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.

Join the Debate On The Forum

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.

Join the debate on Naija football Fans Forum

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.

Join this Debate on the Forum

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.

Join the debate in The Forum

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 .

Cameroon 2-4 Egypt: How Are The Mighty Falling?

Day two of the AFCON saw Nigeria one of the favourites for this championship slide behind in Group B. Third place behind Ivory coast and Mali.

Yesterday another favourites received an uncharacteristic bashing from the defending champions who are bent on showing to whoever cares to notice that they are out to stage a firm defense of the title they won 2 years ago back home.

How are the mighty falling? Who could have thought the Egyptians would met out that amount of humiliation to the roaring indomitable Lions?

Are we really out for a new order of football power in Africa? Is this the beginning of the end for teams like Nigeria and Cameroon? These two countries failed to make it to the last world cup while unexpected debutantes like Togo, Angola and Ghana all made it. Cameroon was denied qualification by Ivory Coast and Egypt who were all drawn in the same group. Nigeria lost her place to Angola. From indications it doesn't seem like it was just a 'slight slip' as many thought.

If these two teams continue to be dominated by these emerging forces, we can as well braze up for a new order in African football.

Blogging Made Easy

I stumbled upon a new way to blog and as i speak i am using it right now. What dose it do? It helps you to blog from you computer despite not being on your blog site. Can you imagine that?

Maybe you should check it out your self.

This is courtesy window Live writer

Online Shopping

Shopping online is gradually replacing traditional way of shopping. At inception it was unimaginable to think that one would buy a product online and vouch for the quality of such products. Today the internet has so evolved you can live an entire life online without even a peep on your door step.
With sites like EBay, Buy.com, shopping .com, alibaba.com, online shopping has proved to us all that this is just the beginning. Among all these sites, none of them gives you their own opinion of the products you are about to risk your money but savebuckets.com dose.
To further move things away, companies who help you find goods that don’t just meet your price but also the prescribed quality like The Save Buckets Company have sprung up. You can find on their website all sorts of products by carrying out a search based on the category of your interest like Consumer Electronics, Electronic Games, Home & Garden etc.
If you are looking to get the best pre-purchase information about products like mp3 players or Super Mario Galaxy (for the game buffs), Digital plasma TV and so on, it makes sense to sop by this website.
Site is very simple and straight forward. Navigation ease can certainly be guaranteed unlike most other online shopping websites.

Super Eagles: What went wrong?Let's Debate. No Bias!

Someone said this on the forum.
1.Based on the Eagles performance in this match, I honestly do not see a difference between the Eguavoen and the Vogts era. Any contrary opinion?

2.What went wrong against Ivory coast?

3.Solutions?

Common, lets debate. Be informative and no Bias


This was my reply:

No bias you said? Okay. What went wrong. First i think the super Eagles was the
under-dog in the game today and I was not surprised one bit that the game took the direction , it went.

The Eagles did hold their own but was slightly unlucky. Despite all the perceived defficiencies.
The major problem i see was in the area of coaching. I don't know why, but i still think the eagles can
beat this ivory coast team.

For today we played without creative midfielders and that showed throughout the duration of the game.
Kanu Nwankwo's injury also contributed to boost the opposition's confidence.
What do i really think? I think the tactics was wrong and Vogts showed everyone he lacks understanding of Nigerian football.
Agreed the Ivoirians overwhelmed us in the midfield after Kanu was injured and expectedly every coach will try to
by-pass the middle. Vogts did that but in a wrong way. With a player of Obafemi's height upfront it was always going to be
the wrong thing to do.
Rather that send long balls to obafemi, it would have done us more good if Vogts had considered that by-passing the middle
by using the wings instead would have been a better Idea.The wingers could have moved in with the ball on the ground.
Secondly I had expected Osaze to start the game from the left flank while Utaka handles the right.We would have had
a more balanced middle with this combination.
Truth remains that these two are better players in the middle (flanks) than the supposed midfielders Vogts opted to use.
Vogts

Solutions?

I think Vogts needs to ask questions. He needs to allow the team leaders make input. Not that his team should be
selected by Kanu. But he needs to ask Kanu, What do you think? Afterall, he's the team Captain.
Westerhoof used to do this. He used to ask Stephen Keshi sometimes despite spending four years with the team.
This is a man who dosen't know the team and should learn to ask questions period!
I think we can get there. As a matter of fact, i see a semi final or Final involving these two teams and I can't
wait for it to take our own pound of flesh. The Ivorians are a very strong team on paper but we also know what
the super Eagles are capable of. If we had taken our chances it would have been a different story. No one
would have been saying the eagles ain't good enough. If we did not create chances in this game, i would have easily agreed
we can't beat the Ivoririans. But we did and at the end of the first half, The Super Eagles had six attempts and
they had four despite leading with possesion of 54% to 46%. In the second half possession improved on the eagles part
to 50%-50% until Kanu was injured.
So I am not saying the Elephants did not deserve their win, but apart from wrong tactics, the Eagles were also unlucky.

Live Online Tv For Ghana 2008 Free!

If you are always online and still want to watch the game, i have just researched and come out with some online TV where you can watch the matches. Some are free and some you have to pay. Paid ones first:

www.telesud.us
www.jumptv.com
http://tv.africanpath.com/TVPlayerPage.cfm


The ones below are free:


http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/
http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=4951&part=sports

So you can go ahead and enjoy your self while online. You can even give us live posts as you watch on the forum