Saturday 20 April 2013

EMENIKE tips Spartak for victory

SUPER Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike has tipped Spartak Moscow for victory against arch rival, CSKA Moscow in the much-anticipated derby clash on Sunday in the Russian Premier League.
Emenike has been out of action after sustaining injury at the 2013 Nations Cup where he emerged as the tournament top scorer as Super Eagles of Nigeria won their third AFCON trophy.
He said: “It would have been nice for me to play the game, but I won't be ready though I am giving all my support for my team wherever I sit. I will be in the stadium and I will be glad to see my team going for the victory. I am so confident that we have the team to win the derby. They have been doing well and that will give them motivation to go all the way for the maximum points.”
Emenike added that “a victory in the derby will spur us to more victories in the remaining games. I will be back for good, irrespective of our next opponent. I am looking forward to that.”
With his exploits at the 2013 AFCON, the ultimate goal getter said he’s hoping to return back to action with his top form. A nimble and fast striker, Emenike can cope with even the strongest of centre-halves, despite his relative lack of height at 5ft 11in for a perceived target man. Goals seem to come easy for him, providing he receives the right service.
The derby between CSKA Moscow and Spartak at Metropolitan Arena, Luzhniki will be witnessed by more than 60,000 spectators.

MICHAEL: I’m not quitting Ukraine


Super Eagles invitee and Kryvbas winger Michael Babatunde has denied reports that he’s leaving the Ukrainain club over non-payment of salary and renewal of work visa.
It was reported that Kryvbas are facing serious financial problems and short of funds to renew the work visas of the foreign players including Michael Babatunde.
Babatunde who spoke exclusively from Ukraine denied the news but admitted there are clubs on the queue waiting for him in the summer but he’s yet to be contacted officially by his club.
Recently, Kryvbas dangled a £1m price tag on the former Heartland of Owerri star which scared off suitors from Turkey and a club from Ukraine.
“There are no elements of truth in the reports that I am leaving Ukraine due to Visa expiration and I am not quitting the club,” Michael stated.

 “There is no big deal in clubs having financial problem, as a matter of fact, not only Kryvbas, there are lots of big clubs even in Europe who are also in this situation at times and the best way to help the club is to remain loyal at this time.

“For all I care, I will respect my contract with Kryvbas, according to FIFA rules, and I will be happy leaving the club whenever they choose to sell me.

“I’m not leaving Ukraine for now, I am okay with my club and my visa is still valid and I am not having any problem with the club for whatever reason.”

Michael Babatunde has been named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup.