URUGUA Releases it's team tactical squad, Prediction, update and more for the FIFA 2018 World cup

Photo: Twitter/@FIFAWorldCupURU

Anyone who has been watching Uruguay in the last 10 years is familiar with Óscar Tabárez’s style of play: his teams are built from the back to make it as difficult as possible for opponents to score. Then it is all about giving the ball to the team’s world class forwards, Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.

His Uruguay sides have always been strong in central defence and with full-backs who only attack when absolutely necessary. Then there is a midfield that is much more combative than creative with an emphasis of moving the ball forward as quickly as possible. It is vertical football with one aim – to hit opponents on the break.

Until now, Uruguay have not needed to be much more than firm in defence and dangerous in attack – but then something happened. The team, that had been together for so long, needed renewing, especially in midfield. And this changing of the guard has happened much quicker than anyone thought possible.

And with the new players, a new style arrived too. The emergence of players such as Federico Valverde (Deportivo La Coruna, on loan from Real Madrid) Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus) Nahitan Nández (Boca Juniors) and Matías Vecino (Internazionale) forced Tabárez to change his approach. In the end, with these dynamic and talented players, the transformation of Uruguay’s game plan was almost inevitable.

For a long time Tabárez had been saying that Uruguay did not have the players to adapt a “European” style, ie members of the team that could be physical as well as creative. Now he has them and, in the last World Cup qualifiers and the friendlies after that, he has used a different approach.

The defence remains the same, with Diego Godín and José María Giménez being that rare combination at a World Cup that plays together week in and week out for their club side (Atlético Madrid). To the left, the hope is that Martín Cáceres (Verona) will arrive in good shape for the tournament after two injury-hit seasons while on the right there will be a battle between the experienced Maximiliano Pereira (Porto) and the young Guillermo Varela (Peñarol) to be in the starting XI.

But it is in the midfield where the real change has happened: Matías Vecino is a guaranteed starter after a superb season with Inter but then there is a question of whether Betancur or Valverde will accompany him – both prefer to go forward and create than carrying out their defensive duties but both have developed from playing in Italy and Spain respectively.

To the right, Nández is expected to start while on the left Cristian Rodríguez is the preferred candidate, although he lacks the endurance of his earlier years. In attack, well, there is not much to add to the names of Cavani and Suárez.

Remember though that structural changes takes time to become a habit. The basic concept of 4-4-2 with pressure all over the pitch has not changed, but the central midfielders now treat the ball better and the service to Suárez and Cavani is much better.

We also know that the World Cup is not a place to experiment. Therefore, it is entirely possible that, in case of a poor result in the opener against Egypt, Tabárez will return to his more defensive approach. It would not be the first time: in the first international tournament of his second spell as Uruguay coach (the 2007 Copa América in Peru) he had no problem in suddenly abandoning his initial approach of using three forwards.

Probable starting XI (4-4-2):

                      Muslera;

Varela, Godín, Giménez, Cáceres;

            Vecino,   Valverde

Nández                          Cristian Rodríguez;

             Suárez  Cavani.

Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?

Nahitan Nández. The pressure of playing in the World Cup will not be a problem. In fact, it will probably make him play even better. A leader who was made captain of Peñarol at the age of 21 and he is already a star at Boca Juniors.

Which player is likely to disappoint?

It could be Cristian Rodriguez. He has been a vital part of the team for a long time now but these days lacks the intensity and speed that is so key to any wide player’s game.

What is the realistic aim for Uruguay at the World Cup and why?

The quarter-finals. Getting out of Group A should not be a problem but in the last 16 they could face Spain or Portugal. Get through that and France or Croatia may lie in wait. And that is probably the limit for this team.

Source:https://guardian.ng/sport/uruguay-2018-fifa-world-cup-team-guide-tactics-key-players-and-expert-predictions/

PERU--"': Releases her Team tactical squad, Prediction and more for the Russian 2018 FIFA World cup

Photo: Twitter/@FIFAWorldCupPer

Ricardo Gareca, Peru’s hugely-loved coach, is known as “Tigre” (“Tiger”), and the nickname aptly serves the fighting instinct his team showed in qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Led by captain and record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero, the side has a warrior’s soul and will give everything to make the next chapter of their remarkable story a happy one.

First the style; then the outline. Gareca used his finely-trained eye to choose the right players for the kind of football he holds dear, majoring on good treatment of the ball. Peru had lost its football identity over the 20 years before he took the job in 2015. He brought back the elegance that had gone missing, adding the more modern touches of physical fitness and a commitment to discipline. It all came together so that they reached Russia 2018 after defeating New Zealand in a play-off.

Peru’s preparations had been struck by a sizeable blow when Guerrero was banned from the World Cup after receiving a Fifa penalty for doping. But his reprieve (he will still serve his ban but after the tournament) at the end of May means Peru will head to the tournament with their strongest side available.

Gareca is likely to start with Pedro Gallese in goal, Luis Advíncula at right-back, Alberto Rodríguez and Christian Ramos as central defenders and Miguel Trauco at left-back. Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotún, a pair that complement each other very well with their positional and passing ability, will play in the middle of the park. The trio operating behind Guerrero will be formed by André Carrillo, Christian Cueva and Jefferson Farfán.

If Peru find goals hard to come by, one option would be to push Farfán into attack with his old friend Guerrero, switching to a 4-4-2. That is what Gareca has been working on in their training camp in San Luis, and it came together well in the March friendlies with victories against Croatia and Iceland.

Fifa allowed World Cup participants to name a provisional squad of 35 players, but Gareca only selected 24. He did not want to work with an oversized party so only one player from his initial list will be culled, that group will only discard one. His gaze is fixed on the nucleus of the side he formed two years ago at the Copa América “Centenario”. There, they were knocked out on penalties in the quarter-finals; they will need the eye of the tiger if they are to hold hope of a similar finish in Russia.

Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?

Edison Flores is the team’s shining light and a constant goal threat. The “Orejas” (“Ears”), as he is known, has nine goals in the Gareca era and his presence in attack has been crucial in obtaining decisive victories – especially away from home against Paraguay and Ecuador. He is 24 years old and plays for Aalborg in Denmark, but a move to a bigger league will surely come soon.

Which player is likely to disappoint?

Gareca’s main concern is Alberto Rodríguez. The 34-year-old is his main defender and the team’s current captain, but he has endured a long line of injuries and is still not operating at 100%.

What is the realistic aim for Peru at the World Cup and why?

The round of 16. Peru’s decisive match will be their first, against Denmark in Saransk on 16 June. If Gareca’s side overcome this obstacle, they will be in an unbeatable position to reach the second round. Against a team as physically impressive as the Danes, Peru will have to cause damage through teamwork and effective treatment of the ball.

Probable starting XI

         Gallese (GK)

Advíncula  Rodríguez Ramos  Trauco

              Tapia  Yotún

     Farfan     Cueva     Flores

                   Guerrero

Source:https://guardian.ng/sport/peru-2018-fifa-world-cup-team-guide-tactics-key-players-and-expert-predictions/

Wow, Nigerian releases it's team tactical squad, Prediction and more for the 2018 FIFA World cup.

Since Gernot Rohr stepped into the Super Eagles job in 2016, the team has progressively climbed heights in both team spirit and discipline. The togetherness fostered in the squad has seen Nigeria adopt a strong mentality that allows them to thrive against the odds. A young team bears the imprint of its manager, who has created a resilient counterattacking side that is capable of many surprises at the World Cup.

Although Rohr has flirted with some different formations – including a 3-5-2 used in November’s 4-2 win over Argentina – it is clear that Rohr will opt for his trusted 4-2-3-1, based on defensive resilience and efficient counters.

While the Super Eagles are a team greater than the sum of its parts, their strengths are pinned on the individual brilliance of a few. Rohr always looks to the collective, though, preferring in public to downplaying the importance of those who truly stand out.

“We do not have such great players as Kanu or Okocha, who then shone, but the strength of this team is the teamwork,’’ Rohr told Przeglad Sportowy. “Our captain Mikel Joh Obi or Victor Moses are not the players who will decide the fate of the game themselves, like the stars from the 90s.”

However, Mikel’s influence on the team is immense. The former Chelsea midfielder coordinates Nigeria’s play and dictates the pace of the game with his calm and intelligent ball distribution.

Behind Mikel are two ball winners, Ogenyi Onazi and the talented Wilfred Ndidi. They operate at the base of the midfield, acting as human shields for the back line. Both excel primarily in breaking up play but are far less convincing going forward as pivots. It is the major criticism of Nigeria’s midfield anchors: distribution and transition from defence to attack is often poor, a situation exacerbated whenever Mikel is unavailable.

Rohr’s solution was to get Mikel as close to Onazi and Ndidi as possible – playing closer to the pivot than the centre-forward, Odion Ighalo, whose ability to alternate his movement keeps him from being isolated. His ability to combine smartly, dropping deep to hold up play while still managing to ghost into good scoring positions, has placed him at the spearhead of the attack. Kelechi Iheanacho remains a potent option off the bench.

The attack is heavily reliant on the pace and guile of the Chelsea wing-back Moses. In Nigeria’s colours Moses is a virtuoso, adding verticality to the team’s play and speeding down the wings. Playing as a more out-and-out winger for the Super Eagles, he is the the most important player – capable of magical moments but also, at times, prone to overplaying.

Rohr has stated the need for “great discipline” and “a great deal of mutual solidarity and communion”. Those traits are best embodied by the central defensive pairing of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong. The pair share a deep bond and their relationship has created a solid defence that is difficult to breach. Balogun’s ball-playing abilities, matched with the imposing and physical style of Troost-Ekong, fit perfectly into the team’s style.

Probable XI (3-5-2):

                               Uzoho

           Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Ogu

       Abdullahi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Mikel, Idowu

                         Ighalo, Moses

Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?

Francis Uzoho. For a goalkeeper that has just two made senior appearances for Deportivo La Coruña, Uzoho is perhaps fortunate to get into the World Cup squad but has a good command of his area and impressive shot-stopping ability. The 19-year-old is very likely to start in goal for Nigeria – putting him in illustrious company with the likes of Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu and Vincent Enyeama.

Which player is likely to disappoint?

Alex Iwobi’s poor form for Arsenal will leave many wondering if he can deliver for the Super Eagles. After a breakout season in 2015-16 the attacking midfielder has failed to kick on, often stuttering when presented with opportunities. Too often he appears on the fringes of a game, and will need to be more assertive this summer.

What is the realistic aim for Nigeria at the World Cup and why?

Given that they face arguably the toughest World Cup group there is the overwhelming possibility of an early elimination, but it is plausible that they can beat Croatia and Iceland to qualify for the round of 16. Much depends on the first game against Croatia.

Source:https://guardian.ng/sport/nigeria-2018-fifa-world-cup-team-guide-tactics-key-players-and-expert-predictions/

Things you didn't know about the Sani ABACHA's loot.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Sani Abacha's death, BBC did a graphic illustration of the late general's loot and how much of the money has been recovered by the Nigerian government.

Is Drake in another Relationship ??? As he was spotted with a model..:*" See Photos below

Canadian rapper, Drake was this week spotted on a date with a curvy model identified as Zmeena in Toronto and her body is breathtaking. The pair were pictured leaving Sotto Sotto Ristorante in Toronto together.

See more eye-popping photos of Zmeena below.

 Source:;' lindaikeji

Phyno and Olamide releases a tune for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

The Nigerian indigenous rappers, Olamide and Phyno, have released a World Cup theme tune to support the Super Eagles at the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Olamide and Phyno The song, tittled “Dem Go Hear Am” produced by Pheelz, is powered by Aiteo, a main sponsor of the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Aiteo Grou, founded in February 2008, is an integrated, global-focused Nigerian Energy conglomerate that partnered with the Nigerian football Federation, to give quality treatment and support to the players and technical crew of the Super Eagles throughout their World Cup campaign. Phyno announced the release of the tune on his Twitter and Instagram accounts @Phynofino: “Dem go hear am!!!! Out everywhere now Fam” The official theme song will be launched at an event in Lagos featuring a host of Nigerian Performers, including Phyno, Olamide, Small Doctor, Ay and Bovi. The Lyrics of the song paid tribute to some ex-Super Eagles players like Sunday Oliseh, Rashidi Yekini and Samuel Okwaraji. Similarly, leading up to the previous World Cup, Nigeria’s National Telecom Operator and Major Sponsor of the Super Eagles, Globacom, assembled its music ambassadors including MI, Flavour, Wande Coal and Omawumi to produce three theme songs aimed at firing up support for the team’s success in the 2014 World Cup. Recently, the Official World Cup song, titled “Live It Up” by Will Smith, was released on different Music streaming platforms. The official song will be performed during the opening ceremony of the competition on June 14. (NAN)

Do you think kanye's tweet might put an end to the Drake and Pusha T's beef ?

Kanye West was collateral damage in the infamous beef between Pusha-T and Drake, who traded shots on a number of tracks. Now ’Ye, who produced Pusha’s last album DAYTONA and lives on the same street as Drake in Calabasas, has seemingly decided to try put an end to the beef before it gets even more out of hand.

In a Tweet sent late Friday night, Kanye said “I’ve never been about beef. I’m about love. Lines were crossed and it’s not good for anyone, so this is dead now.”

I added could be safe to say that West is perhaps referring to King Push’s hard-hitting diss track“The Story of Adidon,” which dealt with what many believed to be low-blows involving, amongst other topics, Drake and an alleged child he had been hiding from the world.https://www.instagram.com/p/BjhWkCHBGLO/

Nigerian Reggae Icon RAS KIMONO is set to be mourned in Abakaliki by fellow Rasters.

Abakaliki – Rastafarians in Ebonyi have concluded plans to hold candle light procession for departed Nigerian Reggae icon, Ekeleke Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono.

Ras Kimono
Kimono died on Sunday at the Lagos Lagoon hospital of an undisclosed ailment at the age of 60.

Rastafari, sometimes termed Rastafarianism, is an Abrahamic religion that developed in Jamaica during the 1930s. Scholars of religion and related fields have classified it as both a new religious movement and a social movement.

The reggae artists told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Monday that the procession was to honour Kimono “because of his great contributions to the development of the brand of music in the country.”

James Okoh, alias Rasta Omege, said he would coordinate the activities to ensure that Kimono was given a befitting tribute by Rastafarians in the state.

“We would immediately convene a meeting to deliberate on ways to honour our departed father and further propagate the reggae gospel in the state and the country.

“We would also organise candle light procession, hold road-shows, music concerts, Rastafarian-night, among other activities, to give Ras Kimono a befitting farewell.”

Another Rastafarian, Charles Nduka, alias Rasta Iree, said Kimono’s contributions to the development of music, especially reggae and the entire social sector of the country, was unparalleled.

He added that “Kimono inspired young musicians in the country to embrace reggae and this helped in some of the positive changes witnessed in the society.

“Kimono, through his songs, ensured that music was given its pride of place in the country and corrected the wrong notion that it is a venture for school drop-outs and never do wells.”

Bede Asomugha, alias, Ras Uncle, noted that he had a personal experience with Kimono in 1997, shortly after the death of late Afro-beat music icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Ras Uncle said “I was a drug addict and was resident at Fela’s African Shrine with others affected by the demise of the late afro-beat star.

“Kimono encouraged me to return to Ebonyi after I had shun drugs one year earlier. I am a living example of Rastafarian not engaged in drug abuse.”

Christy Mbaleke, a Reggae fan, urged the federal, state and music organisations not only to immortalise Kinomo but enhance the welfare of artists in the country.

She said “Ras Kimono used his songs to fight apartheid in South Africa, military dictatorship in Nigeria, poverty, oppression, among other malaise in the society.

“Relevant stakeholders should look into the welfare of artists and the entertainment industry to check the rising cases of death among them.”

Some of Kimono’s hit songs include: Whats Gwan, Rumba Stylee, Natty Get Jail, Senseless Killings. (NAN) RCO/HA

How is a Dead man (BUHARI) still touring around the world in the name of Sociology Economic meeting?

The president arrived Morroco on Sunday arrived on a two-day working visit to the country. According to a statement on Saturday by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, the visit, which is at the invitation of His Royal Majesty, King Mohammed VI, will see the two leaders discuss socio-economic matters affecting their countries. It follows prior engagements in December 2016, during the official visit of His Majesty to Nigeria

Read more here :/https/www.instagram.com/p/Bj4ET0kFerG/

See Beyonce's jaw-dropping, high-fashion looks from her 'On the Run II' tour with Jay-Z

Hollywood actor Liam Nesson turns 66 today

Hollywood actor and multi award winner who was born in June 7,1952 in Bellymina in Northern Ireland "Liam Nesson" turns 66 today. Read more from the Instagram profile.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjvDRLGhaiy/

Nikki Bella regrets leaving Ex-lover,,, John Cena

The show must go on!

Brie Bella and Nikki Bella find themselves making WWE history in this clip from Sunday's all-new Total Bellas. However, an appearance from Nikki's ex John Cena may derail their big debut at Royal Rumble 2018!

At first, the WWE stars are confident that they'll kick serious butt at the major wrestling event.

"We've got a tired mama, we've got a broken heart, but no matter what we're going to go in there and kick some ass," Nikki confidently states to the cameras.

Sadly, as Nikki spots her former fiancé backstage, she finds herself totally shaken up.

"Because of all the John stuff, I feel like I've been on such an emotional roller coaster," Nikki confides in her twin. "And today has been like double that."

Join us Nikki. 😋😋🤗🤗

E!

"It's so hard," Nikki later poignantly notes in a confessional. "I'm going to be a part of this major historic moment, but I can't help but have all this John stuff on my mind."

"What our fans don't realize is that we're human beings too and we go through struggles in our life," the recently single athlete continues. "But, when we walk out on that ramp, we have to put the smile on our face…the show still goes on."

Thankfully, Nikki finds support in her twin sister and is able to shake off her distracting emotions.

"You're going to kill it. You're going to do amazing," Brie assures Nikki. "It's like riding a bicycle and you have me out there."

"So let's go put our name in history books," the mother of one concludes.

Orlando Brown is at it again.

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Orlando Brown is in trouble with the law again.  

The former Disney Channel star is facing drug charges after being arrested Monday evening in Las Vegas, authorities confirm to E! News. 

Brown, who starred on That's So Raven, was booked on one charge of felony narcotics possession, as well as misdemeanor charges of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and obstructing a public officer. He also had an active warrant for domestic battery. 

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Brown was stopped by police when he was seen getting out of a cab, going into a nearby motel and returning to the car moments later. 

Wow, See some of the Things in Africa that Civilisation couldn't change.

Africa is a predominately a traditional society that has evolved over the years. It is interesting that there are still many taboos which have refused to go away despite advancement of many countries in the region.

Some actions that are categorized as taboos have a social or religious explanation which restricts people from engaging in them. As a result, some of these taboos still influence how many African communities handle certain issues.

Here are 5 African taboos that people have refused to let go.

1. Consummating with relatives

Having s*x with one’s relative is a taboo considered as the worst form of sin in most African communities. As such, people that were known to have engaged in this act are usually outcast. The level of modernization in many communities have not stopped this practice.

In Africa, it is believed that engaging in such act attracts many tragedies to the family and the community. Poverty, epilepsy, stunted progress and occurrence of epidemics were cited as consequences.
For some communities, both individuals found culprits are killed to conciliate the gods or ancestors.

2. Disrespecting the elderly

One of the core fabrics of African customs is ‘Respect’. Hence, disrespecting an elder is considered misgivings to the young person.

It also is a common practice that young people are not allowed to shake hands with an elderly person, or for opposite s*x (either married or single) to hold hands or display any romantic display in the presence of an elderly person.

3. Family and staying In-lawscidental or intentional

Pot breaking is still c

In many communities in Africa, there are taboos as regards relating to one’s in-laws or marriage relatives.   instance, it is unacceptable for a father-in-law to visit while the husband is not around.

Also, some communities disallowed not naming a first child after the groom’s father or mother – based on the s*x of the new baby.

4. Pot breaking – Ac

onsidered a great taboo in many parts of Africa, including Southern Nigeria. This object made of clay is generally considered the uterus of women which have to be handled with care.

Among the Gikuyu tribe (the largest ethnic group in Kenya) and Igbo tribe of Nigeria, a special ritual is performed to appease the god and cleanse a woman who broke a cooking or water pot.

5 . Food taboo

Food taboo is also one practice that modernism has failed to take away from many communities in Africa. For instance, consumption of some fruits is strongly discouraged for women during pregnancy.
In some Central African countries, eating of eggs is forbidden for children.

Wow, People rates Peter's mansion over Timaya's exotic mansion

Timaya and Peter Okoye unarguably have some of the coolest mansions in town.

Timaya and Peter Okoye  (Bubbles247)

If you are conversant with the popular T.V. show 'MTV Cribs' which used to air back in the early 2000s then you would at least have an understanding of how celebritieslive in affluence.

Back home in Nigeria, we have a number of celebrities who have probably taken a cue from their counterparts in diaspora by building or buying magnificent mansions.

Celebrities like Peter Okoye and reggae dancer hall king, Timaya are typical examples of celebrities who have palatial homes and are not keeping it away from the eyes of the public. Apart from leaving in sprawling mansions, these guys have some of the most expensive cars in the country (a topic for another day).

Timaya's new house  (Instagram)

A few months ago, Timaya who until recently lived a very private life shared photos of his mansion it got people talking. A close look at the mansion from the exterior shows the property was carefully designed to the tiniest detail.

Timaya's new house  (Stella Dimorkukus)

We couldn't wait for him to take us into the magnificent building which he did and we weren't surprised but amazed at the interior of the house which felt like paradise on earth. Even the sitting room for his kids can pass for the boardroom for a multinational (Yea! It is that big).

Inside Timaya's new house  (Stella Dimorkorkus)

Timaya was one of the hosts at MTV Base's 'Celebrity Living' and he got to show his closet and guys, his closet is so big, it can house a studio and smaller mini apartment!

Peter Okoye's house  (36NG)

For Peter Okoye, this guy has always lived a very classy lifestyle since fame hit him. So it wasn't a surprise when Peter moved into a mansion after leaving the house (SquareVille) he once shared with his twin brother, Paul.

Peter Okoye's Atlanta apartment  (Instagram )

During one of MTV Base's show 'Celebrity Living' episode, Peter got to show to the world his mansion and we were all in awe. From his massive living to his kitchen which is all white and red, we got to see how stylish Peter is. We can't also forget his studio which also doubles as his mini cinema, guys, Peter Okoye is indede living the life!

Timaya's house  (Stella Dimorkukus)

It is one thing to become a celebrity and amass all the wealth, it is definitely another thing to be stylish and classy. We have in the last few years observed that Peter Okoye and Timaya are celebrities who aren't just household names but also men with taste and they will continue to wow us with their flamboyant lifestyle.