Sports

Nigeria coach Keshi resigns one day after winning 2013 Afcon title

 

The Super Eagles won the continental title by beating Burkina Faso on Sunday, but their boss has promptly left his post, claiming he was doing what he felt was "right"

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has announced his resignation from the post just a day after winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

The 51-year-old's future had been subject to speculation throughout the tournament, and he has now revealed that he gave the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) his notice shortly after the final win over Burkina Faso.

"I did what I feel is right by resigning," he told Metro FM.

"I gave the NFF a letter last night [Sunday] after the celebrations."

Keshi made 51 appearances for the Super Eagles as a player, and has held coaching posts with the Togolese and Malian national teams.

Barcelona midfielder Thiago: Playing with Iniesta a privilege

 

The 21-year-old has nothing but praise for the 2010 World Cup final hero, and says he is trying to learn as much as possible from him after the 6-1 win over Getafe

Thiago Alcantara has voiced his admiration for Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta following the Catalans' 6-1 La Liga win over Getafe at the weekend.

The 28-year-old put in a fine performance, netting once and creating another, and his young colleague feels privileged to be part of the same side as the attacking midfielder.

"It is a pleasure to watch and play with Iniesta," Thiago was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"It really is a privilege to see him on the field and I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him as possible."

The 21-year-old then went on to voice his satisfaction with his performances so far this season.

"I happy with the chances I’m getting, and think I’m performing well ... I’m enjoying watching my team-mates, but obviously what I really want is to get as many minutes as I can."

Thiago has made 13 La Liga appearances so far this term, scoring once in the process.
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MS Dhoni doubtful for third ODI due to sore back, Karthik called up

‘Injured’ Dhoni doubtful for third ODI

    

      New Delhi: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on Saturday rendered a doubtful starter for third and final One-dayer against Pakistan due to a sore back, forcing the team management to call up Dinesh Karthik as the backup.
   
Dhoni said at the customary pre-match press conference that he developed soreness on his back during the morning practice session at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground here.
   
He was actually asked about the absence of middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh at the training session and the skipper said, "If at all somebody is doubtful, it's me. I have a sore back and we have called Dinesh Karthik as back up.
   
"Since it was an optional practice session, Yuvraj did not come," he said.
   
Asked, who will lead the side if he does not recover in time, Dhoni said, "Let's hope that I play. We'll see on Sunday."
   
The beleaguered Indian batting line-up could come under more pressure if Dhoni sits out tomorrow. He has been India's top scorer in the series with a 113 not out in the first match in Chennai and an unbeaten 54 in the second in Kolkata.
   
Asked if it would be a setback for Indian batting, which has been struggling to put up decent scores against Pakistan in the first two matches, Dhoni replied in the negative.
   
"Nobody is irreplaceable. I am sure if Dinesh plays on Sunday, he will bat as good as I batted in the last two games," he said.

Source : Jagran post