Former Chelsea Manager Gullit Set to Return to the Dugout after Declaring His Interest to Take Aston Villa Job

Former Chelsea manager has reiterated his desire to manage Aston Villa who are currently battling to survive relegation. While the Dutch legend is enjoying life as a pundit, he feels ready to return to the dugout. ‘I’m happy with what I’m doing here at beIN Sports, I’ve worked here a long time, and I’m happy with what I’m doing.

‘People look after me here and you think to yourself, “Why would you give that up?”

‘Every day is stress, if you want that you can get it. But of course, if they came to me then I would consider it.’

Villa are heading for the Championship after a disastrous season but Gullit’s name is unlikely to appear on their shortlist after such a long time away from top level management.

All Attentions Now Directed to 2018 FIFA World Cup - NFF Declare in Their Statement

The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a statement following the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals:

The NFF, like most Nigerians, are saddened by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final competition, following a 1-0 defeat by seven –time African champions Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday, 29th March 2016.

We see this failure to qualify as an unfortunate turn of events, because it came despite the undoubted efforts of the Coaching crew led by Coach Samson Siasia and the players led by the captain, Mikel Obi, and the efforts of the NFF leadership who not only supported the technical crew but also provided necessary support regarding comfortable traveling arrangement and accommodation for the team’s home and away matches.

Romelu Lukaku Will Join Either Real Madrid, Juventus or PSG in the Summer - Agent Mino Raiola Declares

The Belgian striker has 25 goals for the Toffees this season and his agent has fueled up a move with Lukaku wanting Champions League football. Mino Raiola claims Juventus "could be a good solution" for the Everton star. 

 

The popular agent is talking up the possibility of Lukaku leaving Goodison Park this summer because the red-hot Belgium striker claims he wants to play for a bigger club in the Champions League. The controversial Italian agent also claimed Paris St Germain and Real Madrid are interested in Lukaku.

England won't be Easy for Pep Guardiola, Claims Sir Alex Ferguson

Former Barcelona and Present Bayern Munich manager, Guardiola is set to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City this summer, and United legend Ferguson believes it will be the hardest job he has done.

The Spaniard enjoyed a great success with Barcelona winning 16 trophies with 2 champions league inclusive before moving to Bayern Munich, where he is on the verge of winning his third straight Bundesliga title.

Ferguson praised Guardiola's coaching ability and work ethic, but said the 45-year-old could be in for a shock. Read what SAF said below;

Chelsea Begin Transfer Talk with Leicester City to Sign N’Golo Kante

Chelsea have approached Leicester City over a transfer move for N’Golo Kante at the end of the season, according to reports. 

 

Kante who has been in a spectacular form since making is debut for Leicester last year is now a subject of attraction in Europe. Arsenal are also interested in signing the midfielder but it seems Chelsea are more desperate to add Leicester's engine room to their midfield next season.

Kante, who arrived at the King Power Stadium last summer, has been one of the outstanding players in the Premier League this season and is being tipped to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Roy Hodgson to Recall Chelsea Captain John Terry from Retirement for Euro 2016

The Three Lions had a mixed international break, with a stunning comeback win over Germany marred by a poor home defeat to the Netherlands. 

 

John Terry, 35, who has twice been stripped of the England captaincy in his career could be granted one final chance to represent his country at a major tournament, JT was first stripped of his captaincy in 2010 for having an affair with the partner of team-mate Wayne Bridge, and later in 2012 for being found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League game.

Gary Neville Sacked as Valencia Manager after Four Months in Charge

Gary Neville has been sacked as Valencia manager after only four months in charge of the La Liga outfit. The Manchester United legend was a surprise choice to take over from Nuno Espirito Santo back in December and joined up with his brother Phil Neville who was already assistant manager at the club.

Neville’s first serious criticism came after a dismal 7-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in February, with many supporters calling for the 41-year-old’s head.

Former Arsenal Defender Emmanuel Eboue Banned from Football for a Year

Sunderland defender Emmanuel Eboue has been banned for 12 months for failing to pay a former agent money owed. The ex-Arsenal player, 32, only signed for the Black Cats earlier this month and has since been working on his fitness. But just as he was in line to finally make his debut this weekend against West Brom, Eboue has been given a year-long ban. 

 

The 32-year-old had previously been ordered by the single judge of the Fifa Players’ Status Committee to pay Boisseau an amount owed to him, but opted to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Nigeria Super Eagles to Miss 2017 Cup of Nations, Second Time in a Roll

The Super Eagles will not feature at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final competition after losing 1-0 to Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday. Meanwhile the Eagles missed out on the last Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 hosted by Morocco.

A hard fought battle at Borg El-Arab Stadium, packed with 40,000 spectators, was separated by Radwan Sobhi’s 65th minute goal off a goal–mouth scramble that followed a corner kick.

As happened in the first leg in Kaduna, the Mikel Obi–led Super Eagles showed spirit, composure and energy, and were purposeful all through. But as happened in Kaduna, they failed to have a good number of shots on goal as they elected to get close to goal before attempting to score.

Chelsea are Lining Up Transfer Offer for Ivan Perisic

Chelsea are lining up a transfer offer for Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic, according to reports in Italy. Perisic has scored eight goals in 30 games for Inter since making his debut for the Serie A outfit in 2015 but is now being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Corriere dello Sport say Blues owner Roman Abramovich is already preparing a £15.7million bid for the 27-year-old in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea Midfilder, John Mikel Obi Name Super Eagles New Captain

John Mikel Obi who will be hoping to replicate his recent fine form for Chelsea when Super Eagles clash with Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday has been named as the new captain of the Nigeria national side.  

 

The news was announced at a media conference ahead of two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt, with the Chelsea midfielder taking over the captaincy from CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa as new coach Samson Siasia wishes the role to be taken by the longest-serving player.

Former Manchester City Player, Adam Johnson Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Footballer Adam Johnson has been jailed for six years for grooming and sexual activity with a girl aged 15. Sentencing the ex-Sunderland player, Judge Jonathan Rose told him he had abused a position of trust and caused his victim "severe psychological harm".

The judge told Johnson, 28, he had engaged in sexual activity with her knowing she was under 16. Bradford Crown Court heard the sexual abuse happened in the footballer's Range Rover last January.

Judge Rose told the footballer, who played 12 times for England, that the girl had "suffered threats and thousands of abusive remarks" on social media.

Football Legend Johan Cruyff Dies From Cancer Aged 68

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has died at the aged of 68 following a lengthy battle with cancer, his management have confirmed. Cruyff, a hugely recognisable figure in European football, made his name as a player at Ajax and Barcelona before going on to manage both clubs.

He had been suffering with lung cancer for over a year and told journalists last month he was ‘2-0 up’ in the battle against the disease.

Chelsea Go for Borussia Dortmund and Germany Centre Back Mats Hummels

Chelsea have reportedly made an approach to sign Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Germany.

Hummels has made 290 appearances for Dortmund since making his debut for the Bundesliga outfit in 2009 but has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.

Sport Bild say the Blues have already made contact over a move for the 27-year-old who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014.

Chelsea and Super Eagles' Midfilder John Mikel Obi and Mike Okiro to Receive Pitch Awards

Considering the fact Super Eagles' and Chelsea's Midfielder is the highest cap player presently in Super Eagles' camp, Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have decided to honour his great commitment to the national team. 

 

Chief Operating Officer of Matchmakers Consult International Limited, Nelson Olafisoye, told thenff.com on Wednesday that the Chelsea FC of England ace is the player with the highest number of caps in the Super Eagles’ camp presently, and therefore deserved the honour.

“We found out that Mikel Obi has the highest number of caps in the camp of the Super Eagles presently. That itself is a great sign of commitment that should be applauded.”

Nigeria Women Football Icon, Perpetua Nkwocha Set to Wed

Nigeria women football icon and record four times African Women's Footballer of the Year, Perpetua Nkwocha, will walk down the altar on Monday, 28 March 2016, to be joined in holy matrimony with Ernest Ikechukwu Nwufoh.

The marriage takes place at Our Lady Carmel Catholic Church, Emekuku, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, by 12noon. Reception follows immediately after service at the bride’s father’s compound in Amankwu Umuhu in Ngor-Okpala Local Government area of Imo State.

Nkwocha's soon-to-be husband hails from the late Nze Dilibe Amachukwu Nwufoh family of Ifite, Nibo in Akwa South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Edinson Cavani’s Agent Hints at Chelsea Move

Chelsea have received a boost in the transfer race to sign Edinson Cavani after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s agent admitted he would like to work with Antonio Conte. Reports suggest Conte is set to take over the reigns at Stamford Bridge and it appears the Italian manager could be decisive in whether the Blues are able to land Cavani.

Fernando Guglielmone told Tuttosport: ‘In three months everything can change. Edinson could stay at PSG, who have an ambitious project, but also he could change.

Manchester City Winger Raheem Sterling Sidelined for About Six to Eight Weeks

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling will miss about six to eight weeks with a groin injury, meaning he might not play again this season.

The former Liverpool sensational, picked up the groin injury during Manchester City's 1-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on Sunday. Eight weeks would see him return after the final day of the Premier League - 15 May - but he could feature in Champions League final on May 28 should Manchester City make it through to final.

Brussels Attacks - Belgium Move Friendly to Portugal

Belgium's friendly against Portugal next week has been moved from Brussels to the Portuguese city of Leiria after more than 30 people were killed in attacks in the Belgian capital. This is the second time Belgium team will have similar experience. In November 2015, their match against Spain in Brussels was also called off following the Paris atrocities, which killed 130 people.

The match was called off for security reasons before Portugal's football association offered a alternate venue. The Belgium team will train at the King Baudouin Stadium, where the match was originally to be staged, on Wednesday.

Ivanovic Defends Hazard

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has launched an impassioned defence of his Blues teammate Eden Hazard after the Belgium international was severely criticised by his own fans for an uninspiring performance in their 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The result saw the Blues knocked out of the competition at the last-16 stage and means there will be no Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season for the first time in the Roman Abramovich era.

I Don't Think Hazard's Shirts Swap With Di Maria Was Done With Any Bad Intentions - Hiddink

Chelsea fans who watched the PSG game at home expressed their disappointment when their Belgian star exchanged jersey with Angel Di Maria on Wednesday night after half time when they booed him off the pitch after he was substituted in the 77th minute with a hip injury.

Though it was but a very large section of Chelsea fans that booed the Belgian But Chelsea interim manager has a different opinion on Hazard's shirt swapping. However,

Hazard’s future will once again by the subject of much speculation and a large section of Chelsea fans made their feelings known on Wednesday night, when they booed him off the pitch after he was substituted in the 77th minute with a hip injury.

Asian Football Confederation AFC united behind One Asia, One Goal

According to a report posted on the official website of Asian Football Confederation the-afc.com on Wednesday, Its Executive Committee reiterates its long-term objectives to become the world’s leading football Confederation and of football becoming the continent’s number one sport. United behind the sentiment of ‘One Asia, One Goal’, the AFC Executive Committee also pledged to further strengthen ties with other football bodies.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said at the meeting in Kuala Lumpur: “Our stated ambition is to increase engagement with the billions of potential football fans across this continent, as well as becoming the world’s leading Confederation.

Confederation of Africa Football CAF Reaffirms Commitment to Eradicating Match Fixing

In a letter dated 8 March 2016, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) was informed by the Zimbabwe Football Association of the provisional suspension of a member of its Executive Committee, Mr. Edzai Kasinauyo.

The decision, based on information available to the Association and were subjected to its Executive Committee, including affidavits, emails, audio recordings, may be related to the business to manipulate the results of the Day 3 & 4 matches of the AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Swaziland.

“We Were Almost There Last Season" - Giwa FC Captain, Ibrahim, Dreams of NPFL Title

Despite six points off leaders Rangers International, second-placed Kano Pillars and MFM FC in third and five points adrift of fourth-placed Lobi Stars, Giwa FC skipper Akide Ibrahim, believes his club can push for their first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title this season.

Giwa FC’s 2-1 home victory over Rivers United on Match Day 4 and 1-1 away draw at Niger Tornadoes on 24 February earned the coach Gbenga Ogunbote's side just four points from four games to place 16th on the log. The club, who lost their opening game by a lone goal to FC Ifeanyiubah, have an outstanding Match Day 3 encounter away to Nasarawa United on March 23.

Ibrahim, who spoke to npfl.ng after Giwa FC suffered a 2-1 loss to Shooting Stars at Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan last Sunday, reckons the Jos-based club have the potentials to challenge Rangers and other leaders for the title.

OLYMPIC - Dream Team Technical Crew Dropped Olulayo for Obinna Nwobodo

The technical crew of the U-23 National Team, Dream Team, has dropped both Chukwuebuka Iroha and Oluwaseun ‎ Olulayo for not measuring up to the standard expected of them in camp since resumption of training programme.

The crew said it was disappointed with the level of fitness displayed by the duo who were part of the team that triumphed at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal in December 2015, and warned that no player is guaranteed automatic shirt to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Super Eagles Interiam Coach Siasia Believes Eagles Can Recreate October 1977 Feat

Samson Siasia says he believes the Super Eagles can give Nigerians joy on Friday, March 25 by winning and picking all three points in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.

All the 19 expected home boys were in camp as at Tuesday afternoon, as no other person wanted to suffer the fate of Segun Oduduwa, Usman Mohammed and Stanley Dimgba, who were on Monday barred from showing up at the Bolton White Apartments after reporting late to the camp of the intermediate squad.

Siasia told thenff.com Tuesday afternoon that discipline, strong mentality, self-belief and support of Nigerians can steer the Eagles to heights attained by their predecessors, who pounded the Pharaohs 4-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lagos in October 1977.

Champions League Is a Chance to Save the Season - Matic and Mikel Talks up PSG Clash

It’s the first of two huge cup games in the space of four days, with Guus Hiddink’s team making the trip north to take on Everton in the FA Cup on Saturday. Our immediate focus, however, is solely on the Champions League, according to Matic.

‘The Champions League is a chance to save the season, everyone is aware of that,’ he says. ‘We know it’s not going to be easy, it will be very hard. We’ve played PSG in the last two seasons and both times it’s been decided on away goals.’

The Serbian midfielder, who missed the first leg through suspension, believes matches of such magnitude can often be decided by the finest of margins.

Sunderland signs Emmanuel Eboue Until the End of the Season

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue, has joined Sunderland who are currently battling to survice relegation until the end of the current campaign. Eboue trained with the team in recent weeks. Eboue left the Premier League in 2011 for Galatasaray. He was let go by the Turkish giants last summer and has been without a club ever since.

Walcott - Arsenal Held a Crisis Meeting Due to Collapse in Form Without Arsene Wenger

The Gunners of recent lost to Barcelona, Manchester United and Swansea and drew 2-2 with Tottenham at White Hart Lane their season was in danger of unravelling. As the situation stands, their chance of claiming the title is in massive blow the to their latest poor run of form.

It was revealed that Petr Cech, Per Mertesacker, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta led the crisis meeting with manager Arsene Wenger unaware of it.

Walcott said: “We are not going to lie - we know as a unit it has been tough and we all had a good chat amongst us behind closed doors, without even any of coaches or the manager knowing about anything.

Chelsea to Announce New Manager Next Week

Antonio Conte is set to be confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager next week, according to reports. The Blues have been working on a deal to hire the Italy boss for the last few weeks and an agreement is all but done. Conte is expected to meet Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in the coming days, before he signs off the appointment.

Rejuvenated Mikel Puts Chelsea New Contract Talks on Hold

John Obi Mikel’s agent has confirmed the player has put talks over a new contract at Chelsea on hold until the summer. Mikel, who joined the Blues a decade ago, has been invented under Guus Hiddink and the club had been keen to renew his current contract. However, the 28-year-old’s agent says he has put talks over a new deal on hold and will wait until the end of the season before sorting out his future.