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

The FIFA President football deserve.

   Come May 2015, incumbent FIFA President, Sepp Blatter will be standing for a fifth term as Supremo of the football world ruling body. I remember how he came in to power in 1998. Baltter is 79 years of age. I have a problem with a 79 year old running world football. Joao Havelange before him handed over in 1998 at the age of 82. No younger option? They abound! Since Blatter took over, he has run world football like his pawn shop. Rise against Blatter and he eases you out of the football community. Easy and quiet, no time. Ask Jack Warner. He knows first hand
that the fear of Sepp Blatter is the beginning of wisdom. Blatter knew he had sh!t in his pants so he used it against him. Warner covered his head and embarked on a forced retirement in the Caribbeans. Blatter na bad ass man. Very good badt man! Nwoke di bad!!
   Football under Blatter has been riddled with scandals. The federation stinks. E dey smell! Committees have been set up and they all come up with the same case of rock solid corruption. FIFA have become a symbol of corruption. People like Gary Lineker, Ronaldo De Lima, Diego Maradona and co have at one time or the other spoken out against widespread corruption in FIFA. Yet again, the man at the helm of affairs want to run again. This time however, people have come up to run against him unless the last time when he scared away the only opponent he had, few days to the election giving no time for anyone to come up against him. Ajo anu!
   Jerome Champagne. French football administrator. Few years ago he was embroiled in a power fracas with Blatter, lost out and was summarily 'executed' , football wise.
   David Ginola. The ex footballer's candidacy is seen more as for laughs than serious. There are unconfirmed reports that his candidacy is backed by a betting racket. Whatever the case, he is not seen as a (strong) contender.
   Harold Mayne Nicholls. The Chilean was in charge of the inspection committee that preferred England to Russia, citing climate as a reason. His recommendation was ignored by the executive committee and Russia was given the hosting right.
   Michael Van Praag. A seasoned Dutch football administrator. He is seen by some as a viable candidate because of his records and experience.
  Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. The Jordanian prince is a FIFA Vice President. He is seen in most quarters as the strongest candidate to stand against Blatter. He used to pull the strings in Asian football until Blatter installed his cronies as top men in Asian football. This will pit him against the Asian football heads as they are Blatter loyalists. It is expected that he will come to an agreement with Van Praag in order to solidify the anti Blatter campaign. A move that will be be welcomed by the world football community.
   Luis Figo. The former world footballer of the year stunned a lot of people when he announced his intention to run for the esteemed football office. The news put smiles on lots of faces. Finally, a people's person is in contention. Jose Mourinho has already spoken positively on Figo's candidacy. Luis Figo, one of the very few footballers who was able to switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid. A deal, Nicodemously negotiated. Alongside DeLima and Zidane, he was one of the Galacticos that thrilled football lovers early last decade. Figo may face obstacles from these old men who have refused to relinquish power at the top. A set of people known to look out for men their age  bracket may not readily back Figo's bid. He is known to have unrivaled passion for the game amongst the men that graced the sport in his time. In Maradona and Ronaldo De Lima, he has very close friends who will put him in check. One does not however undermine the human attitude which makes people forget cronies once a higher position is achieved. Yes. But Figo is not one seen to compromise the beautiful game. He is seen by many of us in the football world as one that will redeem the image of the game. Cleaning up the mess created by Blatter and Havelange before him is top priority.
UEFA is known not to support Blatter's candidacy.
   Everyone is tired of football under under the little but heavy Swiss man.
A gentleman to the core, Luis Figo is the FIFA President football deserve.

Photo credit; fanpop.com

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

FA Cup Rapture.

   If you have ever been typing a message to send to someone on BlackBerry messenger and the person deletes you from his contact list then you will understand what happened to the 'big' teams on Saturday. Sh!t feels like rapture!
   Manchester United had a very poor outing at Cambridge against Cambridge United on Friday night. Despite having majority of the possession, United always failed in the final third. Cambridge United held on and the game ended goalless. Then began the banter. Fans of other premiership teams rightly lambasted United fans for their team's poor showing. They kept their onslaught coming until 'rapture' happened the next day. The trumpet sounded and Chelsea, Southampton, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur were left behind while Leicester, Bradford, 'Boro and Crystal Palace went up in the air to meet the saviour singing alleluyah all the way up! It was a sorry sight.
   In Stamford Bridge, Cahill and Ramires put the pensioners ahead but Bradford came back from the two goals deficit to beat them by four goals to two. Mourinho simply couldn't produce an answer to the Bradford fire power. At the Etihad, the Aitor Karanka tutored 'Boro entered their name in the FA Cup folklore by defeating Manchester City by two goals to nothing. City were left clueless by the team managed by the former Mourinho's number two man. As if that was not enough, the trumpet sounded at St. Marys and Southampton was denied entrance into paradise by some fierce looking angels hovering mid air while Crystal Palace were ushered into an already decorated palace in the kingdom above. As we speak, Tottenham players are still on earth while Leicester players were caught in the rapture. So sad. The irony of it all is that the Manchester United that every other fan laughed at on Friday were offered another chance. God in His infinite mercies gave them a second chance. Same thing He did with Liverpool. It will be seen whether they will utilise their God given chance. Arsenal meanwhile nearly missed out on the rapture. Thomas Rosicky did a last minute wonder that ensured their safe passage through the skies. He led the alleluyah band into the skies. Well deserved.
   That is why we love the FA Cup. The biggest upsets in world football arguably happen in the English FA Cup. The components of football; drama, statistics and result always show themselves beautifully in the tournament. Drama, the one that makes the game what it is, remains one factor we will forever cherish. Football drama, as against the drama from the female folk is one we will never get tired of.

With love, from Senegal.

   For doubting Thomases, it was very clear today that Mame Diouf have developed from that tough but timed boy who came to Manchester United many years ago, to a ganging forward. I wished that his overhead kick that the Ghana goalkeeper caught had found the back of the net. That would have underlined my argument for a place in the list of emerging greats for the Senegalese hit man.
   Ghana started the game on the front foot with Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu and Jordan Ayew pulling the strings. They strung defence splitting passes together that eventually broke down the not - so - quick Senegal back line. Fact is that no defender any where in the world loves to defend facing his goal post which was exactly what the Black Stars made the Teranga Lions do in the opening exchanges. Therefore when those passes kept coming it was a matter of time before something came of it. Eventually the Senegal Goal tender brought down Atsu for the penalty which was well taken by Andre Ayew. Senegal came back in to the second half the better side. They kept the tempo coming. Ndong  making sure the defence line was kept safe and neutralising Christian Atsu who was eventually substituted. John Mensah was the greatest victim in the Ghana defence line. He took upon himself the responsibilities of shoring up the Teranga Lions but it was a responsibility a little too much for him. Turkey based Moussa Sow eventually came on for Ndong and was assisted by Mame Diouf for the winner. Avram Grant received his baptism into African football and I am sure that he must have noted the fact that African football is beyond just mere playing. It's extended passion. A life.
   The stadium was filled to capacity. Fans drumming and dancing in the stands is a reminder to what football is, in Africa. Again, life. In a continent ravaged by political and civil issues, football has served as a faithful bridge, bringing consolation to the millions of disturbed African souls.
   The other nation I look forward to getting a brilliant game from in AFCON 2015 and see as favourites is Algeria.
From the game just concluded it's 'we came to win. With love, from Senegal'.

The day India beat Nigeria 100 - 0!

 "Ha! Peter Rufai no sabi anything" bellowed the carpenter. "The way those India people take yeye am e...I never see".
  As a kid, if you didn't hear the story of the football match where India beat Nigeria 100 - 0  (One hundred goals to nothing) then I doubt if you grew up in Nigeria during my time. Mind you, the scoreline for that match varied from location to location. My present colleague, Moses, said that in Makurdi (where he grew up) the score was 99 - 1. That the only goal for Nigeria was scored when a Nigerian striker whose right boot was loose took Nigeria's only shot on target and his boot flew off his feet. The Indian goalkeeper caught his boot instead of the ball which went coolly into the top right corner of the net. Another friend of mine who grew up in Lagos said the scoreline 'in Lagos' was 99 - 0!
   The other players that featured in that game from the Enugu version of the match analysis were Henry Nwosu and Dimeji  Lawal. None other. Or at least the others werent so important for their names to be known. Note also that the line up for that game changed with location too. I must say that the Lagos version of the story is the most hilarious. Where at a stage in the game the Indians were dancing to the famous sunita music and left the Green Eagles with only their goalkeeper. That even with the outfield players dancing to sunita on the sidelines Nigeria couldnt score! That must have been the most controversial football game played by Nigeria. If you sum up the total number of players that played the game from the various versions of it you would get more than 30 (thirty) players.
The only uniform part of the story from the different versions of it was the fact that for one of the goals, Peter Rufai saw a lion flying at him instead of the ball. He ran away only to hear the crowd roaring. He turned back to see the ball at the back of the net. For another goal, he saw a ball of fire and dodged it only to find the ball at the back of the net again. Wait o...did I mention that after the match FIFA banned India from all footballing activities? Hahahaha... Yes. They were banned from football for using Indian version of black magic to beat Nigeria!
   Even when the carpenter was telling us the story, I had my doubt. Not because India cannot beat Nigeria, but even as a boy of less than five years old, counting from 1 - 100 was a problem as I considered 100 to be too far from 1. Only to be told that we were beaten 100 - 0 by India. India!!! Of all countries?! Either the man was lying or India is really a super power in black magic. That was my conclusion.
Also, of everyone that told the story, none watched the match. It was always a reported speech.  Second hand analysis.
The story is what it is. A story. A lie. A story made up to glorify the metaphysical prowess of India.
   What is the similarity between the Nigerian football of today and the Nigerian football from the story? Comedy. Nigerian football is now a complete comedy. Businessmen have been running Nigerian football. Not that a Nigerian businessman cannot run football. No. Far from that. But when you never had a business and don't also start up one, but instead commercialise your office as a Nigerian football administrator then you are of all men most fraudulent. There are some Nigerian league matches I don't bother going to watch having known the team and stadia in question. I don't go. But if I have had a bad time and in need of a live comedy show then I go. With a solid assurance of being entertained.
   Nigeria football ought to be growing but instead we are backsliding. I have this belief that Amaju Pinnick will do better than his predecessors. Not in giving us medals, but in restoring sanity to the Nigerian football house. As we prepare to watch AFCON 2015 without Nigeria, I can only wish us happy viewing.
   On a final note, please those of us who were told that story of how India hammered Nigeria should not continue with that story to the younger generation. Please. It's funny, yes. But 'bad funny'. Unless you want to be told "daddy you can lie e" by your children then tell the story. Nowadays children are very sharp. They won't buy that gist.

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005

Echoes of the Ballon D'Or.

Ronaldo does a scream during his acceptance speech.

The FIFA Ballon D'Or was held yesterday in a 90 minute event not lacking in glitz and glamour. Hosted in Zurich by British journalist, Kate Abdo, the success of the event came as a surprise to no one.
   FIFA may be plagued by issues of corruption at the moment, but even her most notorious critics couldn't fault the event's organisation. For some of us, the award was already in the bag for Cristiano Ronaldo even before the event. It could have as well been given to him before yesterday. A mere .04 votes separated Lionel Messi from the second runner up, Manuel Neuer. Cristiano was in phenomenal form last year. His goals kept coming. He kept pushing his team mates for victory in all competitions last year. His odd was the FIFA World Cup which he went an unfit player. Some say he should not have gone for the world cup thereby giving chance to a fitter team mate. But come on, C-Boy is a brand! Award well deserved.
  Manuel Neuer? He is a field person. On countless occasions he left his goal line to clear the line for his team. A very dependable last line of defence. His command of his defence is near perfect. Sometimes when it seems the team has conceded, like amalinze the cat, he puts up a super save.
   Lionel Messi had an average year and so did Barcelona. CR7 outshone the magical Messi in all competitions last year. During the world cup, Messi was not his usual self. Yes he played. But Messi simply wasn't Messi in the world cup.

  James Rodriguez had a wonderful outing at the world cup. His sensational goal that gave Colombia the lead against Uruguay in the round of 16 gave him the Puskas award. The award, in honour of Ferenc Puskas, a Hungrarian legend is in recognition of beautiful goals that colour the game. The award,voted for by football fans all over the world on FIFA.com went to the Colombia and Real Madrid forward.

The FIFPro team is as follows;
GK; Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Defence; Philip Lahm (Germany), Sergio Ramos (Spain), David Luiz (Brazil), Thiago Silva (Brazil).
Midfield; Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany).
Attack; Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Arjen Robben (Netherlands).

Joachim Low (Germany) won the Best (male) coach award and Nadine Kessler (Germany) won the FIFA female footballer of the year.
   Another beautiful award given on the night, the FIFA Presidential award was given to Hiroshi Kagawa,90. This is his 10th (tenth) FIFA World Cup. His contribution to the game and passion helped in the development of the game in his native Japan.
  As the awards have been concluded, we expect to go back to the basket of corruption allegations against FIFA that have been raging in the past months. It's sad. Football is a beautiful game, a unifying factor and a universal language. Why these men (and women) at the top want to bring it to disrepute beats my imagination.
For the good of the game, we hope that the Blatter led FIFA put their house in order. And I earnestly pray that Blatter takes a bow when his  current tenure runs out to enable a fresher person run the show from the top.
We all love football.

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005