Daniel Sturridge: Liverpool striker facing six more weeks out

 Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge could be sidelined for six more weeks with a new thigh injury.

Sturridge injured his thigh in training on Tuesday and scans show a different problem to his previous complaints.

The 25-year-old, who scored 25 times last season, has played just three Premier League games this term and only returned to full training last week.

He suffered a thigh strain while with England in September before picking up a calf strain in training in October.

Liverpool have won only four times in 14 matches without the former Chelsea and Manchester City forward and currently find themselves in 11th place.

Ghana qualified for AFCON

Ghana have qualified to day after beating Togo by 3 - 1. More to follow .....

Champions League Predictions

What is your predictions in today's matches? Test your skills.

JJ Okocha and wife loved up as they celebrate her birthday

Today is Jay Jay Okocha's wife's birthday...and the ex-footballer invited close friends to their home this afternoon to celebrate with them. Jay Jay has been married to Nkechi Okocha for 17 years and they have two children together.

Why we prefer a foreign coach – Pinnick

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick has explained why his Board  prefers a foreign coach to replace the last indigenous coach, Stephen Keshi who was relieved of his assignment last week by the federation.

Pinnick while speaking on a radio programme in Abuja said the steady downward slide of football in the country has necessitated the decision which he insisted was to rescue the beautiful game from total collapse.

The president who also spared a thought for the domestic league and its poor state explained that the coach when engaged would work with some experienced Nigerian coaches with the intention to to expose them to some new techniques of the dynamic game.pinnick

According to Pinnick, the foreign coach that would be employed must be a sound person who must in addition to his primary responsibility of coaching the national team would equally monitor the Nigerian league and select gifted players.

The NFF boss who said he shared in the sentiments of those who were calling for the hiring of a local coach however stressed that this might be the last foreign coach to work in Nigeria because ‘’by the time he is through with his assignment a lot of Nigerian coaches would have learnt a lot from him and ready to succeed him.

“We are not going for low quality coach this time around. We are shopping for a sound coach who will present before us a comprehensive programme of how he intends to turn around the Super Eagles as well as the Nigerian league. Our choice of a foreign coach would be one who will be ready to look into the league, travel to Warri to watch Warri Wolves, to Lafia to watch Nasarawa United etc.

“Any experienced foreign coach will certainly value his name more than the money he is to earn. He will invite and pick the best of players and that is what we are going to give Nigerians with the coming of a new foreign coach in our mind”.

Pinnick also spoke on the existence of a rival board led by Chris Giwa and efforts he has made to restore peace in the nation’s football. He said that he has spoken to Giwa, Chief Rumson Baribote and other aggrieved stakeholders pleading with them to sheath their sword in the interest of Nigerian football.

“I won an election that was recognized by both FIFA and CAF.  I beg Nigerians to beg Giwa for me. I have made overtures to Giwa, Baribote etc. Let them know that this position is meant for only one person and I am the one today. I have begged them to team up with the board for the interest of Nigerian football.” Pinnick concluded.

Two sent off as league leaders Chelsea beat Palace

By Tom Rostance BBC Sport

Costa misses game through injury
Fabregas scores first Premier League goal since 2010
Both sides have men sent-off in first half
Chelsea unbeaten in league since April

Cesc Fabregas scored his first league goal for Chelsea as the Premier League leaders survived a late Crystal Palace fightback to maintain a five-point advantage over Manchester City.

The Blues shrugged off the absence of top scorer Diego Costa to open the scoring with a 25-yard Oscar free-kick.

Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta and Palace's Damien Delaney were sent off before Fabregas finished a fine move.

Fraizer Campbell's late goal provided a scare but Jose Mourinho's men held on.

Campbell's goal arguably flattered a Palace side who looked dangerous on the break in the first half but were comprehensively outplayed from the moment Fabregas doubled Chelsea's lead.
Match facts

Cesc Fabregas has now been involved in eight goals (one goal, seven assists) in eight PL games for Chelsea


Ten different players have scored a Premier League goal for Chelsea this season; more than at any other club

Both of Oscar's Premier League goals this season have come in the opening seven minutes of games


Mile Jedinak (50) made the most passes for Palace. Six Chelsea players made more with Fabregas on top (123)

By that stage both sides had been reduced to 10 men, but neither Azpilicueta nor Delaney could have any real argument with referee Craig Pawson's decisions.

Mourinho's rivals would have hoped that the loss of Costa - who has been so impressive since joining from Atletico Madrid in the summer - to an undisclosed injury would have stalled the Blues, but although deputy Loic Remy was relatively quiet, goalscorers Fabregas and Oscar were in magnificent touch in midfield.

Oscar's strike was special, a swerving free-kick past Julian Speroni, but the home side briefly threatened to score the game's second goal despite Chelsea bossing possession.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea: Jose Mourinho praises Cesc Fabregas

Campbell got in behind a hesitant Gary Cahill before lobbing onto the roof of the net, and the former Sunderland man then turned Cahill again to flash a low shot across the face of Thibaut Courtois's goal.

But those were two isolated moments in a half controlled by Chelsea, as John Terry - captain for the 500th time - had a header cleared off the line by James McArthur.

A steady half then ignited in three minutes as Azpilicueta's heavy touch led him to clatter Mile Jedinak in front of Pawson, who had no choice but to dismiss the full-back.

Fabregas and Campbell were both booked for an altercation which saw Fabregas hurl Campbell to the ground, and moments later Fabregas urged Pawson to show a second yellow card to Delaney.
Chelsea's leading appearances as captain

John Terry - 500 games

Ron Harris - 324 games

Dennis Wise - 298 games

The Republic of Ireland international had already been booked when he pulled Remy to the ground, for a soft but correct dismissal.

Warnock unhappy with officials

With 10 against 10 in the second half the leaders were well on top, and doubled their advantage with a fine second goal, described as "scandalously good" by Mourinho after the game.

Fabregas played a one-two with Eden Hazard on the edge of the box before swiftly playing another with Oscar and slotting home his first Premier League goal in nearly four years.

Chelsea were then well on top until Wilfried Zaha powered through substitute Filipe Luis to cross for Campbell to sweep home.

But Chelsea were untroubled throughout stoppage time to keep hold of their advantage and unbeaten record at the top of the Premier League.

Lionel Messi Messi edges closer to record in Barca win

Barca unbeaten in eight league games this season
Barca yet to concede in 12 hours of league action
Messi two goals away from La Liga goal record
Eibar suffer first defeat in five league games

Lionel Messi moved to within two goals of becoming the all-time La Liga record goalscorer after he netted in Barcelona's victory over Eibar.

After a goalless first half, Messi's through-ball found Xavi, who chipped keeper Xabi Iruretagoiena to put the league leaders ahead after an hour.

Brazil striker Neymar volleyed in Dani Alves's chip to double their advantage.

Messi made it 3-0 in the 74th minute after racing through the Eibar defence for his 250th La Liga goal.
How Aguero's strike-rate is better than Messi's

"This season, Manchester City are belatedly finding out what it is like when Sergio Aguero stays fit, and so are the opposition. So far in the 2014-15 campaign, Aguero trails only Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the list of the top marksmen's minutes-per-goal in Europe's leading five leagues - Spain, Germany, England, France and Italy - helping his side into second place, and keeping Premier League leaders Chelsea in their sights."

The 27-year-old is one behind Telmo Zarra's record for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 1950s.

Messi will break the record if he scores two goals or more in next Saturday's game against arch-rivals Real Madrid, the first El Clasico of the season.

That match is expected to mark Luis Suarez's first competitive game in a Barcelona shirt after serving a ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 2014 World Cup group match in Brazil in June.

Barcelona have become the first La Liga team to keep eight successive clean sheets at the start of a season.

Suarez will feature for a Barcelona side that has dropped just two points all season and has yet to concede a goal in eight La Liga games at the start of the season, a league record.

Barca needed Xavi to come to the rescue on the hour to finally break the resistance of a resolute Eibar side who are enjoying their first season in the top flight.

Neymar quickly added to the lead and then combined with Messi for the Argentine to notch his 250th league goal.

Barca are at home to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to the Spanish capital to face Real Madrid.

Saints thrash Sunderland 8-0

By Luke Reddy BBC Sport

Saints record their biggest Premier League win
Incredible Santiago Vergini own goal starts rout
Liam Bridcutt own goal adds to away side's misery
Graziano Pelle scores twice

Southampton demolished Sunderland at St Mary's in a game which saw Santiago Vergini score one of the Premier League's most spectacular own goals.

The Argentine, 26, volleyed in from 18 yards, before Graziano Pelle and Jack Cork each scored from close range.

Pelle's well-taken second followed a Liam Bridcutt own goal and Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone passed to Dusan Tadic to make it six.

Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane sealed Sunderland's biggest loss in 32 years.
Premier League's biggest wins

Manchester United 9-0 Ipswich, March 1995

Newcastle United 8-0 Sheffield Wednesday, September 1999

Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic, November 2009

Chelsea 8-0 Wigan Athletic, May 2010

Chelsea 8-0 Aston Villa, December 2012

Southampton 8-0 Sunderland, October 2014

The Black Cats have now lost 8-0 on four occasions in their history, with the other defeats by the same margin against Sheffield Wednesday in 1911, West Ham United in 1968 and Watford in 1982.

Manager Gus Poyet glared at his players after the game as they applauded their travelling supporters, and he will be disbelieving of the charity shown from the early stages on the south coast.

Saints' 8-0 win not perfect - Koeman

Vergini's volley will form part of football blunder features for years to come as his attempted clearance flew past Sunderland keeper Mannone like a rocket.

Within six minutes of his error, the defender could not track Steven Davis after Sunderland had conceded possession and a crisp cross allowed Pelle to tap home.

The Premier League's Player of the Month scored on his debut for Italy during the international break and offered link-up play to complement his goal threat throughout.

Ronald Koeman - voted manager of the month for guiding Southampton to third - urged his players to "start again" today after the international break, warning opponents will no longer be surprised by their threat.
Southampton tweet

Southampton tweeted a Ronald Koeman quote prior to kick-off but the Dutchman's prediction was a little off mark

Their purposeful response was to attack with freedom and when a free-flowing move allowed Tadic to cross for Cork to stab home, the points were all but sealed.

The win means Saints are a point better off than at this stage last season when they eventually finished eighth, but they ruthlessly looked to punish every Sunderland error and are now one of only five teams to have won by eight goals in Premier League history.

Poyet embarrassed by 8-0 defeat

Cork and midfield partner Morgan Schneiderlin both completed over 90% of their passes as Sunderland consistently failed to get close to their opponents and the dominance in midfield proved telling as the home side created chance after chance in the second period.

Tadic was denied by a goal-line clearance from Patrick van Aanholt shortly after the break, but after Mannone saved from Pelle, Bridcutt could not clear from under his own cross-bar and bundled the ball into his own net.

Pelle, who now has six goals in eight league games, celebrated sheepishly, but he soon had another goal he could claim as his own when he smartly swept Tadic's pass home.
Potent and mean Saints

No team in the Premier League or Football League has conceded as few league goals (five) or home league goals (one) as Southampton.

Tadic, who like Pelle, was imported from the Dutch league this summer, looked every inch his £10.9m price tag as he teased the visiting defence and when Mannone passed the ball straight to his feet, he duly curled into an empty net from 30 yards.

It was another Sunderland donation but Tadic continued to show little mercy as he fed Wanyama who smashed home from 12 yards and then set up Mane for his first goal in English football.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman:

"I'm very pleased. Still a little bit in shock. That 8-0 is not a normal result.

"I was surprised after 20 minutes about the score - 2-0 up and we didn't start the game well. Sunderland were dominating and we had problems.

"Lucky by the first one, the own goal, gave us a little bit more confidence and we woke up after that."

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet:

"Even if you watch Vergini's own goal 20 times you don't know how it can happen. Then we clear the ball and it hits somebody and it's 2-0. Then you're thinking it's not going to be our day.

"And then the penalty, where if the ref did his job, it's a penalty and a red card and maybe 2-1 and then we're talking about a different game.

"After that, I can't explain what happened. I will let the players explain to you, maybe they will have better words. I don't."

Cavani sent off after sniper celebration

Edinson Cavani scored and was sent off as Paris St-Germain beat nine-man Lens.

Adama Coulibaly's 20-yard shot put Lens ahead before Yohan Cabaye levelled.

Maxwell put PSG in front with a lob before Jean-Philippe Gbamin was sent off for shoving Cavani in the area.

The Uruguayan striker converted the penalty, was booked for a celebration that mimed shooting a gun and was shown a second yellow for immediately grabbing referee Nicolas Rainville's arm in anger.

Jerome Le Moigne was sent off for the newly-promoted hosts just before the hour in a game played at the Stade de France because of Lens's Bollaert stadium being renovated.

Keshi sacked, NFF picks Amodu

Amaju Pinnick-led NFF Board has sacked Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi.

Amodu Shuaibu has been picked as replacement.

Details later.

NFF Revealed The List Of Candidates To Replace Stephen Keshi

NFF revealed the list of candidates shortlisted to replaced under fire Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi. According to NFF, the body is ready to take a drastic step that will favor Nigerians who are football lovers.

Following the Super Eagles 0-1 defeat to Sudan on Saturday,soccer fans, pundits among others have called for his sacking. Thus tonight’s game against Sudan in Nigeria may be the last game for Stephen Keshi as coach.

Here is the list of shortlisted candidate;
(1) FUTBALL GALORE
(2) OJO TOSIN
(3) OBA ADENIJI
(4) TOBI CHARLES
(5) ADEPOJU TOBI SAMUEL
(6) TAYE HASSAN ADIGUN
(7) GBENGA OGUNLEYE
(8) WALE MUSTAPHA SPORTPRO
(9) SAMUEL AHMADU
(10) TAIWO SPORT JOURNALIST IBRAHIM
(11) TUNDE SHAMSUDEEN
(12) IBITOYE SHITTU
(13) GOKE SLANKEY SOLANKE
(14) ONI GUARANTOR AFOLABI
(15) VINCENT AKINBAMI
All the shortlisted candidates are considered fit for the job, but the most qualified hands will be chosen for the hot seat job.

Ebola affecting Sierra Leone team - Michael Lahoud

By John Bennett
 BBC World Service Sport Sierra Leone midfielder Michael Lahoud says that his team-mates have been treated badly and feel humiliated because of the stigma of Ebola.
Due to the Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone have been playing home Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in neutral venues.

"It is really causing a lot of tension and friction," Lahoud told BBC Sport.
"People refuse to allow you into places because the first thing they think is that you have have Ebola. It's pretty shocking discriminatory behaviour."

The 28-year-old added that some opponents have refused to shake hands with them and opposition fans have chanted "Ebola" at matches.

Sierra Leone FA vice president Brima Mazola Kamara on the Ebola crisis
The majority of the Sierra Leone squad play their club football in Europe, Asia or the United States and have not been back to their homeland since July.

"One pretty high-profile player on another team, I heard he refused to swap his jersey and instead gave his shorts and they didn't want any of our jerseys in return," continued Lahoud.
"I can understand the fear behind it because of the lack of education about the disease but it doesn't make it right.

"The fact that we were able to get a 0-0 draw against Cameroon on Saturday is truly testament to the fortitude of our team and the unity that we're having to show through this."
Philadelphia Union's Lahoud is a regular in the Sierra Leone squad but is not with the team at present because he is involved in the climax to the MLS season.

His last appearance for the national team came against Democratic Republic of Congo in September.
"The reaction from fans has been brutal at times. In DR Congo 20,000 people were chanting 'Ebola, Ebola' for 90 minutes," he said.

"It's really difficult, it hurts. Most of us are not living in Sierra Leone at the moment but we have family there so this outbreak is a very personal issue. It is probably one of the most painful experiences that I've gone through as a footballer.

"You feel humiliated. Being stranded in places like Zambia just trying to get home because they won't let you through because they automatically think you have Ebola."

"Walking through the streets in Congo and little kids that you try to give food to, running away in absolute terror of you. Mothers grabbing their kids and running away from you because they think just by you looking at them they're going to get Ebola. It is very humiliating."

Keshi says countries waiting to hire him

Again, coach Stephen Keshi has said that he has several countries waiting to hire him should he be asked to quit by Nigeria.

Keshi has come under heavy criticisms as his team have recorded a mere point from an available nine in the AFCON 2015 qualifiers.

The former Eagles captain, who is on the job without a contract, told AfricanFootball.com, “It’s not about the game, it’s about other personal stuff. So, if tomorrow they say Keshi leave, there is no shaking because other two, three countries are waiting (for me).

“My job is about hire and fire.

“Right now I have been to other places I have coached before I have not been fired. If it comes down to Nigeria, I have been here before, qualified Nigeria for 2002 World Cup with Amodu Shaibu, we were asked to leave.”

Keshi has also handled Togo and Mali.

And recently his agent claimed oil-rich Gabon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea have tabled offers for him. The Nigerian coach has said many times that he had offers and Nigerians are bewildered why he has not taken any of the several offers rather than hanging on with the Nigerian team without a contract.

NFF looking for Keshi’s replacement

There are very strong indications that Stephen Keshi will not continue as the Super Eagles coach, on interim or permanent basis, after the match against Sudan in Abuja on Wednesday. The PUNCH learnt that three factors have contributed largely to his continued stay as the Nigeria coach despite the humiliating 1-0 loss to Sudan on Saturday.

The decision by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to hold far reaching discussions with his members; the need to also brief higher authorities and the search for a quality replacement have combined to keep Keshi on the driving seat going into the reverse match against Sudan billed for Wednesday. Our correspondent learnt on Monday that Keshi could be asked to step aside after the Wednesday match.

A member of the NFF board who spoke with The PUNCH on Monday said that a meeting of the Federation had been fixed for 8pm on Tuesday and that the meeting billed for Abuja will take the decision on the way forward with the national team.

He said, “You know that the decision to ask Keshi to go or continue is a major one that can’t be taken by just a few persons. The board is meeting on Tuesday and I know that all the questions will be answered by that meeting.”

Another person with deep knowledge of the happenings at the Federation told our reporter that the search for a good manager is also slowing down decision.

“The search is on for a replacement. What has been the challenge is the closeness of the matches to each other but I guess that will be taken care of very soon with a bold manager to take the challenge.”

A former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper coach, Segun Oguns told SuperSport Keshi should be dropped instantly.

Oguns said another coach other than Keshi could comfortably qualify Nigeria for the biennial event in Morocco by going ahead to win Sudan on Wednesday as well as the other two games against South Africa and Congo.

“I think it’ll be a dashed hope for Maroc 2015 AFCON if Stephen Keshi would still take charge of the game against Sudan on Wednesday as well as the other two games involving South Africa and Congo.

“I strongly believe with a new coach on the saddle we can win Sudan but not with Keshi still in charge.

“With Keshi still taking charge then we must prepare our minds for another uneventful game against Sudan as his penchant for going around picking new players has failed to lift the team.

“Eagles under Keshi made the likes of Congo and Sudan become superstars, countries that ordinarily couldn’t withstand the onslaught of our domestic teams.”

JJ Okocha defends Keshi

Jay-Jay Okocha has defended Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi following Saturday's loss to Sudan in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.  

The Super Eagles were defeated 1-0 in Khartoum and are now in danger of not being in Morocco next year to defend the title they won in South Africa in 2013.

Okocha has pointed to the recent Nigerian Football Federation's leadership squabble as a major contributing factor to the Eagles' struggles in the qualifiers.

"We are in a very unusual situation," the former midfielder tweeted. "The question is, do we deserve better considering the state of our football affairs in recent time?

"Anyone that blames Keshi or the boys is short-sighted. Our football is long dead and gone. This is just the confirmation.

"Well done SA (South Africa). Not the result most Nigerians expected (against Sudan) though. We have to step up our game and grab the next six points to have a chance," he added.

Nigeria are currently bottom of Group A with one point from three matches, with South Africa sitting at the top of the standings, followed by Congo in second place and Sudan in the third spot.

England edge to win over Estonia

England laboured to victory over Estonia in Tallinn as Wayne Rooney's late free-kick made it three wins out of three in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Rooney curled his shot in from just outside the area 17 minutes from the end of a mediocre encounter to give England's captain his 43rd goal for his country - six behind all-time record holder Sir Bobby Charlton.

It rescued England as they struggled to break down the stubborn Estonians, who stood firm even after captain Ragnar Klavan had been sent off for a second yellow card three minutes into the second half.

And it spared manager Roy Hodgson some awkward questions over the omission of Raheem Sterling after Liverpool's teenager admitted he was tired following the 5-0 win against San Marino at Wembley.

England monopolised possession but the lack of end product was alarming against opponents who were dogged but hardly an upgrade into the European elite after the stroll against San Marino on Thursday.

Rooney's winner, a rare touch of class, also lifted his own performance after the 28-year-old struggled to apply his usual high standards. Indeed he was in danger of being replaced by Rickie Lambert just before his decisive contribution.
England coach Roy Hodgson

Hodgson was buoyant after his side maintained their 100% record against San Marino on Thursday

The Manchester United captain had opportunities before and after his goal to move closer to history but his display was in keeping with England's night - largely frustrating and salvaged only by a single moment.

Hodgson used the diamond formation, as he had in the opening 2-0 win against Switzerland in Basel, but whereas there - with Sterling at its point - it looked effective, here it left England lacking in pace, creation and width. It was only when Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the Liverpool youngster were introduced that England looked like getting behind the hosts.

They can justifiably point to a job done, and nine points out of nine, but this largely uninspired fare did little to warm fans who turned out in plummeting temperatures in Tallinn.

There should be few obstacles in England's way on the route to Euro 2016  - the possibility of 10 wins remains a strong one - but it is to be hoped the level of excitement is greater than that witnessed here in a group not exactly sprinkled with stardust.

After a minor scare in the opening seconds, England dominated the first period to such an extent that one point they enjoyed an 82% share of possession - the more telling statistic was that they did not muster a shot on target until the dying moments of the half.

This had much to do with Rooney's failure to accept chances, volleying over from Jack Wilshere's pass and showing an uncharacteristic lack of control and sharpness in the area when given other opportunities.

The visitors were looking for any advantage they could get and one arrived three minutes into the second half when Klavan departed after a cynical barge on Fabian Delph.

Hodgson made two changes in quick succession just after the hour as Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sterling replaced Delph and Jordan Henderson.

And Sterling was involved as England finally broke Estonia down after 73 minutes. He was fouled on the angle of the penalty area and Rooney weighed his options up carefully before curling in a low, right-foot effort from the set-piece.

Michael Essien denies reports that he contracted Ebola

There were rumours earlier today, started my mischief makers, that international/Ghanaian football star Michael Essien had contracted the deadly Ebola virus causing hundreds of his fans to storm his social media pages begging for answers. He took to instagram to share a pic of himself and deny the report.

Oscar Pistorius’ sentencing to begin

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius returns to court for sentencing after being convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month but he was cleared of murder.

Judge Thokozile Masipa is expected to hear legal arguments and testimony for several days before passing sentence.

Pistorius faces up to 15 years in jail, although Judge Masipa could suspend the sentence or only impose a fine.

She said the athlete had acted “negligently” when he shot his girlfriend through a toilet door , but in the “belief that there was an intruder”.

The Paralympic sprinter had strenuously denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine’s Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.

Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Mr Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria.

The judge said the state had failed to prove he intended to kill.

Lawal: Keshi Has Lost It

 Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has slammed Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, saying the 52-year old has lost it.

Lawal has also called for Keshi to be replaced immediately after the qualifiers for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, irrespective of whether Nigeria qualifies or not.

The 40-year old Lawal has been a staunch critic of Keshi’s and has often criticized his selection policy. And now the former Roda JC of Holland midfielder tells sl10.ng that Keshi shouldn’t remain in charge of the Super Eagles, because he has ‘lost it’.

“At this moment, I would say Keshi has lost it. We don’t even know if we will qualify for the AFCON or not, because it is going to be very difficult right now. We lost one at home, lost one away, and drew away, so it’s a problem.

“We don’t have time for another coach to come in at the moment, but it still can be done. But Keshi has lost and I kept talking about the players he was ignoring. I talked about IK Uche and I wonder if Taiye Taiwo won’t play better than Elderson Echiejile is at the moment, but yet these guys are continually snubbed,” he said in a bit of an angry tone.

“So we should get another coach because we cannot continue contemplating which is not good for a country like Nigeria. Champions of Africa struggling to qualify for the African championship is not good enough because it is obvious the coach has lost it, he has lost it,” Lawal posited.

Brazil beat Argentina in China

Diego Tardelli scored twice as Brazil beat Argentina to win the Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing. Brazil, who included Barcelona's Neymar in their side, took the lead on 28 minutes when Diego Tardelli volleyed in his first international goal.

Argentina's Lionel Messi had a penalty saved, before Tardelli sealed victory with a second-half header. This was Brazil's third successive win as they look to rebuild following their 7-1 World Cup humiliation by Germany.

 Dunga, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Brazil coach after the World Cup, took a squad to China which featured a blend of youth and experience.

Kaka, 32, and 30-year-old Robinho, who both failed to make Brazil's World Cup squad, were among the substitutes in Beijing.

Neymar, whose World Cup came to a premature end after he fractured a bone in his spine, retained his place in the starting XI.

However, the 22-year-old Barcelona forward struggled to make an impression, notably scuffing a weak effort wide after being sent clear.

Instead it was Atletico Mineiro striker Tardelli who made the biggest impression, opening the scoring with a volleyed finish after Argentina failed to clear.

Messi, like Barcelona team-mate Neymar, failed to really impose himself throughout the contest, but should have levelled just before the break.

After Manchester United's Angel Di Maria was fouled inside the area, Messi's weak penalty was easily saved by Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson.

Tardelli made no such mistake, heading powerfully home on 64 minutes to seal victory for Brazil.

As the clock ticked down, Kaka came on for his first international appearance since March 2013, while former Manchester City forward Robinho was also brought on.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi:
"We always try to win but today we couldn't. It was a match defined by our two mistakes.
"The error for the first goal and the penalty were crucial. If I had converted, it could have changed the game."

Brazil coach Dunga:
"Brazil are the best team in the world with a great tradition.
"We have no big players, we are now acting as one team. The whole team is evolving, including me."