FIFA Ballon d'Or. Echoes and opinion.

   Once again, the FIFA ballon d'or have come and gone. Ending months of speculations on who takes what home. The media and football community had been in a frenzy in the last couple of months over the awards. FIFA,one of the largest generators of available funds once again rolled out a legendary ceremony.
   The arguments had been rife. It was really an enjoyable period for football lovers. Arguments and banter over the print and electronic media. Street corners were not spared of the unending arguments. It raged on and on. But all that was laid to rest when FIFA crowned the Real Madrid and Portugal talismanic player,Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player on the planet for 2013. He beat of competition from Barcelona's greatest, Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.
   Under the original Ballon d'Or which was determined by journalists, Franck Ribery would have won the title as he polled 80 of the journalist votes. Miles ahead of what Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi came up with. But that wasn't to be as there had been a marriage of convenience in 2009 where the organisers of the award agreed to a merger with FIFA to align the award into a single one. A merger someone like me loathes with a passion. I have in recent times, ceased to be a fan of the award. This is because I believe it has become more of a popularity contest than what it should be. I believe the criteria for the award is wrong. I believe that since football is a team sport,the award should be made to be based on that singular factor and not the popularity contest it has since become. Topic for another day though. In 2010, Wesley Sneijder had a fantastic season with Inter Milan,horning a treble. While the journalist section voted him the best,the FIFA criteria ensured Lionel Messi won it. I have no confidence in the Sepp Blatter led FIFA. Same confidence I don't have in the present Alhaji Issa Hayatou led CAF. Or even worse. Their inconsistencies, horrible decisions and sit - tight attitude being hugely responsible. But because of the love for the game,we can never abandon football.
  Zlatan Ibrahimovic deservedly won the Puskas award for his goal against England. That goal still spreads a smile on the faces of those that saw it real time. A stunning beauty of a goal!
To the mother of them. FIFPRO eleven. I know it is voted for by footballers themselves. But we all remember vividly when Mario Balotelli claimed he hadn't heard of Jack Wilshere and Nicklas Bendtner claimed he didn't know Andre Arshavin until he signed for Arsenal. Does that mean we know footballers more than the footballers themselves? Because that is what it seems like,based on this FIFPRO crap. One may want to ask what Dani Alves is doing on the list? Alves? Lahm should have easily been slotted into the right full back position and David Alaba into the left full back. And Alves duly returned to Barcelona. Yaya Toure is my first pick for any midfield. Beast of a player! He commands the midfield with ease. Also, Ilkay Gundogan ran the Dortmund midfield very effectively while Schweinsteiger ran the Bayern midfield like a General. These are worthy mentions. Xavi and Iniesta,fantastic players any day,made the list on reputation. Also,Sergio Ramos was not even Real Madrid's best defender last term. Dortmund's Subotic or Bayern's Dante should have had that spot. My opinion.
   That said,apart from the outlined decisions, the ceremony itself was a beauty. The general organisation is laudable. The organisers deserve an award themselves. The gala makes a huge mockery of what is obtainable in Africa where the CAF organised Glo CAF awards is more of a comedy.
   We continue into the year with the belief of a beautiful season. Football leagues beckon and somewhere in the year, the always magnificent FIFA World Cup is lurking! Orgasmic!!

Glo CAF Awards; matters arising.

   The host city was Lagos. A large metropolitan city. The most bubbling city in Africa. The amount of human and vehicular traffic in Lagos is simply mind blowing. When Nigeria was slated to host the awards for this year, followers of the game in Africa predicted the host city to be Lagos.
   CAF, considered a notorious ring by most Nigerians,owing to the decision by the Alhaji Issa Hayatou led CAF to award Samuel Eto'o Africa's best over Nigeria's Jay Jay Okocha remains fresh in the mind of most Nigerian football followers. A decision considered as daft by most. Not knowing that the hypocritical CAF will show their colours again this year. The rate at which the football community keep loosing confidence in FIFA and CAF is on a steady. Reasons being the sit tight approach by the Presidents of the associations and ridiculous decisions taken by them at various points.
   The general organisation of the event begs questions. Personally,I switched on to the Super sports channel broadcasting the event only to switch back to my very captivating 'Arrow' series I had been watching for some days.
Yaya Toure is in my opinion,the best footballer in Africa. His commanding presence on the field is simply a delight. His strength, insight, awareness,ball usage and passing ability is just a beauty to behold. To the vast majority,it was going to be a straight battle between Yaya Toure and Nigeria's John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea holding midfielder had a marvelous 2013. From the AFCON victory where he shone like a million stars,to his Chelsea EUROPA Cup exploits and then his commanding presence for the Super Eagles at the FIFA Confeds, the player was considered a contender. For inexplicable reasons, a lot didn't reckon with Didier Drogba to win the CAF POTY. Himself,a past winner, the former Chelsea hit man who now ply his trade in Turkey was least expected to win it. I remember a certain year, it was a straight one between Jay Jay Okocha and Samuel Eto'o. The Camerounian striker won the award,even though Okocha was the favourite. A reason was cited by CAF apologists; Eto'o won trophies and Jay Jay did not. Okay. We took it,not with a pinch of salt but with a trailer load of it. Yesterday,based on Chelsea's exploits and Nigeria's AFCON victory,Mikel was expected to scoop the award. But as usual,hypocritical CAF showed up again. This time the mooted reason was that Yaya is 'a better player'. A statement that is very true. Yaya is a better all round player. Mikel won trophies. CAF lies! I don't have a problem with the choice of the excellent Ivorian as the winner. What I hate is CAF's two facedness. It's simply annoying. Create a standard and follow it to the latter. Simple.
   Mohamed Aboutrika deservedly won the Africa based best player. The Egyptian play maker who had just retired from football beat Sunday Mba to the award. Kelechi Iheanacho won the best promising player category. He is a player that is expected to grace the game to the highest level. It must be said however that the saga involving himself, father and agent hasn't helped his career. Stephen Keshi won the best coach award too. In all,what we applaud in the award ceremony is the initiative itself.
I seriously begrudge CAF on the criteria. The association should outline criteria and stick to it and not waver like cloth hung to dry.
That said, Yaya Toure is the best player in Africa. The continent does not have another player in his mould. He deserves the award he won to the disappointment of people who follow CAF and her policies. I doubt if CAF and FIFA will ever get things right. Their inconsistencies is a modern day myth.
   Congratulations, Yaya Toure, Stephen Keshi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Mohamed Aboutrika and other recipients of the award. We revel in the beauty of the game while awaiting repentance of football governing bodies. Repentance some people still hope to see. But one,that with the present crop of administrators, I have ruled out. Completely

Football Groove Year,2014.

   We thank God for the football filled 2013. From the various leagues around the world, to the African Cup Of Nations,to the UEFA tournaments, FIFA Confederations Cup etc. Countries like Nigeria and Brazil had a beautiful 2013 owing to AFCON and Confed victories respectively. While clubs like Bayern Munich, Al Ahly, Kano Pillars etc had a fantastic year. Indeed, the God of soccer was at the very best,an ever soothing presence in the lives of the down trodden and massively oppressed citizens of the World who use football as an escape from realities.
   2014 was approached by football lovers with smiles as it promises to be a beautiful year in their lives. The German, Italian and Spanish leagues are expected to resume after the New year celebrations, the UEFA Champions league kicks off from the knock out stages, the CHAN Championship kicks off and the EPL continues. Further down the year, the mother of them all, the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil. Undoubtedly the biggest football fiesta in the world,the FIFA World Cup is expected to be full of pomp and pageantry. In addition to the football artistry itself, Brazil is every travellers choice destination. Therefore, the long and beautiful beaches are expected to be besieged by tourists. Aside football, the samba country is known for her wonderfully created female folks with their particularly famous Brazilian hairs. I guess all these will in one way or the other form part of the tourist attractions on show by the Amazon country.
   God has through football, made a way for the masses. In the face of abject poverty, football puts smile on their faces. Though it is a game loved by every class,the passionate ones are mostly found within the middle and lower classes, as the nouveau rich and maliciously corrupt political class are busy hatching evil oppressive plans. We all look forward to a football laden year. A place in the stands in Brazil will not be out of place for some of us.
In every corner of the world, football fanatics (like me) are rubbing their palms together in glee,praying for a beautiful 2014 as the games lined up are just too mouth watering. It's simple; we all love football.

Vincent Enyeama; getting better with age.

   Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, has again been voted French Ligue One footballer of the month for November. The Lille shot stopper who did not concede a goal in top flight football in the French league in November, won the award ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thauvin. Enyeama. He did not concede a single goal in 1062 minutes of football in the French top flight. He equally scooped the award for the previous month of October. 

   The 31 year old Nigerian international and Super Eagles vice captain have been on a high. The player is expected to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria to the World Cup in Brazil next year. Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi will definitely see this as a morale booster knowing that his number one goalkeeper is in top form at the moment and will be praying his steller form continues. 

   Since taking over the number one spot in the Lille line up, the former Enyimba and Maccabi goal tender have not looked back. Churning out eye catching displays week in week out. Enyeama at 31,joins the league of goalkeepers who defied age to be on top form. Edwin Van da Saar, David Seaman and Andoni Zubizaretta showed the world what they could do despite their ages, and today, Enyeama, Gigi Buffon, Petr Cech, Pepe Reina etc are still on top of their games. 

UEFA Champions League round of 16 draws.

   On the heels of the World Cup draws made some weeks ago, the draws for the round of 16 for the UEFA Champions league have just been concluded.

Manchester City vs Barcelona
Olympiakos vs Manchester United
AC Milan vs Athletico Madrid
Bayern Leverkusen vs PSG
Galatasaray vs Chelsea
Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid
Zenith vs Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

On paper, the star games are expected to be the games between Man. City and Barcelona, AC Milan and Athletico Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Though that singular factor that makes football tick being the unpredictable nature of the game,could sway the other games and make them mouth watering.
   Against popular opinion however, I believe it is not yet uhuru for Barcelona. Manchester City's current form is terrifying. Their attack is simply scary. Therefore I think it will be a straight up battle between City and Barca.  There is equally the Manuel Pellegrini factor. He is an experienced champions league manager having managed Real Madrid and Malaga. Tata Martino on the other hand, is new to the European waters. Though he has made a name for himself in South America, the European ground is a different ball game. Though it must be noted that with the strength of character Tata possesses, Barca can be said to be in safe hands.
Next up is the Arsenal and Bayern Munich game. Arsenal can be said to be on a high, despite their loss to Napoli and the tennis scoreline they were handed by a rampaging Manchester City. Arsenal can boast of the most complete midfield. The arrival of Mesut Ozil being responsible for the overflowing confidence amongst Gooners.  It is pertinent to note here however,that the same action man, Ozil, has so far been found wanting in key up tight games. The games against Manchester United, Napoli and Manchester City being reference points. Arsenal's progression can be strengthened if Ozil turns up against the Bavarians. In my opinion, the most important Arsenal midfielder is Mathieu Flamini. If he remains fit, Arsenal will have a good shot at Bayern. The Bavarians in my humble opinion has the most complete midfield in the world. Their depth is horrifyingly orgasmic. Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Thiago, Shaqiri, Muller, Gotze, Kroos....etc. Note that I did not even mention Ribery and Robben.  That is how deep their team is. However, a dejavu of last year's champions league between both clubs is still fresh in the mind of Gooners and is the point on which their hope is hinged. Football is a craftily beautiful game. Very unpredictable,which is why we all love the game.
   The UEFA Champions league offers football lovers worldwide a hot dish of the beautiful game. Come 2014, the football community await the restart of the champions league,which in itself will serve as a preamble to the biggest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup holding in Brazil.

How David Moyes can better Manchester United.

   Manchester United have so far had a nightmarish season. Since David Moyes took over the reins at United, the club has had a somewhat catastrophic slump.  Currently placed ninth on the EPL table,the club's nightmares continued after Yohan Cabaye helped Newcastle inflict a second successive home defeat,coming on the heels of a rare Old Trafford defeat by Roberto Martinez' Everton. The turn of events in Old Trafford has gotten to the marrows of Old Trafford faithfuls.

People have so often talked about United's deficiency in midfield. But a lot have failed to recognise the defensive frailties. The famed central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is no longer effective. Neither of them can play consecutively any more,especially Rio Ferdinand. Because of recent injuries, both have resorted more to making use of their on the ball senses than sheer energy,again,especially Rio Ferdinand. Vidic can be said to still posses the steel he was known for,but like Rio, have lost pace. Moyes should start another central defensive era. Phil Jones is hugely talented in the noted area. But because of his utility nature that sees him deployed to either midfield or right back, his learning process in central defence is impeded. He should be played regularly alongside either Rio or Vidic so he will mature into the role. Evans, currently mister consistent in the central defence role is viewed as his future partner in the heart of United defence. Also, I don't feel Leighton Baines is the correct heir to Patrice Evra. I don't even think United need to go into the market for a left full back. Remembering how difficult it was for Evra to settle into the United squad after his move from Monaco, I can't help but think that Alex Buttner or Fabio Da Silva can be that left full back heir.
As regards the midfield, United need to get the services of a creative midfielder. The thought of Mr. Consistent, Michael Carrick and Lallana, Marco Reus or even an Ilkay Gundogan in the heart of United midfield is purely orgasmic.  This way, Rooney and Van Persie will concentrate on their roles. Manchester United equally need to sort out the issue of Wayne Rooney's contract which runs out summer of 2015. With Wayne's current form, United should offer him a new contract. Allowing him go is something they shouldn't want to do. Like the sale of Van Persie to them by Arsenal, it will be like selling your most potent gun to your rival. Worthy of note is the issue of panic buy. Moyes should not allow himself to be coerced into panic buying. Fellaini, a summer panic buy is a typical example of what panic buying can cause in a team. Marouane Fellaini will come good some time. Not just yet.
Manchester United will most definitely do away with unwanted players. Without naming names, there are some players, especially in the midfield who won't feature prominently for United again. This way, space will be opened up for new arrivals and better use of current employees. United fans may not agree with me on my next point but it is just my humble opinion. Shinji Kagawa. In my humble opinion, Kagawa can be better used by Moyes. Either playing in the hole or drifting in from the flank but not functioning as a winger. When I see United play without sleekness and Kagawa is on the bench or even in the stands,I weep. Not even the legendary Sir Alex can convince me that Kagawa doesn't have the what it takes to flourish in the EPL. If players like David Silva, Kanu Nwankwo, David De Gea, Oscar and co could adapt to the requirements of the EPL, then Shinji can. He needs to be handed games. A lot of it. Constant games will build his confidence.
   In my opinion, United cannot win the league this season. A point i opined at the beginning of the present season. They are a club in transition. Moyes should be afforded the rare luxury of time. If at the end of the season he qualifies for the champions league or even the Europa Cup, United faithfuls should be grateful. For a club used to playing and challenging for top honours every season for the past twenty plus years, I am sure the present feeling in the United camp is very strange. The team should sort out what has to be sorted out and next season or the season after, they might have their darling Manchester United on the roll again.

World Cup draws concluded.

   The football community shifted their focus away from the various leagues,the world over and centred on Brazil. It wasn't just because of the World Cup to be hosted next year in the South American country but because of the World Cup draws holding in the centre of the amazons. As usual, the ceremony was full of pomp and pageantry characteristic of FIFA organised ceremonies. With old time footballers, administrators and officials in attendance, the draws were held.
GROUP A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroun.
GROUP B: Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia.
GROUP C: Colombia, Greece, Cote d'Ivore, Japan
GROUP D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy.
GROUP E: Swtzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras.
GROUP F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria.
GROUP G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA.
GROUP H; Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea.

   Before the draws, FIFA and the Brasilia Football Federation have tried to allay fears of unpreparedness on the part of the hosts as issues of stadium collapse came up. This is also coming at the heels of a nationwide protests in Brazil against the hosting of the World Cup amidst gross economic imbalance in the country. A fact the Brazilian government have always swept under the carpet.
   Another issue that trailed the draws was that of the parameter used by FIFA in seeding teams, which saw Switzerland emerge above supposed superiors. Many argued that the Swiss,under Ottmer Hitzfield, have been very conservative in their execution of especially friendly games. An approach that saw them emerge a seeded team. A country like Italy,for instance, played more games this calender year than the Swiss and the parameter on ground went against them. FIFA rankings have generated many issues in the past as people don't trust the rankings. It is viewed by majority as baseless or I dare say,biased. Though with no evidence to the latter.
   Despite the controversy, the draws have been made. The entire world look forward to the biggest sporting event,come June,2015. Brazil,famed for its enticing beaches, beautiful women, very high football pedigree and a warm, welcoming culture will sure open its doors to the world as they converge for the festival. The Samba country can't wait to roll out the samba.