The Future of Artificial Humans and Robots in Sports

Are robots really better than humans in sports?

Robot technology is evolving at breakneck speed. Pepper (the name of a robot) of SoftBank is found in companies around the world and is rapidly improving his conversational skills. Telepresence robots open up new opportunities for remote work, while Boston Dynamics' Handle robot could soon (literally) do the work of human colleagues in warehouses.

But warehouses and offices aren't the only places where robots line up alongside humans. Toyota's Cue 3 robot recently demonstrated its basketball skills, with better numbers than the NBA's most accurate three-point shooter, Steph Curry, of the Golden State Warriors.

Cue 3 is still far from being ready to take on Curry, or even amateur basketball players, in a real game. However, he is the latest member of a growing group of robots that challenge human dominance in sports.

As these robots continue to develop, they not only exemplify the speed of the exponential development of technology, but also how those technologies are enhancing human capabilities.

Meet the contestants

The list of robots in sport is surprisingly long and diverse. There are robot skiers, soccer players, sumos, and even robot game riders. Here are some of them:

1. Robot: Forpheus

Sport: Table tennis

Introduction: It looks like something out of the War of the Worlds equipped with a ping pong bat instead of a death ray.

Skill level: Able to counter spin shots and good enough to beat many beginners.

2. Robot: Sumo bot

Sport: Sumo Wrestling

Intro: Hyper-fast, hyper-aggressive. Think of a robot equivalent to an angry wasp in six crossed Red Bull cans with a very small tank.

Skill level: Fly around the ring faster than any human sumo. Tends to come straight out of the ring sometimes.

3. Robot: Cue 3

Sport: Basketball

Introduction: He's a towering 6 feet 10 inches tall (1.86 m), making him practically built for the NBA. It looks a bit like something that should be in a video game.

Skill level: 62.5 percent three-point percentage, which is better than Steph Curry's; it is less mobile than Charles Barkley, in its current form.

4. Robot: Robo Cup Robots

Intro: The future of soccer. If all goes according to plan, a team of robots will take on Lionel Messis and Cristiano Ronaldo from 2050 and beat them in a full 11v11 game.

Skill level: He currently plays soccer more as a six year old than Lionel Messi.

The limiting factor

The skill level of all these robots is impressive, and they are doing things that no human competitor can do. The inhuman speed of sumo bots is evident. Forpheus' ability to track the ball with two cameras while at the same time tracking his opponent with two other cameras requires a look at the spec sheet, but is similar to human ability. While Cue 3 can't move, it makes shots of half the court seem easy.

Robots are performing at a level that was limited to the realm of science fiction in the early millennium. The current speed ​​of development indicates that in the near future, my national team soccer coach will probably call a robot instead of a player and it would be okay to do so.

It is also worth considering that many current sports robots have a humanoid shape, which limits their ability. If engineers optimized the robot's design to outperform humans in specific categories, many world champions would likely already be metallic.

Swimming is perhaps one of the most obvious. Even Michael Phelps would fight to keep up with a torpedo-shaped robot, and if you augment a sumo robot to human size, human sumos could impress you by running away from them with a speed of 100 meters near Usain Bolt's.

In other areas, the playing field for humans and robots is leveling fast. A possible candidate for the first competitions is racing, where cars that drive Roborace League cars could be ready to compete like Lewis Hamilton.

Perhaps one of the most important reasons robots can still take time to beat us is that, along with other exponential technologies, they are already making us better in sports.

In Japan, elite volleyball players use a robot to practice their attacks. Some American football players also practice against robot opponents and hone their skills using virtual reality. On the sidelines, artificial intelligence is used to analyze and improve athletes' performance, and we will soon be able to see the first artificial intelligence coaches, not to mention the referees.

We can even compete in games devised by our electronic cousins. SpeedGate, a new game created by an AI by studying 400 different sports, is an excellent example of what is fast becoming a possibility.

However, chances are we still have the final word on what constitutes a good game. The AI ​​that SpeedGate created also suggested less suitable hobbies, such as underwater parkour and a game that included explosive frisbees. Both could be fun ... but only if you are as robust as a robot.

Source: www.clubdelfuturo.com

Son estos robots mejores que tú en los deportes?

The Value of Sports and Exercise

 

Basically everyone is a counsellor offering solicited and unsolicited advice.

Please permit me also to give free and beneficial advice to you on sport, exercise and its value.

University of Ibadan takes sport with much importance and have good and workable facilities and equipment. There are varieties of sport to engage in depending on your choice. Sport is one sure extracurricular activities to engage from its numerous health benefit and other gains present, ranging from financial gains, opportunity to travel, networking with people and connection. Also aerobics and morning jogs is widely performed in the campus.
Sporting and exercise is good, but do you know how good? The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from sport and exercise, regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

The benefits of sport and exercise are far more than just losing weight or achieving that “bikini body/ summer body.” which are plus. Exercise benefits everything from sleep quality to energy level, and even memory. From making one happier to helping one live longer, regular exercise is key to living a healthy, balanced life. Even something as simple as a morning jog.
Health Benefit of Sport, Work-Out and Exercising

1. Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When one engage in physical activity, one burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories one burn.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseasesRegular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

3. Exercise improves mood
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

4. Exercise boosts energy
Regular physical activity can improve one’s muscle strength and boost endurance with increasing strength and flexibility.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep
Regular physical activity can help one fall asleep faster and deepen ones sleep.

6. Exercise boosts Self Confidence
The simple act of exercise and not fitness itself can convince you that you look better especially in the age of outward appearance and "Instagram body". Exercise boost confidence and overall self-esteem.

7. Exercise improves mental health and mood.
Physical activity helps in keeping ones' thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as one age.

8. Exercise can be fun … and social!

Sport and physical activity can be enjoyable. It gives one a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, break free from monotonous school/class to hall/room routine or simply engage in activities that make one happy. Physical activity can also help one in connecting with friends, meet new friends, meet fine and well chiseled guys also in a fun social setting.
Find any sport or physical activity you enjoy doing or any that catches your fancy. Enrollment to these sports are free in the campus with expert ready to teach and mould you to any sport you want to participate in. It's no news that female participation in sport are generally low compared to male counterpart. Taking advantage of these gaps give wide range of opportunities for female. Many have been lucky to travel all over the world as a result of participation in sport.
 

Here's a compiled list of sports present in the campus with their training area.

Judo( Martial Art)- Old Gym opposite Faculty of Education

 Taekwando (Martial Art)- Squash Court, SUB

Squash -Squash Court, SUB opposite Bello Hall

Swimming- Swimming pool, SUB

Basketball -Basketball court, Awo Stadium

Lawn Tennis -Tennis court, SUB

 Badminton -Old Gym, opposite Faculty of Education

Volleyball -Volleyball court, SUB

Soccer -Awo stadium

Athletics (Track and Field Event)- Awo Stadium
Hockey Cricket Pavilion- SUB

Table Tennis -Old Gym, Faculty of Education

Handball- Handball court, Faculty of Education
While at campus, enjoy all the perks campus life has to offer. Don't limit yourself. Find a sport that interest you, engage in it, practice well, explore, experience, participate in competitions, earn money and medals and make memories.

Basically Eat Well!! Live well!! And Exercise Well!!!
Taoffy.

Benzema announces retirement from international football

France football star and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, has announced his retirement from international football.This comes barely 24 hours after France lost the 2022 FIFA World Cup final to Argentina on Sunday night at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

In a Twitter post on Monday afternoon Benzema wrote, “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending.”

Benzema was sent home on the eve of the tournament after picking up an injury, but there was some speculation that he could return for the final against France after playing a friendly for Real Madrid.

However, he rejected the opportunity to go back to Qatar after reportedly falling out with manager Didier Deschamps, according to Daily Mail.

Deschamps had said he is planning to hold talks with the French Football Federation in the new year over his future at the team.

He has now led the France national team to two World Cup finals, winning one and losing one.

Benzema, on the other hand, won the 2022 Player of the Year Ballon d’Or award.

Benzema was the top scorer in Spain’s La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/22 season, as Real Madrid won both competitions.

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Mbappe, Messi others win awards after World Cup final

Following the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, the organizers have handed out awards to outstanding players.Argentina midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, has been named Young Player of the Tournament.

His teammate Lionel Messi is the Player of the Tournament.

Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez takes home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament prize.

France forward, Kylian Mbappe, who scored eight goals for Les Bleus wins the Top Scorer of the Tournament.

Argentina won the trophy via a penalty shoot-out after the game ended 3-3 after 120 minutes.

FULL LIST:

Enzo Fernández (Young Player of the Tournament).

Emiliano Martínez (Goalkeeper of the Tournament).

Kylian Mbappe (Top scorer of the Tournament).

Lionel Messi (Player of the Tournament).

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NFF seals partnership with Iraqi football Association

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, under the leadership of Ibrahim Gusau, has reached an agreement with the Iraqi Football Association to explore avenues for greater cooperation and collaboration in the football sphere. NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador of Iraq to Nigeria, Anwer Saeed on Wednesday.

Gusau disclosed that the NFF is keen to enter into partnership with countries with strong pedigree in football to ensure real growth for the game in the country.

“Our country has a solid pedigree in the game of football as well as over 200 million passionate football followers and stakeholders,” Gusau was quoted by nff.com.

“We are aware of the fact that the people of Iraq are also very passionate about the game of football. It is important to seize the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration that will benefit our two nations.”

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My World Cup dream over – Ronaldo

Five-time Ballon d’Or award winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said his dream to win the World Cup for Portugal has ended.Ronaldo said this in a post on social media following Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Saturday.

A first-half goal by Youssef En-Nesyri sent Portugal packing while the North African team booked a spot in the semi-finals against defending champions France.

Reacting, Ronaldo wrote, “Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country’s name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream.

“I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five appearances, I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.

“Sadly, yesterday the dream ended. It’s not worth reacting to heat(Sic). I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, and much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed not for a moment. I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country.

“Not much more to say for now. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was nice while it lasted… Now, it’s hoping that the weather will be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions.”

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US Sports Journalist, Grant Wahl, Dies In Qatar

An American sports journalist, Grant Wahl, has died in Qatar, where he was covering the World Cup.

According to ESPN, Wahl died while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

Reports reveal that Wahl fell back in his seat in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, the reporters said, and the reporters later were told that Wahl had died.

Wahl had written on Monday on his website that he had visited a medical clinic while in Qatar.

Earlier during the World Cup, Wahl drew international attention after saying he was briefly stopped from attending the US match against Wales in November for wearing a rainbow-coloured T-shirt.

Wahl said he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then was let go by a security commander.

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Photostory: Stadium 974 is one of Qatar’s stadiums that will be disassembled after the World Cup

It was named 974 because it was built by using 974 shipping containers, which makes it fully recyclable structure.Qatar spent $717 million to build the Stadium 974. The multimillion dollar stadium will be completely dismantled after hosting seven World Cup games. It is the first temporary venue in FIFA World Cup history.

Africanreportfiles

That was the stadium where Ghana played its match against Portugal.Qatar announced t that it will give away the 974 Stadium as a gift to Jordan as an expression of appreciation for the Jordanian assistance to Qatar during the World Cup.The stadium will be disassembled back into 974 containers and shipped to Jordan to be re-assembled again there permanently.That is called: innovative engineering

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Messi breaks Maradona’s record with goal against Australia

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, on Saturday broke Diego Maradona’s record by scoring his ninth goal at a World Cup. In his 1,000th career appearance, the 35-year-old netted his 789th goal.

It was also Messi’s first in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

His effort gave Argentina a 1-0 lead against Australia and took him one clear of Maradona and just one behind compatriot Gabriel Batistuta.

Messi scored at three separate World Cups before this year, but had never found the back of the net in a knockout match.

Now, after finding the target twice during the group stages, Messi has finally broken his duck in the knockout stages.

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World Cup: Saudi Coach Denies Rolls Royce Gifts For Team

The Saudi Arabian football coach, Herve Renard, has said that the reports that his entire team would be gifted Rolls Royce by Crown Prince Mohammed Salman, for their shocking win over Argentina is false.According to the New York Post, the coach said there was no truth to the report. Renard said, “There is nothing true about this, we have a very serious federation and ministry of sport and it is not the time to get something at this moment. We only have played one game, have two very important [group stage] games and we are hoping for some more.”

“I don’t know if you remember the press conference before Argentina. I said the Argentina game is one of the three important games we have to play. The only good thing at the end of this group stage is to finish No. 1 or No. 2.”, Renard said.

Saleh al-Shehri, who plays forward for the Saudi Arabian team also confirmed that the report was false. “It’s not true, we are here to serve our country and do our best. That is the reward. Perhaps, but a Rolls would be a nice add-on.” He said.

New York Post reports that the claim surfaced from the tweet of a Pakistani dentist who was ill-informed.

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Ronaldo becomes first player to score in five W’Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups on Thursday as Portugal opened their campaign in Qatar with a 3-2 defeat of Ghana in Group H.

Ronaldo shrugged off a tumultuous week which saw him dramatically leave Manchester United to bury a second-half penalty to set Portugal on their way to victory.

Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana shortly afterwards but Portugal took a 3-1 lead with goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.

After Ronaldo was substituted, the Ghanaian side scored their second goal from Osman Bukari’s strike to bring them back into the game.

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Ronaldo to replace Ighalo at new club

Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal, are looking to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.Ronaldo is now a free agent after Manchester United terminated his contract this week, following his interview with Piers Morgan.

In the interview, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticised the club, its owners and manager Erik ten Hag.

The 37-year-old is currently at the World Cup with Portugal and scored in their group fixture against Ghana on Wednesday.

United received an offer for Ronaldo from Saudi Arabia in the summer, but the deal eventually fell through.

In the interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo claims he turned down the move, which was worth around £305m.

Sky Sports claims if Al-Hilal get to sign Ronaldo, they will listen to offers for Odion Ighalo, whose contract is up in the summer.

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Saudi Arabia declares public holiday after Argentina win

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has publicly announced that there will be a public holiday in the country on Wednesday after the Saudi team edged Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.According to Arabnews, King Salman approved a suggestion made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to celebrate the national team’s victory with a holiday.

All public and private sector employees and students at all educational stages will be given a holiday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudis celebrated beating the South Americans in the opening game as they stopped Lionel Messi, ending a 36-game undefeated run for the Argentines.

The Arabians had always lost badly against big countries with the most demeaning being the 8-0 lost to Germany in the 2002 World Cup held in South Korea and Japan.

In the historic win against Argentina, Saleh Alsheri scored the equalizer in the 48th minute before Salem Aldawseri scored the decider five minutes later.

Saudi Arabia will go on to face Lewandowski’s Poland side on Saturday.

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Ronaldo to leave Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.

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Ondo Govt to sell off Sunshine Stars FC

The Ondo State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Bamidele Ologun, has said the state government is ready to sell off Sunshine Stars Football Club.Ologun said this during a press briefing to end a four-day partnership scouting programme between Sunshine Stars and Moyero Football Club.

He explained that with the right investors the government would sell off Sunshine Stars FC which was set up by a former military administrator of the State, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, in 1995.

Ologun said that the state was looking for investors that would come on board and run the club professionally, different from what had been done in the past.

“The state can decide to sell the club, Sunshine Stars FC, if we get the right price and most importantly if the right company that has the right experience comes on board.

“What is important to us is to develop these sports and developing these sports doesn’t have to be done by the state government.

We are looking at investors who will come on board and run this club professionally and these days you know money is very essential in football, it’s big business and ordinarily, government doesn’t have anything to do with business,” he said.

He reiterated that the state was ready to sell off the club so that the government would concentrate on the development of sports at the grassroots level.

“The government should just be there to form policies and other things; so why not (sell) the club. For example if my friend, Adriano (foreign scout) gets back to Europe and he is able through our partner, Mr Lanre Moyero, bring a billion dollar for us to get Sunshine Stars FC.

“And for us, once Sunshine Stars FC is sold, for example, we can always have resources to do what we need to do, grassroots football, that is the main deal; that is where there is real development.

“What matters to the government is for Sunshine Stars FC to be run professionally.

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NAN

Saudi Arabia defeat Messi-led Argentina 2-1 in World Cup Game

Saudi Arabia in a shocking performance have defeated World Cup favourites Argentina 2-1 in a display of resilience at the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.After a dominant first half, Argentina failed to secure all three points after having two goals cancelled before the half time whistle. Seven time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, scored the only goal of the match for his side through a penalty in the first ten minutes of the match.

Both Messi and Lautaro Martinez had their goals cancelled after a VAR intervention for offsides in the build up.

The Saudi Arabia side turned the game around immediately after the second half resumed with Saleh Alshehri’s goal, 48′, leveling up with Argentina and Saleh Aldawsari’s 53rd minute winning goal.

Saudi Arabia’s keeper, in a stunning performance, stalled all possible goals from the opposition up until the final whistle.

Argentina have their 36 games unbeaten run come to a shocking end by the middle eastern nation.

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Arsenal Celebrate Players As World Cup Begins

Football club, Arsenal, has celebrated some of its players as they don their various countries' jerseys to play in the World Cup.Arsenal shared a photo collage of their players in the World Cup on their Twitter handle on Sunday.

The club captioned the photo, “Ten Gunners. Seven Nations. One Arsenal. Even when we’re apart, we remain as one family.”

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Credit: Twitter | Arsenal

FIFA Bans Harry Kane From Wearing 'OneLove' Armband

World Football body, FIFA, has banned England skipper, Harry Kane, from wearing the 'OneLove' armband during the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.FIFA has strict rules about apparel that can be worn by players and the armband is not allowed under the code.

Unless FIFA backtracks, Kane could face an immediate yellow card this afternoon if he walks out wearing the 'OneLove' armband as England take on Iran in their opening match. And if he wears it again in their second match, the skipper could be slapped with another yellow card, automatically banning him from the third game, reports UK Daily Mail

The armband is designed to show solidarity with minority groups that are criminalised in the host nation.

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Ronaldo to miss W’Cup friendly against Nigeria

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering from a stomach bug and will be left out of the team’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Nigeria on Thursday, according to his coach Fernando Santos.Ronaldo gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan’s show on TalkTV this week in which he criticised Manchester United and said he had no respect for the coach Erik ten Hag, who has not relied on him much this season.

The striker, 37, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, will not train on Wednesday because of the illness, which has started amid the controversy caused by his interview.

“He is suffering from gastroenteritis and will not train today for this reason,” Santos told a press conference in Lisbon.

“He won’t be ready (to face Nigeria), he’s resting, as you know, gastritis takes a lot out of players.”

The coach said Ronaldo’s interview was not sanctioned by Portugal but did not need to be either, and that it had nothing to do with the national team.

Once recovered, Ronaldo is set to feature in his fifth and potentially final World Cup, with Portugal opening their campaign against Ghana on November 24, before games against Uruguay and South Korea.

The talismanic striker and his country have never won the competition but did triumph at Euro 2016 and won the Nations League in 2019.

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AFP

Photos: Nigeria Wins Silver At African Archery Competition

Team Nigeria has won a silver medal at the African Continental Archery Championship held in Pretoria, South Africa.Rotimi Williams, Olatayo Olasehinde and Damilola Sholademi who represented Nigeria in the men’s 50m compound bow, won silver, coming second behind South Africa.In the mixed category comprising both genders, Williams, Sholademi and Kachollom Enyenihi won silver.This is the first time Nigeria would be attending the competition.

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Paris 2024: Makinde, NFF Pump Olympic Eagles Spirit With $55,000, N10m

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have changed the narratives ahead of Saturday’s Africa U23 Cup of Nations cracker between Nigeria and Tanzania, by swelling the money pot of the Olympic Eagles with the sums of $55,000 and N10 million.Makinde, who hosted the Nigeria U23 boys to a dinner at the Government House, Agodi handed over the sum of N10 million to the players and officials there and then, and pledged a further sum of $25,000 should the team earn the minimum win against Tanzania that will shoot them into the final round of the qualifiers against the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Guinea.

Just before him, Chairman of the NFF Task Foce on Youth Competitions, Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi had presented the team, through Head Coach Salisu Yusuf, the of $10,000, being half of the amount he promised them for a win ahead of the first leg against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. The 1-1 draw netted the sum of $10,000.

Balele also pledged the sum of $20,000 for the team should they defeat Tanzania in Ibadan on Saturday, prompting Makinde to also make a pledge of $25,000.“I am coming to the stadium with the cash; so, it is not a go-and-come-back promise. I will give you the money once you achieve victory,” Makinde said as players and officials, and members of the Oyo State Executive Council, Board Members and Management of the NFF and NFF congressmen cheered.

Also at the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Speaker of the House of Assembly; Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi and Alhaji Babagana Kalli (NFF Board Members); Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Seun Fakorede; Otunba Tade Azeez (President of NRA); NFF Congressmen; Kabiyesi James Odeniran (Chairman, Oyo State Football Association), and management staff of the Federation.

It would be recalled that earlier on Friday, Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa had promised the Olympic Eagles the sum of N500,000 for every goal in Saturday’s cliff-hanger at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

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FIFA Threatens To Ban African Country From 2022 World Cup

FIFA, the international governing body of association football, has threatened to ban Tunisia from the 2022 World Cup.FIFA is threatening to ban the country after comments from the country’s sports minister.

Tunisia’s participation in next month’s tournament is under threat after the youth and sports minister, Kamel Deguiche, spoke about the possibility of “dissolving federal offices of different disciplines”.

FIFA seemingly took that to mean the Tunisian Football Association (FTF). In a leaked letter, which was published by radio station Mosaique FM, the world football governing body has asked for clarification of these comments.

The letter noted “State authorities’ attempts to interfere in the Tunisian Federation’s internal affairs and its threats to dissolve FTF’s office”.

FIFA warned that its members “are legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.” It added that failure to comply “may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”

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Football Is Politics: An Allegory - The Players and The Fans

 

I'm not a fan of football, but I think I do know a few things about it. I'm just one of those rare guys who do not like football.

Football is funny, it could be comedy at times; a game where players shake hands after play, and fans fight one another after play. That is the fun in it. I have noticed that to the players, it's a game and they've been paid(cool dough obviously) and; to the fans, they've paid and one must take the blame.

So players find no pain switching membership while supporters sense infidelity for cross-carpetting, thus the fans usually stick to one club while the players switch clubs often for the love of the game. If players are loyal to the game than their clubs, then supporters should be loyal to the game than their clubs; in that way, they will need not fight or kill one another for the game.

Another funny thing is that neither the players nor the game requires that they fight! Probably the fight comes up because most people are not just fans but fanatics. Be a fan not a fanatic.

That's football. I do not intend to derail from my sporty post with my socio- political analogy. But far from it is the political scene of Nigeria. My observation holds but sadly true in the polity and political game "Nigeria" that while our evil politicians and rulers who in this context are the players, short change the entire populace and people in the course of the game. leaving them high and dry; the populace who are the fans in the political arena rather than hold the politician i.e the players accountable, would rather turn against themselves whilst unleashing hell and sorrow and further impoverish themselves. All the while the politician players after every hot battle or game as put, after whipping the people into killer frenzy, vide the intoxicants' and toxins called religion and ethnicity and simply retire backstage to loot and dine together unbridled whilst the supporters or fans called Nigerians waste themselves.

Literally, soccer fans should hold players accountable when they play badly, rather than fight one another; concrete evidence suggests financial profligacy from most soccer stars, little wonder they feel sad when retirement calls. The major difference between this literal story and my allegory is that unlike the soccer fans who spend hard earned money to watch their favourite team, the electorates do not spend, rather they depend on the politicians who invest massively and brainwash the masses to stay in power.

People should see the light and realise that fellow citizens are not always the catalyst of their woes.

Ex-Real Madrid Striker Becomes First-ever Footballer Bought with Bitcoin

Former Real Madrid B striker, David Barral has become the first-ever player to be bought using cryptocurrency.

The 37-year-old striker officially signed for Spanish third division side, DUX Internacional de Madrid in a deal that was entirely funded with Bitcoin.

The club did not disclose the total value of the deal but revealed that the milestone was made possible by their new sponsor, Criptan, a local cryptocurrency exchange.

"David Barral new player of DUX Internacional de Madrid, welcome to the infinite club! He becomes the first signing in history in cryptocurrencies. Thanks to Criptan, our new sponsor, for making it possible."

Internacional shared on its social media pages.

Although Internacional is the first-ever football club to fund a transfer entirely through the use of Bitcoin, it is not the first time cryptocurrency has been used in professional sports.

In December 2020, Carolina Panthers offensive tackle, Russell Okung signed a deal to have exactly half of his NFL salary paid in Bitcoin. He was the first high-profile athlete in the United States to be paid with the cryptocurrency.

According to Okung, getting paid in Bitcoin is the first step of opting out of the corrupt, manipulated economy. He has also encouraged other professional sports stars to do the same.

Similarly, Internacional new signing, David Barral has expressed excitement over the transfer and without reservation for the fact that Bitcoin was used.

"I am happy to join this project, with desire, ambition and responsibility to continue competing and achieve important challenges in my sports career."

Before joining Internacional, Barral made more than 50 appearances for Real Madrid's reserve side. He later enjoyed spells with the likes of Sporting Gijon, Levante and most recently, Racing Santander.

According to tech experts, the purchase of Barral by Internacional marks the unique beginning of the use of Bitcoin in football. There are claims that given the recent rise and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency, it wouldn't be surprising if more football teams follow in their steps.

RUNNING AND YOU

Do you ever watch American movies, where the start of the movie sees a character putting on headphones and jogging/running in exercise gear. Subconsciously you deduce that its early in the morning and the character is beginning his day. These movies tell us without meaning to, that beginning your day with jogging is the right and healthy way to live.

So what if you are not sporty and you have no affinity for rigorous exercises like weight lifting and gyming, you can always run, jog or even walk. As long as you are in motion, you are keeping healthy.

BENEFITS OF RUNNING.

Running is good for a healthy heart.

It is good for the joint.

Helps in loosing weight.

Aids the thinking process.

It is a great leg exercise

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Ancelotti thinks the Chinese can bring Milan back to the top

Carlo Ancelotti says he hopes the Chinese can bring Milan back to the top as he underlines the importance former players have at the management of Bayern. By the end of 2016, Milan will be owned by Chinese investors and it will mark the end of President Silvio Berlusconi’s 30-year reign of the red and […]

Roberto Firmino is emerging as one Premier League best player

Somehow, Roberto Firmino's ongoing emergence as arguably Liverpool's best and most influential player has been largely overlooked over the last 12 months, but after his stunning performance against Leicester City at the weekend the secret is finally starting to get out. While most of the attention is drawn to

Philippe Coutinho or Daniel Sturridge, Firmino has made the most of others hogging the limelight by quietly going about the business of being effective and productive.

Aside from Sturridge, he is Liverpool's best finisher. Aside from Coutinho, he is Liverpool's most creative player. Even before he had opened the scoring on Saturday, the Brazilian had already dazzled Anfield with the kind of touch play for which Mesut Ozil is renowned.From taking dropping balls out of the sky with his instep with maximum ease and minimum fuss, to threading short passes through gaps to open up spaces in and around the penalty area, Firmino's technique means his lack of searing pace does not hinder him as it does others who operate in a similar role.

On this very day last year, Firmino's troubled start to his Liverpool career was laid bare when he failed to make any impact whatsoever in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Taken off after 65 minutes having been deployed in an orthodox winger's role that did not suit him, Firmino's struggle to both establish himself in English football and to convince Brendan Rodgers of his quality was there for all to see. What has changed since then? The most obvious difference is Jurgen Klopp, who knew him from the Bundesliga and rated him highly enough to make him a focal point of the Liverpool team. The turning point came when Firmino was used as a false number nine against Chelsea in Klopp's third game in charge, a 3-1 win over Chelsea, and his manager continues to find a place for him in Liverpool's biggest games, even at Sturridge's expense on occasion.

Another more recent improvement has been prompted by the arrival of Sadio Mane whose pace, directness and constant involvement frees up the kind of space that Firmino thrives in. That was clear once again as Liverpool ran amok against Leicester, with Firmino providing further evidence in support of his manager's theory that the club's transfer committee had produced an outstanding piece of business when they signed the 24-year-old from Hoffenheim in June 2015. There is still room for improvement, though, as there are periods in games when Firmino can be detached from the action but such passages are becoming less frequent as Klopp continues to get much more out of him than his predecessor had been able to.

Suarez Beat Cristiano Ronaldo's record in his first 100 games

Luis Suarez has a higher combined total of goals and assists in his first 100 appearances for Barcelona than Cristiano Ronaldo managed in his first 100 games for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international came off the bench to
make his 100th appearance for the Catalan giants against Alaves on Saturday, and while he was unable to prevent their shock 2-1 defeat at the Nou Camp, he reached the milestone with an unrivalled record.

Since his £75m transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in the summer of 2014, Suarez has netted 88 goals and claimed 43 assists for the Catalan giants in all competitions. He has only tasted defeat 12 times, with 80 of his 100 appearances ending in victories.

Suarez is overshadowed by superstar duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in La Liga, but he scored more goals than either in all competitions last season (59) and the stats suggest he deserves to be considered on a similar level.

Messi's relatively modest record of 41 goals and 14 assists in his first 100 appearances can be explained by the fact that he was just an emerging teenager when he burst onto the scene at Barcelona, but the same can't be said of Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar was aged 24 and already established as one of the world's best players when he joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in a record-breaking £80m deal in 2009. But while he scored more goals than Suarez in his first 100 appearances (95), his combined total of 124 goals and assists falls short of Suarez's 131, and he only won 76 of those games compares to Suarez's 80.

Suarez turns 30 in January, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. Barcelona will be confident that the world's best striker's next 100 appearances will be similarly successful.

Giroud feels PSG will be favoured against Arsenal

The Gunners open their Group A campaign with a trip to Paris on Tuesday to face the Ligue 1 champions.

Arsenal come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League, yet Giroud feels PSG will be the
favourites when they meet at the Parc des Princes.

"We knew this victory over Southampton would require character even if everything was not easy. The Champions League is a different competition," Giroud told Telefoot.

"Paris will regroup [from Friday's 1-1 draw with Saint-Etienne] and are the favourites and leader of this group. It is up to us to put doubt into them."

Following the exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer, PSG opted to put their faith in Edinson Cavani to start up front rather than bring in a direct replacement.

Giroud feels Cavani can succeed the former Sweden international and also cause trouble for Arsenal on Tuesday.

"Ibrahimovic had a very good season and it is important to them that someone takes over," Giroud said.

"Cavani, if he is having a good night, can hurt us, especially with his shooting."

Pogba's agent reveal that it took more than a year to complete Pogba signing

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has revealed the transfer took such a long time to come to fruition due to the difficulty of getting agreement with multiple parties.

United and Jose Mourinho finally landed their man last
month , four years after he left Manchester for Juventus.

Pogba was linked with a sensational Old Trafford return as early as last summer and Raiola has admitted that he has been working since then to get his client what he wanted.

He said: "Pogba was a deal that we were working on already for a year – maybe longer.

"It was a complex deal as it involves a lot of parties and involves a lot of high stakes rights and it is difficult to get them all aligned.

"I work for the player, that is always very clear, so try to do what is in the interests of the player, what is his wishes, and I try to keep that always in mind."

Five issue Mourinho have to consider before picking his team against Manchester city

Even in early September, the stakes are high. It is Mourinho’s first derby as Manchester United manager, his first meeting with Pep Guardiola in England and a clash between two of the Premier League’s top three.

Injury concerns

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has got a thigh injury while Luke Shaw withdrew from the England squad because

he ‘wasn’t feeling right’ - although the FA insist he is fit. Shaw, if he is available, will start and it is to Mourinho’s advantage that he did not play against Slovakia. Mkhitaryan was pushing to start against City after his impact off the bench against Hull but he will have to prove his fitness first.

Valencia’s jet-lag

Valencia is not expected back at Carrington until Friday, 24 hours before the derby. He has started the season well, in particular in getting forward to create chances for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If Mourinho decides he is not ready he has got other options in Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones or Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The only problem is none of the three has played a single minute so far this season.

Rashford on the right

Rashford may be able to do some damage on the right. Guardiola likes his full-backs to push into midfield when City have the ball, with Fernandinho dropping between the centre-backs to cover. If United can break quickly, there should be a chance for fast, direct wide players to get around the outside of City’s defence. And Anthony Martial on the left and Rashford on the right would give Mourinho more pace in his front four.

Eric Bailly

Bailly has shown already in his short United career that he is quick and strong – two ideal qualities for a centre-back. But a derby also needs a cool head. Bailly is still very inexperienced and, at times, has a tendency to dive in. He will almost certainly start at Old Trafford and it is a chance for the 22-year-old to show a more mature side to his game.

Carrick’s calmness

Despite Mourinho’s concerns, it is likely Marouane Fellaini will recover from a back injury to be available to play City. But the United manager could decide to go a different way. Guardiola’s team try to win the ball back quickly with relentless pressing and Michael Carrick has the technical ability to thrive under that amount of pressure.

Marcus Rashford intend to celebrate all his goals with the United traveling fans

Rashford was superb on his first Premier League performance of the season at the KC Stadium, where he increased United's tempo and tapped in the belated winner to spark euphoric scenes in the away section.

The 18-year-old boyhood Red was delighted to
celebrate with United's vociferous away support, which was housed in the nearby corner.

"Being one of them, of course when I score a goal it's important I celebrate with the fans and they're always with us and we're always with them," Rashford told MUTV.

"It's amazing to score in a last minute like that but the whole team grafted for 90 minutes and it's what we deserved."

Rashford was also grateful for Wayne Rooney's assist. The United captain, who generated plenty of criticism during the game, bypassed David Meyler to cross for Rashford's winner.

"Definitely," Rashford replied when asked if Rooney deserved credit. "As I've seen it developing it was an amazing run, so I had to get myself in the box and all his hard work paid off."

Chelsea rise to the top of the Premier League table after defeating Burnley 3-0

Eden Hazard sent the home side into a ninth-minute lead with a curling effort from distance, before Willian and Victor Moses added a second and third during what was a comfortable afternoon for Antonio Conte's side.

Chelsea were the more forward-thinking outfit in the early exchanges and had the lead in the ninth minute of play when Hazard drove to the edge of the Burnley box before
curling his effort into the bottom corner past Tom Heaton. Hazard had a golden chance to score a second just six minutes later when the Belgian once again found space inside the Burnley box, but Ben Mee was on hand to clear off the line, before Gary Cahill just missed the target with a volley.

The visitors just could not get into the match as Chelsea dominated and Burnley stopper Heaton had to keep out a John Terry header just before the 30-minute mark as the one-way traffic continued at Stamford Bridge. Seven minutes before the break, the home side had another golden chance when Hazard collected a pass from Willian before setting up Diego Costa inside a crowded Burnley box, but the Spaniard could only fire straight at Heaton.

Chelsea had their second in the 42nd minute, however, when Costa found Willian in a wide position and the Brazilian took a touch outside his full-back before drilling the ball across Heaton into the corner of the net. Burnley's only real chance of the first half came two minutes before the break when Scott Arfield found space down the right before drilling the ball towards the far corner, but his effort just missed the post.

Burnley also had the first chance of the second period as George Boyd set up Dean Marney outside the Chelsea box, but the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder fired into the stands. Willian stood over a 25-yard free kick in the 51st minute as Chelsea had the opportunity to score a third, but the Brazilian just missed the crossbar, before Heaton did well to keep out another close-range effort from Costa.

Chelsea had two more opportunities just before the hour as Heaton was forced down low to keep out a brilliant volley from Hazard and the rebound fell to Terry, who somehow fired over the crossbar from close range. Heaton continued to impress between the sticks for Burnley as the goalkeeper, who travelled with the England squad for Euro 2016, made a super save to keep out Hazard with little under 30 minutes of football to play in the capital.

Burnley had more ambition in the final 15 minutes as they looked to set up a grandstand finish, but Chelsea were always comfortable as they eased their way to another three points, which took them to the top of the division. There was time for one more goal, meanwhile, as the three substitutes - Michy Batshuayi, Pedro and Moses - all combined and it was Moses that converted at the far post to make it 3-0 on the afternoon.

Chelsea Manager admits he does not expect the club to be able to secure his first-choice Transfer targets before Wednesday's deadline

Chelsea have signed only two players since Conte’s arrival – Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and N’Golo Kante from Leicester City – despite the hierarchy having indicated this summer they expected to bring up to six significant signings into the club in the wake of last season’s 10th place finish.

Those efforts have been frustrated to date as time ticks down towards the cut-off. “I must be

honest, I think we’ll have a problem to reach our [transfer] targets” said Conte. “I still hope with this transfer market to improve the squad and the team with some new players, but we understand our targets are very difficult to reach. But we have a game against Burnley for now which is more important than the transfer market. Then, after that, I hope [moves are made to secure] some more players than now before the deadline.”

Chelsea cannot offer European football to prospective targets this season and, with only six days of the transfer window remaining, are chasing a number of alternative targets having missed out on Conte’s preferred choices. Bids for both Kalidou Koulibaly and Alessio Romagnoli were rejected by Napoli and Milan respectively this week with Conte, forced to improvise, having surprisingly turned his attention since to Alonso.

The 25-year-old boasts previous Premier League experience with Bolton – for whom he signed at 19 – and Sunderland during a loan spell in 2014. He would provide further cover for Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic at full-back, allowing the latter to shift into central defence should he be needed.

Conte’s desire for a further defensive additions could see two new recruits at Chelsea before Wednesday’s deadline. The knock sustained by the youngster Ola Aina in the midweek win over Bristol Rovers has potentially left the Italian with only four fully fit defenders for Saturday’s visit of Burnley, with Kurt Zouma still recovering from the knee ligament injury sustained this year.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche backs his side to bounce back against Chelsea after EFC cup loss

Burnley’s shock EFL Cup defeat at Accrington Stanley on Wednesday night stretched their run without a win in the competition to three years. The 1-0 defeat in extra-time came just four days after the Clarets had been beaten Liverpool to collect their first Premier League win of the season.

Dyche’s men now face a trip to Stamford Bridge with four of the players
involved against Accrington - Sam Vokes, Andre Gray, Scott Arfield and George Boyd - set to start against Antonio Conte’s in-form Blues. Dyche says the defeat to League Two opposition, when he made 10 changes to his starting line-up, won’t dent confidence.

The Burnley boss said: “That's just football. We delivered two different performances, one very dominant, one less dominant. We got a win against the odds, and then lost against the odds.

“That's sometimes the way it is. It doesn't change the mood. We know the main target this year. It doesn't mean we're diminishing the thought of a cup but the main goal is what we're trying to achieve in the Premier League, we know that.

“We know the challenge that's ahead of us and we know there's a group that we'd more be hoping to get points against and we know there's a group that's more difficult to get points against, particularly away from home, and Chelsea come into that.

“It is the beauty of football, that's why we all love it, when you can go away to these places with a bit of freedom, take on the game and see what comes your way.”

Despite problems getting the players he wants on a limited budget, Dyche is adamant the Clarets will give everything to follow up their landmark win over Liverpool and compete against the big boys.

He added: “It's obvious we're not leading the market with finance and depth of squad, but what will become apparent, and it already has, is we are willing for the challenge and we'll give every inch of ourselves to achieve what we want.”

Manchester United legend talks about Paul pogba

Manchester United legend Andy Cole spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com after the announcement that France international Paul Pogba has joined the club from Juventus…

How excited are you about Paul Pogba signing for Manchester United?

Well, judging by his Juventus performances, then I would say I am very excited! He is a top player and everyone is delighted to have
him back.

Specifically, which of Pogba's attributes do you like?

I love his energy - he has great energy in midfield. Watching him as a youngster at United and more so at Juventus, you can see he gets up and down the football pitch. He creates goals and he got himself a few goals last season. He always wants to be involved and on the ball.

Is he exactly the type of player we have lacked in midfield?

Yes because he has energy from box to box. Of course you are going to miss that! However you look at the modern day game, there aren't many players who can do that and he definitely can. It will be good to see how he fits into the team. It has been well documented in recent seasons that United have lacked legs in midfield, a player to get up and down with that power through the middle. It will be nice to have it.

The fee is reportedly a world record and that has apparently beaten off competition from Real Madrid. What does that say about United's intent this summer?

It sounds like Madrid didn't have the money to fund it, reading the reports, so you could say we have beaten them in that respect. If Pogba has chosen Manchester United over Real Madrid for football reasons as well then that is a massive coup, especially knowing that he will miss out on Champions League football for a year because that is a big factor. He got to the quarter-finals last season and the final the year before, so missing out this season is a massive factor. He must be convinced by the future at United.

The reported fee has been a continued talking point – what are your thoughts? 

Wow, the fee, well that is how football is nowadays. If you want to get a top individual at a football club then you have to pay fees.  Football grosses so much money. If you want to buy a player and they say they want £80million or £90million then you have to pay it.  I’m just glad we have a top class player at the club, and one who is young enough to play through his best years at Old Trafford.

You mentioned Paul’s time in the Academy - do you remember the first time you saw him and what was your impression?

Yeah, I remember watching him and he was a very leggy individual. He was obviously growing and his legs seemed to be doing a lot more than his body wanted them to do! But he refined his skill. He played in Italy for four years and he did so well at such a young, tender age. Everyone spoke in Italy about how good he is and that is a testament to how well he did over there.

Jose Mourinho has now acquired all four of the targets he had highlighted. Are you impressed by that ruthless business?

Yeah I have been impressed, you have got to be. Some of the signings over the last few years... I don't know if it was a numbers thing, to get bodies in at a certain time. But Mourinho has come in and specified the four players he wanted and the club has got them all. That reminds me of my time with Sir Alex Ferguson. He identified a player and, nine times out of 10, got the player.