Euro 2016: France Glory as Former team mates meet, CR7 vs. Evra

Euro 2016 finals is a fight deserved for host. It is a fight to finish and it has paid off for final glory.
France will face Portugal in the Euro 2016 final after Antoine Griezmann's double sealed a 2-0 win over Germany - check out five facts from their victory...
France are the first host nation to reach a European Championship final twice (also in 1984).
It will a battle for former team mate of Manchester United, Patrice Evra and Cristano Ronaldo
Below are stunning and memorable photos

photos credit: mirror.co.uk, Reuters

Linonel Messi and his father sentenced to 21 months in prison over tax fraud

The Barcelona star Lionel Messi and his father Jorge have been sentenced to 21 months in prison after a court in Barcelona found him guilty of three counts of tax fraud.

The court suggested that an ppeal can be made by Messi and his father through the Spanish supreme court.

It is unlikely Messi or his father will serve a stretch behind bars, however. Under Spanish law, a prison sentence under two years can be served under probation if you have no prior criminal record.

The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of around 2 million euros (£1.7million) and his father to pay 1.5 million euros (£1.3million). Read more

England light up as José Mourinho unveiled at Old Trafford

The Portuguese was this morning unveiled at the old Trafford. He was unveiled after signing a contract which brought the sack of the former coach, Louis Van Gaal. José Mourinho is expected to restore the lost glory at Old Trafford.

He didn't hesitate to unleash the though and aspirations.
"It is difficult for me to describe and find the right words for this club. I don't like the denomination that people use like 'dream job'. This is not a dream job, this is reality - I am Manchester United manager. The reality is that this is a job that everyone wants, but not many people get to have, yet I have it," he enthused.
"I know the responsibility, the expectation, the legacy and what is behind me at this club. I know what the fans expect of me and this challenge doesn't make me nervous because my history in the last ten years is to live with big clubs' expectations. I believe it is the right moment in my career, where I feel very well prepared and stable, with a great motivation. I can say that I am where I want to be; I want to be in this club, I want to be in this country, in the Premier League and the domestic cups."

Mourinho also talked about his desire, both from a personal and team perspective, to ensure the Reds get back into the Champions League as soon as possible.

"I am a bit disappointed that I am not in the Champions League, as I do not hide that I chase Sir Alex's records in that competition - the number of matches as a manager. I am around 130 matches, maybe a little bit more or less. Hopefully it will only be one season that we are not there," he added. I say 'we' because the club is much more important than myself. Man United is a Champions League club and we have to make sure that in July 2017, instead of waiting for the Europa League, we are ready for the group draw of the Champions League."

Below are stunning photos of José

Source: man utd

I wanted to prove myself in England says Pep Guardiola

The former Bayern Munich coach, Pep Guardiola has said he wants to prove himself in England and he wouldn't do it alone but with the help and cooperation of the players.
Around 7,000 fans turned up at Etihad Stadium to hear the 45-year-old speak for the first time as City manager

"That is why I am here. I proved myself in Barcelona and after I proved myself in Germany I wanted to prove myself in England," he said.

"I cannot do that alone. I need the players, the staff. We need our fans. Without that, it is impossible."

The Spaniard joins City after three years at Bayern Munich where he won a hat-trick of Bundesliga titles but failed to reach a Champions League final.
However, the former Spain international midfielder did win that tournament twice during his four years as Barcelona boss.

He believes that a strong team spirit will be integral to City's success.

"I like the players who don't just think for themselves but think about Manchester City," said Guardiola.

"We are all the people who are working here. The reason we are here is thinking 'what can we do to make this club a better club'.

"I don't want the guys to think about what the club can do for them. We are here to make Manchester City a better club in the next three, four, five years."

He added: "One of the reasons I decided to come to Manchester City is I know from (sporting director) Txiki Begiristain how good they are working with the young players - 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, they grow and grow and imagine they can join us in the first team."
Read more
Source: bbc.co.uk

Legend Stephen Keshi and Amodu Lagos Farwell match comes up 23rd

Indeed true legends should be honoured for all their contributions made for their country Nigeria an beyond. It can't be overemphasized or disputed rather their work speaks still.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in association with the Nigeria Football Supporters Club and the Lagos state government have scheduled the 23rd of July, 2016 for the Lagos Farewell Testimonial Match for the two departed former Super Eagles chief coaches, Amodu Shaibu and Stephen Keshi at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on July 23, 2016. A committee to oversee the match has also been set up according to the NFF.


“The Farewell Testimonial match would see the Super Eagles players battle against Lagos All Stars team in the main match of the day, while the curtain raiser would be a game between the Lagos SWAN team and the Supporters Club. This would be followed by Musical Concert where prominent Nigerian musicians and comedians would perform in the entertainment aspect of the programme. This aspect of the event is coordinated by veteran music act, Chris Mba.” Chairman of the committee and President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo said.

See what Manchester United did as he prepares for exit

Memphis Depay

Sports News update on Naija365 blog Netherlands and Manchester United footballer Memphis Depay has shipped over £350,000 worth of cars back to his native Holland adding more fire to rumours that he is set to leave Man U after falling out of favour with ex-coach Louis van Gaal, and reportedly not being wanted by new coach Jose Mourinho.

Memphis Depay hired a Dutch transport company to send his £100,000 Mercedes G Wagon and £13,500 Scorpion Trike back to Holland on Tuesday and he also sent his £250,000 Rolls Royce Wraith back to Holland a month ago too, meaning he has shipped more than £350,000 worth of cars so far, just a year after signing for the club. has shipped over £350,000 worth of cars back to his native Holland adding more fire to rumours that he is set to leave Man U after falling out of favour with ex-coach Louis van Gaal, and reportedly not being wanted by new coach Jose Mourinho.

Memphis Depay hired a Dutch transport company to send his £100,000 Mercedes G Wagon and £13,500 Scorpion Trike back to Holland on Tuesday and he also sent his £250,000 Rolls Royce Wraith back to Holland a month ago too, meaning he has shipped more than £350,000 worth of cars so far, just a year after signing for the club.

Sad! Nigerians mourn former Super Eagles' coach

Former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi

Latest Nigerian News on Naija365blog.cim

Premium times and The Cable new has confirmed that Nigerian football icon Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi died suddenly in the early hours of Wednesday in Benin City, Edo state.. He was scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday evening before he suffered cardiac arrest.

The former international football player and coach had lost his wife of 35 years, Kate, last year after a prolonged battle with cancer.
TheCable confirmed his death from a member of his family as well as one of his close associates.
“He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,” a friend said.
He is survived by four children and his mother.
Keshi, the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations, achieved a rare feat in 2013 by becoming only the second person to win the trophy both as a player and a coach.
The only other person to have achieved the feat is Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary.
Keshi, a product of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, started his playing career at a very young age at ACB Football Club, and later played for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg, and a host of other clubs.
He represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994, most of the time captaining the Super Eagles and scoring vital goals from his position as a central defender.
He also coached Togo and Nigeria at the World Cup, as well as Mali.
Keshi, nicknamed the “Big Boss” for his leadership skills, is the fifth member of the all-conquering 1994 team to die, following Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.
‘HE HAS FOUND REST’
Meanwhile, the family has released a statement announcing his death.
The statement signed by Emmanuel Ado was titled: “Stephen Keshi CON has gone to be with his wife”.
“With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi,” Ado wrote.
“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law,brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.
“Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.
“We thank God for his life.
“We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family.”

Giggs may leave Manchester United under Jose Mourinho

Naija365 Sports news.
Manchester United legend and assistant coach under David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal, Ryan Giggs has agreed to end his working relationship with the club after 29 years of service, according to an exclusive report from Mirror UK.

Ryan Giggs met with new Man U coach Jose Mourinho this week at Carrington and was offered a more junior role at the club. He was offered a role to bridge the transition of players from the youth team to the first team which didn't go down well with him, as he was the assistant manager...

Read excerpts from the report by Mirror UK below

'United's most decorated player is back from a break in Dubai and is said to be ready to leave Old Trafford for a new challenge.

'Giggs, who served as United No.2 under Louis van Gaal, has been offered a lesser role under newly-appointed boss Jose Mourinho.'

'Although Giggs has a huge emotional bond with United, it is understood he is ready to break it to prove himself as a manager in his own right.

'United are keen for Giggs, 42, to stay but understand his reluctance to accept a less prominent role under Mourinho, who is bringing in his own backroom team.'

'The self-styled Special One will appoint long-standing assistant Rui Faria as his No.2, meaning any subsequent role Giggs accepts will be a step down for the United legend, who made 963 appearances for them.'

'After a year as a player-coach under Moyes and two seasons as Van Gaal's assistant, Giggs now considers himself ready to take on a managerial role and prove himself outside of Old Trafford.

'Giggs is desperate to manage United but, having been twice overlooked for the role, when David Moyes and Van Gaal were sacked, accepts he must move on elsewhere.'

The few words of Manchester united legend Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson

This is sports news on naija365blog.com

Regarding opinions on the newly signed manager at manchester united, Jose Mourihno who took over from sacked Van Gaal, this is what Manchester united legend Sir Alex Ferguson have to say.

Manutd.com experts:

I enjoyed the competition with him. He was something fresh and new to our game. I don’t know what I will do with my wine now. I wish him well.”

José Mourihno

Breaking: A touching and passionate press conference by Louis Van Gaal

Louis Van Gaal

Naija365blog.com confirmed the sacked of former Manchester United, Louis Van Gaal.
He later in his press briefing let out his mind

It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.

I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.

I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.

I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.

Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.

I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.

Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.

I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.

I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club’s staff - the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.

Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager.

Credit: Manchester united

Manchester United, Heroes at last with one man down

Manchester United

Naija365blog sports news update.
Manchester United have won their 12th FA cup after a fierce battle on extra time with Crystal Palace. United won the the game defeating the Palace with 2-1 in extra time.

Jaun Mata equalized at 81 mins and the winning goal finally came from the youngster Lingard at 110 of the extra time.

Smalling saw red card in extra time making Manchester 10 man down but held on to win the trophy.
Photos from the celebration come later.
Congratulations to the Red Devils.

Van Gaal eyes on Trophy at Wembley

Louis Van Gaal

Naija365 sports news
Louis van Gaal says his Manchester United players have their eyes quite literally on Wembley Stadium in a bid to mentally prepare the squad for Saturday's FA Cup final.

The Reds boss decided that he and his players would stay within a stone's throw of the national stadium, just as they did for the semi-final, in order to focus their minds on the showpiece event.

Van Gaal recalled a similar story when he was manager of Ajax and he is hoping for the same positive outcome for United as his Dutch team had at the time.

"We have selected this hotel because you can always see Wembley Stadium so it's always in their minds, it's psychological," he told MUTV in an exclusive interview on the eve of the final. "I have done that also with Ajax - they could see the stadium of Besiktas when we played there. In Turkey, you know the fans are very loud and noisy all day and I thought it was good to do that and the result was very positive also."

Van Gaal also revealed that he told the players two days ago whether or not they had made his starting XI for the final and explained how difficult it was to disappoint some.

"Yes, they've known for two days because I believe in preparation and imagination and focus so, when you communicate it very early, the focus is higher," he added.

"[Telling the players they are not in the squad] is the most difficult thing because every player has worked and given their best to perform. They are human beings and I have to compare [them] in this moment and the fans and the media don't always realise that. I have to compare and decide.

"I had to tell five players that they are not involved, four players are more or less injured so that's not as difficult and they know already. But five are out of the squad. Of course then you have to select the team from 18 to 11. It's also difficult, but it's part of my job so I cannot complain."

The Reds will be aiming to seal a record-equally 12th FA Cup triumph against Crystal Palace and van Gaal insists he is determined to ensure it's a memorable day for everyone connected to the club.

"That is my aim of course. I want to lift the cup here in England and then I have done it in four different countries, but the most important thing is the club, the players and the fans and I hope we can bring the cup home."

Fear File at Old Trafford put a full evacution

Old Trafford

Sports news on naija365blog.com
A suspicious item found at Old Trafford football stadium, which required a controlled explosion to be carried out, has now been identified as a training device.

Shortly before today’s planned football fixture, which was due to kick off at 3pm, staff from the Manchester United ground alerted police to a suspicious item that had been found in the toilets within the North West Quadrant, between the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End.

Police quickly attended and explosive experts were called in to assess the item, which has been described as an incredibly realistic-looking explosive device.

Initially, a partial evacuation of the stadium was put in place but a decision was made between police and Manchester United club officials to abandon the game and a full controlled evacuation of the stadium was carried out.

Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare from Greater Manchester Police said: "I am grateful to the Manchester United and Bournemouth supporters for their support and assistance today.

"Following today’s controlled explosion, we have since found out that the item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs.

Update: West Ham United Fans attacked Rooney and mates

West Ham United fans attacked Man Utd Bus

Sports update on naija365blog.com

Goal.com reports: As the vehicle approached Upton Park, supporters launched bottles at the windows, while the match has been postponed by 45 minutes.

Sports Update: Leicester City celebration

Leicester City Celebration

They may have won the title on Monday night, but Leicester saved the best for Saturday evening. Never has English football seen scenes like those on show at the King Power Stadium, and it may never again.

Shocking: Cameroun Football Player Collapsed and died in the pitch

Patrick Ekeng

Sports news on Naija365
TheCable reports that Patrick Ekeng, a 26-year-old defensive midfielder, died on Friday after collapsing during action for his Romanian Dinamo Bucharest club.

Footbal News: Football Association charges Chelsea and Tottenham after fiery draw

Today sports news on naija365
Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele has also been charged with an alleged act of violent conduct during the 2-2 draw.

The FA said Dembele's alleged eye-gouge on Diego Costa is more serious than a normal charge of violent conduct.

Madness of Football: Diego Simeone angrily slapped Atletico Madrid's official

Naija365 sports Update
The Argentine was involved in a heated exchange with the Spanish club's delegate Pedro Pablo Matesanz when making a substitution in injury time.
Diego Simeone angrily slapped Atletico Madrid's official during Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.Despite a 2-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena, Atletico have reached the Champions League final where they will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
But with Atletico clinging onto their away-goal advantage in injury time, Simeone became involved in a heated exchange with the club's delegate Pedro Pablo Matesanz.

Sports: Nigerian Born Manchester City Player

Naija365 Sports News
Nigerian Born Manchester City Player, Kelechi Iheanacho has placed a bumper request for a 200,000 pounds-a-week over five years contract with EPL club side, Manchester City.

Claudio Ranieri: Leicester City Premier League title win hard to repeat

Claudio Ranieri

Today's Sports News on Naija365 we spotted Claudio Ranieri
Leicester City champions: Claudio Ranieri's reaction to Premier League title win
England's rich clubs will dominate the Premier League for the next two decades following Leicester City's title triumph, says manager Claudio Ranieri.