Congratulations, Champions Of Africa.

   Ivory Coast triumphed as African Cup Of Nations kings after beating Ghana 9 - 8 on penalties. Boubacar Barry, the Ivorian goal keeper stopped Ghana's goalkeeper, Brimah Razak's penalty before slotting home his own to hand the Ivorians a hard earned AFCON triumph.
   Just before the tournament started I tipped Senegal and Algeria to make the final two but it's now clear I lost my money. I chose them based on player quality and team work. But football being what it is showed up with its drama. Both teams didn't make the last four.
Didier Drogba announced his retirement from international football last year. Therefore,people wrote off Ivory Coast's chances at the 2015 AFCON because the most regular face of Ivorian football in the last decade was exiting. Prior to then, Wilfried Bony had arrived EPL on the payroll of Swansea and was expected to be a hit. On the international scene he was played second fiddle to the Chelsea hit man. He had limited games. So when Didier retired, the responsibility to lead the line for Ivory Coast fell on him and deliver them he did. Yaya, the most influential player for club and country was the centre of all attention as he was expected to lead the Ivorians. He lead beautifully, even scoring an 'angry' goal in the process.
   Ivory Coast emerged champions. They worked for it, they got it. It would have been a shame if the entire 'golden generation' of Ivory Coast retired without lifting the AFCON. They did so this time and in style. Their manager, Renard Hevre, having led the Chipolopolo of Zambia to victory in the 2012 edition made name for himself by equally lifting the trophy with Ivory Coast. The French man has indeed etched his name in the thick heart of African football.
   In a pure case of a family whose father is not around and roundly bullied by neighbours, Manchester City will be very glad to  have Yaya Toure back. Their games in Yaya's absence proved to even the mooing cows that Manchester City is Yaya and Yaya is Manchester City. They looked like a school boy team in his absence so they will be happy to have their Yaya back. With all pleasure.
   While the Nigeria football house of commotion continue with their unending drama, it's felicitations, champions d'Afrique.

Photo credit: bbc.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

Dear Alexis, please don't leave. Sincerely, Gooners.

   The former Barcelona man arrived Emirates in the summer and became an instant hit. He has lifted Arsenal from murky waters time and time again. His pace, eye for goal and penchant for taking on defenders has been a great asset for the London side. Little wonder then, when we woke up few days ago and saw a quote accredited to him detailing his intention to leave, Arsenal fans dipped their rosaries in hot spicy water and knelt down in supplication to whatever god they believed in. Surely not again!
   Patrick Vierira, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie are some of the Arsenal 'carriers' of the past that the fans haven't come to terms with their departures. The match just concluded at the White Heart Lane just shows how conservative Arsene Wenger is and underlines Alexis' importance.
     Arsenal pounced first, capitalising on a midfield error. The ball was fed to Danny Welbeck who glided past Danny Rose to deliver a cut back into the box. Mesut Ozil, unmarked at the other end of the post calmly despatched the ball into the net beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris. That however, didn't move Spurs. They kept playing as though they hadn't conceded. Infact they could as well have been eating akara + akamu as they kept playing like that overly confident Iya Basira who knows you must come to buy her food whether you liked it or not. They kept their cool. Moussa Dembele linked the two extreme departments while Mason roved effectively. It's was a matter of time before Spurs struck. From a corner kick the ball found Harry Kane almost unmarked and he kicked the ball beyond the impressive Ospina's reach. Spurs kept coming. The only other meaningful attack by Arsenal came when Welbeck wriggled out from Spurs' right corner flag and bent the ball towards the far post but 'agile monki' Lloris stretched and palmed the ball away for a corner. Spurs kept their onslaught and it paid off when Harry Kane, sandwiched between Arsenal defender rose like a stallion and headed home. He reeled off celebrating even before the ball touched the net as Ospina was hopelessly kneeling at the other end. The End.
    Even the introduction of a player I consider Arsenal's best midfielder, Tomas Rosicky couldn't help matters. The same Harry Kane that buried Chelsea, buried Spurs, with sights set on Manchester United next.
    The last thing Arsenal fans want to hear or even imagine is Alexis' exit. He has carried the team's responsibilities and duly delivers. His turn of pace is a nightmare for any opposition. His eye for goal, orgasmic. When the chips are down, Alexis Sanchez stands to the task. He is a player to be banked on. But then, for how long will Wenger depend on this bright player to lift the team alone? Not for long. He will tire out like others before him, but for Wenger's good I hope he doesn't leave because if he does, fans will remember his conservative, 'aka gumic' nature and stuff it down his throat. Today's game is a typical example of an Arsenal game this season without the electric Alexis. In the mind of an Arsenal fan, Wenger should do all to ensure he doesn't leave. Even if he has to hand his daughter on a platter of gold to the Chilean, Gooners don't give a damn. For fans of other clubs, they keep vigil praying he leaves. Then again, his football is so beautiful that even opposing fans appreciate him. If it's not with a smile, never mind the frown. It's just an ugly cover for a smile of appreciation for the Chilean's beautiful game.

Photo credit; caughtoffside.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on Twitter: @ikenna005