a first league title since 2006 while City are in race for their first ever league title in only their second top-flight football season.

Messi marks 10th anniversary in Barcelona

Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of Lionel Messi's first-team debut with Barcelona, when the Argentine came on as a 16-year-old substitute during a friendly against Porto in Portugal.

"It was a very important moment in my career because I realised a dream that I had had since I was very young," Messi told Barca TV in an interview.

"I had fought hard to reach this moment, and it was very special."

Barca's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard brought on Messi for Fernando Navarro in the 75th minute of the inaugural match at the Dragao stadium in 2003, against a Porto side managed by Jose Mourinho.

Wearing the number 14 shirt, the floppy-haired youngster showed a few flashes of his talent, but Barca lost the game 2-0.

"We enjoyed the game, the experience with the first team, travelling and so on, because it was new for all of us, but when we returned we kept our heads focused on the Juvenil A team," Messi said of the trip made with some of his youth-team colleagues.

"(My parents and the coaches) told me to enjoy everything I was experiencing and that there was no reason to change, that I should continue in the same vein.

"I think I am still the same person. I still view things the same way, but many years have passed now and I have continued growing, learning and valuing everything."

Now 26, Messi has won four consecutive World Player of the Year awards, three Champions League winners' medals and six La Liga titles and has smashed various scoring records in the process, becoming Barca's leading scorer of all time in the league.

He is in the running for a fifth World Player of the Year award in January but has been knocked off his stride by a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him on the sidelines for six to eight weeks.

Messi is working on the first part of his recovery in Barcelona and will return to Buenos Aires for the latter stages. He is not expected to be back in action until after La Liga's two-week winter break at the end of December.

Barca top the standings, three points ahead of Atletico Madrid, and are six ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid in third.

They have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League which resumes in February, and meet third-tier Cartagena in the last 32 of the King's Cup in December.

Di Canio hits back at O'Neill’s criticism

Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio hit back at Martin O'Neill's criticism of his time at the Premier League club by saying the new Ireland manager was 'not very big'.

O'Neill, who was sacked by Sunderland in March as they faced the prospect of relegation and replaced by Di Canio, called the Italian a 'managerial charlatan' last week.

"I don't know if he knows the meaning of this word charlatan," Di Canio said in an interview with Sky Sports News broadcast on Friday. "Probably I can teach him, even if I am not English.

"I respect the opinion of manager Martin O'Neill but the fact that he spoke after six months, not straight away, that proves what kind of level he is. He is not very big.

"A charlatan is a manager who spends £40 million to be a top 10 club and then sees the club sink into the relegation zone," the 45-year-old added.

Di Canio, who had previously coached third-tier Swindon Town, publicly questioned the fitness of the Sunderland players when he took over from O'Neill and reiterated his belief that it had been poor.

"The fitness level wasn't bad, it was pathetic," the former striker said.

"I had players who told me they had cramps from driving the car," he said. "I had three players with injuries in the calf after 20 minutes of a game. Six different players with problems means they were not fit."

BUST-UP

Di Canio kept Sunderland in the Premier League last season but was sacked five games into the current campaign following a 3-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion which left the club bottom of the table on one point.

British media reported a training ground bust-up the day after the defeat led to the squad demanding club owner Ellis Short remove Di Canio, but the Italian denied this had happened.

"It never happened. There was a typical meeting that I used to have the day after every game to see the clips, to analyse the game. Maybe there was opinion but this happens in every good family," he said.

Despite his first managerial post at a Premier League club ending in acrimonious circumstances, Di Canio, who enjoyed a colourful playing career with clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio, West Ham United and Celtic, was confident of working in England again.

"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. I can't wait to have another chance with the right people that let me work in my way," he said. "Now I feel a better manager than before, much better.

"Even if I have requests from around Europe I don't go. I understand that in England there is not anymore space for me so I'll wait.

"It would be stupid for some chairman if they don't call me. Even if it's at a Championship (second-tier) club with a project.

Ethiopia now smug in Calabar

They are here flawlessly arriving at 2 pm CAT yesterday courtesy of arguably Africa's best airline and seemingly they love it.

Unlike the Kenyan and Malawian teams that remained virtually segregated before and after the 90 minutes on the green ironically at the same Channel View Hotel, these East Africans seem friendlier and a more bubblier crowd as verified by both writer and the Hotel staff.

Under the constant cluck clucking of Coach Bishaw who plays the role of Mother hen as well as Father and gaffer with relative ease, the team seems very relaxed and ready for D day fortifying themselves yesterday with nutrients including what we suspect were morsels of the flat pancake like bread called Nyara but eaten like ‘fufu’.

As of the time of this filing the team was in training at the University of Calabar after a light breakfast and a ride through the state’s capital.

Storm Clouds over Calabar Stadium - venue of Saturday's do or die cracker.

Fans were especially appreciative of Saladin, Shemeles and the tough talking captain Debebe whom they cheered and sometimes jeered in jest. But it was Saladin who they all pointed too calling him Armoured Car after the Army vehicle.

The fact that months ago hardly any Nigerian fan would have known these players shows how much the locals appreciate a quality opponent that has now wormed their way into their football hearts.

The team is expected to hold a closed door session later on today at the main bowl of the Calabar Stadium which they initially saw yesterday.

SA readies for Spain showdown

World and European champions Spain are expected to land at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning accompanied by an entourage of close to 50 members of the media.

The Spain team, teeming with world superstars, is scheduled to touch down at 08:55am in a chartered plane. Before heading to their hotel, they are scheduled to conduct a joint press conference with their Bafana Bafana counterparts.

Among those expected to welcome the Spain team are Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan, Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane and Spain’s accredited Ambassador to South Africa.

The world champions are expected to use Orlando Stadium for their training sessions apart from the final one which will take place at the match venue on Monday.

Both Bafana and Spain delegations have provisionally set some time on Monday to meet with the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma.

Bafana will train at FNB Stadium from 11:00-12:00am on Monday while Spain should train from 7:30-8:30pm.

More than 30 000 tickets are already in the hands of soccer fans eager to watch the best team in action against our own Bafana Bafana and fans are urged to avoid a last minute rush to buy tickets.

“Go and buy your ticket this weekend if you have not done so already. This is a rare opportunity to see world champions live in action. Such an opportunity does not avail itself more often; so do the right thing and join thousands other soccer fans on a night of soccer extravaganza,” said Jordaan.

Spain has named a star-studded side, most of whom were part of the 2010 World Cup that went on to beat Netherlands 1-0 through an Andres Iniesta strike at FNB Stadium.

Meanwhile, Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is adamant the team he has selected has what it takes to hold its own against the best team in the world.

“We have the capacity to do well but I want to urge South Africans to come in their thousands and witness what should be an exciting night of entertaining football,” said Igesund.

Bassey waives off Tenger

Akwa United technical director, Charles Bassey has stoutly denied involvement in the resignation of the side coach, Justin Tenger.

Tenger had in the wake of his resignation from the Uyo-based side he steered away from relegation in the out gone 2012/13 Glo Premier League season specifically mentioned the director as the main reason why he walked away from the side.

However in a stout denial of the accusation levelled on his person, Bassey said he had healthy working relationship with the side gaffer while his tenure lasted and was shocked to be fingered negatively in his resignation from the side he reigned for a season.

"I never had any problem with coach Justin Tenger in Akwa United, I had good relationship with him throughout his stay.

"Tenger came to Akwa United to sign one year contract which elapsed on Sunday, October 20 though with an option of renewal but he chose to resign so how could I've been the reason he quitted the side.

"Tenger told us at the time he endorsed his contract that Akwa United will be the last team to coach thereafter he'll quietly retire to his home town.

"I'm surprised to hear he's saying he has a season more to finally quit coaching.

"We had past coaches before him and they left the club on a happy note so why is he trying to create disaffection where none exists. We had Godwin Uwua, Solomon Ogbeide, among others.

"I'll be stupid to have problem with coaches I helped to employ what do I stand to gain," Bassey said to supersport.com.

Bassey equally denied knowledge that coach Tenger lost his elder brother on the eve of the side last day match at Kwara United in Lokoja.

"Tenger never told me he lost his elder brother on the eve of our match at Kwara United, he never mentioned it to me, I was there with them in Lokoja to lend my own technical and moral support.

"Similar incident happened in the past we just lost a game 1-3 to Enugu Rangers in Enugu only to be told that the coach has left for his home town for pension exercise and I was not told.

"What a manner of coach is he and here he is labelling me an insensitive person.

"Its a normal practice for coaches to submit their technical report at the end of a season it helps teams to appraise the past season and plan for the new one.

"I don't think that was a crime asking him to submit his even though I never knew he lost a brother.

"Ordinarily, I've refused to join issue with him but decided to bare everything I've no grudge against him, he signed one year contract he is done with it and he has left.

"We're the one to complain as he didn't submit his report before quitting his job but we've decided to forge ahead and prepare for the upcoming season.

"The players are supposed to return from break on Tuesday I'm available as technical director to receive them pending the time management will decide on new coach," Bassey said.

Showdown looms in Owerri

Strong indications emerged on Monday of a possible showdown at the Glo Premier League side, Heartland as old players have vowed to defy management’s Monday, November 18 return to camp order.

The management of the Owerri-based side on Monday asked returning players to resume camp on Monday, November 18 failure of which such absentees would be seen to have left the side.

The management also decided to officially end the side ongoing break on Tuesday, November 12 said to have commenced on Sunday, October 22 to pave the way for the start of preparations for the upcoming 2013/14 season.

Trials of new players will commence on Wednesday at the Old Stadium Ground, Owerri while the Naze camp of the side will be opened for the returning players on Friday, November 15.

However an unnamed prominent player of the side said no old player will heed the return to camp order until the management addresses the lingering financial indebtedness to the players that saw the players depart to their respective homes like orphans at the end of the season.

“I don’t think any old player will return to camp on Monday, November 18 as ordered by the management.

“First and foremost, nobody was given an official break as claimed by the management, we left camp on our only volition when the government and management reneged on their promises to pay us our outstanding entitlements.

“Many of us were left without a dime after a whole season to feed or take care of ourselves as we’re momentarily turned into beggars.

“Many of us were stranded in Owerri and couldn’t afford to travel back after it became obvious that the government was not going to keep its words to us.

“So how can a management who knew the hard time we passed through at the end of the season be ordering us back without any mention of any plan to offset their indebtedness to us?

“Have they bordered to ask us or find out how we’re coping in our different homes and where do they expect us to get money to come back to camp. We’ll defy the return order and wait for the consequence.

“Management must demonstrate they’re alive to their responsibility and interested in the welfare of the players. They must do the first thing first, we’re human and not animals,” said the player who wants to be unnamed to supersport.com.

The two-time Federation Cup winners managed to finish the season on the 11th position on 52 points following series of disquiets that engulfed the side over financial matters at the out gone season.

Ethiopia to play dirty charges Temile

Former Super Eagles winger, Clement Temile has charged Eagles to psyche themselves up to confront an Ethiopian side sure to play dirty as well as toy with the spoilers' role.

The 2013 Afcon champions will engage their Ethiopian

counterparts, Walya Antelopes in Saturday's decisive 2014 Fifa World Cup play-offs duel at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar. The overall winners will qualify for the four-year global football showpiece in Brazil.

Temile said the East Africans are good on the pitch only lacked clinical finishing but urged Eagles to come into the game with a winning aura that will undue the opponents as well as aid their qualification.

"I want Eagles to take the match seriously as there is nothing in the form book that guarantees victory to the side on the basis of first fixture win in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"Eagles must come into the game with the mindset to qualify for the World Cup.

"Ethiopians play wonderful football but lacked good finishing which is possible their coach would've worked and corrected by the time they'll be squaring up against Nigeria.

"Eagles must expect difficult game from Ethiopia. Of course, they've nothing to lose in the game and that may make the game tricky.

"Ethiopians know it will take miracle for them to beat Eagles for the Brazil 2014 ticket so they're mostly coming to have fun, play dirty and see if they could achieve the spoiler role.

"But Eagles team spirit can always make nonsense the ploys Ethiopians will come up with.

"Though the side play very well in the middle and showed team work as majority of their players play same domestic league I believe Keshi will surely come around it.

"Admitted Eagles midfield was porous in Addis Ababa but its the side that win at the end of the day that's important not the side that play tip-tap style.

"I think Eagles will be up to the task and should be able to subdue the Ethiopians," said the former coach of English side, Kentish Town to supersport.com.

The former Beitar Netanya winger said Eagles should not settle for draw but go for convincingly win.

"Of course, draw will hand the ticket to Nigeria but Eagles shouldn't be satisfied with draw but go all out to record an emphatic win," said the former Bendel Insurance star.