EBay To Ban Negative Feedbacks?

If you have ever done business on eBay you’ll understand the importance of the eBay feedback system.

It is also a fact that the feedback system is not totally reliable as some people can arrange with others to exchange feedbacks which help them appear like trusted individuals to intending buyers.

There is so much fraud on eBay ranging from item not received, to non-payment for items won and sometimes items paid for isn’t exactly what it was said to be. This brings to fore the reason why the feedback system should be strengthened.

Power sellers for example are almost always trustworthy and can help one reduce the chance of getting scammed.

EBay a PayPal company accepts PayPal as the preferred payment option and thus one can ask for a chargeback where transactions failed or one is not satisfied with the product offered. But the process of getting back this money is sometimes over bearing that it’s better not to get into it all.

Therefore the feedback system still remains the most reliable way of predicting a transaction that will likely failed. So the plan to ban members from leaving negative feedbacks from May 2008 may not go down well with buyers.

Sellers will certainly embrace this new policy if it comes to pass. But buyers will have to take so much risk as sellers can now do anything knowing they will not be left negative feedbacks.

This decision should be properly considered before implementation to avoid a total buyer boycott of eBay services.

Super Duper Semi Final For Ghana 2008

The super Eagles got eliminated in the quarter Final Stages of the current AFCON by a not just impressive Ghanaian team but technically sound as well. Just a few overly optimistic fans of the Eagles were disappointed. My last post which previewed the game clearly stated my lack of trust in the ability of the current Eagles especially in that of the technical crew.

Every football novice saw how Vogts’ inefficiency, cluelessness and lack of current football techniques sent the super Eagles to an early exit from the Nations Cup.

We are still licking our wounds and pondering at what should be the way forward for Nigerian football.

Should Vogts be sacked or not? Maybe I will let this be for now? We’ll wait and hear from the Nigerian Football Association. Knowing them for what there are, I expect a rash and definitely senseless decision to be taken soon.

Super Eagles have failed to progress and it seems to me that gone are the days when one could proudly say that a Nations Cup without Nigeria is like the World Cup without Brazil. It’s now more like a Nations Cup with Cameroon and Egypt is all that matters. These two have proven to be the most consistent teams in Africa in the past 18 to 20 years.

Cameroon has always found a way of getting to the semis. Right now the championship is turning out to be the best in history. All four teams left have won the cup for at least twice in the past and within them, they have won the title for 16 times. That is an average four times each. From this stage we can all expect the best of African football. Cameroon Vs Ghana, Egypt Vs Ivory Coast; this will not come as a surprise to any ardent follower of African football. It is what I call a super Duper semi final.

Back home in Nigeria, we will stay glued to our TV sets to enjoy what promises to be the most exciting semi finals in the history of the game in Africa.

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50 years Remembrance of the Munich Air Disaster

23 people wholly players of one of the world’s most respected clubs Manchester United died in an air Mishap 50 years ago today. This sent shock waves to all fans of Manchester United and the length of breath of the world.

Today marks 50 years after this sad event and we in Naija football fans forum join the entire world in remembrance of these fallen heroes.

Drogba Disputes Kanoute's Award

Wonders they say shall never end. Globacom has in the past organized a befitting African Footballer of the year award. In all honesty their organization of the annual event has been the best since inception. The concept of also moving it around is also welcome.

Nevertheless, we were surprised to hear that the date of the award has been slated for 1/2/08 which concided with the rest day of the on going AFCON. Despite the fact no team will be playing on that day, one wonders if Globacom expected teams and all stakeholders to abandon match preparation to attend an event in Togo considering the fact that players need to prepare well for next game and also have adequate rest before match day.

Why on earth did they allow this to happen. Now an otherwise epoch making event has just have it's shine taken away due to a slight oversight.

Drogba, according to the BBC this morning claims he won the title and that it was only given to Kanoute because he was unable to attend the event.

Is this true? It will be a very big taint on the image of the continent. Whatever, we do we should avoid anything that will affect the integrity the organizers of major events on the continent. Especially now that Africa is warming up to host the world in 2010.

So far we have not heard any official statement on this matter form Globacom. Are Drogba's claims really true?
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Super Eagles Failed For Lack Of Good Leadership

There has to be a real leader firgure for any team to move forward.
this can either be the coach, or a player.
In the case of the Eagles, apart from poor coaching and all that, the team really needed someone on the pitch who can spur them on when the goings get though.
I can't believe any less. This as correct as the situation is. I have always said that every team who will win something always have someone who takes the responsibility on himself when the cheaps are down. Cases of these are abundant.
Barca did a brace- Ronaldinho was there. Ac Milan did it last year- They had a Kaka who was outstanding. Man U did it last year- they had a C. Ronaldo who was outstanding. When Chelsea did it back to back . There was Drogba and Lampard
Look very well, any team who dosen't have at least one outstanding player usually find it difficult.There must always be a real leader within the team.
When italy lifted the world cup in germany- Cannavaro's contribution was invaluable
The Super Eagles had that In Kanu but unfortunately, just like it happened in Japan/Korea he got injured from the first game and that was the end of the team.Pity, Pity.

Samuel Eto’o; Now Second To None

Before Samuel Eto’o played his first game of the on going AFCON in Ghana, we were all looking forward to the fact that if Eto’o succeeded in scoring just one goal he would have equal the record of being only the second person in the championship history to have scored so many goals in the competition. Sixteen in total.

Eto’o has since gone ahead to do that and even exceeded it and has created a new all time scoring record. Samuel Eto’o for me is Africa’s most lethal striker in history and the fact that he has achieved this isn’t too much of a surprise to me.

Eto’o has achieved so much as a footballer and I was really baffled when he was short listed among the top three for 2006 African Footballer Of the Year Award despite staying out of action following a knee surgery for about 12 weeks on the sidelines. Now that was something.

As it is Samuel Eto’o is set to create a record that may take a long time before anyone could get close when one consider that Eto’o is still very young with many more years waiting for him. I can say that baring every unforeseen circumstances like injury and sudden drop in form, Eto’o may still appear in two more African Nations Cup competition and if this happens, records that may take decades to equal just could be on the way.

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Domain Registration

Someone called me yesterday wanting to register a domain name. After five minutes on phone with this fellow, I realized most netpreneurs are yet to have a full grasp of the line of business they have ventured into.

The business of web hosting and domain registration usually comes together and people who plan to go into it should try to find out about the business before they go into it.

If you visit a real domain registration website like paylessdomains.com.au, most of this information is well spelt out there on the site. You can get the information you’ll usually pay for free on this website.

I have been involved in this web hosting business for quite some time now and with Hostportfolio.com I have always had my web hosting issues taken care of promptly especially when it comes to Cpanel web hosting for Africans and Nigerians in particular. Their services are usually concluded within 30 minutes and I will love to say this is the best web hosting company in Nigeria (Maybe Africa).However if you are a domain merchant, or you are interested in registering domain names for parking in order to make cash, or you are interested in domain registration for sale in future, you will need to go to companies who will offer you an account where you can manage all your domains from one single control panel.

Since your aim is to make profit, you’ll also need a company with low rates and fast support.

Some people think that owning a website is just buying a domain name they are done. That’s not true. After owning a domain name, you’ll need web hosting and then get you site designed and hosted on this server. Then and only then you can claim to own a website.

Ghana Vs Nigeria: Preview (Ghana 2008)

Really I am surprised the Ghanaians are rating Nigeria so high. As a Nigerian I want the super Eagles to get past Ghana but within me I don’t think we can achieve it. We have not been inspiring enough. There are so many reasons why I don’t think we can get past the Black stars.

So I was confused to hear that Abedi Pele is having sleepless nights about Ghana Playing Nigeria as he was afraid Ghana could be knocked out of the championship by Nigeria. That would be a big blow for the Ghanaians especially as host country. The entire country is looking at their team winning this cup and if the worse comes to worst, get to the final at least but losing in the quarter Finals will sure be unbearable to the Ghanaian populace.

I don’t mean to say Nigeria has nothing to offer. But we have all watched the Super Eagles play against Ivory Coast and Mali.

We have watched them struggle to beat the weeping boys of Group B (Benin), do you think that team you saw has what it takes to beat a highly motivated side like Ghana playing at home?

This is what I think. Definitely a game between these two is like a game between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Ghanaians are not going to rely on the fact that oh! We beat them 5-1 in a friendly game therefore we can do same. The Ghanaians have their eyes on the trophy and they also know that to do that, Nigeria is one obstacle they must overcome. The super Eagles have a way of springing surprises and with their performance so far, there is a chance they may be slightly underrated by the Ghanaians. This will be disastrous if it happens.

Injuries will particularly favour no one over the other. Osaze who has been most inspiring for the Super Eagles will be out due to suspension and on the Ghanaians side, I think I also heard Appiah will be out.

What the Eagles have in attack, the Ghanaians have in midfield. The Eagles’ defense is one of the best in this competition haven conceded just once in three games. The Ghanaians also have a good record in this department. However, there is a likely return of Kanu Nwankwo for Nigeria; one player I know the Ghanaians dread so much (if fit to play). The victory against Benin surely increased confidence in the Super Eagles camp and could fire them up in the game.

Despite all these the Ghanaians still look more likely to carry the day. Most bookmakers give it to Ghana. However, if the Black stars under rate these Eagles, they will surely pay for it.

So who do you think will win? Vote Now!

Still On Micro Finance Development

I had promised I will keep bringing to you Cash Advance websites where you can get useful information for online pay day loans.
Of course I also said the best way to deal with your debts is never to get into it all but. But when you are already there you need to be able to service it and need to be able to continue to live your daily life normally.
That is where Cash Advance firms come very handy.
Today I introduce you to Trustsourge.org another payday loans review website. Here apart from the objective reviews of site admin, you also get to read reviews and ratings from real people who have used these sites to get loans.
You have a wide range of Cash Advance sites here to choose from all objectively reviewed.
Site navigation is simplified. Most of the information you’ll need can be found immediately as you enter the website on the home page.
Still dying in silence? You don’t have to any more, go on and select any payday loans company that suits your needs. You sure will find it here.

Nigeria VS Benin: Eagles Wobbled and Fumbled To The Quater Finals

Nigeria VS Benin: Eagles Qualifies
In 1999 when Nigeria hosted the U-20 world cup, Coach Fanny Amun the then coach of the Flying Eagles presented a team that in every measure did not meet up with many people’s expectations. Yet was churning out wins one way or the other to progress from match to match despite playing against palpably better teams. When asked if the team was going to continue like this, the coach Amun had said his team will continue to ”WOBBLE AND FUMBLE TILL THEY GET TO THE FINAL”.
Today the super Eagles have wobbled and fumble to qualify at the expense of a much better Malian team to the quarter Finals of this Nations’ cup.
The Eagles had their worst performance of the championship today but ironically succeeded in scoring two vital goals. It was another surprise to see the Squirrels of Benin come out at Nigeria for the entire game duration. Though I had tipped the Super Eagles to win this game, I never expected to see these squirrels create as many scoring chances as they did.
It gives me cause to worry. If Eagles were put under so much pressure by Benin, I can’t help wondering what kind of battering we might receive from the Black stars that along with the Elephants of Ivory Coast have so much character.
There has to be a drastic change in the level of play for us to stand a chance against Ghana’s superior fire power.
Good thing about today’s match is that two things that have been missing all the while seem to have found their way back into the team. One, Mikel Obi finally started giving those tailor made passes that are capable of dismantling defenses. Again our strikers finally work up to their duty. It has been a big embarrassment that eight strikers have been unable to produce a single goal in 225 minutes of play. We may stand a chance in the next game based on this as confidence has also returned. Apart from the most outstanding player (Osaze) missing next game, things look good especially if Kanu Nwankwo returns. Besides we are starting to return to our wing play.
This was our worst performance so far. However we needed to win no matter the team. A win is a win and can do a whole lot of good to confidence and self belief. Well we thank God we are still in the championship. I feel sorry for Mali.

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US Players And Online Casinos

The pronouncement on online gambling in the US has caused so much furrow. This has also ensured that US players have to join online with anonymous names and in fact some are packing up, while others are now allowing other forms of payments like e-gold and e-bullion in order to sort members from overseas.

It seems like a once booming industry is about to go crashing all the way down and users ready to use a casino online are reducing in numbers daily.

There are still ways and places this US players can get casinos to continue their favourites pastime.

X-casino.com will offer most of what others don't offer. Though many online casino review sites will make mention of Rushmore, x-casinos goes further to bring to you more online casinos site under scrutiny. An objective review of all can be found on the home page of their site.

Looking for where to where to gamble legally online? Try this out.

Why Berti Vogts Must Go

For those who think Vogts should remain and that westerhoof even lost 5-1 in 1990 Nations cup. I want us to get this.
May I put it straight here that no body is particularly with Hunting Vogts. Yes Westerhoof lost 5-1. That was against host Algeria highly motivated by the Captain Raba Majer. But the Westerhoof we are talking about, showed us much commitment by way of Living in Nigeria, going out there to watch matches in the League, standing his ground when needed, he picked the proper camping grounds when preparing for matches.

He did not try to play safe by looking for Europe based players to fortify his team. He discovered the likes of Finidi George from the local League. As at then Finidi has only played for local teams like Calabar Rovers and Sharks of Port Harcourt.

Westerhoof was a coach who will look for the kind of players needed for every position. He did not try to cut corners by playing a top striker on the left flank just because he's left footed.

He did not select a team with 8 strikers and 1 midfielder who many think is actually a defender.

Westerhoof had the best in every position. How did he do this? If he didn't find them in Europe, he looked for them in the local league.

So the people who think Vogts should be sacked have a case. He's not committed.At least that's what his actions so far tells us.

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Super Eagles: After the Sekondi Disgrace

12 games gone; 38 goals scored; non by the Nigerian Super Eagles.
I know many readers of this blog may have been waiting patiently to hear what Emmanuel has got to say this time. Truly speaking I was so shocked and needed time to let what happened sink in. Up till this moment I still think I am dreaming. The more I wish it goes away the clearer the picture of defeat stares me in the face.
The Super Eagles were really super throughout their two games especially when you consider the fact they played entirely without any input from the bench. In a highly tactical championship like the African Cup of Nations, a team that puts up such a spirited display on their own without the technical input of the coach deserves some accolades.
Berti Vogts has finally brought some pride to many a Nigerian coach who has perpetually been looked down upon by the NFA. Ever since I grew up to know what football is, ever since I started watching the super Eagles on TV, this is the first time the Super Eagles may not get through the group stages. However in the last three competitions, we have gone there with local coaches and have always made the semi Final. What excuse could Vogts probably give us to justify this shame?
For this kind of performance to have come from a coach many call ‘world class’, it is therefore time we give some respect to Nigerian coaches. That they are yet to win the Nations cup for us but have always played in the semis means they could as well have won it in one of those occasions.
This coach appears like he has no game plan as we can’t really see any. No one can really say what Vogts is doing. He’s got a very strong team yet can’t produce results.
His selections, his substitutions, and even his preparations for this tournament all questionable.
Trust the Nigerian press. Soon we’ll hear what happened and what didn’t happen. For now we’ll let Vogts conclude his show of shame in Sekondi. Then we’ll be back here to analyze the situation.
Meanwhile, I will like to wish Mali good luck in their next game. They have worked very hard. If they qualify, they would have qualified from a very difficult group which is very important. When they needed to play for a win they played, when the needed to play for a draw they played and in both occasions, they got it right. In all, it tells of a team who’s got a coach who has plans.
As i speak, fans are already clamouring for his sack.

Is it Possible Nigeria VS Ivory Coast Was Fix?

I have not evidence to prove anything. I don't even know whether my ascertions are true but i just feel i should say it. Who ever didn't notice it must have been too engrossed in the Elephants trashing of the Supposed super Eagles.

My Mind went back to this event after reading about a possible match fixing incidence in the same group Nigeria belongs- Group B.

The Benin Coach claims he was approached on the possibility of fixing the game few hours before the Benin Vs Mali game.

My question is, is it not possible the same person approached the Super Eagles? This is just my mind running riots.

I saw an event that further makes me uneasy. I saw a Nigeria heading down a ball to the Ivoirians goalie as if he was trying to make sure it doesn't get into the post.

Is anyone reading. I am sure i wasn't the only person who saw this. Just my2cent. As we go out today against Mali, i hope we keep aside every intent of personal aggrandizement as the entire nation is watching.

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How We Can Overcome Mali

 

Group B is getting more and more difficult, surpassing predictions. This is the widely acclaimed ‘Group of death’ and at inception not many will include Benin among teams to be taken seriously. After the First round of matches, what we have seen shows that even Benin are no pushovers.

The ‘Group of death’ is surely living up to its name.

So far only two goals have been scored among the four teams an indication of the difficulty of the situation.

The super Eagles are sure up against a difficult task. Unfortunately the only option is to win the next two games starting with the one that comes up tomorrow against Mali. The Malians are reputed to possess the best Midfield resources in this championship a sharp contrast with the Super Eagles.

Surprisingly despite Tuesday’s defeat, Nigerians still believe the cup is ours. It will be strange if Nigeria fail to qualify from the group stage. Many Nigerians don’t see it happening so much that we are still thinking of winning the title. We know that to win this cup, we first must qualify from the group stage and then get to the final with a great likelihood of locking horns with the Ivoirians again. Yet we know we can get there.

Everyone back home is disappointed that we lost but no one is particularly bitter with the way we played. It was just that we failed to have luck on our side. Forget Berti Vogts’ comment that ‘Nigeria lost to the best team on the continent’. We the fans don’t think so. We believe our team has all it takes to win this Cup and so Vogts should get into action rather than talk like a loser. He should revert to our natural wing football. I insist Vogts doesn’t understand Nigerian football. He had the resources but he failed to use them properly.

Before Vogts released his 23-man squad I made an analysis naming the players I expect to see in the first eleven. It turned out every player I had expected to make the team did. But Vogts is failing to deploy his resources accordingly afterwards. Like I had said some of the players he named as strikers are the people who can salvage our midfield. We saw what happened when Osaze was introduced. Others are Kanu Nwankwo and John Utaka. This three with Mikel can put our midfield in the right state with Utaka on the right flank and Osaze from the left flank, while Mikel and Kanu can play from the middle with Mikel behind Kanu. This is a midfield that can not be cracked. Then allow Martins and Ike Uche/Yakubu do their thing up front. Instead Vogts opted for Kanu as a striker behind Yakubu with Martins on the left flank. We haven’t seen what martins can do from that position and this is not the right place to try it out. We have Osaze who has done it before from there and should be deployed appropriately.

Emmanuel Ekanem Is the Admin of Naija Football Fans Forum , www.africanfootballforum.com .