Nigeria coach bolsters strikers' numbers
Nigeria have given first call-ups to Belgium-based Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo for a warm-up game against Mexico in the US city of Atlanta. Ezekiel plays for Standard Liege and Uchebo for Cercle Bruges and both could get a chance to show their worth. Coach Stephen Keshi is concerned his attack is goal shy ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, where the Super Eagles’ play Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina and Iran in the group stage. Other strikers chosen to play Mexico include Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United and Emmanuel Emenike of Fenerbahce.
Gunners pair re-sign
German centre-back Per Mertesacker and long-serving Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky have extended their contracts at Arsenal, the English Premier League title contenders announced yesterday. Mertesacker, 29, has established himself as a first-team regular since signing from Werder Bremen in August 2011, while 33-year-old Rosicky is in his eighth season at the club. Arsenal did not disclose the length of either player’s contract extension.
Loew lays down law
Joachim Loew has issued his Germany stars with a World Cup warning for tonight’s friendly against Chile by insisting he will only pick his Brazil 2014 squad on current form. Germany host Chile in Stuttgart tonight in their final match before Loew names his squad on May 8. “The clock is ticking. Only those who hear it will have a real chance,” said Loew. “I appeal to all of the squad to prepare their case as strong as possible, just as it needs to be if they have big goals in mind.”
Cardiff offer withdrawn
The Premier League asked Cardiff City for an explanation after Malaysian owner Vincent Tan reportedly broke the rules by offering players a £3.7 million (Dh22.7m) cash bonus if they avoid relegation. The offer, which newspapers said was made on Sunday before Cardiff lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, was withdrawn once Tan was informed it was illegal under the league’s player remuneration rules.
Puyol to quit Barca
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol says he will leave the club at the end of the season, preferring to take some time off after several injury-filled campaigns. The defender, 35, started for Barcelona in 1999 and has stayed since. He has made only 12 appearances this season after returning from a long-term knee injury in October. “The recovery from my knee injury was more difficult than expected. I cannot perform any more at the level I’d want. I don’t know what I will do after 30 June, but I’m sure that in the summer I will rest,” Puyol said. He helped Barcelona win three Uefa Champions League titles and was integral to Spain’s win in the 2010 World Cup.
Brazil’s African dream
World Cup hosts and favourites Brazil hope to maintain a perfect record against South Africa today in a Soweto football friendly with much at stake. For the South American stars it is a last chance in the national strip to impress coach Luiz Felipe Scolari before he names his 23-man tournament squad in early May. Brazil have beaten South Africa four times but all the victories were by one-goal margins. Brazil have 16 foreign-based stars in their squad including Chelsea quartet David Luiz, Oscar, Ramires and Willian. There are also two new faces – Bayern defender Rafinha and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.
Keane gets shirty
England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said he regrets asking Brazil superstar Neymar for his shirt during half-time in the sides’ friendly game last year. The Arsenal player scored a memorable goal to earn England a 2-2 draw at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana last June. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, commenting on the game for British television, said Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been concentrating on the match. “Roy Keane hammered me for it,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said. “I agree with Roy. It’s not the way to go about things. I have to hold my hands up. You’re not in awe of these players. I’ve got massive respect for what he’s done in football.”
