Shocked’ Osaka wins Australian Open to become world number one

Naomi Osaka

Japan’s Naomi Osaka said she was “in a state of shock” Saturday after holding her nerve to battle past Petra Kvitova to win the Australian Open in a three-set thriller that also delivered her the world number one ranking.

The fourth seed and US Open champion triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a 2hr 27min epic over the Czech eighth seed to claim back-to-back Grand Slams and become the first Asian, male or female, to hold the top spot.

The Japanese youngster fell to one knee in celebration, head bowed, as Melbourne Park erupted in thunderous cheers.

“I felt like I was in a state of shock through the entire trophy presentation,” the 21-year-old said.

A rattled Osaka almost blew her title hopes with one hand on the trophy when she failed to convert three championship points leading 5-3 in the second set.

The never-say-die Kvitova forced a deciding set before Osaka finally edged ahead with a decisive break early in the third.

“Of course I felt very disappointed and sad when I had three match points,” she said.

“I tried to tell myself there’s nothing I can do about it. Told myself I’m playing a final and need to keep fighting and couldn’t act immature and needed to keep fighting.”

Her jubilation was a marked contrast to Osaka’s maiden Slam win last year, when she tearfully hid her face as boos rang around Flushing Meadows in the wake of losing finalist Serena Williams’ tirade at the umpire.

This time, Osaka cried with joy and smiled as she became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

Her gutsy performance confirms her status as the leading light of tennis’ new generation.

Kvitova can console herself with a career-best performance at Melbourne Park, where she did not drop a set on her way to the final.

It was her first Grand Slam decider since a burglar slashed her racquet hand in a 2016 knife attack and the Czech has shown she is again a contender at the majors.

“Thank you for sticking with me even when we didn’t know if I would able to hold a racquet again,” Kvitova told her team, with her voice cracking.

“It’s crazy. I can hardly believe that I just played in a Grand Slam final again.”

– Slugfest –

Predictions of a slugfest between two of the game’s biggest hitters proved accurate as the pair went toe-to-toe in the first set.

They had never met before and Osaka initially struggled to unlock the lanky left-hander’s serve, while Kvitova at times could not handle her opponent’s powerful returns.

The Czech mixed up her game with drop shots and changes of pace but blew three break chances in a crunch sixth game in the first set.

Kvitova saved two set points to force a tie-break but Osaka ran away with it 7-2, taking the first set the Czech had conceded in the entire tournament.

Kvitova regrouped and kept her hopes alive with the first break of the match, going up 2-0 in the second.

Osaka was frustrated but did not panic, going back on level terms in the next game after benefiting from a Kvitova double fault and poorly hit drop shot.

The Japanese star broke again to take control as Kvitova’s error rate climbed, bringing up three championship points. But the Czech saved all of them, forcing Osaka to serve for the title.

Nerves took hold as Osaka conceded a break to make it 5-5, smashing a ball into the ground and putting her hands over her ears.

The Czech broke again to seize momentum with her fourth straight game, claiming the set as Osaka left the court with a towel draped over her head.

Osaka regained her cool and clipped a clean backhand winner to take a break point in the third game of the decider, going on to see off a Kvitova break opportunity, her mental demons put to bed.

Kvitova would not surrender, saving three break points before again forcing Osaka to serve it out, but the Japanese champion managed it on the second attempt for a famous victory.

Transfer: Victor Moses finally leaves Chelsea, undergoes medical at new club

Chelsea winger, Victor Moses, has undergone a medical at Fenerbahce, Sky Sports reports.

The ex-Nigeria international is expected to sign a deal with the Turkish giants.

Moses on Wednesday left Stamford Bridge to Istanbul to conclude his loan transfer to Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce are interested in signing Moses in this January transfer window.

The Super Lig side are currently on the 15th position in the Turkey top-flight league table, and are above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Moses, who still has two years remaining in his current deal with Chelsea, is expected to join Fenerbahce until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour at Chelsea since the Blues’ manager, Maurizio Sarri, took over from fellow Italian, Antonio Conte early this season.

Ahmed Musa loses mum

Super Eagles player, Ahmed Musa , has announced the death of his mother.
Musa shared the news on his verified Twitter handle on Thursday . He tweeted, “ What a sad day of my life . I just lost my mum. ”
He had earlier shared a get well message directed at his mother , who had obviously been ill.

He tweeted two photos and wished that she would soon get back on her feet, telling her family , that she was “ back in action ” .

“ I am sure being tucked in bed is not the best thing you know how to do . All your children are waiting for you to get out of bed and say ‘ I am back in action ’ . Get well soon Sweet Mum!”

Mikel Obi back in England, joins Middlesbrough

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has agreed personal terms with Middlesbrough and is undergoing a medical on Tuesday.
The Nigeria international held talks with Boro manager Tony Pulis at the Middlesbrough training ground last week and is now close to signing a short-term deal with the Championship club.

Mikel, who has been playing for Chinese side Tianjin TEDA, is keen to end his two-year spell in China to return to the UK, where his wife and children have stayed after his move abroad.
The 31-year-old spent 11 years at Chelsea, most notably winning one Champions League title, two Premier League titles, the Europa League, three FA Cups and the League Cup.

Super Eagles Striker, Ighalo launches N500m orphanage home to look after less privilege in Lagos!

Odion Ighalo has launched his £1million orphanage home for the poverty-stricken in Ijegun area of Lagos state.

The Changchun Yatai center-forward who left Nigeria at the age of 17 to play football never forgot his roots.

The Nigerian international has played in Norway, Italy, Spain and England with Premier League side Watford.

former Watford ace Odion Ighalo launched £1m orphanage in Nigeria to look after poverty-stricken childrenhttps://t.co/2WHyBC6y9z

— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) January 15, 2019

“Life was tough growing up in Ajegunle and I vowed that if I eventually had a breakthrough, I’ll give back to the society that made me,” Ighalo said on the Foundation’s website.

“Life’s challenges were hard enough even with both parents at my side. “It goes without saying that orphans have it even worse and it gladdens my heart that life has offered me this rare privilege to be guiding light in their life.”

It is understood that the 29-year-old reportedly spent N500million – around £1million – to build the home which houses 30 to 40 children with separate apartments for boys and girls.

The orphanage take babies and pledge to look after them, teaching academic studies and sports. until they reach 18.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech announces retirement from football after 20 illustrious years in his career

Chelsea legend Petr Cech has finally drawn the curtains in his career after 20-years in the round leather game.

The present Arsenal captain announced his retirement after spending almost four years at the Emirates and 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Cech has spent 15 years in the Premier League, during which time he played for Chelsea and Arsenal and won multiple trophies.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the former Czech number one said:

“This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of the season.

“Having played 15 years in the Premier League, and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve.

“I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch.”

The 36-year-old’s career was threatened in October 2006 when he required surgery for a skull fracture after a collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt.

The ex-Cezch shot-stopper was out for three months and has since worn a protective headguard during games.

Cech arrived the Premier League to join Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Rennes in July 2004 and went on to win 13 trophies including one Champions League and four Premier League titles.

He also set the record for the most clean sheets in all competitions beating the 208 set by former England international Peter Bonetti between 1960 and 1979.

On the long run, Cech lost his place to Thibaut Courtois before joining Arsenal and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup in 2017.

Ordega, Oshoala, Kgatlana emerge CAF awards finalist

Nigerian duo Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega, and South African Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana have made the final three for the Women’s Player of the Year 2018.

The three made the cut after a performance-filled year in which they made headlines at both club and national levels, reports the  Confederation of African Football on its website.

In a statement on its website, CAF revealed that “Oshoala, winner for the past two years with three titles overall (2014, 2016, 2017) has her sights on a fourth title, to equal the feat of compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011). The 24-year old helped Nigeria to successively defend their title during the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana last December.

“Still on Nigeria, Ordega earned herself cult status following her exploits at the AWCON and in the USA, where she plays for the Washington Spirit. The 25-year old wowed fans with her pacy runs from the wings as Nigeria cruised to the title.

“South African forward Kgatlana, 22, was the star of the last AWCON, scooping the Most Valuable Player and Top scorer accolades as Banyana Banyana reached the final. This is her second nomination at this level and she hopes to become the second South African after Noko Matlou (2008) to be crowned ‘Queen’ of African football.”

CAF Awards: Aubameyang, Mane, Salah make top three

Reigning Confederation of African Football Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah, Senegalese player, Sadio Mane and Gabonese player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have made the top three list for the 2018 awards.

CAF made this revelation on Tuesday on their website. CAF revealed that the three players were the top three finalists for last year’s awards.

The Player of the Year will be unveiled at the Awards Gala on 8 January 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.

In a statement, CAF said that “Aubameyang had maintained his stand amongst the top three finalists since 2014, thus five times in a row and equaling the record of Ivorian legend Yaya Toure and Ghanaian midfield supremo Michael Essien. Four-time Player of the Year, Toure, achieved the feat (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) and Essien (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009). The 29-year old will be hoping to lay his hands on the enviable crown a second time.

“Salah, 26, made history becoming the first Egyptian to be decorated Player of the Year since the inception of the awards scheme in 1992. It is the second time, he has made the final three and Salah has his eyes set on joining the elite league of players to win the honour back-to-back. Senegalese El Hadji Diouf (2001, 2002), Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon (2003, 2004) and Toure (2011, 2012) are the only three to win successive titles.

“It is a hat-trick for 26-year old Mane in the top three, coming third in 2016 and second in 2017. He will be hoping to be third time lucky and become the second Senegalese to win the topmost individual honour after Diouf.”

Footballer, Asamoah Gyan goes broke, left with N300k

Blасk Stars сарtаіn, Aѕаmоаh Gуаn, hаѕ rероrtеdlу fіlеd a bаnk ѕtаtеmеnt in court tо рrоvе thаt hе has gone broke.

In a report by MуNеwѕGH.соm, thе ассоunt dеtаіlѕ ѕubmіttеd by Gуаn іndісаtе that he only hаѕ GHC 4000 (equivalent of N300k) wіth thе National Invеѕtmеnt Bаnk (NIB).

“Mу frоnt аnd bасk, uр and dоwn is thаt money (GH¢4000) you ѕее there,” thе Blасk Stаrѕ сарtаіn іѕ reportedly said.

When аѕkеd іf he did not have аnу account abroad, Gуаn reportedly ѕubmіttеd a Bank ассоunt from Turkey, whеrе hе currently рlауѕ, wіth zero bаlаnсе аѕ рrооf hе has trulу nоt been paid fоr several months. .

Thе fіlіng оf Gуаn’ѕ financial ѕіtuаtіоn bесаmе nесеѕѕаrу whеn thе Accra Hіgh Cоurt оrdеrеd thе footballer to еnѕurе thаt hе paid fоr thе air ticket оf hіѕ wife аnd all thеіr thrее children trаvеlіng frоm the UK tо Ghаnа for a DNA tеѕt to be conducted.

Thе court which thought Gyan was uѕіng ‘dеlау tасtісѕ’ аftеr he іnіtіаllу declared himself brоkе, оrdеrеd him to file his full bank account dеtаіlѕ wіth the court in twо weeks.

Eаrlіеr, Gуаn hаd told thе соurt in Auguѕt thаt hе could only afford GHC 3000 a mоnth for the upkeep оf thе three children and thе wife who аrе based іn thе UK.

Luca Modric crowned world's best player at Ballon d'Or awards, ends Messi and Ronaldo's 10-year dominance (Photos)

Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder, Luka Modric, has been crowned world's best player at 2018 Ballon d'Or awards ahead of  Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Modric claimed the prestigious award after his impressive performance for both club and country this year to put an end to the 10-years of Ballon d'Or dominance between Messi and Ronaldo.The 33-year-old won the prize at the Grand Palais in Paris, while Ronaldo came second followed by Antoine Griezmann who came third.Kylian Mbappe who won the Kopa Trophy came fourth ahead of Lionel Messi who finished down in fifth.See more photos below.

Family Reunion: Mikel Obi, Russian Wife & Twin Daughters Visit His Parents In Nigeria (Photos)

Mikel, his wife, kid and his parents

Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has paid a visit to Nigeria with his Russian partner, Olga Diyachenko and their twin daughters Ava and Mia.

Mikel who plays for Chinese club, Tianjin TEDA, and his family, were pictured with his parents, siblings and relations at a welcome party held for them.

The player’s partner who was absolutely delighted on how she was welcomed by the family, wrote, “What an amazing day! Thank you for such a warm welcome to all 26 Obis.”

The midlfielder shared photos from the event and captioned it: “Family #grandma #gradpa #cousins #Mimi #Ava.”

See more photos below.

Former Super Falcons midfielder, Ajuma Ameh-Otache, dies at 33

One of Nigeria’s most successful women internationals, midfielder Ajuma Ameh-Otache, has died at the age of 33.

Ameh-Otache, who played for Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, also won the African Women’s Cup of Nations that same year.

“We are sad to hear of the sudden passing of former Nigeria midfielder, African Women’s Championship winner, Olympian, Ajuma Otache who passed on Saturday,” the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Twitter.

“Our thoughts are with her young family. May her soul rest in peace.”

Ameh-Otache also played for the Super Falcons at the 2003 All Africa Games in Abuja.

The former Pelican Stars player was in charge of Goodland Rangers Football Club of Lagos and made headlines as a successful female coach in charge of a male side.

She is survived by her husband Peter Otache and three children.

Former Arsenal striker, Nicklas Bendtner sentenced to jail for kicking and punching taxi driver

 Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has been sentenced to 50 days in jail for breaking a taxi driver's jaw after refusing to pay the £5 fare.   

The 30-year-old, who now plays for Norwegian side Rosenborg, was partying with his girlfriend before hailing a cab just after 2am on September 9th. Having argued with the driver over his route, Bendtner, who earned £50,000 a week and his model partner left the car and were pursued by the driver.

  Bendtner then punched the man in the jaw before kicking him as he lay on the ground. He admitted to hitting the taxi driver but said it was because he felt threatened when the driver threw a can towards him. The Denmark international, who was also ordered to pay £176 in compensation, argued he acted in self-defence and was released on appeal.

 The driver was acquitted of violence but fined £353 for using his phone while driving and not wearing his seatbelt. Bendtner, who will not be sacked by Rosenborg, issued an grovelling apology at a press conference three days after the incident. 

Since leaving Arsenal in 2014, Bendtner has played for Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest and now Rosenborg where he has scored 33 goals in 75 games. While at the Emirates, he spent time on loan at Birmingham, Sunderland and Juventus and has won 81 caps for his country, scoring 30 goals.

BREAKING: Victor Moses retires from international football

Super Eagles player, Victor Moses, has announced his retirement from international football.

Moses made the announcement on his Instagram page.

He went on to reveal the reasons for his retirement: “However I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish.”

Popular Nigerian Football Star And Arsenal Player, Alex Iwobi Is Featured In A Nollywood Movie Titled "Trailed"

Arsenal and Super Eagles football star, Alex Iwobi is to appear in hos first movie not long after a producer invited him o feature in his project. The title of the movie is 'Trailed ' produced by Compact Way Production.

The movie was shooted in the United Kingdom with the football star playing a heroic character in which he did some stunt in the movie.

The first trailer is set to be released soon.

The London based player was born in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to England at the age of four. Alex Iwobi is the nephew of former experienced footballer, Jay Jay Okocha. He is “best mates” with former Arsenal teammate Tyrell Robinson.

Serena Williams welcomes baby girl with fiancé Alexis Ohanian

Serena Williams welcomed her baby girl on Friday in the middle of the U.S. Open at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach with fiancé Alexis Ohanian.

“Tennis star Serena Williams gave  birth to a baby girl weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Mom and baby doing well,” WPBF-25 news producer Chris Shepherd announced on Twitter, citing a source at the hospital.

The new mom was induced on Thursday night, according to local station CBS 12.

Source daily News

Maria Sharapova Claims Serena Williams Called Her A “Little Bitch”

Former Wimbledon champ (and doping suspendee) Maria Sharapova’s memoirs come out in September. People (by way of Metro UK) got a hold of an excerpt in which Maria addresses her long-running professional feud with tennis superbeing Serena Williams. Maria says that beating Serena at Wimbledon in 2004 resulted in the tennis legend referring to her as a “little bitch.” Maria got off lucky. She could have shared the same fate as one of Serena’s racquets!

In a passage from Unstoppable Except For When I Test Positive For Performance Enhancing Drugs: My Life So Far, Maria says that her Wimbledon victory over Serena at age 17 made the both of them into even fiercer competitors. And she claims it’s all because Serena knows that Maria overheard her losing her shit that day. She says that, after her win, Serena congratulated her on the court and was cheesing it for the cameras. But it was a whole ‘nother story in the locker room.

What I heard when I came into the locker room was Serena Williams bawling. Guttural sobs. I got out as quickly as I could, but she knew I was there.

People often wonder why I have had so much trouble beating Serena; my record against her is 2 and 19. To me, the answer was in this locker room.

Later on, Maria says that a mutual friend told her that Serena wasn’t exactly singing her praises.

I think Serena hated me for being the skinny kid who beat her, against all odds, at Wimbledon. But mostly I think she hated me for hearing her cry. Not long after the tournament, I heard Serena told a friend – who then told me – “I will never lose to that little bitch again”.’

As Maria pointed out, she has only beaten Serena twice in her career. Serena, on the other hand, has kicked that ass 19 times. That is a motivated lady! Serena must have spent her training time just slamming balls at the head of a cardboard cutout of Ms. Sharapova over and over as well as boycotting Russian vodka and caviar.

Pic: Wenn.com

Gatlin Sad At Media Sensation Of Rivalry With Bolt

American sprinter Justin Gatlin has accused the media of sensationalizing his rivalry with eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

The 35-year-old secured a surprise victory in the men’s 100m final at IAAF World Championships on Saturday, beating crowd favourite Bolt on his final individual race before retirement.

Gatlin, who has twice been banned for doping offenses, was booed every time he was introduced to the crowd at the London Stadium before the 100m heats, semifinals and final.

Spectators again jeered once it was clear that the 2004 Olympic champion had won gold and ruined Bolt’s farewell.

The crowd’s dissatisfaction was less audible when Gatlin stepped on top of the podium to collect his medal, but some fans did make their displeasure known.

Gatlin is the sport’s most controversial drugs cheat. He was banned for two years in 2001 when he was still at college. He served 12 months of his sentence for taking a banned amphetamine after successfully arguing he had taken the drug as medication for attention deficit disorder.reax to usain bolt retirement_00011226

In 2006, he was banned for eight years, later reduced to four on appeal, after testing positive for the banned steroid testosterone.

Asked how he felt about the crowd’s reaction in London, Gatlin told CNN: “It leaves me scratching my head.

“I’ve been back in the sport since 2010. I wasn’t booed in 2012, ’11, ’12 — which was still in London — ’13 or ’14 or ’15 and not that much in ’16.

“I understand why, you have black hat, white hat; good, evil, but I think it was sensationalized by the media between two people who have the utmost respect for each other.”

'I don't talk to my family members any longer,they are very ungrateful' - Adebayor

Former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, has given an update on the rift going on between him and members of his family.
The Togolese striker recently went public to reveal some of his personal issues with his family which at some point affected his playing career.

Adebayor had in 2015 accused his family members including his mother and sister of witchcraft.

The former Crystal Palace striker also took to Facebook to offer series of insight into his family life, where he lamented the ungrateful attitude of his family members, whom he claimed wanted to bring him down.

The striker, who now plays for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, has spoken exclusively to the BBC about the controversy, where he said he made the right decision to go public about his personal problems.

In the interview, the football star who in 2011 joined Real Madrid on loan from Manchester City believes he could have sealed a permanent switch to the Spanish giant but he learned that his late brother sent a letter to the club, urging them not to sign him.

Adebayor said he does not talk to his family anymore, because they never cared about him except for his money.

“My mother gave me the chance to be where I am today I will never disrespect my mother. I respect her for being my mother, for being there for me in difficult moment.

“But today, I’m Adebayor I have to look after some else as well. I don’t know, I don’t talk to my family anymore but I talk to my friends. So whenever they want to talk to me I’m available to talk to everyone because I’m a good believer.

“You know, we have done things, we’ve seen things, and we’ve gone through things. The issue is not just mine because for me, they are not helping me do my job properly. They’ll never call you to know if you are okay.

“You play a game and get injured couple of times and they will never call you to see if you are okay. Whenever they call you is to ask for something. Care about me let me care about you. Don’t just care about my finance, care about.

“At the end of the day, you say blood is thicker than water, why you forget the blood and you are thinking about my account. So for me, that issue is just hanging somewhere.”