Disclaimer: Gernot Rohr is still Super Eagles coach, says NFF

The Nigeria’s football governing body NFF has repudiated the rumour that it has sacked Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr.

Rohr, employed on 5 August 2016 is under contract till 31 December 2022 – a period covering till the end of Qatar 2022. The 68-year-old German has managed 54 international matches over the course of five years and three months, winning 28 of those matches.

Contrary to reports being circulated that the manager has been sacked, Gernot Rohr, the Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire has denied knowledge of the development.

“I’m not aware of Rohr’s sack because there are procedures for doing things at the federation. Before such decision could be taken, there will be a meeting of the NFF board and a release issued to the public. As for now, I’m not aware of the sack. The online platform you claimed reported the story cannot announce his sack without confirmation from the NFF,” Olajire said.

Similarly, the Super Eagles media officer, Femi Raji said he’s unaware of the development.

“I don’t know about Rohr’s sack,” he simply responded when asked to confirm the report.

The name of the Franco-German has played widely in both local and international media in the course of Thursday, with most platforms stating authoritatively that he has been given the heave-ho by the Nigeria Football Federation, his employers.

In a press release on Thursday, president of the federation, Amaju Pinnick stated that no decision has been made on the future of the gaffer.

“The board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is studying the report of the technical committee which is submitted after the match against Cape Verde in Lagos on Tuesday. There are number of possibilities but we have not taken a decision to sackGernot Rohr. I want to ensure you that whatever decision is eventually taken will be one that will please Nigerians.

“Mr Rohr has a contract with NFF and there is a procedure for disengagement. If we get to that bridge, both parties will look at the contract and see what has to be done both ways. The Super Eagles’ is a national assets, we are just fortunate to be in that space to take decisions. Any decision we take must be what will be acceptable to Nigerians near and far.”

According to Wikipedia, Gernot Rohr has 54.69% win rate as Super Eagles coach, winning 35 of his 64 Games in charge (including friendlies), drawn 16 and loss 13.

Former Barcelona coach unveiled as new Ukraine women’s national team coach

The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Football Association has approved the Spanish specialist Luis Cortes as the head coach of the national women’s national team of Ukraine.

The former Barcelona coach will start working with the national team on November 22, 2021, when the team will gather for a training camp. It will be recalled that on November 26, the national team of Ukraine will play away against Scotland, and on November 30 – against the national team of Hungary. He will also have to attend some league games of the Ukraine Women’s Championship to get talents for his new side’s encounters.

Assistant Joan Ruiz and physical training coach Escura Jordi will help the Spanish specialist.

Cortes has eight years of experience in women’s football. From 2014 to 2018 he led the Catalan teams WU12, WU16 and WU18, as well as the main team.

In the summer of 2017, Cortes joined the women’s team of FC Barcelona as an analyst, and later became an assistant coach. In May 2019, he replaced Fran Sanchez as head coach.

Under his leadership, the club reached its first final of the Women’s Champions League in 2019 , but could not win it, losing to Lyon.

A year later, in 2020, Barcelona won the Spanish Primera and the Spanish Super Cup. They also won the Copa de la Reina twice in two seasons.

In the 2020/21 season, Luis Cortes again takes Barcelona to the Champions League final, and this time, for the first time in the club’s history, they win the title of the strongest team in Europe, beating Chelsea in the final .

Thanks to this success, Cortes won the UEFA award as the best coach in Europe in women’s football, and was recognized as the best coach in Spain in 2021.

Chinese tennis star vanishes for accusing country’s former vice premier of sexual abuse

A French Open doubles champion has reportedly ‘vanished’ after accusing China’s former vice premier of sexual abuse.

Concerns are mounting for the safety of tennis star Peng Shuai. The former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion’s whereabouts are unknown after she accused a Chinese official of sexual assault.

Sport celebrities and fellow tennis pro spoke out after she went missing on November 2, since accusing Zhang Gaoli, of sexual assault.

Censors deleted Peng’s Weibo post and blocked her account. Advocates are demanding an investigation with the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.

She posted a long write up on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Facebook, that former vice premier Zhang Gaoli forced her to have sex with him, a post which was quickly deleted and all of her recent content has been removed from the site. The word tennis – ‘wangqiu’ – was even censored.

The post was taken down within 20 minutes as the site is heavily monitored by the state. Peng’s profile was briefly disabled and was not showing up when searched for. Also, writing about either her or Zhang on Weibo causes an error message to show. The error message says the post violates ‘relevant laws and regulations’.

Peng said that she and married Zhang had been involved in a periodical affair since 2011 when the pair met in Tianjin. The post explains how Peng slept with Zhang once that year, and possibly a second time before he was promoted to the bureau and cut all ties with her.

He allegedly rekindled their relationship in 2018 after his retirement from politics, and invited Peng for dinner with his wife after which he pressured the tennis star into sex. Peng claims she was ‘crying’ and refusing Zhang’s advances, before eventually succumbing and reigniting an ‘unpleasant’ three-year affair.

“You’ve said you are not afraid. But even as an egg hurled at a rock, a moth to a flame for self-destruction, I will speak the truth with you,” -she stated in her post.

The 35-year-old also admits to having no evidence that the affair happened as Zhang ensured it remained a secret.

During a press conference on November 3, a Beijing foreign ministry spokesperson refused to acknowledge the subject and declared: “I have not heard of it and it is not a diplomatic question.”

Zhang (75) was a vice-premier in Beijing and served on the ruling Communist party’s powerful seven-member standing committee of the Politburo.

After so much pressure and questions by the general public, on November 17, Chinese state media published a letter purportedly from Peng, claiming that she is safe, resting at home and that the allegations of sexual assault are not true. The observant public noticed a flaw in the supposed letter as a cursor was seen in between the write up which suggested it was an edited, fake letter.

The CEO of WTA, Steve Simon is also not convinced by this later. Hence, he said Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected. 

Lv Pin, a Chinese activist for women’s rights, tweeted her disgust upon learning of the news: “They [the CCP] have always been rotten and decadent.

“They’ve always been exploiting women, but it’s only that it’s been done behind black curtains.

“Her revelation is very important, for it lets people get a glimpse of the real life of China’s highest leaders, their excessive abuse of power, corruption and their fear behind a moral façade wrapped in power.”

Chinese feminists and #Metoo activists, journalist Sophie Huang Xueqin has reportedly been arrested and accused of ‘inciting subversion of state power’.

Not only is #WhereisPengShuai trending on all social media platforms, the streets of China have also be painted with her picture and hashtag demanding Peng’s whereabout.

The world of sports is asking the same question in one voice and demands an immediate but convincing answer; WHERE IS PENG SHUAI?

ICYMI: November 18 declared in the City of Lakeland as Uchenna Kanu’s Day

In 2019, the Mayor of the City of Lakeland, I.H. William Mutz declared November 18 as Uchenna Kanu’s Day to celebrate the contribution of the Nigerian star to collegiate soccer in the city.

With her 25th career hat-trick in all divisions (both men and women), the 2018 United Soccer Coaches NAIA Player of The Year, Uchenna Kanu became college soccer’s all-time leading career goal scorer at a single institution, scoring 147 goals within a four-year collegiate career to break Julia Schojan 146 goals for Fisher College in 2017.

The Nigerian has also won numerous awards since arriving at the Southeastern University; she is two time Sun Conference Player of The Year, three time First team all conference player, sixteen time Conference offensive player of the week and she also won the 2016 Sun Conference newcomer of the year.

In 2017, she started all 21 games for Southeastern and set single-season program records for goals scored (45) and points (100).

In 2018, she started 23 matches for the Fire and scored a program and NAIA single-season record 57 goals and recorded 18 assists. Her 132 points was also an SEU and NAIA single-season record. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management this December 2019.

John Terry and Roberto Carlos set to visit Nigeria on Saturday

Chelsea legend, John Terry and Real Madrid legend, Roberto Carlos to storm Lagos for Budweiser Game of Kings football match on Saturday where they will play alongside NPFL stars.

English Premier League and Spanish La Liga sponsor, Budweiser, is set to feature international football Kings, John Terry and Roberto Carlos in a new football-themed campaign tagged “Budweiser Game of Kings”.

The announcement was made at a press conference held by the Budweiser Team at the Southern Sun Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos recently.

The duo of Nigerian prodigies as Brand ambassadors, Ozomena of Big Brother Naija, and host Obi Ebuka will be championing the fans club for Smooth FC led by Roberto Carlos and John Terry’s Kings FC.

Former England and Chelsea centre-back, John Terry, says he his looking forward to visiting Nigeria. The 40-year-old is excited to be visiting the home of his former teammate, Mikel Obi, and meet Nigeria’s Chelsea fans.

“I am looking forward to coming, I have never been there before. I have obviously a very good teammate John Obi Mikel who is a legend. He’s told me many times JT (John Terry) you have to come to Nigeria. it’s a beautiful place.

“And you know what, when football get on the way, we are very busy, so I have never been out. Now I’m retired, I’m looking forward to coming, meeting the supporters. I have a big following on social media from Nigeria.” John Terry said to Channels.

For the first time in Nigeria, EPL & La Liga Kings of football will engage in a football game alongside the best of the NPFL players.

Marketing Manager, Budweiser, Olajumoke Okikiolu noted that the premium brand seeks to give millions of football lovers who double as beer lovers in Nigeria a unique experience that will stay with them for a long time.

“We are delighted to be able to give football fans in Nigeria the pleasure of watching Kings like John Terry and Roberto Carlos play live on our home soil and we have no doubt it will be an experience they will cherish for a long time to come. It’s also our way of appreciating our consumers who have been loyal to the Budweiser brand over the years.”

“There’s no contract or any official agreement with the NPFL, just a professional agreement. We want the best of players in the league, a rich pool of players involved, not necessarily all-stars in Nigeria although it might look like it.

“We want to expose NPFL with these European stars on the field. Their experience and leadership will come in handy for the NPFL players.

“This is the first edition, we will assess the outcome and see what’s next, we might actually do something different if not this same program as we aim to bring something different and exciting when this is over.” – Jumoke Okikiola, Marketing Director of Budweiser revealed.

Continental Cup Wrap-up: Manchester United beat City rivals, Tottenham wins big, Trent Alexander-Arnold cheers Liverpool to victory

Marc Skinner celebrated his first derby victory as Manchester United manager after a late goal from Ona Batlle secured an important three points in the Conti Cup group stages for the Reds.

Manchester United welcomed their archrival Manchester City to the Leigh Sports Villageon Tuesday night for the Continental Cup.

City had taken an early lead through Vicky Losado who banged her third goal of the season with a thumping drive. Ivana Ferreira Fuso levelled the score after half-an-hour with her second goal of this year’s Continental Cup, before Spanish full-back Ona Battle won the ball back in the City area before finishing well to give United the victory.

Leicester head coach Jonathan Morgan, made two changes to the side at weekend’s narrow defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion with Demi Lambourne once again coming into the cup side for Kirstie Levell and captain Sophie Barker returning from injury, in place of Georgia Brougham.

Durham’s Abby Holmes was shown a straight red card for tripping Molly Pike in the closing stages of the first half as the first half ended goalless.

Sophie Howard’s cross was expertly turned home at the far post by O’Brien, who netted her first of the season with a smart finish. Five minutes later. Pike poked home her maiden Foxes goal from close range, getting on the end of Jess Sigsworth’s dangerous ball into the box.

Nigerian international, Ashleigh Plumptre saw 63 minutes of action as the foxes earned their first win in all competitions this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was in attendance to cheer on Liverpool women to victory as they welcomed Blackburn Rovers for the Continental Cup encounter at the Prenton Park on Wednesday.

Aimee Hodgson pulled one back for Blackburn Rovers on the 85th minute but goals from Jade Bailey and Taylor Hinds earlier on in the game were enough for Liverpool to secure the win.

Liverpool opened the scoring on the 28th minute after Bailey knocked the ball over the line from a corner-kick at the far post. The hosts then doubled their lead early on in the second-half as this time Hinds headed home a swinging cross from Kearns.

Hodgson netted the team’s first away goal of the campaign. After a poor pass from the ‘keeper the ball fell to Hodgson inside Liverpool’s final third who took advantage of the ‘keeper being off her line, and she curled a great shot into the bottom right-hand corner of goal.

Spurs women schooled the Golden Girls of Watford at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium on Wednesday, in a 0-11 demolition.

With seven goal scorers and two hat-tricks, Tottenham Hotspur dominated the game from start to finish.

Goals from Asmita Ale (38), Esther Morgan (42), Angela Addison (45, 45+2, 78), Rosella Ayane (47, 60, 71), Chioma Ubogagu (54), Cho So-Hyun (85) and Isabella Lane (89).

Full matchday results:

UWCL: Arsenal edge closer to the last eight

Arsenal meticulously wore a stubborn HB Køge down in a hard fought 3-0 win at the Meadow Park on Wednesday.

Caitlin Foord opened the scoring in the 15th minute as she met Beth Mead’s cross to tap in her second goal in the group.

The visitors finally tired-out in the closing ten minutes and Arsenal pounced, as Beth Mead set up Lotte Wubben-Moy who doubled the lead with a precision header in the 83rd minute before a sweet Vivianne Miedema finish assisted by Catley five minutes later sealed the points.

The Gunners go six points clear of Hoffenheim in second and end the hopes of their Danish visitors.

UWCL: Nagelsmann on ground as Bayern Frauen hands Lyon its first defeat

The coach of the senior men’s team, Julian Nagelsmann was on ground to watch Bayern Munich inflicted Olympique Lyon with its first defeat this season in a 0-1 UEFA Women’s Champions League win at the Bayern Campus Platz 1 on Wednesday.

A week ago, the Munich team lost 2-1 in Lyon and then suffered another bitter defeat in the championship with a 1-0 defeat against VfL Wolfsburg. Nagelsmann’s cheer in the stands could be the motivation needed for this crucial match.

Saki Kumagai, who came from Lyon at the beginning of the season, scored the lone goal in the 69th minute with a beautiful header from a Simon’s corner kick cross.

Jostled for 75 minutes, the seven-time European champions woke up at the end of the match, but too late to reverse the score.

Lyon remain at the top of Group D with 9 points in four matches, and a victory in the next match on November 17 at Benfica –who they have beaten 5-0 in the first leg– would qualify the record winners for the knockout phase.

UWCL: First group stage win for Christy Ucheibe and Benfica over Häcken

Portuguese side, SL Benfica picked its first win of the group stage of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 1-2 win over BK Häcken at the Bravida Arena, Gothenburg.

Cloe Lacasse opened the scoring for the Portuguese Champions three minutes into the game before Erlin Rubensson equalised for BK Häcken from the penalty spot in the 74th minute.

Rubensson had converted a penalty for Häcken to secure a 1-0 win at Benfica last week and scored another spot kick tonight, after Christy Ucheibe handled in the box with a little over 15 minutes remaining. 

A stoppage time winner from Catarina Amado in the 92nd minute, ensures Benfica earned the first three UWCL points this season.

Nigerian international, Christy Ucheibe played for 79th minute before being replaced by Andreia Faria.

SL Benfica occupy the third position in Group D behind Lyon and Bayern Munich.

UWCL: Barcelona Femeni through to quartefinals after thrashing Hoffenheim

With two games remaining, FC Barça Women are already mathematically a quarterfinal team after a commanding 0-5 win against TSG Hoffenheim on Wednesday at the Dietmar-Hopp Stadion, Sinsheim.

Alexia Putellas 41st minute penalty separated both sides at halftime. Irene Paredes doubled the lead in the 53rd minute through Mapi Leon’s assist. Four minutes later, Fridolina Rolfö assisted Aitana Bonmati to increase the Catalan side’s lead to three. Mariona Caldentey and Ana-Maria Crnogorčevic completed the goal scoring in the 89th and 90th minute respectively.

It is the seventh time in a row that the defending Champions has entered the third-to-last round of the top continental competition.

Up to six players from this squad will play their seventh quarterfinals of the Champions League: Sandra Paños, Melanie Serrano, Marta Torrejón, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro and Mariona Caldentey.