I'm Back

Ok people, let me start by apologising for coming back on the blog this late. I can not start outlining every factor responsible for the delay in returning to the blog on this medium but the good thing is that I'm back and I promise to make it up to you all. 

I have very interesting thoughts up in my head and i can't wait to pour everything out. First I've heard people blaming England's loss of the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosting rights on the BBC and the Sunday Times for their expose on corrupt practices by some FIFA executive committee members. 

Personally I think the revelation by these media houses was a really fantastic one and it is good for the game, regardless of the people involved in these corrupt practices. But blaming the loss of the hosting rights to the part these media houses played in the revelation of these acts is rather outrageous. I personally think FIFA already made up her mind on where they want the world cups 2018 and 2022 played even before Adamu and Temari were exposed. For some years now, FIFA president Mr. Sepp Blater has promoted the policy of making sure the world cup go round all the continents and I really think that's what FIFA was true to when deciding the hosts of these World Cup.

On the Issue of Mr. Adamu and Mr. Temari's suspension from the Executive Committee of FIFA, I really think FIFA for once decided to distance itself from controversy in the sense that they decided to deal with the matter and also show the world that they stand for truth. 

Over the years, FIFA as a body have been embroiled in all sorts of controversy and it has not done herself a world of good by allowing some of her members who were accused of various degrees of corruptions to continue their involvement in football matters without proper investigations and appropriate actions taken. Amos Adamu over the years have been a controversial figure in the sense that he has grown in the Nigeria sports family to a point where nobody can question or challenge his decision. There have been many accusations leveled against Mr. Adamu, one of which is the issue of COJA funds that have never been accounted for since the competition.

In the video released by the Sunday times showing the man Adamu comfortably asking for money, he portrayed the picture of a man who was relaxed and feared nothing. It's still funny that until his appeal was heard, he was still hoping to get back on the FIFA Executive body. 

I seriously think Adamu should just forget about football or sports administration till he can answer to every allegation of corruption against him.

And Finally, I just have to touch on this, Arsenal vs Barcelona, round of 16 first leg match at the Emirates Stadium. I read with amazement how Arsenal had been written off even before the first kick of the ball. It sounded as if Arsenal didn't have a breathing chance against the Barcelona team that for me is the best ball playing side in the whole world. 

I said to loads of my twitter and Facebook friends on the day of the match that despite the fact that Barcelona are the Super favourites to win not just that match, but both legs and progress to the next round of the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal won't be a walk over for Barca. 

True to form, Barcelona dominated possession for most part of the game. Not that Arsenal didn't have their own moments of dominance, they were far and in between. What Arsenal did right on the night was not to give up, they kept fighting till the last minute and was why they got two late goals to condemn Barcelona to an infamous loss. 

Some of the lessons learnt on the night are:

1. As tight as Barcelona's play is, they are beatable. 

2. There is a certain 19year old called Jack Wilshere who is not afraid of the big stage and I hope the handlers of the England national team is watching how best to deploy the skillful 19year old.

3. Arsene Wenger's boys are fast becoming men. Before now, under pressure these boys crumble but on the night they gave their all even when it looked like Barca were running away with the 1-0 win.

4. The second leg will be a fierce battle.