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In a country where political issues have been very much the demise of a nation such as Nigeria, it’s quite easy to suggest that matters off the football pitch have affected matters on the pitch.

It was just recently, a statement was released by the federal crown court in Abuja on the 21st of January, stating that the Nigerian football federations were being disbanded from football, “The Nigerian football federation (NFF) and Premier League (NPL) will be dissolved.”

Recent competitions haven’t been kind to Nigeria, especially big tournaments such as the World Cup. Their last two saw them knocked out in the group stages in 2010 and 2002.

The ‘Super Eagles’ have been crowned African champions twice both in 1980 and 1994, and their uncharacteristic failure to not qualify for the African nations cup in 2012 was the first time since 1986.

Many will be very much surprised to not see Nigeria in this month’s African Nations Cup, and the national side only have themselves to blame, the 2-2 Guinea draw on the 8th of October, in Abuja was enough to ensure Nigeria did not cement their place in the tournament.

The former Nigerian coach Samson Siasia, was suggested to have many fall outs with the first team players, which one could easily link to being one of the problems for West African side. His recent spat came with West Bromwich Albion forward Peter Odemwingie, which led to Odemwingie not being part of his squad.

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However, it could be argued that the ego’s of many of the first team players have not helped the progress of Nigeria as a football nation, the likes of Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel have fallen off dramatically throughout the course of last year for club and country, which has left many critics wondering where the future lies for them.

In all fairness, it would be cruel to suggest that the NFF are not trying to rectify the situation, the new appointment of Stephen Keshi has at least indicated for the mean time Nigeria expect drastic changes to be made within the next coming years.

Keshi was the captain of the last Nigerian side to win the African Nations Cup in 1994, and will know what it takes to make sure Nigeria are right back in it next year. His Job specification is quite simple, qualify for the African Nations Cup in South Africa 2013 and ensure his team makes the quarter-finals in Brazil for the World Cup 2014.

The future is not all doom and gloom for Keshi’s men, he’ll be pleased to know he has a lot of talent he can work with, in the next few years. Inter Milan’s Joel Obi is just one of those many talents, the 21 year old is highly rated by the Nigerian camp and although he hasn’t featured a lot for the Italian outfit, his versatility in the midfield is very much admired.

Another player to watch out for is the 18 year old Ahmed Musa, a young winger plying his trade in Russia for CSKA Moscow, the lighting quick winger is known for his hard work and determination on the field, standing at 5ft 7 the young speed demon is well equipped to trouble wingers on both flanks.

A few strikers to watch out for are Emmanuel Emenike, 24, who has scored eight goals in 11 games for Fernabache, Ideye Brown, 23, has scored 10 in 18 games for Dynamo Kyiv and Anthony Ujah has scored 27 in 36 games last season for Lillestrom.

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The Nigerian side will be hoping a merge of hot prospects and talent will be enough to get them back into the AFCON next year. The manager knows the task at hand won’t be easy but he brings with him experience in abundance, whether his winning mentality can rub off on his current squad remains to be seen.

It will be a shame to not see the Super Eagles in this year’s AFCON but I’m pretty sure a fresh start a long with a new direction will ensure them a part in South Africa next year.

@Rantisamz

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Unai Emery has been granted a one-year contract extension as manager of Valencia, the Spanish club has announced.Emery has put pen to paper on a new deal tying him to Valencia until June 30, 2012, rewarding him for guiding the club to the Champions League for a second successive year.

That Emery managed to do so despite the absence of star players David Villa and David Silva – sold to ease financial strain at the club – makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

Expectations of Valencia were tempered prior to the season given the loss of Villa and Silva, but Emery still managed to lead his side to a third-place finish in La Liga behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Valencia President Manuel Llorente was delighted to have retained the services of his coach, who he believes can take the club to even greater heights in the next campaign.

“Unai has proven himself. To go directly into the Champions League is very valuable and we greatly appreciate his desire to improve us and his ability to do so,” Llorente said.

“We are growing, giving hope and joy to the fans. The challenge is to take another step forward in performance and be better every year and Unai is ambitious.”

“He has all the requirements and the confidence of the club.”

Emery added: “I am very happy to have another year with one of the best clubs in the world. It is my intention to keep developing this club and that project drives me.”

“The goal we have set is to improve and take further steps to make the most of our performance. We have a great team and they can give us great joy.”

Today, football is bigger than ever. The number of followers is ever-increasing and the money involved has reached epic proportions. But what has actually happened to the standard of play and how does it compare to years gone by?

There is no doubting that advances in technology and the increasing money in the sport has led to some major changes being implemented throughout the sport, even at grass roots level. When Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal much was made of the way he was able to change the philosophy of how a professional footballer should live their life. Never before had the diets and the training regimes of players been so closely monitored. The almost instantaneous success he achieved made others take notice.

It could be argued that these improvements have made people more athletic. In fact, perhaps they have contributed to the evolution of the human race. If you were to look at the world record for the 100m sprint, over time it has kept dropping – maybe people are evolving and becoming faster. The same could be said for the marathon.

Either way, there has clearly been a step up in terms of the standard of athlete. This is no exception for football. Many people talk about the great players of the past such as Maradona and Pelé. Whilst it is almost impossible to compare players of different eras, it would be very interesting to see if these players would still be stand-outs if they played in today’s game. You often see players with a very high standard of technical ability struggle in the top leagues today. It has become a requisite that every player is not only technically brilliant, but also a super athlete. I often ask myself whether Maradona would have been able to keep pace in a league such as the Premiership today with the lifestyle he used to live.

It seems clear that to excel in the world of football today you must be incredibly dedicated. Players cannot afford to live the lifestyle that many footballers did in the past otherwise the results will be obvious on the pitch. Two of the greats of English football, George Best and Bobby Moore, could be seen down the pub after the game on a Saturday. If that were to happen in today’s game, it would lead to them being fined or even sacked.

In the modern game, not only do players train more, but they train in more sophisticated, scientific ways. The improvements in technology (e.g. the pitches, the boots and the training equipment) have led to more effective time spent on the training ground. In my opinion, this has resulted in players also being technically better than they ever have been. With players being stronger, fitter and quicker, it seems almost inhuman the way Lionel Messi can waltz round a whole team. In older times, when George Best used to play, teams would often only have very small squads. This meant that players often had to play through injury, especially with the medical facilities being far less effective. When you look at it this way, does what George Best did compare to what Messi does today? In my eyes it is a clear no.

Yet there is still a majority who would regard the great players of past generations as the best ever. I often wonder whether people consider the overall improving standards or just judge it by who stood out the most from their generations.

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It is disappointing that we will never find out how many of these players compared, but judging by the improvements that have been made in the last fifty years, the future of football looks very exciting indeed.

Written By Matt Ellis

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has asked his side to be more consistent, and is still hopeful that his men can guarantee a top four finish.

The Gunners find themselves in sixth place in the Premier League standings currently, and face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Despite admitting that there is still work to do, Wenger is keen to finish in the league’s top four places, starting with a positive result against Sunderland this weekend.

“We had a good week last week. We had a good result against Aston Villa and a good performance against Bolton,” he told the club’s official website.

“We had the same number of chances [at the Reebok] that we had against Blackburn but we scored on Saturday. We still have real hope that we can finish the season the strongest. We have a good spirit and desire within the group – and we have quality.

“We know that with the position we are in we need an exceptional consistency, so that is the challenge we have in front of us at Sunderland,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Arsenal’s win last Sunday brought an air of ‘if only’ around the Emirates as Arsene Wenger’s men look back at another failed quest for the Premier League title. You do sense that next season it is vital that the club start to deliver silverware to appease those fans frustrated at the increase in ticket prices.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Arsenal blogs that includes Nasri provides Wenger with transfer dilemma; Arsenal’s own X-file mystery, while Arsene should think twice about Diaby.

We also look at the best Arsenal articles around the web this week.

*

Just a case of right man, wrong philosophy at Arsenal

Forget Cesc, is this Wenger’s biggest transfer dilemma this summer?

What do Arsenal need the extra £4.5m for?

Arsene Wenger right to put Arsenal first in this case

Arsenal’s very own X-File mystery

Why Arsenal should think twice about selling Frenchman

Arguably Wenger’s TEN ‘Greatest Achievements’ at Arsenal

Arsenal & Liverpool hit with £20m asking price

Arsene Wenger’s ‘Greatest XI’ of all time

If I was you Arsene Wenger…

*Best of Web*

The most frustrating religion – Emirates FC – Gunnersphere

Game over… You lose again, Arsene! – Online Gooner

Stay A Little Longer Or Walk Away In Anger? – A Cultured Left Foot

Arsenal run over the golden goose, then reverse back over just to make sure – Le Grove

The real reason Cesc wants out, R.I.P Sir Henry, No to goal-line Technology.. – Highbury House

Ignore ticket farce at your peril, Mr Gazidis – Arsenal Insider

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Click on Miss Yespica below to see her in all her glory

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It would be excusable to believe that the sweeper had become a moribund position in modern football. For supporters it is not an enticing prospect to see a striker or attacking midfielder substituted for an extra defender. A sweeper traditionally plays behind the two central defenders, tasked with marking space rather than the man and clearing anything others fail to deal with. However the role was reintroduced by two British sides recently who faced Manchester United and Chelsea at their home grounds. Glasgow Rangers and Blackpool achieved contrasting success but will teams facing daunting opposition away from home be inclined to field an extra defender and apply the padlock?

For managers who decide to include a sweeper in a five man defence, the priority is to keep a clean sheet and disturb the opponent’s attackers. Rangers opted for this system against United in the Champions League last week and frustrated a team which had been rotated but did incorporate Wayne Rooney. The Scottish team’s 40-year old captain David Weir adopted this lesser seen role although cynics would argue that they defended with nine men as Kenny Miller was an isolated figure up front. Recently recalled to the Scottish national team, Weir was arguably the man of the match as he gave an assured performance which reduced the illustrious home team to a series of long range efforts.

The following weekend in the Premier League saw Ian Holloway choose to place Alex Baptiste in a central defensive three, in the faint hope of halting Chelsea’s goal scoring juggernaut. The rampant Blues scored within 71 seconds and added three more before the conclusion of the first half. The tactic had backfired with the Tangerines unable to keep their shape at the back and were mesmerised when Chelsea broke with pace. However in the traditional mould of the sweeper, Baptiste managed to occasionally get forward, evading his markers and fired a low, rasping shot at Petr Cech.

Holloway acknowledged that his tactical change had not followed the prescribed plan. But he evidently felt compelled to attempt something different given his assertion that Chelsea are “light years ahead.” He additionally suggested that the disparate PL features a number of internal divisions, reaffirming the gulf in quality between those at the top and the bottom. Newcastle outscored Chelsea in a thrilling League Cup encounter last night but few teams would travel to Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford or the Emirates in the league hoping to replicate that performance. Should more sides, therefore, consider this defensive and attritional stance when facing incomparable opposition?

The notion of not conceding and hoping to possibly grab a goal is associated with the Italian word, catenaccio which translates as padlock. This well known term is utilised to describe a team intent on defending and using pace to spring a counter attack when the opportunity arises. It is best associated with a five man defence and the inclusion of a sweeper. In this system the onus is on keeping a strong defensive shape and employing the last man to ‘sweep up’ if the two conventional centre-backs are exposed. However a sweeper should ideally be a cultured footballer, able to make clean tackles and swiftly distribute long range passes up field. As the opposition are invited to come forward and apply greater pressure, an accurate pass from defence can release quick forward players to exploit the vacated spaces. Famous sweepers in the modern game have included AC Milan’s Franco Baresi, France’s Laurent Blanc and Arsenal’s Tony Adams.

Today the role is rarely seen, particularly in England but many defenders display the hallmarks of a sweeper. Spurs’ Michael Dawson has the ability to make unnervingly precise long range passes and John Terry can often be seen making astute forward runs. Although this position/formation should not be viewed egregiously, it would understandably irritate spectators who would view it as anti football in the entertainment driven top flight. Yet when playing exceptional opposition the first task is to make your defence impregnable. Otherwise the reigning PL Champions will rack up more than four every week.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

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Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed that Chelsea have made a bid to sign their Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian this January.

The Brazil international joined the Ukrainian side from Corinthians back in 2007 for a fee of around £12 million, and has steadily progressed with excellent performances domestically and in the Champions League.

The eastern European outfit’s CEO has admitted that Andre Villas Boas’ men have made an offer for the South American, which was refused.

“We have received a bid from Chelsea for Willian valued at €20million (£16.7m), but he is not for sale,” Sergei Palkin told Sky Sports.

Willian would fit into Villas Boas’ ideal transfer target criteria as a young, exciting prospect, but Skakhtar seem unwilling to sell their star man.

Sky Sports do indicate however that the Ukrainian side value Willian at £29million, considerable more than what the Premier League side offered.

As yet there has been no indication into whether Chelsea will make another attempt to bring the playmaker to Stamford Bridge.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The FA Cup has always been a wonderful competition and the beauty of the tournament is it seldom goes exactly the way you think and upsets are always likely to happen. This is my list of five of the most memorable semi-finals.

This should not necessarily be seen as a definitive list of the top five semi-finals of all time – but more an opinion piece on five of my personal favourites. I would also like to point out that I have chosen games from the modern era to try and broaden appeal.

I would also point to the fact that three of the games feature Manchester United. Sorry if this offends anyone, but that’s just the way it has come out, I am not a Manchester United fan!

5 Newcastle United vs. Manchester United 2005 (1-4)

The match in 2005 was certainly an entertaining game and featured 5 goals in a packed Millennium Stadium. However, it tendered to be a rather one sided affair in which Manchester United always had an element of control in. The Red Devils looked in complete control at half time due to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Van Nistelrooy and Scholes. When Van Nistelrooy scored his second goal of the game in the 58th minute the tie looked done and dusted – but Newcastle at least threatened a comeback when Shola Ameobi scored. However, Ronaldo made absolutely sure with the fourth united goal in the 76th minute and they were through to the final.

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4 Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace 1995 (2-2)

This proved to be a more difficult game than Manchester United were expecting. The Red Devils went into this game looking for easy progress to the final. However, Crystal Palace gave Manchester United a good fight. In the end the game played at Villa Park finished 2-2 with goals from Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister for United and responses from Palace duo Armstrong and Dowie. Manchester won the reply 2-0.

Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the Top THREE…

3 Middlesbrough vs. Chesterfield 1997 (3-3)

For me this is one of the most memorable FA Cup ties. Before the match Middlesbrough were expecting a comfortable win – but there were given one hell of a fright by lower league Chesterfield United. In the match Chesterfield stormed into a 2-0 lead with goals from Morris and Dyche, but Middlesbrough were able to find a way back into the game and level matters with quick fire goals from Ravanelli and Hignett. Middlesbrough were confident of finding a winner – but continued to be frustrated. So the game entered a period of extra time – where there were two further goals, one for each side and the game finished 3-3. In the reply Boro won 2-0.

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2 Manchester United vs. Oldham 1990 (3-3)

Another fantastic example of what the FA cup brings; a classic game with both sides going all out looking for the win. It was a game that United really should have taken control of after having the lead on three separate occasions – but Oldham pegged them back again and forced the reply. Manchester United won the replay in extra time with Mark Robins hitting the winner.

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1 Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool 1990 (4-3)

What a fantastic game of football this turned out to be with Crystal Palace surprising Liverpool. The Merseyside club had led twice in the game during normal time and looked certain to win. But it was Palace who had the last laugh with an extra time winner from Alan Pardew. It proved to be sweet revenge for the London club, because they were beaten by Liverpool 9-0 earlier in the League that same season.

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Nigeria central defender Danny Shittu is weighing up a number of options after ending his time at Bolton Wanderers.

The 30-year-old struggled to make his mark during two seasons with the Trotters, having previously impressed with both Watford and Queens Park Rangers.

Shittu told Sky Sports:"I believe quitting Bolton was the right step to take as I didn't have options to play at Bolton.

"I wish the club all the best in the future and now I have to find myself a new club.

"I am now reviewing my options and there are quite a few sides interested in me from Europe and the Middle East.

"Hopefully I can announce where my future lies shortly after I return from international duty."

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Scottish giants Celtic are also rumoured to be interested in Shittu, having tried to sign the stopper earlier on in his career.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Tottenham’s Europa League campaign is over, despite beating Shamrock Rovers 4-0 in Dublin on Thursday night.

The North London club’s fate was out of their hands, as they needed PAOK to beat Rubin Kazan in Greece for there to be any chance of progression, but a 1-1 draw sees the Russians take second place in Group A.

Despite this fact, Harry Redknapp’s men went about their business and tried to win their own fixture; a largely second string side was fielded at the Tallaght Stadium.

Three first half goals from Steven Pienaar, Andros Townsend and Jermain Defoe killed the game as a contest, with substitute Harry Kane grabbing a fourth in stoppage time.

The outcome means that Spurs can now concentrate on domestic upheavals, with finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League the club’s number one priority.

After the game Harry Redknapp remained upbeat despite exiting the competition.

“We did ever so well,” he told Sky Sports.

“At half time obviously we knew that the other team were losing and I thought we had a real chance then, if we could get another goal.

“I thought maybe with them (Rubin) being down to ten men, I could see the Greek team winning by a couple of goals and I thought, well maybe four goals would be enough for us tonight.”

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Spurs now face Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and will look to make amends for last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke.

By Gareth McKnight