FIFA HOUSE OF SCANDALS

Picture courtesy BBC

Imagine suspended FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu sitting relaxed in one of its palatial buildings, with a smirk on his face, while watching the still unfolding corruption drama in the heart of world football governing body, FIFA. This time, the principal actors are its former vice president Jack Warner and Mohamed bin Hammam, who would have contested against Sepp Blatter during the FIFA presidential elections on June 1.

An ethics investigation had been opened into bin Hammam and Warner after allegations that payments of $40,000 (£24,500 or N6,125,000) were offered to football officials during a meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (at the Regency Hyatt in Trinidad) on May 10 and 11 as an inducement to back Hammam in the June 1 presidential elections. Blatter – who also faced but passed the test of the ethics committee - was eventually re-elected unopposed after bin Hammam was forced to step down.

Warner and Hammam (Picture credits: Dailymail)

While the allegation cost bin Hammam the opportunity of challenging Blatter – who was re-elected unopposed - for the FIFA presidency, 68-year-old Warner weathered the storm until he later resigned from all his positions in international football on June 20. This meant that Warner would then escape further investigation into allegations of bribery.

However, this week, the scandal took a different twist after a leaked report from its ethics committee alleged that he had been told a week ago that it was quite likely he was, at the least, “an accessory to corruption”. According to the report, it was also found that there was “comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" evidence that Hammam tried to bribe voters, and that Warner helped facilitate this. This revelation has renewed widespread calls for the world football governing body to reopen its investigation into the case. Warner also faces another moral dilemma as his resignation meant he was entitled to a whopping pension entitlements for life from FIFA, which included almost £23,000 (N5,750,000) a year for the next 28 years – a staggering £644,000 (or N161,000,000) - until he is aged 96; fuelling widespread anger in the football world that FIFA may have given a soft landing to the longest-serving member of its executive committee (since 1983). Until now, the football governing body had said the ethics committee procedures against him “have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained”.

Last year November, Adamu and Oceania representative Reynald Temarii were suspended from the FIFA executive committee following the cash-for-vote scandal. Adamu was filmed asking for £500,000 (or N125,000,000) from undercover reporters to cast his vote in favour of the USA bid, while Temarii was also caught on camera asking for a cash payment to finance a sports academy.  Both men were handed hefty fines – Adamu received a three-year ban and 10,000 Swiss franc (£6,341 or N1,585,250) fine from FIFA's ethics committee, while Temarii was slammed a one-year suspension and fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,170 or N792,500) for breaching rules on loyalty and confidentiality. Four other FIFA officials, all former executive committee members, also received bans of between two and four years.

…AND THE SUPER EAGLES GET A ‘MESSI’ MATCH

Obviously miffed by the 4-1 drubbing of its team at the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday, June 1, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has booked a rematch against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Eagles will trade tackles with the senior team of Argentina in another international friendly in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh on September 6.

“Every document that will make the match a reality has been signed and we are looking forward to a big game. The two teams will go to Bangladesh with their first teams and all the top stars,” stated Barrister Musa Amadu, NFF General Secretary. This second clash in three months between the two countries comes up three days after the Eagles’ very important African Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar in Antananarivo.

Unlike the June 1 friendly, both teams are expected to come with their full strength squads to Dhaka. That means Barcelona maestro and World Best Player, Lionel Messi and Manchester City goal supremo Carlos Tevez will be available for the FIFA-sanctioned game. The match against Nigeria comes four days after that against Venezuela which is scheduled for September 2 in Kolkata, India.

According to Kazi Salahuddin, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the contract is a binding one which will ensure Messi comes. “Our $4 million contract with both sides says the Argentina team must include Messi. The sight of Messi playing on our soil will be the best thing to have happened to Bangladesh football in many years. It will prompt a lot of boys to play football," he noted. “The contract guarantees their participation,” said Bhaskar Goswani of the Celebrity Management Group, match organizers, about the friendlies designed to boost football on the that part of the Asian continent. For some Nigerian football fans, they certainly would have wished for the same contract agreement for the June 1 friendly, which is being probed by world football governing body FIFA over unusual betting patterns. 

EAGLES MAUL SECOND STRING ARGENTINA 4-1 IN ABUJA

Ik Uche celebrates a goal (Picture courtesy Supersport)

It was a perfect night for coach Samson Siasia as a brace from Ikechukwu Uche and a goal apiece from Obinna Nsofor and Emmanuel Emenike gave the Super Eagles of Nigeria a well-deserved 4-1 victory over Argentina in a friendly match played at the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday night.

Truth be told. This was a second string Sergio Batista-led Argentine side severely weakened by the absence of star players such as FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Javier Mascehrano, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuan, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero. Asides, the team, labelled an ‘Under 25’, paraded only two players who were named in the provisional 24-man squad for the Copa America Nations Cup.

Nevertheless, Siasia’s finest moment yet could not be denied him as he had suffered three defeats in the hands of Argentine sides in the past; one as an ex-Eagles player at the USA 1994 World Cup and two as coach of the Junior Eagles at the finals of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The perfect night for Siasia and his team started in the 11^th minute with a poacher’s goal by Ik Uche. It followed a clever work down the left flank by the continually impressive Joel Obi and then a goal mouth scramble which saw an Argentine defender deflecting the ball into his own net from Uche’s shot.

Five minutes later, newly signed AC Milan player Taye Taiwo released a cannon that sailed a few inches wide over the bar. It was a shot of things to come as the Eagles ran riot over the Argentines who played well below their pedigree as two-time World Cup Champions. While the two Obis – Joel and Mikel controlled the midfield with good rhythms, although sometimes guilty of playing too deep, the three-pronged attack of Uche, Victor Anichebe and Obinna Nsofor peppered the South American defence line marshalled by Manchester City Pablo Zabaleta. A clever lob from Joel Obi at the near post almost made it two for Nigeria, only for Argentine Goalkeeper Gabbarini Adrian to parry it off the crossbar at the 20^th minute. In the 27^th minute, Nigerien referee Ibrahim Chaibou awarded the Eagles a controversial penalty after Anichebe was adjudged to have been brought down in the box. Nsofor coolly slotted home the spot kick to send the spectators in the half filled stadium into raptures.

Just after the half-hour mark, Anichebe wiggled his way past an Argentine defender and placed a low drive which produced another save from Gabbarini; whose Nigerian counterpart, Vincent Enyeama barely had anything to do at this juncture.

Man of the Match Uche headed home his second goal of the evening and seventh since his return from injury in the 40^th minute after a counter attacking move from the Eagles climaxed with a perfect cross from Taye Taiwo. For fans just rushing into the stadium, it looked as if the 3-0 reflected on the scoreboard was an error. The Argentines were completely rattled as Batista stood helpless on the touchline.

At the start of the second half, Siasia had the luxury to bring in Dele Aiyenugba for Enyeama who seemed to be getting bored form just watching the proceedings. The Eagles rout finished off in the 53^rd minute when substitute and Turkey-based Emmanuel Emenike, scored with a clever lob over the stranded Gabbarini. Although the Argentine grabbed a consolation goal through Mauro Boselli deep into injury time, the Eagles were worthy winners of a famous victory over Batista’s men.

‎”The name ‘Super Chickens’ is dead now. We are the Super Eagles,” said Siasia, after the match. While Batista conceded that they were beaten by a very good team. It was also a good morale boosting victory for the Eagles who face Ethiopia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Addis Ababa on Sunday. “If we don’t win against Ethiopia, this (victory over Argentina) would count for nothing,” Siasia stated. He had promised an entertaining match with lots of goals and he delivered. Hopefully, he would produce more of the same come Sunday.

MAY 29 INAUGURATION: INVESTING IN THE NIGERIAN CHILD

Picture credits: RNW Africa

Nigeria celebrated Children’s Day yesterday, May 27. While the country celebrates President Goodluck Jonathan's inauguration tomorrow, May 29. Asides the fact that a closely knitted family is crucial to the overall development of the child, May 27 is an important reminder of the roles these Heavenly gifts would eventually play in national development. Rightly so, children have been aptly labelled as the leaders of tomorrow. Thus, if fundamental change has to happen in any country, the country's children must be raised in the proper way to guarantee a credible future. They must be nurtured right to instill into them the right morals, virtues and leadership qualities.

When God wanted to bless a man & a woman (Abraham & Sarah), He gave a child. When He wanted to save a country (Israel), He gave a child. When He wanted to save the world, He gave a child. Children are the best gifts from God because they are products of Love, the greatest gift. Giving as an act of Love will always provoke the Blessings from Heaven

Children, no matter the circumstances surrounding their entry into the world, are God's priceless gifts to humanity. Parents, individuals, society, corporate organizations and governments must learn to constantly appreciate them and so give them a pride of place on this earth. If we must invest in the future in a country and the world, we need to invest and empower children to be the best they can be today. Building future leaders doesn't start tomorrow. It starts today.

As we celebrate another successful democratic transition on May 29, let us remember to to wholly invest in the country's future today: the Nigerian child.

God bless Nigeria.

FOR LOVE, PASSION AND FOOTBALL

NUMBER ONE FAN FOR LIFE

(A tribute to love, passion and football)


You’re worthy

Of every dime
Cos you’re priceless
Every moment with you
Is precious
Cos you’re true beauty

I’m enchanted by your grace
And mesmerising moves,
I desire to be wowed by you
Cos you’re my Arsenal
I love your strength and passion
Cos you’re my Chelsea
I would never leave you to walk alone
Cos you’re my Liverpool
I believe in you
19 x 999 times over.

You make my dreams come true

Cos you’re my Man U

I would stay fiercely loyal to you
I won’t trade places with another
Cos you’re my Real Madrid
My classy, number one Galactico
You’re more than my woman
You’re my passion, my inspiration
Cos you’re my Barcelona
You’re my love, my life
My pride
My heartbeat.

Even if you’re West Ham
Enyimba or Shooting Stars
I will catch you when you fall
I fall and rise with you
We fall and rise together
I die and live with you
We live and die together
I breathe with you
I breathe for you
We breathe together

I die with you
I lose with you
I win with you
I live with you
I cry with you
I laugh with you
I will fight for you
In season and out of season
Together we would go
Through the weather
I will love you forever

For me
You'll always be a winner.

I would be your number one cheerleader
I will cheer you up when you’re down
I will cheer you up from the stands
I will inspire you
To inspire me
Together we would mesmerize the world
With your divine gift
And amazing qualities

I will play with you in the field
Through your pains and gains
I will stick with you
In the mud and rain

I will hold you close
I will keep you warm
I will never let you go
I will walk with you
I will fly with you.
I will glide with you.

I would help you to be your very best
I will be your coach, your best critic,
I will be your therapist,
I will be your passionate fan
I will be your teammate
I will be your lover,
I will be your best friend;

I will help you
To win games,
To be the very best
I will help you
Through everything.

For me
You’re more than just another sport.

You’re the blood
That courses through my veins
You're my eternal adrenaline
You give me the energy
To take on the world & win
You're my unbridled passion
My glory

Just be my Special One
And I promise to win you
Unending trophies

Nothing else would do

But all of you

Cos I’m your number one fan
For life.

© Arukaino Umukoro

(Full version first performed at TARUWA001, which held at Bogobiri, Ikoyi, Lagos on May 17, 2011)

TOGO BEAT NIGERIA TO CLINCH WAFU CUP

Togolese joy. Picture courtesy supersport.com

The Hawks of Togo defeated the defending champions Super Eagles of Nigeria 3-2 in a pulsating final to clinch the 2011 WAFU Cup played at the M.K.O Abiola international stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria on Saturday. 

The match, which pitted ex-Eagles internationals Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi on opposing teams, was a good display for home-based African players. Newly appointed Togo coach Keshi had also lost the Eagles coaching job to his former teammate last year.

Togo stunned the defending champions with a beautifully worked goal in the third minute through Lalawele Atakora. Dove Sename Wome doubled the lead in the 22 minute. This forced Siasia to spend most of the remaining part of the match on the touchline as he shouted instructions to his Eagles team which looked dazed by the two quick strikes from the Hawks.

It may have spurred the Eagles as they clawed their way back into the match in the 27^th minute when a flowing move led to a goal scored by Bartholomew Ibenegbu. The Eagles were reduced to ten men in the 34^th minute after Soriola Gege was given his marching orders for a reckless tackle on a Togolese player to put the Eagles team in jeopardy. However, their determination paid off in the 45^th minute when Ekigho Ehiosun was brought down in the Togolese box and the referee awarded a penalty which Ibenegbu coolly slotted home. The lifeline didn’t last long as Togo’s Atakora snatched another goal with virtually the last kick of the first half stoppage time to leave Siasia’s team ruing their missed chances.

Despite a horde of chances for both teams in the second half, as well as a red card for a Togolese player, the score remained 3-2. It would have gone into extra time when an Eagles player hit the bar in the 90^th minute. However, Togo held on to clinch a well-deserved first WAFU Cup trophy.

FELA INFLUENCE BEYONCE'S NEW ALBUM

Thanks to the creativity, determination and hardwork of her musical acts, enterpreneurs and many other people involved in the industry, Nigerian music has gained more international prominence over the years. Without a doubt, Afrobeat pioneer and legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti stands out. And many years after his death, Fela certainly lives on, through his music.

In a recent interview with Billboard, American singer, Beyoncé' Knowles revealed that the initial inspiration for her new album came from the Nigerian music legend. "I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from Fela! (the Broadway musical based on his life) for a couple of days ... what I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt spirit," said Beyoncé, whose new album would be titled 4. The US R & B singer has already debuted the first single from 4, Run the World (Girls), and is expected to premiere the video soon.

While no official release date has been announced, Beyonce noted that the inspiration for the album title came from her fans using the number as shorthand. "Everywhere I look, I see them calling it 4. I had a whole other name and concept, but I keep seeing that the fans love the name 4. I think it would be a really nice thing to let them name the record," she said, while adding that the number also has a personal significance for her. "We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays are on the fourth – 4 April is my wedding date," she said.

By the way, Beyoncé's husband, Jay-Z, was a co-producer of the Fela Kuti musical. And don't be surpried if you hear Mo'hits  'Don Jazzy' signature on one or some of her beats!