The Curious Mind

The Walsh international and Real Madrid winger Gareth bale during the recent international break used the opportunities to let his Hair loose a little bit for the world to see and it was a thing of beauty.  It was long, well kept, neat and attractive to the eyes. The hair was captured by an eagle eye camera man. It was seen standing as the winger bent over. The Walsh Captain, who only on one occasion previously have let loose his hair have always parked while on the pitch. There have been other times he let the hair fly though it was not intentional.

It is not any surprise that manager Jose Mourinho takes centre stage in a new documentary about Tottenham Hotspur. That was the case in the new documentary, "All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur." We have seen the first three episodes of the documentary, which will air on Amazon Prime on Monday, 31 August. The opening episodes include some incredible revelations... not least that the 'Special One' keeps a signed photograph of ex-Wimbledon midfielder turned actor Vinnie Jones in his office. Here is a brief picture of the conversations that ensued. Levy hopes he and Poch can still be friends Some Tottenham fans may be surprised by the haste with which Mauricio Pochettino's services were dispensed. Just 20 minutes into the first episode, he's gone. The Argentine's story precedes the main action and the former Spurs manager is pretty much always referred to in the past tense. Chairman Daniel Levy talks about his decision to sack him as if he's discussing a br...

Chief Michael Obi, 74, is the father of professional footballer and Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi. He recently regained freedom from kidnappers for the second time. In this interview, the Jos-based transporter recalls his terrifying five-day experience, reasons why his famous son rarely comes home, and more.  You recently regained your freedom from kidnappers. Can you share your experience? Chief Michael Obi:  I was travelling home for a family meeting, early evening, in Enugu. I’d just reminded my driver to stop at the Ninth Mile to buy Okpa in case I fall asleep. Not quite long after a checkpoint, we heard gunshots ahead of us, so we stopped. My driver reckoned it was armed robbers, and tried to reverse the car. But another car from nowhere blocked us from behind, and the people within came and dragged us out. The kidnappers were six, well-armed and masked. They assaulted us, and dragged us into the bush. We walked for many hours, and when I complained tha...

Brazilian super star Ronaldinho could tie the knot in August with his two 'fiancees' Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza. The two women are said to have been living 'harmoniously' with the former Barcelona star since December at his £5million Rio de Janeiro mansion. Ronaldinho, who is claimed to be “adept at polygamy”, started dating Beatriz in 2016 but continued his relationship with Priscilla, which began several years earlier. The women reportedly receive an “allowance” of around £1,500 from the footballer to spend as they wish. And it is claimed he always gives the two the exact same presents, including recently buying them matching perfume during a trip abroad together. Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho asked both for their hand in marriage in January last year and gave them both engagement rings, according to Brazilian columnist Leo Dias. He will marry the two women at a private ceremony inside the Santa Monica condominium, in the upmark...

Arsenal’s longest serving manager, Arsene Wenger, has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season. Wenger Wenger revealed this in a statement published on the club’s official website on Friday morning. It reads: “After a careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. “I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. “I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. “I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special. “I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. “To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. “My love and support for ever.”

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold following his lacklustre defending for the opening goal in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday. Alexander-Arnold was turned too easily by Marcus Rashford, who lashed into the far corner to give United the lead before the England forward took advantage of more haphazard defending from Liverpool to double the Red Devils' advantage. An Eric Bailly own goal gave Liverpool hope but they could not complete a second-half comeback at Old Trafford, with club legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness taking aim at Alexander-Arnold. Klopp, though, has no interest in their thoughts on the teenage right back. Asked about their comments, he said: "I don't get it. If you wouldn't tell me [about it], I would never watch it. That makes absolutely no difference to me, what people say. "What did they say? They said we defended bad? If somebody said it was only Trent's mist...

The Red Devils boss was furious with his side after seeing them fall behind at Crystal Palace, but got the response he was after in a 3-2 win Jose Mourinho revealed that a foul-mouthed half-time team talk helped him to inspire Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. Having seen his side fall behind to an early Andros Townsend effort at Selhurst Park,  the Red Devils boss was fuming upon entering the away dressing room at the interval . Some home truths were handed out by the irate Portuguese, whose mood is unlikely to have improved as United then conceded to Patrick van Aanholt within three minutes of the restart. They were, however, to come roaring back, with  Chris Smalling, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic sealing a dramatic victory  to put a smile back on their manager’s face. Quizzed on what he had said to his team during the break, Mourinho said: “I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be...

Coach Gernot Rohr is likely try out a 3-5-2 formation when the Super Eagles face South American giants, Argentina in Tuesday’s friendly at the Krasnodar Stadium. A source at the Eagles’ base in Russia told Complete Sports that Rohr is expected to deploy Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem in a three-man central defence alongside Leon Balogun and William Troost Ekong. Also Chippa United’s goalie, Daniel Akpeyi has been drafted into the team after missing the last four games, with the pair of Ola Aina and Shehu Abdulahi playing as wing-backs. Captain John Mikel Obi has also return to the starting line-up after he was rested for the inconsequential World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine last Friday. John Ogu will partner Mikel and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield. Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho are expected to pair in attack barring any last minute change. In seven senior meetings with Argentina, Nigeria has been able to win just one gam...

Officials have revealed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will meet soon to discuss a proposal for African World Cup qualifiers to play friendlies during the FIFA window in March. Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia will be Africa’s five flag bearers at Russia 2018. However, all five teams will be engaged in AFCON 2019 in the next FIFA window in March and this will be the last window before the World Cup in June in Russia. Super Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has proposed that the next FIFA window should now be used by the World Cup finalists to prepare for the global soccer finals. “In the few days CAF will meet to deliberate a proposal by the NFF president on using the FIFA window in March for the World Cup flag bearers to play friendly matches ahead of Russia 2018,” Ibitoye disclosed. So, instead of playing against Seychelles in March 2018, the Eagles will play a top-rate team during that w...

The left-back has been sacked for the shameful incident, but his actions have not been forgotten by the L'OM support Marseille fans have called for players to "respect" them and the team after Patrice Evra's incredible attack on a supporter.  The former Manchester United and Juventus full-back was sacked after kicking a fan in the head during a touchline altercation midweek.  Thursday's Europa League clash against Vitoria was the scene for the attack, which was reminiscent of Eric Cantona's famous 'kung-fu' kick on a Crystal Palace supporter in 1995.  And, as L'OM took to the field for the first time since the incident, supporters responded with a banner in Stade Velodrome berating Evra's attitude.  "Love for the shirt, respect for fans, professionalism. Is it too much to ask?" the banner unfurled in Sunday's home clash against Caen read. There was at least some cheer after the scandal, as Marseille ran rampan...

The eagerly awaited ceremony finally gets underway at 20:30 CET, which will be hosted by renowned British actor Idris Elba, while modern day rock and roll giants Kasabian will also be performing on the night. You won’t want to miss a second of the ceremony. Many have tipped Buffon for the best goal keeper award. What is your prediction?

Messi of Argentina dribbles past Onazi of Nigeria The Argentina FA has confirmed that the two-time World Champions will face Nigeria in a friendly in the Russian city of Krasnodar on 14 November. Three-time African champions Nigeria, who became the first African country to book a spot in Russia, are regarded as tough opposition  as Argentina prepare for their 2018 World Cup campaign. Both countries will meet for the eighth time at senior international level and for the first time since 2014,  when Argentina won 3-2 at the World Cup in Brazil. The Super Eagles famously defeated Argentina 4-1 in a friendly at home back in June 2011 but overall Argentina hold a 5-1 head-to-head record. The South Americans have beaten Nigeria four times at the World Cup, with the West Africans losing by the odd goal in each of the matches. Argentina edged Nigeria 2-1 in 1994, 1-0 in 2002 and 2010, as well as the thrilling 3-2 at the last World Cup tournament. They played out a g...

Proceedings have been opened following an alleged incident during the Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge Roma face action from UEFA after European football's governing body opened disciplinary proceedings over alleged racist chanting during the Serie A side's 3-3 Champions League draw at Chelsea on Wednesday. An absorbing clash at Stamford Bridge was marred when a section of supporters were heard targeting defender Antonio Rudiger, who left Roma for Chelsea in the transfer window. Visiting fans have been accused of making "monkey chants" after the Germany international shielded the ball out of play while under pressure from forward Stephan El Shaarawy. UEFA confirmed the case will be examined by its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on November 16, a little over two weeks after the return fixture takes place at the Stadio Olimpico. Spartak Moscow were charged over a similar offence relating to a Youth League match against Liverpool on September 26...

Coach Gernot Rohr of Nigeria Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has warned his players that their performances at next year’s World Cup will be affected if there is any repeat of protests over pay and bonuses. At the last finals in Brazil three years ago, the Super Eagles deliberately missed a training session in protest at the non-payment of a bonus for qualifying. That forced the country’s then sports minister to charter a private jet and fly to South America with nearly $4m in cash. Rohr said he is convinced that Nigeria can go beyond the last 16 for the first time by preparing well in advance. But he told reporters: “The issue of bonuses and allowances, which are the usual African problem we see during the World Cup, must be avoided. “Such issue will be bad for our preparation. I have told my officials and the federation president that all (such issues) be cleared before the start of the competition.”

Power Dynamos striker Alex N’gonga’s family home in Chimwemwe  in Kitwe has  been attacked by thugs following Zambia’s 1-0 defeat  to Nigeria in their  2018 World Cup qualifier match in Uyo on Saturday, zambianobserver.com reports. Copperbelt province police commissioner Charity Katanga says a group of people emerged from a white Toyota Landcruiser ACC 5492 and maliciously damaged two roofing sheets with stones. Katanga says the group accused N’gonga of missing scoring chances that crashed Zambia’s hopes of qualifying to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. She said  police had  launched a manhunt and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened. N’gonga’s mother Charity  told Muvi TV news that she feared for her life when she heard another person threaten to destroy the house completely. Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the global showpiece courtesy of Alex Iwobi’s second half strike at the Godswill Akpabio S...

The other mini-leagues, topped by the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, cannot be decided after the penultimate series of matches, whatever the results. Having won 2-1 in Zambia last year, Nigeria are understandably optimistic, especially after impressive home and away performances against African champions Cameroon last month. Inspired by current and former Chelsea midfielders Victor Moses and John Mikel Obi, the “Super Eagles” triumphed 4-0 in Uyo and drew 1-1 in Yaounde to end the Cameroon challenge. Germany-born Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr does not expect another multi-goal romp against Zambia, who would draw level with Nigeria on 10 points by winning. “I do not believe another four-goal victory is a realistic expectation. Winning by one or two goals will do fine,” Rohr told reporters. “Zambia are now a much better team than when we beat them last year. Watching videos of their wins over Algeria, I was struck by the speed of the strikers. “I believe Algeria underestim...

Costa's return to the club where he spent four years before joining Chelsea back in 2014 was confirmed on Tuesday night, with the striker available to play for Atletico from January 1 when their transfer ban is lifted. The Brazil-born striker expressed his love for Chelsea's supporters in his farewell message but there was no mention of Blues boss Antonio Conte or the Italian's coaching staff in Costa's social media post. "Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted, far from it.  But the best way possible. "The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team-mates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart. "Will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I'm sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ...

Diego Costa is edging closer to a move to Atletico Madrid as the club are in talks with Chelsea to re-sign him for £41 million, the Evening Standard   claims. The striker has not returned to Chelsea since the summer break and has publicly criticised the club for the way they have treated him. A return to Atletico has long been his preferred destination and it seems a breakthrough in talks has finally been made. If the deal does materialise, he will be unable to feature until January 2018 due to the transfer ban imposed on the club.

D'Tigerss D’Tigerss, Nigeria’s female team, on Monday, won the 2017 FIBA Women AfroBasket which ended in Bamako, Mali. D’Tigress beat the defending champions, Senegal, to earn Nigeria her third title in the competition which was the 23rd edition. Nigeria previously won the event in 2003 and 2005. D’Tigress started the competition by beating Mozambique 80-69 in their first game, whipped Democratic Republic of Congo 84-47 in the second and defeated Egypt 106-72 to emerge the first team to book a place in the quarterfinal of the competition. Nigeria also defeated Senegal 58-54 in the last group match, defeated Cote d’Ivoire 98-43 in the quarterfinals and piped Mali 48-47 in the semis before beating Senegal again 65-48 in the final.

The road to the 2018 Fifa World Cup continues and Nigeria welcome Cameroon to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. God'swill Akpabio Stadium Uyo It is an encounter that promises to have a remarkable bearing on which country represents Africa in Russia. The Super Eagles currently lead their Central African rivals by four points with four games left. A win for Gernot Rohr’s men would see them open up a seven a seven-point gap that would look a very healthy cushion as the qualifiers head toward its climax. On the contrary, if the Indomitable Lions were to win, they would put the pressure on their eternal rivals and would hope to complete a double in the return leg. When both countries last met – in a friendly game played in 2015, the match finished 3-0 in favour of Nigeria at the Edmond Machtens Stadium, Brussels with Efe Ambrose, Moses Simon and Odion Ighalo on target.