Gallery: Messi Nutmeg, CR7 Dive, Mascherano Play-Acting

l Messi nutmegged Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for diving, while Javier Mascherano tried some play-acting. Check our gallery for all the highlights and goals of the El Clasico. 

 

Player Ratings – Barca

Player Ratings – Real Madrid

Gerrard: I Let Everyone Down

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has apologized for his red card and insisted that he takes full responsibility for his actions.

The former England midfielder came on for teammate for Adam Lallana, after seeing his side trail 1-0 at half-time and within a minute of his arrival, he was shown a straight red for stamping on Ander Herrera.

Gerrard told the media after the game that he accepts full responsibility for Sunday’s result and believes that the referee made the right decision to send him off.

"I just need to accept it," the 34-year-old told Sky Sports.

"The decision was right. I've let my team-mates and manager down today and even more importantly I've let all the supporters down so I take full responsibility for my actions.

"I tried to jump his tackle and I've seen his studs and I've reacted wrong.

"I've been in the game long enough (to know what happens) when you do something like that and especially at the time of the game - after half-time with 45 to play - with a great opportunity to get back into the game, I take full responsibility for today's result."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that Gerrard apologised to his teammates in the dressing room after the final whistle.

"Steven apologised to the players and me in the dressing room," Rodgers said.

"It was probably frustration, we didn't put a tackle in in the first half, but the players adjusted well."

After Sunday’s loss Liverpool find themselves five points behind their arch rivals in the Premier League.

Do you think Gerrard was to blame for the result at Anfield? Have your say in the comments section below.  

Suarez: El Clasico Winner My Most Important Goal Yet

Barcelona forward Luis Suarez revealed that Sunday’s goal in El Clasico is his most important goal yet for Barcelona.

Suarez has been in fine goal scoring form for Barcelona this month, and even scored two vital goals for the Catalans in the Champions League against Manchester City last month.

Suarez admitted that his strike in their 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid ranks as is his most important goal for the club so far.

“This is the most important goal I've scored for Barca and it has an extra significance because of the rival we were playing against,” Suarez told Barcelona's official Channel.

“I just tried to take advantage of the space between defenders and be as fast as I could so I didn't give the centre-backs any time to recover. Luckily it went in.

“The dressing room is very happy, we knew this was a really important game if we wanted to stay top of the league and increase our advantage.”

Suarez has made 29 appearances for Barcelona so far this season and scored 14 goals, while assisting a further 15.

Do you think Luis Suarez was a brilliant buy for Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section below.

Freedman Admits Four Teams Want Akpom

Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman, has admitted he is in talks with Arsenal over a loan move for Anglo Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom.

Freedman claims Championship rivals Norwich City held talks with the 19-year-old on Saturday and admits he wants him too.

He said: “The particular player we are interested in was here at Norwich in the morning talking to them. That is fine.

"I know there are four teams who are in for him and he will probably choose Monday or Tuesday"
“That is the competition we are up against."

Akpom viewed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as one of the brightest talent in the Arsenal youth set up, ready to step up to the first team next season have had loan spells at Coventry City and Brentford, making 10 appearances combined with no goal scored.

This season he has made four appearances for Arsenal in all competition and was recently tied down to a new five year deal by the Gunners, a testament to their faith in his abilities.

Sunderland Monitoring Liverpool's Illori

Struggling English Premiership side Sunderland, are reportedly monitoring the progress of Portuguese youth international of Nigerian parents, Tiago Ilori.
Reports sourced by SL10.ng from the British and French media has it that the 22 year old Liverpool on loan defender who has 10 Ligue 1 appearances for Bordeaux, will be a part of Sunderland summer reinforcement.
An injury he picked up in his first preseason game for Liverpool in the summer, ended any hope of his chances of finally making his competitive bow for Liverpool this season after impressing while on loan at Granada in the La-Liga.
Signed for 7 million pounds by Liverpool in the summer of 2013, it is yet to be known if the Anfield base giants will be willing to part ways with him permanently, after spending the first two years of his 5 year contract on loan.
Eligible for Nigeria, Portugal and England at international level, London born Ilori was impressive two weeks ago in Bordeaux shock 3-2 win over PSG.

Garba Proud Of His Team

Victorious coach of the Nigeria Under-17 team Manu Garba, says his team made up of only two players from the Nigeria Premier League is the future of Nigeria football, after a 1-0 victory over Senegal gave them the trophy at the Africa Youth Championship. 

Manu Garba expressed his joy at winning the championship twice, once as a player in 1983 and now as a coach, also tagged Bernard Bulbwa audacious volley as the goal of the tournament.

"I feel elated and great, I was part of the team that won the same competition in 1983, as a player and I am now happy to win it as a coach" He said.

"The difference is the goal of the tournament which was scored by number 7 Bernard Bulbwa, this team is the future of Nigeria football we have only two players from the Nigeria Premier League the rest are from academies, which is a good sign for the development of Nigeria Football"

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Fashanu Impressed With Bulbwa's Goal  

 Unconfirmed Reports Suggests International Friendly Almost Moved From Uyo

Super Eagles Defender Welcomes Friendly Games With Uganda And South Africa

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo says it is important they play some matches to help them get back together as a team before the start of the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Omeruo, who is one of the invited players for the friendly matches against Uganda and South Africa, says it doesn’t matter what opponents they have, as the most important thing is to get games as a team.

“I don’t think the opposition really matters, the most important is for us to get these games because it’s been a while since we last played as a team and it is important we play them.

“The one at home is also important because we are playing before our home fans and it will be nice to put in effort and play well,” he said.

The 21-year old Middlesbrough defender is presently in Nigeria for the games against Uganda and Nigeria and was at the Abuja National Stadium on Sunday to watch the Nigerian U23 draw 0-0 with Zambia, which his younger brother, Lucky, featured.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles stand-in coach Daniel Amokachi has called up Warri Wolves striker Onyekachi Okafor as replacement for the injured Brown Ideye.

The Ugandans are expected to arrive Nigeria today.

Unconfirmed Reports Suggests International Friendly Almost Moved From Uyo

The international friendly match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Cranes of Uganda initially scheduled for the Uyo International Stadium  was almost moved to the Abuja National Stadium, unconfirmed reports suggest.

Sl10.ng learnt earlier today that the match may be moved to the Abuja National Stadium from the Uyo International Stadium.

It remains unclear what the exact reason might have been, but it may not be far from the national elections which starts this Saturday, March 28. It is believed that the Uganda football Federation may have asked their Nigerian counterparts to move the game to Abuja, for ‘security reasons’, as they may feel more comfortable playing in Abuja than Uyo.

The Super Eagles were initially scheduled to play Bolivia on the same date but the South Americans pulled out, citing ‘security reasons’. Their exit meant the NFF had to replace them with Bolivia.

However the NFF have since confirmed that the game will be played in Uyo.

Other Related Stories on Just concluded Under 20 Match Reports

Fashanu Impressed With Bulbwa's Goal  

Fashanu Impressed With Bulbwa's Goal

John Fashanu has described Bernard Bulbwa’s goal that sealed Nigeria 7th Africa Youth Championship trophy, as the best ever by a Nigerian player on the international scene.
Bulbwa scored the lone goal for Nigeria, a well taken volley on the turn after a flick control to beat host Senegal 1-0 and already the goal has being tipped as the goal of the tournament.
However the man who captained Wimbledon FC for 10 years, believes the goal carries more than just a tournament best goal tag and should be in contention for the FIFA Puskas award, for best goal of the year.
"I have watched it over and over again and the technique behind the goal was sublime, exquisite and perfectly showed class" He told SL10.ng
"To me it's more than the best goal of the tournament it's more to me, as it is the best goal scored ever by a Nigerian at any International meet.
"I will be damn if that goal doesn't make the cut for the FIFA goal of the year award, what's his name again? Bulbwa right? That is a special goal".
He went on to say Nigerians and especially the Nigeria Football Federation need make the world know about the strike, that it will further enhance the chance of it making the cut for the best goal of the year.
"When David Beckham scored the goal that announced him to the world if not for the press it wouldn't have gone that far, now it's the time for Nigerians to do same about Bulbwa's goal.
"Proper promotion of the goal by the NFF and fans of Nigeria football will aid the young man cause to see his goal nominated among the best goals of the year 2015.

Super Agent Accuses Real Of Buying Throw-away Players

Football super-agent Mino Raiola took a swipe at Real Madrid, accusing them of buying “throw-away” players and says Paul Pogba isn’t one of them.

The Italian agent, who is often in the news for his outrageous statements, represents the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Mario Balotelli.

Raiola insists that Los Blancos buy players for the intention of just throwing them away once they are done with them.

"Real Madrid have as their custom buying players as if they were buying kitchen gloves which you then throw away, as they do their players,” the agent said in an interview published by L'Equipe.

The agent confirmed that he and Pogba aren’t looking for a club like Madrid, as he believes they don’t necessarily believe in his potential.  

"Real Madrid are also a club that sees a player do well in six games in a World Cup and then buys him, we don't want a club like that,” he added.

“We want to go to a club that believes in Paul's potential. I'm not closing the doors on Real Madrid, but I'm not opening them either."

The war of words has come in response to the supposed interest that Real Madrid might have in signing Pogba.

Do you think Paul Pogba would suit Real Madrid’s playing style? Have your say in the comments section below.

Jose Admits To Misusing Striker

 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has openly admitted to misusing French striker Loic Remy, as he believes that he probably deserves more time.

The French striker has had limited game time since joining the Blues, but came off the bench on Sunday to score the winner in a 3-2 victory over Hull City.

The Portuguese manager told reporters that Remy probably deserves more game time than currently given.

"[Remy] probably deserves more than what I give him," he said.

"Sometimes, not many times, a coach can feel he owes something to a player. With Remy that is the case, I think I owe him something.

"Every time he plays he gives us a lot. I'm so happy for him because he deserves it. He never complains."

Remy can expect to play more often over the next few weeks, as preferred striker Diego Costa is carrying an injury.

"He has this problem. He tried to play the Champions League final for Atletico (Madrid, last season) and was injured again and again and again. He has this fragility.

"We know his hamstring is not a strong one. He works hard through the week to compensate the weakness he has there but the injury can come.

"If he is injured then we have Remy, we have (Didier) Drogba. We never cry about injured players."

Chelsea are currently six points clear of Manchester City on the Premier League table.

Do you agree with Mourinho that Remy deserves more time on the park? Have your say in the comments section below.

Barca Want To Play Cup Final At Bernabeu

FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao have sent an official request for the Copa del Rey final to be played at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.

Albert Soler, FC Barcelona's Director of Sporting Institutional Relations, said that they will be waiting for an official response from the SFF, after their request was sent to play the final at Real Madrid’s stadium.

“The Spanish Federation had received requests from some cities to host the cup, but not from Madrid. Since both clubs wish to play the final at the Bernabeu, we made a formal request to Real Madrid and, therefore, will be waiting for an official response,” he told Barcelona's official website.

Soler then said that so far, the Santiago Bernabeu has been their only option for a venue for the momentous occasion.

“So far we have not considered any other option than the Bernabeu, as we await an answer from the Federation,” he added.

The two finalists want the maximum amount of tickets available for the fans, but it remains to be seen whether Real will allow this.

Do you believe that Real Madrid will let the final be played at their stadium? Let us know in the comments section below.

Emenike Slams Fenerbahce Fans Amid Racial Abuse

Emmanuel Emenike has slammed his own supporters after he reportedly suffered racist abuse and tried to substitute himself during Fenerbahce’s 1-0 win over Besiktas.

The Fenerbahce striker tried to get himself taken off the field in the first-half of the game, as he took off his playing shirt and stormed off.

Emenike was held back on the touchline by the Fenerbahce management, who managed to convince him to keep playing the match.

Later that evening, the Nigerian took to Twitter and expressed his anger at the whole situation, saying, "Let's KICK Racism Out Of Football. I hope I'll be somewhere where fans love me soon. I don't want to play football for people who calls me "nxxxxx". Miss red-white times...”

The striker was substituted at half-time for Cameroon forward Pierre Webo, who scored the Turkish side’s winner in the 91^st minute of the match.

Emenike has only netted four goals in 22 appearances for Fenerbahce this season and was booed by his home supporters when he missed a first-half chance.

Should players have the right to substitute themselves if they feeling uncomfortable on the field? Have your say in the comments section below.

Song Slams Ronaldo’s Clasico Display

On-loan West Ham midfielder Alex Song slammed Cristiano Ronaldo’s display against his parent club on Sunday night, following Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona.

The retired Cameroon international offered his thoughts on the Portuguese star’s performance, saying that he felt that the former Manchester United player was far from his best.

“Apart from the goal I don’t think he did very well tonight,” he said according to Total Football Madness.

“He was not the great Ronaldo tonight. I didn’t see something special.

“The game wasn’t a great game, neither side played the level you expect tonight and maybe that is why (Ronaldo struggled).”

Although song felt that Cristiano Ronaldo was poor, Ronaldo did manage to get on the score sheet, but his equaliser turned into a consolation goal as Luis Suarez handed Barcelona the win.

The 30-year-old scored his 42^nd goal of the season in 40 games, while he’s assisted 21 times for his teammates.

What did you think of Ronaldo’s performance? Let us know in the comments section below.

Bolivia Withdraw From Super Eagles Friendly

Bolivia Call Off Friendly Against Nigeria Set For 26 March

News coming out of Bolivia, is that the Bolivian Football Federation have decided to withdraw from their friendly against Nigeria, originally set for the 26th of March.

The Super Eagles only just named a squad to play in this game, and the friendly against South Africa a week later, but now a new opponent will have to be found.

The reason believed to be cited by the FBF is security.

"The armed conflict is in Nigeria with the performance of the Boko Haram militia forced the cancellation of that game," Carlos Chavez, president of the Bolivian Federation was quoted as saying on eldia.com

SNI Sport will continue to monitor the situation.

Messi Overtakes Ronaldo In European Golden Boot Race

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race, and now leads the list of top scorers in Europe with 32 goals.
 
The Argentine has had a great start to 2015, scoring 20 goals in 17 games in all competitions – 17 of which have come in just 11 La Liga games.

Those goals have seen him surpass Ronaldo on the La Liga goal-scoring charts for the Pichichini trophy, after he overturned a gap of 13 goals.

However, the La Liga ranking is not the only race where Messi is currently the frontrunner. He also tops the Golden Boot ranking for all goal scorers across Europe, where his teammate Neymar is in seventh place.

European Sports Media award the Golden Boot based on a points system, which rates goals scored in a higher ranked league more valuable than those scored in weaker leagues (based on UEFA coefficient).

The current Golden Boot rankings are as follows:
1) Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 32 goals – 64 points (factor 2.0)

2) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 30 goals – 60 points (factor 2.0)

3) Alexander Meier (Frankfurt) – 19 goals – 38 points (factor 2.0)

4) Evgeni Kabaev (Kalev) – 36 goals – 36 points (factor 1.0)

5) Diego Costa (Chelsea) – 18 goals – 36 points (factor 2.0)

6) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) – 23 goals – 34.5 points (factor 1.5)

7) Neymar (Barcelona) – 17 goals – 34 points (factor 2.0)

8) Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) – 17 goals – 34 points (factor 2.0)

9) Jackson Martinez (Porto) – 17 goals – 34 points (factor 2.0)

10) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) – 17 goals – 34 points (factor 2.0)

Click through our gallery attached to the article to view Europe's top 10 goal-scorers.

Messi has already scored one goal more than Ronaldo and Luis Suarez did last season, when they shared the award with 31 goals each.

Who do you think will win the Golden Boot race? Have your say in the comments section below.

"Only A Few Can Pay Messi’s €250m Buyout Clause"

 

FC Barcelona’s new Director of Football remains concerned about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving the Spanish giants, but insists only a few clubs could afford his €250 million buyout clause.

Ariedo Braida, who replaced his predecessor Andoni Zubizarreta in February, has recently admitted Messi could leave Camp Nou.

However, the former Milan sporting director has now tried to calm the storm by insisting that not many clubs could indeed afford Barcelona’s star player.

"He's a very strong player and is the icon of world football. He sells lots of shirts all around the world, it's extraordinary,” he told Radio Anch’io Sport.

"The president always says that Messi is an alien. I think and hope that economically he's unapproachable for other clubs.

“Even if you have to pay attention to new investors, Messi has a release clause of €250 million and for most teams that is an unattainable figure.

"Leo in Barcelona is much-loved by all, I think it would be a mistake for him to change team."

Messi has scored 43 goals and assisted a further 23 in just 39 games in all competitions this season, but he has been subject to speculation following an alleged bust up with Luis Enrique in January.

Do you think Lionel Messi should ever leave Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section below.

Amokachi names 28 Eagles for Bolivia, SA

Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain Vincent Enyeama will most likely win his 100th senior cap for Nigeria with his inclusion in the 28-man squad for the friendly ties against Bolivia and South Africa.

The three-time Fifa World Cup star presently on 99 caps heads a list that also includes Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Ogenyi Onazi and Ahmed Musa.

In-form England-based duo Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye, Germany-based Anthony Ujah and Leon Balogun as well as China-based Aaron Samuel, who scored two goals in the futile campaign for a place at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea are listed.

There are 18 overseas-based and 10 home-based professionals on the list with former junior international Akeem Latifu and Enyimba duo Kingsley Sokari and Mfon Udoh.

Amokachi has obliged a special request by injured Victor Moses, one of the stars of Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, to be listed as the Stoke City star believes he will recover before the two games.

The players are expected to report at the Le Meridien Hotel, Uyo on Monday, March 23 for the March 26 clash with Bolivia with the squad heading to South Africa on Friday, March 27 for the battle with the Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit on Sunday, March 29.

Full list

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars); Chidiebere Eze (Ifeanyi Ubah United)

Defenders: Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Akeem Latifu (Aalesunds FC, Norway); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England); Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China); Brown Ideye (West Brom, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne, Germany); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Ubong Moses (Kano Pillars); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Standby – Victor Moses (Stoke City, England)

Senegal Into U20 AYC Semi-Final

Senegal defeated Congo-Brazzaville 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Leopold Senghor on Saturday afternoon.

The Sengalese not only secured a semi-final spot in the African Youth Championship but also booked their ticket to the 2015 U20 World Cup, which gets underway in two months.

In the other group A fixture, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire played out to a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

The draw sees the Nigerians finish top of the group, although they already secure progression after their second group clash, while the Ivory Coast are sent home packing.

Tomorrow will see the conclusion of Group B, as South Africa's Amajita take on Zambia, as they play for pride, while Ghana take on Mali to see who will finish top of the group.

Gallery: Messi Scores Brace In Routine Barca Victory Over Eibar

Lionel Messi scored a brace to extend Barcelona’s lead at the top of la liga to four points, with Real Madrid due to host Levante.

Messi’s penalty and headed goal puts the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s men and, with El Clasico taking place next week, Barcelona will walk onto the pitch as league leaders next weekend.

Take a look at some images from Saturday night’s match between Barcelona and Eibar.