SPORT:- Ronaldo picks up his son from school... in a scary disguise!

The Real Madrid star arrived at Cristiano Jr's school at the end of a fancy-dress day - and he and his friends were dressed for the occasion

Well, this is certainly Cristiano Ronaldo as you've never seen him before.

The Real Madrid superstar arrived at his son's school to pick him up on Wednesday - and, as it was a fancy-dress day for Cristiano Jr and his cohorts, his dad got in on the act as well!

It's not exactly clear what Ronaldo was trying to look like as he threw on a sinister black cape and white mask but it was a striking choice.




The Portuguese also roped in some of his friends to wear their own capes and costumes, although anyone unable to recognise him under his disguise should probably have realised who was showing up thanks to the presence of his many bodyguards...

 

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

Former England and Chelsea midfield star retires at 38

Former England and Chelsea midfield 

as retiring Thursday at the age of 38 after turning down "a number of exciting offers" in Britain and abroad.
"After 21 incredible years I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer," Lampard, Chelsea's record goalscorer, wrote on Facebook.
"I'm immensely proud of the trophies I've won, of representing my country over 100 times and of scoring more than 300 career goals."
Lampard did not say what he plans to do next, but said he was grateful to the Football Association for the opportunity to do his coaching badges, suggesting he may go into management.
Lampard left New York City FC in the autumn and also played for West Ham United and Manchester City in the Premier League.
But it was at Stamford Bridge where he really made his name as a prolific midfielder.
He scored 211 times for the Blues and won every major club honour, netting the goals which in 2005 secured the club's first championship title in 50 years.
"Of course, the largest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea Football Club, a club which has given me so many great memories," Lampard wrote.
"I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together. It is impossible to give thanks individually to all the people that helped and supported me in my 13 years playing there.
"All I can say is from the day I signed until now and going forward, I'm eternally grateful for everything and to everyone. Chelsea fans gave myself and my teammates such incredible support.
"Their passion and hunger drove me on personally to give my best year after year. I couldn't have done it without them."

 

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

SPORTS:-Guardiola Premier League title is Chelsea's to lose

Winning the Premier League this season is likely to be a step too far for Manchester City, according to Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title is almost certainly beyond Manchester City and firmly in Chelsea's hands despite his side's magnificent 4-0 win away to West Ham.
Gabriel Jesus shone with a goal and an assist in the first half on Wednesday as the visitors cruised to an emphatic victory less than a month after they had won 5-0 at London Stadium in the FA Cup.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was in the stands to watch the game, but Guardiola claims his managerial rival has nothing to be concerned about despite seeing City move to within 10 points of them.
"He doesn't have to be too worried because Chelsea are nine points ahead [of anyone else]," Guardiola said at his post-match media conference.
"Only they can lose the Premier League. The gap [to Chelsea] is too big, but we will until the last day be fighting to qualify for the Champions League.
"All the teams around us are so strong but we want to be up there with them."
Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva also scored for City, with Yaya Toure adding a fourth from the penalty spot in the second half as Guardiola celebrated only a second league win in five attempts.
He said: "The main difference in this game was the first time we had a chance to score, we took it and the second time we had a chance to score, we took it.
"After that the game wasn't over, but it was easier. We are still far away from the perfect, perfect performance.
"West Ham arrived in a good moment so of course, we are very happy. We won 3-0 on Saturday [in the FA Cup against Crystal Palace] then 4-0 here away from home and we were quite solid.
"We worked well with and without the ball and our three guys up front are so, so quick. We created a lot of chances too, so I am happy."
Slaven Bilic, meanwhile, was furious his West Ham side had played into City's hands by making individual mistakes so soon after their cup defeat to Guardiola's men.
"They were very dangerous, especially when we had the ball," said Bilic.
"We gave the ball away in the areas where they are going to punish you. It is hard to analyse this game, so quickly we were two down and then we conceded again through a mistake.
"Not every team you play is like Man City but we need more from us. When you give players like that space and time between the lines, they just slaughter you.
"They beat us 5-0 in the cup and then 4-0. Make no mistake, we have to give them credit but it was also about us.
"It was very frustrating and it is like what happened in the cup. We again started well but when you make mistakes like we did it is very difficult to play against them."

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

Super Eagles Soar� on Moses' Wings

•Defeat Fennec Foxes of Algeria 3-1

Nigeria have dealt Algeria's World Cup qualification hopes� a huge blow by relegating them to 3-1 loss at the 'Nest of Champion' Stadium in Uyo.

It was Victor Moses who donned the role of the destroyer-in-chief by grabbing 2 goals while John Obi Mikel, his chelsea teammate also got on the scoresheet though Tottenham Spurs midfielder Nabil Bentaleb scored for the Foxes� to reduced the deficit.

Moses scored the first in the 25th minute� after rifling in a thunderous shot after playing a one-two.
His Chelsea teammate Mikel turned on the charm� by tucking in the 2nd goal, 3 minutes before halftime. Though Nabil Bentaleb brought the Algerians back into the game with a brilliant strike� past Akpeyi, there was no denying the Super Eagles.

Victor Moses applied the finishing touches at the fag end of the game to seal a superb result for the Nigerians after Kelechi Iheanacho had missed a sitter earlier.

Prior to the game Nigeria are unbeaten in their last seven games against Algeria (winning six) going all the way back to 1990.

The Super Eagles are now top on the log with 6points after winning their last two matches in the Russia 2018 Fifa world cup qualification games.


Goals: Moses 25' 90+', Mikel 42' - Bentaleb 67'


Team Line-Up

Nigeria XI: Daniel Akpeyi, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Elderson Echiejile; Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses.


Algeria XI- M'Bouli Rals -GK; Zeffane Mehdi; Ghoulam Faouzi; Belkaroui; Marhez; Talder; Bentaleb; Medjani; Sumani; Brahimi; Ziti.


Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Read More »

SPORT: "ARGENTINA IS IN A MESS" ~~MESSI

Down but not out was the message from captain Lionel Messi, who called on Argentina to remain united following their convincing defeat by Brazil on Thursday.

The Albiceleste's winless run extended to four World Cup qualifying matches after suffering a humbling 3-0 loss against the CONMEBOL group leaders in Belo Horizonte.

"Within all the bad things and the s*** we are in, we still depend on ourselves. If we defeat Colombia, we get into the fight again - all the teams are near - but it's true we are aware and we know that this is not the way to do things. We have to change a lot to defeat Colombia.," said Messi.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Read More »

#MondayNightFootball: MOURINHO CRITICISM IS BULLSH*T ~~Klopp

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has described suggestions that Manchester United have had a poor start to the season as "bulls***" as he prepares his team to face the Red Devils at Anfield on Monday.
Jose Mourinho's side come into the game down in seventh place in the table, three points behind Liverpool, having been held by Stoke last time out. But Klopp has defended Mourinho's recent record at the club insisting criticism of the Portuguese is completely unjustified.
"It's bulls***. No, but rubbish. Who says this? He has started badly at United?" he told reporters. "They won their first [three] games. So now you are giving B grades for winning? Its not possible."
The Reds boss is preparing to face the Portuguese but feels he has been harshly judged in the opening weeks of the season and is expecting a tough game on Monday night.
Also Manchester United manager has add his voice to the tension around the Monday Night Football between his side and Liverpool, he said,
"I'm in England for a long time. Obviously I never played this match but I played many times against Liverpool, United. I understand the dimension of the clubs and now I understand better the history between the rivals. The season for me is not abo Anfield match though, or Old Trafford in January. It's about many matches."

Meanwhile new Liverpool recruit Sadio Mané has stated Liverpool will defeat Manchester United today. When asked how he fancied Liverpool's chances on Monday nigh, he didn't beat around the bush he said, "We are going to beat Manchester United."
The reporter didn't even believe him and had
to ask if he was sure about that.
"Of course. We all believe it. We are going to
make it."
"Maybe this will be the biggest game I have played in. My games for Senegal will have been the biggest so far. For my club, I think my biggest was my debut for
Southampton against Arsenal. We won and I scored. I was under big pressure so for me that was amazing."
Now this will be one of the most important. Everyone
would like to score in a game like this. It's normal the fans and people will think this is a particular type of game. We know it's one of the big games of the season. It might be like El Clásico but, really, when the games starts and you get on to the pitch, then you do have to treat it more like a normal game."

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Read More »

EPL REVIEW: Chelsea Won As Liverpool Move Up To Second Spot On The Log

Willian and Diego Costa scored twice in six second-half minutes as Chelsea won 2-0 at Hull City on Saturday to claim a first win in four Premier League games.
Willian struck in the 61st minute after Chelsea launched one of a series of increasingly dangerous counter-attacks.

Costa's pass picked out the Brazilian, who checked, putting his defender out of the game

Also in the game between Liverpool and Swansea, Leroy Fer gave the Swans an early lead but the
visitors came from behind to make it five wins in a row in all competitions, thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and James Milner to move them to second spot on the log.

After the game, it is been reported Swansea are ready to sack Francesco Guidolin after a poor run of results and install Ryan Giggs as the club's next manager, according to the Telegraph.
Giggs is one of the top candidates to take over, and is said to have met with the club's owners on Thursday.

On Friday Night football, Benteke cancels out Lukaku's opener as the Belgian duo show their class at Goodison Park on Friday night at Goodison Park.
With this Romelu Lukaku has scored 4 goals in his last 5 Premier League games against Crystal Palace.
While Christian Benteke has now scored 3 goals in his last 4 Premier League games, all from headers.

The premier league games continued today with a Super Sunday clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Both team have not lost any match this season.
Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino had beaten Pep Guardiola when they first met in La Liga as coach of Espanyol and FC Barcelona respectively.

RCD Espanyol defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 in 2009 for the first time in 27 years.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Read More »

SPORT:-Cristiano Ronaldo Wins UEFA Best Player For Second Time

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Uefa Best Player
in Europe Award on Thursday after winning both last season's Champions
League and Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Ronaldo, 31, received the accolade for the second time in his career
after finishing ahead of Real team-mate Gareth Bale and Atletico
Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier said he believes Portugal and Real
Madrid team-mate Pepe should have been named the Player of the
Tournament at Euro 2016 ahead of Antoine Griezmann.

"I'm delighted he was selected in the Team of the Tournament at the
Euros – in my opinion Pepe was the best player at the Euros."

Also, Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann believes he
deserves to win UEFA's Best Player in Europe award ahead of Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale because of his heroic performance for both
club and country.

"I don't want to sound arrogant, but I deserve this award because I've
had a great season with both club and the national team."

Read More »

SPORT:-Man City Sign New Goalkeeper, Premier League Transfer Reach A Record New Height

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo
from Barcelona.

The 33-year-old Chile international moves to the Etihad having signed
for £15.4m (€18m) on a four-year-deal with City plus a possible
further £2.5m in performance-related add-ons..

After putting pen to paper Claudio Bravo said: "It was not easy to
leave a club like Barcelona, but the opportunity to work with Pep
Guardiola was too good to refuse."

Bravo, capped 106 times at international level, won eight major
honours with Barca, including back-to-back La Liga titles and the 2015
Champions League.

When reporters asked Guardiola about the fate of Joe Hart, he said
Pep: "I'm here to take decisions. I was honest with Joe, I was honest
with the club"

Meanwhile in a quick fire deal Barcelona has signed Jasper Cillessen
from Ajax on a five-year deal, for an £11.1m fee.

Big spending English clubs have now shattered the Premier League's
transfer spending record after the total splashed out reached £880
million on Thursday.

Shortly after Manchester City's signing of Barcelona goalkeeper
Claudio Bravo was confirmed, the Premier League clubs' gross spending
in the current transfer window had topped the record of £870m set last
year with some days left before the transfer window closed.

Read More »

SPORT:-Rio 2016: Nigeria the Crap Champions

 

Olufemi Akintayo

Nigeria's abysmal performance at the just concluded Olympics by  is profound as none of our contingents won a medal. This should not be a surprise to any sport enthusiast in Nigeria as whoever fails to plan, plans to fail.

Right from year Nigeria started participating in the Olympics, there has never been any edition that our boxers don't come home with a medal. Unfortunately, the sport that used to be cynosure of sights had been lost to dark abyss. It neither the fault of our athlete nor the fact that we belong to the African continent, but for the sheer negligence of our sport administrators.  

Nigeria locked horns with a German side in the semi final match of the men's football event in Rio. I saw our players delivered what they had learnt within the short time they spent together - why should we expect a team put together barely three months before big competition.

As a matter of fact, the German side that denied Nigeria the chance of clinching a gold or silver medal have been playing together for the past four years before the Rio tourney. Definitely not possible to compare a student who have spent four years in the university with a very brilliant jambite-there is a difference.  Not to bore you with my recantations.

Sincerely, the football representatives at the Rio Olympics is considerably a good sight to every sport inclined Nigerian as they have pulled the rug from under the feet of the last doubters by making it to semi-final irrespective of the toils built around them.

Other flag bearers are directly opposite to this, but I wish to creed your indulgence as I would be making some personal assessment of each of the sports we are having Representatives.

The men's basketball team otherwise, the Afro-basketball champions had a good start to the contest as they lost narrowly to some big wigs in the basketball sport. They managed just a victory from all the matches played. A result I view as too poor for a continental champion who are expected to at least make it to the round of 16. Not to shift the blame on them, I would want to hold the sports administrators in Nigeria responsible.

Our athletes, those competing in the outdoor and indoor events, have largely disappointed and broken so many hearts. They at most times raised hopes of getting on the medal list but within a wink, they crash out. Divine Oduduru is a perfect example,  having competed amongst those who have better personal bests for their seasons, like Usain Bolt and emerging second behind the world fastest man with a time difference of six seconds was enough to leave the whole world great wonders-nobody knows that was only a build up to nude failure- we took it the way it came.

Unfortunately our sport administrators are not showing remorse for contributing to woefully performance of Team Nigeria in Brazil.      Argentina appeared twice in the Copa America final and lost those two times to a particular opponent, Chile. First in 2015 and the second in 2016 and would you believe what the considerate coach of the Argentine national team did-he immediately resigned his post without any pressure or expostulation coming from the citizens to him before he took the decision. That tells us he is patriotic, sympathetic, insightful and profound.

There are world leaders who resigned as a result of their incapacity and ineptitude.  Nigeria is an exception as some Nigerians are calling for the replacement of the Sport Minister with John Mikel Obi; it is not as if they really want the chelseas's talisman to take over, but what they tried to drive home is that the regime of a clueless ruler could no longer be tolerated.

In conclusion,  Nigeria would have fared better in the Rio Olympics had it prepared its players ahead of time. The country must start preparing for 2020 edition now for Nigeria name to appear on medal list.

Read More »

SPORT:-FROM GIANT OF AFRICA TO CHAMPION OF CRAPS

  

 

I react to the team Nigeria's abysmal performance at the ongoing Olympics by saying it is profound that none of our contingents has won a medal. This should not be a surprise to any sport enthusiast in Nigeria as whoever fails to plan plans to fail. That said, right from year Nigeria started participating in the Olympics, there has never been any edition that our boxers don't come home with a medal. Unfortunately, however, the sport that used to be cynosure of sights had been lost to dark abyss. Arguably, it neither the fault of our athlete nor the fact that we belong to the African continent, but for the sheer negligence of our sport administrators.  

Nigeria locked horns with a German side in the second semi final match of the men's football event in Rio. I saw our players delivered what they had learnt within the short spell they spent together - why should we expect a team put together barely three months before start of the contest to earn us an imposing almanac- non of the players played below their best.  

 

As a matter of fact, the German side that denied Nigeria the chance of clinching a gold or silver medal have been playing together for the past four years before the Rio tourney was heralded. A le fi iku we orun. Definitely not possible to compare a student who have spent four years in the university with a very brilliant jambite-there is a difference.  Not to bore you with my recantations.

As a matter of truth, the football representatives at the Rio Olympics is considerably a good sight to every sport inclined Nigerian as they have pulled the rug from under the feet of the last doubters by making it as far to the third place play offs irrespective of the toils built around them. Other flag bearers are directly opposite to this, but I wish to creed your indulgence as I would be making some personal assessment of each of the sports we are having Representatives.

The men's basketball team otherwise, the Afro-basketball champions had a good start to the contest as they lost narrowly to some big wigs in the basketball sport. They managed just a victory from all the matches played. A result I view as too poor for a continental champion who are expected to at least make it to the round of 16. Not to shift the blame on them, I would want to hold the sports admin in Nigeria for this too.

Our athletes, those competing in the outdoor and indoor events, have largely disappointed and broken some many hearts. They at most times raised hopes of getting on the medal list but within a wink, they crash out. Divine Oduduru is a perfect example for this. Having competed amongst those who have better off personal bests for their seasons, like Hussein Bolt and emerging second behind the world fastest man with a time difference of six seconds was enough to leave the whole world great wonders-nobody knows that was only a build up to nude failure- we took it the way it came.

Now, with these even a fool would show some level of remorse, but unfortunately for Nigeria, our sport administrator never showed any. Argentina appeared twice in the Cop a America final and lost those two times to a particular opponent, Chile. First in 2015 and the second in 2016 and would you believe what the considerate coach of the Argentine national team did-he immediately resigned his post without any pressure or expostulation coming from the citizens to him before he took the decision. That tells us how patriotic, sympathetic, insightful and profound he is.

There are world of leaders who had in the past resigned as a result of their incapacity and ineptitude. I still have to continue wondering why the situation of Nigeria is an exception to this. Some sensitive Nigerians have gone to the extent of calling for the replacement of the sport minister with John Mikel Obi; it is not as if they really want the chelseas's talisman to take over, but what they tried to drive home is that the regime of a clueless ruler could no longer be tolerated.

I submit, by saying Nigeria would have fared better if not best in the Rio Olympics had it prepared its players ahead of time. It is lackadaisical a she for this country.

Read More »

SPORT:-"No Pogba Deal" ~~Agent

Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola insists no deal has been agreed between

Manchester United and Juventus for the midfielder.

"Journalist = parrots," he posted on Twitter.

"No deal done between clubs.

Read More »

NEWS: Arsenal Set To Replace Wenger

Arsenal have earmarked Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe as a

successor to Arsene Wenger, according to the Daily Star.

The report claims Arsenal would have been happy to see Wenger take up

the England post this summer as they begin their search to replace the

Frenchman, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract.

Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is on the hunt for another

attacking option before the transfer window closes after admitting his

side lacks experienced forwards.

"At the moment I have not too many attacking options in terms of

experienced players," Wenger said. "So we have options but we will

still look outside to find one more" wenger said.

Also Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has admitted the team might

be unable to 'outgun' Europe's elite teams in the transfer market.

He said "We can't afford to outgun competitors that have far more

money to splurge on transfer fees than we do. So we have to be very

careful, very selective about how we do things."

Read More »

SPORT:-Guardiola Set New Rules For Manchester City Players

Banish Junk Foods And Overweight Players.

Pep Guardiola has banished overweight players from first-team training

and banned junk food as he gets tough with Manchester City players

ahead of his first Premier League campaign.

Samir Nasri is one of those Guardiola has ordered to lose weight and

the 29-year-old must shed the pounds before he can rejoin his

team-mates.

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has again confirmed the

club are interested in signing both Schalke winger Leroy Sane and

Everton defender John Stones.

"Sane's a Schalke player, it could happen, if he comes I'm happy, but

if he stays I'm happy for Schalke fans" he said.

"Everyone knows we are going to try, but I don't know what's going to

happen" he concluded.

Read More »

SPORT:-Higuain's Move To Juventus A "DISASTER"~~ Totti

Italian icon and one-club man Francesco Totti, who is set to play his

final season with Roma, has said Higuain's move is a "disaster" that

smacks more of "business than passion".

Read More »

SPORT:-Mikel Obi Denies Making $30,000 Donation To Olympic Squad

John Mikel Obi has denied media reports making the rounds in Nigeria that he gave 30,000 dollars to his team –mates in the U23 team presently camping in Atlanta, USA.

Speaking from the team’s camp at the Hyatt Place, the Captain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics was furious:

“I was first told of this unfortunate story by a friend who called me from Nigeria. I thought he was joking until he sent me the link. I don’t know the source of this story which to me is all out to divide us as a team. I would have thought that stories that should be coming out in the media are stories that will unite the team instead of dividing us. Our target in Rio is to excel, but if they continue like this, then I wonder how we can be united.”

Wondering why the writer thinks that the players are hungry that needed his money, Mikel asked:

“Tell me the players who are in this team that are so hungry that will be looking up to me for survival? Is it (William) Ekong, (Oghenekaro) Etebo, (Shehu) Abdulahi, (Daniel) Akpeyi, (Kingsley) Madu, (Okechukwu) Azubuike or (Stanley) Amuzie, who are my team –mates in the Super Eagles, that I will be donating to, or other players who are plying their trade abroad and are doing well for themselves? To me, this is just mere distraction that won’t help this team going into a major tournament like the Olympics.”

The Chelsea FC ace then appealed to the sporting press and Nigerians generally to rally round the team and wish the players and officials well as they get ready for the men’s football tournament of the Rio Olympics.

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

NEWS:-Stephen Keshi To Be Buried July 29th

The burial of former Super Eagles captain and Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, who died on June 8th has been slated for July 29th at his hometown, Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah who is a member of the Keshi burial committee,‎ Keshi’s funeral ceremony will commence on Thursday July 28th and end on Sunday July 31st.

The funeral would kick off in Edo State on Thursday July 28th with a requiem mass at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City, from 9:00 am, followed by lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, also in Benin-City, by 11:00am.

There will also be a novelty match by All Stars as well as a session of tributes in honour of the late soccer star at the stadium.

“The same day, his remains will depart Benin-City for Asaba, Delta State, from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, followed by a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, from 3:30pm”Ukah said The service of songs/vigil Mass will the same day hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 6:00pm, according to the obsequies release.

On Friday, July 29th, his body will leave Asaba for his hometown, Illah by ‎7am.

There will be a lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am. A‎ Requiem Mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am followed by interment at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm.

A thanksgiving will be held at the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah on Sunday July 31st.

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

Sport:-Antonio Conte challenges Eden Hazard to reach Lionel Messi's level

Eden Hazard should aim to be bracketed with the world's best players, according to Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte says he can turn Chelsea's top players into Ballon d'Or contenders if they buy into his work ethic.

Conte is determined to restore Eden Hazard to the kind of form which carried Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2015 and earned the Belgium international both big player-of-the-year awards.

And Conte's message to Hazard and his team-mates is clear: 'Follow me, and I can take you to Lionel Messi's level'.
"I think Chelsea have players who can become top, top, top players," said Conte, quoted in several Sunday newspapers. "I think that these players can still improve a lot with work.

"We have players, fantastic players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn't think they are the same level as Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or Paul Pogba.

"But I think that in our squad there are players who, with work, can improve a lot and reach this level. I'm sure about this. It's important the players understand this.

"There is the ability to work, to prove and to show that, now I am a top player, but I want to become top, top, top player and I want to stay there.

Conte lost his first friendly game in charge of Chelsea against Rapid Vienna

"This is important. The mentality is important. The heart is important, patience and the will to improve is very important and in this case it's important for the manager to take the best players and try to improve them."

Hazard did not score a league goal last season until April 23, his slump in form the most dramatic individual expression of a decline which saw Chelsea finish 10th - 31 points behind Leicester - and cost Jose Mourinho his job.

"I think last season was bad for all the players," said Conte, whose first friendly match in charge ended in defeat to Rapid Vienna on Saturday. 'It's incredible that Chelsea finished 10th in the table.

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

Photos:- BayernSport:- Munich Unveil Former Real Madrid “Carlo Ancelotti” As New Manager

Bayern Munich football club of Germany has unveiled former Ac Milan, Juventus, PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti as its new coach.

He was first of all introduced to media before he and his wife were welcomed by dancers in traditional German attire in the club’s stadium.

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »

SPORT:-Euro 2016 awards Winners

Best player – Antoine Griezmann
Dropped from France’s second game by a coach who hadn’t thought to play him in his best position. Moved into centre stage, literally and metaphorically, thereafter, and ruled the tournament’s knock-out stages. Until the final. But still.

Best young player – Renato Sanches
Used only sporadically by Fernando Santos in the group stage, but given more responsibility as the tournament progressed. Bayern Munich have got themselves a bloody star.



Best match – Hungary 3-3 Portugal
Football is lovely when strategies are followed and plans executed, but there’s nothing quite like ‘It’s A Knockout’ football to make you giggle with glee.



Best goal – Xherdan Shaqiri (vs Poland)
Eden Hazard deserves standing applause for his run and finish, but Hungary’s defence was particularly accommodating. We typically prefer handing these awards to a team goal, but Shaqiri’s overhead kick was astonishing, and deserves the nod.



Best team performance – Italy vs Spain
Italy’s performance against Belgium was impressive enough, but they saved their best for the defending champions. Resolute defence, total dominance in midfield and enough danger in attack to make Spain pay twice.



Worst team performance – Russia vs Wales
England should consider themselves highly fortunate to be overlooked (as should Austria), but Russia ‘win’ this one for their shambolic defensive performance against a Wales team looking to win Group B.

“After losing to Wales me and some players gathered in my room, talked until 9am and then concluded: ‘We’re shit’ in unison,” said Russia coach Leonid Slutsky. Honest.



Best individual performance – Eden Hazard vs Hungary
A magnificent goal, a fine assist, four chances created, 12 completed dribbles (two more than every other player on the pitch combined) and the type of display that made Chelsea fans slightly moist downstairs in anticipation of getting their 2014/15 Hazard back. Shout out to Michael McGovern against Germany.



Worst individual performance – David Alaba vs Portugal
Austria’s captain and best player was picked as an attacking midfielder with his country needing a win. He was substituted after 65 minutes having had one shot (off target), created no chances, dribbled past no players, made no tackles and passed the ball at a completion rate of 52.6%. And yes Harry Kane, you are lucky.



Best moment – Gudmundur Benediktsson
Although Hal Robson-Kanu-Cruyff deserves an honourable mention, it can only be Icelandic commentator Benediktsson’s reaction to his country’s late winner against Austria, a goal that confirmed their place in the last 16. Exceptional.



Best celebration – Robbie Brady vs Italy
Brady gets respect for the picture, his little sister gets love for the video.



Sexiest kit – Belgium (away)
It would be easy (and perhaps just) to give Croatia’s home shirt this award every single time, but Belgium deserve respect for their away kit attempt. Who doesn’t look good in baby blue?



Best PR decision – Reykjavík Grapevine
The lifestyle magazine’s decision to embrace the Euros and tweet about Iceland’s progress. It went really, really well.



Worst PR decision – Cristiano Ronaldo
“They put the bus in the net so it’s difficult when one team don’t try to play football and try to win the game… They celebrated like they had won the tournament, or something. That’s a small mentality. That’s why they’ll do nothing in the competition” – Ronaldo makes new friends in Iceland.

    

ADVERTISE WITH US | TOPUP9JA STAFF | ABOUT US | CONTACT US 

 Join Our Community By Writing for us / Informative Content you want us to Post on Topup9ja? Join Now

            THINK IT IS IMPORTANT? SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Read More »