Mourinho gets one match ban ,£50,000 fine

The Football Association has banned Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho from the touchline for one match after he accepted an improper conduct charge.

Mourinho was sent to stands after confronting referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.

He has also been fined £50,000 for media comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor prior to United's game at Liverpool.

The one-game touchline ban means the United boss will be missing from the touchline at Swansea City this weekend but will be back when Arsene Wenger brings his Arsenal side to Old Trafford on Nov. 19.

Jose Mourinho reacted furiously when his side had a penalty appeal turned down against Burnley.

In a statement, the FA said its Independent Regulatory Commission "heard that Mourinho accepted the comments he made about Taylor on Oct. 14 constituted improper conduct but denied they brought the game into disrepute."

But the commission found the disrepute element proven and warned the manager about his future conduct.

Mourinho "admitted using abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official" against Burnley.

He had reacted furiously late in the first half when Matteo Darmian saw his penalty appeals ignored.

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Emiloju acknowledges MFM FC'S fans

Julius Emiloju has expressed profound gratitude to MFM fans for their unflinching backing in the year 2016.

The Olukoya Boys did enough to retain their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) status, as they finished 16th thanks to their superior goal difference.

"There is no way we can forget our fans when talking about the year 2016. They have done a great job by standing solidly behind us inspite of all the difficulties we encountered," Oriyomi told Goal.

"We appreciate it and look forward to more seasons in the top flight. It was a perfect season for me. The fact that I managed to carve a niche for myself. I was also invited to the Nigeria U-23 squad.

"As a young player that was an indication of a good work done. I want to build on it next season," he said.

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Caf champions league top scorer award-: Enyimba mfon udoh delighted

Mfon Udoh is delighted to wrap up the 2015/16 season with the CAF champions league highest goal scorer award.

The 24-year old scored nine goals for Enyimba despite crashing out of the group stage.

"It's a mixed-feeling for me anyway, the team in general did not play to expectation, we failed to do what people expected of us, but at the same time, I was able to wrap it up with the highest goal scorer in the champions league. I didn't do that alone but with the help of my other colleagues, which shows we all still did something good, without team work, it would have happened," Udoh told Goal.

"Though it was a bad season for us, we have accepted that and believe that in the coming season we will do better.

"Actually, I wouldn't want to say anything concerning that at the moment, but I'm also still thinking on the next step to take, so nothing for now. So many things went wrong, played so many matches away from home, playing to many competitions at the same time, and I don't think the team also blended well too.

"We didn't play well to be frank, we didn't do our utmost best and that is why we were unable to do well, so we blame ourselves for that. Everybody has his own tactics, as a coach you have your own tactics and your own problem. Aigbogun's tactics did not work for Enyimba this season, so I can blame that on us all."

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Akwa utd welcomed me with open arm

Coach Abdu Maikaba has revealed Akwa United is his next club after he was well received by the Nigeria premier league outfit.

Maikaba quit Wikki Tourists, who he led to qualify for next year's CAF Confederation Cup, to sign a two-year contract with Akwa United.

He is expected to be presented to the public on Wednesday.

"The reception I received from Akwa United clearly showed me this is the place to work. I am looking forward to the new challenge in front of me," Maikaba said.

"I hope for a good working relationship with Paul Bassey (Akwa United chairman), who has a vast knowledge of the game. It was good when I worked in Bauchi and I have a lot of friends there now," he said.

"I still enjoy a good working relationship with the management and the players.I assembled a crop of young players who are always eager to learn. I am forever grateful to the fans for their support and the memories of my two seasons there will be with me forever."

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Nasarawa utd set sight on youth development

  Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit, Nasarawa United have made it a priority to focus on grassroots development programme in 2017.

This was confirmed to Goal by a top official of the club as part of the activities to encourage the youths to thrive in Lafia and its environs.

"We have decided to emphasise on youth development since it is the future of our club and Nigerian football. The plan is to unearth the next Jay Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami and the likes," a top official of the club told Goal.

"We know there are many 16 to 19-year-old footballers in the country who do not have the opportunity to develop their talent. We will pick these amazing talents and promote them to the main team.

The official noted that the team will compete with the best in 2017 and the developmental programme will serve as the platform for marketing the players that have been unearthed.

Nasarawa United will face FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the final of the Federation Cup on November 6.

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Aguda hails unity in Enugu ranger squad

Enugu Rangers midfielder, Godwin Aguda has expressed delight at being a champion with the Flying Antelopes.

"I will continue to be thankful to God because He alone deserves it. I haven't stopped believing and I know that I will achieve more. We are a bunch of players who play as a strong unit both on and off the pitch and that really worked positively for the team," Aguda told Goal.

"I knew something big will happen to me when I joined Enugu Rangers and two seasons on I'm a champion of the NPFL. The task ahead is huge, being the Nigerian champion and playing in the CAF Champions League comes with its pressure as our fans now expect even more from Enugu Rangers but we will continue to do our best."

Aguda has spent two seasons in Enugu, having moved from amateur club, Christ Ambassador who he led as captain to lift the 2015 Lagos FA Cup

Enugu Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigerian in the CAF Champions League in the 2017 season.

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Abubakar invited 13players for Gombe Utd screening

Says 'I'm still in charge of the team

Gombe United technical adviser, Hassan Abubakar has invited 13 new players for a week's screening exercise.

Abubakar disclosed to SportingLife that the screening will start today and end by weekend.

The former Technical Adviser of Olympic FC of Niamey, Niger Republic, who guided the team to the premier league, said he wants to beef up the team ahead of the Super Four clash.

He also stressed further that the team will start the pre-season camping at the end of the screening in a bid to have a good outing at the Super Four which he aims to win.

"I have invited 13 good players for screening to reinforce the team. The screening starts on Monday and ends at weekend. We are planning for pre-season training but it is not yet decided. The purpose of the pre-season is to prepare ahead of the super four competition which I hope to win and get the cup," Abubakar disclosed to SportingLife.

The former Technical Adviser to Niger Tornadoes, Kaduna United, Zamfara United, Sunshine Stars, Wikki Tourists, JUTH and Dolphins also said he is not distracted with the speculation going around about his position at the club.

"Everybody has the right to make his opinion. As you are hearing it I am hearing it too. All I now is that I am still in charge of the team for now. The club's management has not told me that theleadership position has changed. We are preparing well and we are not distracted."

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Etuemena-: Heartland management has not been dissolved

Chibuzor Goodfaith Etuemena has revealed that he still remains the chairman of Heartland and that the public should disregard the purported media reports credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ugonna Ozuruigbo that the Naze Millionaires' management has been dissolved.

Etuemena in a signed press statement through the club's Director of Media,Cajetan Nkwopara disclosed that the Imo State government which appointed him as the boss of the Owerri side has not said anything contrary and has warned the state's Deputy Speaker who within his scope as the Supervisor of the club, not to hijack it.

Etuemena said: "The facts remains that I was appointed the chairman of Heartland by the state government and the same government appointed Ozuruigbo as a supervisor in Heartland FC. If my position is to change, the same government will write and inform me that I am no longer the chairman of the club but this has not happened. I have checked and found that the government has not directed anybody to dissolve my management team.

"I am ready to work with Ozuruigbo as long as he is willing to limit his activities to the areas of his appointment. He has no right to take over the running of the club from me. He is a serving law-maker and Heartland is a parastatal. I don't know where in the civil service rule a sitting law-maker would be required to run a ministry or a parastatal while at the same time collecting his salaries and allowances from the same government source.

"May I therefore, seize this opportunity to reassure our great players, hard working technical crew members and staff as well as our loyal supporters club members and the general public that for now, nothing has changed and that Heartland FC are still intact while I remain the chairman."

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Enugu govt. Hosts rangers dec-19-21

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will host the victorious players and officials of Rangers between December 19 and 21, officials have disclosed.

According to the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Charles Ndukwe, these dates are to allow stakeholders and well wishers from home and abroad be part of the celebrations.

The government is expected to reward the team for this achievement.

Rangers were crowned Nigeria league champions on October 2 after they last won a major trophy in 1984.

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Enyimba yet to make decisions on aigbogun

Enyimba International Football Club are uncertain of the future of coach Paul Aigbogun.

"We are yet to take a decision on whether he (Paul Aigbogun) is to return or not so for now nothing is certain," a top official of Enyimba told Goal.

"We are focused on reviewing our season and mapping out plans on how to bounce back in a big way. The issue of coach Aigbogun's future is shelved for now.

"The management is filled with experienced personnel led by Felix Anyansi Agwu. So a good decision that will favour the club will be taken as and when due. We urge the press not to speculate but wait for official confirmation from us."

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3sc's Ibrahim mourns izu Joseph

3SC's Ajani Ibrahim has rued the death of the Oluyole Warriors' defender, Izu Joseph who was reportedly killed in his home town while on holiday at the end of the 2015/2016 NPFL season.

Izu died on his way to the hospital and Ibrahim who disclosed that he was very close to the former Bayelsa United player, said the Ibadan side have lost a rare gem that worked very hard to ensure that the Oluyole Warriors avoided relegation.

"I was pained when I heard about the death of Izu. It was a sad end to a fine footballer who has several years ahead of him," said Ibrahim.

"He was a good player and was part of the players that ensured that we were not relegated. I pray that God should give his family the fortitude to bear the loss and I will also like the police to fish out whoever is behind the killing."

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Wikki targets babaganaru as makaiba's replacement

According to a leak gathered by SportingLife, the management of Wikki Tourits of Bauchi has identified former Kano Pillars gaffer, Mohammed Baba Ganaru as its main target for the technical adviser position.

The Bauchi-based side sees Ganaru as the ideal candidate to replace its former technical adviser, Abdul Maikaba who left the club last Friday.

A source told SportingLife that Ganaru's continental and Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) experience is being considered by the management as a yardstick to bring him into the team.

SportingLife had exclusively reported on Sunday that Maikaba will sign a deal with Akwa United on Wednesday.

"All options are on the table for the management to take. We have to move on from Maikaba's exit and plan for the progress of the club. We can't stop Maikaba when he said he is leaving the club. He kept us in the dark for a very long time before he finally came out to tell us his decision.

"Coach Baba Ganaru has been shortlisted as a good replacement for Maikaba. He has been in the continental assignment before and he has won the premier league twice so we are looking towards his direction at the moment," a source disclosed to SportingLife.

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Rangers target Zambia world cup star for champions league

Nigeria champions, Rangers have listed two Zambia World Cup stars as well as players from Cote d'Ivoire and Benin Republic ahead of next year's CAF Champions League.

Coach Imama Amapakabo disclosed that Rangers are already in contact with two Zambians, who played against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month as well as two Ivorians, whose experience on the continent will be needed.

"We are also targeting a Benin Republic international whose name I don't want to disclose yet to boost the squad we have on ground," Imama added.

"We are equally working relentlessly to ensure that we keep our best players.

"As I speak, I am on my way to Enugu to submit my contract papers and discuss with the management on how we can start negotiating with clubs about the players needed for the CAF Champions League.

"We will give it our best to represent the country and prove that Rangers are worthy champions of Nigeria."

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Govt's attitude towards other sport is discouraging- oshonaike

As Nigeria's sole representative in the female event of the ongoing ITTF African Senior Championships, Olufunke Oshonaike is not happy with the attitude of government to other sports, saying that it is killing the spirit of the athletes.

The Germany-based star told NationSport that for the second time within a year, Nigeria female team is missing major championships in the ITTF calendar.

"I am sincerely not happy that despite the honours and laurels that table tennis has brought and still bringing to Nigeria, the government has not deemed it fit to show concern particularly in supporting the athletes to attend major competitions.

"I personally met the Sports Minister and the permanent secretary during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil that they should support other sports but with the absence of my teammates in Morocco, it is clear that nothing has changed. I could remember that when the football team wanted to play in Zambia last week, the money to get a chartered plane was released from nowhere but when it comes to other sports, the story seems to be the same.

"This is not too good. How can you imagine that Aruna Quadri who was celebrated worldwide and even by the Minister is yet to get support from his country? The young man has been sponsoring himself to major competitions across the globe but when the successes start coming, everybody will start to identify with him.

"Most of the countries in Morocco are not even richer or better than Nigeria but they are all here in Morocco and Nigeria which is regarded as African giant could not sponsor a team to the competition. I am not happy with those in charge of our sports and they have shown that they are not interested in other sports but when it comes to the successes of other sports, they will be the ones to be at the forefront celebrating the feat.

"I have nothing to gain again from playing the game as I am just there to encourage the younger players and I can imagine what those players will be feeling. I must also say categorically, that this present government care less of other sports with priority always to football.

"What does it cost to sponsor 16 players to a competition in Morocco? This cannot be compared to what they spend on the football team. Most of the male players sponsor themselves again to the competition and this is not too good as most of them are bread winners to their families," she added.

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Egyptian coach spies on Nigeria men's team

The Chinese coach of the Egyptian national team, Zhang Chao Ling was all over the place spying on the Nigerian men's team in anticipation of a possible final clash at the ongoing ITTF African Senior Championships holding in Agadir, Morocco.

At several occasions, the coach had to abandon the Egyptian female team to take a vantage position at the hall to be able to watch the Nigerian players train in readiness for their group matches in the team event.

With the inclusion of home-grown, Nurudeen Hassan and Jamiu Azeez and Italy-based Olajide Omotayo in the men's team, the coach who was familiar with Aruna Quadri wanted to catch a glimpse of the quality of Hassan, Azeez and Omotayo who are making their debut at senior level.

Hassan and Omotayo are former national junior players while Azeez has played his way into the team after his beautiful display in most of the organised tournaments in Nigeria.

Aware of the threat Nigeria might pose to his team, Coach Ling wasted no time at every opportunity to take a careful look at the Nigerian team to be able to understudy them in readiness for a possible showdown in the final.

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