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ON MY RADAR: Rejoinder: Messi is a “fraud” video.

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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ON MY RADAR: Rejoinder: Messi is a “fraud” video.

 

it’s somehow ridiculous for a section of football loving fans and pundits to mischievously say the Argentina captain has failed to glitter at the highest stage for his country

By: Samuel K. Obour

First, it’s flagrantly false that Messi has failed to shine for Argentina. He has scored 64 goals, the highest in Argentina’s history.

To put this in perspective, the great Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina. That’s roughly one goal every three matches. Messi has scored 64 in 126 appearances. That’s one goal every two matches.

It’s either naive, malicious, dishonest or something far crazier to suggest that Messi does not perform in an Argentina jersey. Just four years ago, the guy was playing in the World Cup final with Argentina. They lost 1-0 in extra time to a solid Germany side that had crushed Brazil 7-1 in the semifinal.
Messi scored four goals and played a key role in several other Argentina goals. For his effort, he was named player of the tournament and later footballer of the year.

At that same World Cup, Ronaldo’s Portugal were knocked out in the group stage. There was no hullabaloo about it. Ronaldo managed to score only one goal – a gift from Ghana’s goalkeeper.

Altogether, Messi and the Argentina senior national team have played in at least three championship finals, all of which they, unfortunately, lost. However, the fact that Argentina qualified to those finals in the first place is proof that Messi’s national team performance has been good, contrary to what some so-called analysts would have us believe.

It’s true that Argentina have been poor at Russia 2018, but that should take nothing away from the fact Messi is – alongside Pele and Maradona – one of the three greatest footballers of all time.

Second, it’s true that Messi’s achievement at Barcelona has been aided by some great midfielders like Iniesta and Xavi. So? What’s the point? Every great footballer achiever, including Ronaldo, is supported by a team of very good players.
However, LA Liga statistics show that in the last nine years, Messi has been Barcelona’s best goal scorer and best midfielder at the same time.

It was only twice in nine years that two Barcelona midfielders, Iniesta and Fabregas, created more goals than Messi.
In eight of nine years, Messi has been Barcelona’s top goalscorer. But forget about his goals. In seven of nine years, Messi has created more goals than any other Barcelona player.

The stats show that he has created more goals for Barcelona than Iniesta and Xavi combined. Therefore, to suggest that Messi is nothing without those players is dishonest and naive.Messi, rather, Barcelona would not have achieved as much as they have. We must give credit where it is due.

Although, Messi is not the only player at Barcelona, he is the only one making such crazy numbers. Even Suarez has not been able to match these numbers. That should tell you something about Messi’s quality.

Another useless argument is that Messi cannot perform in a different club from Barcelona.
Even Lukaku, Morata, Sterling, Vardy and co are scoring like crazy in the premier league. Recently, Salah has started killing it there. And you think Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, will not perform in a decent Premier League club? Please.

Breakdown (LA Liga):

Goal king – 5 times in 9 years (8 times in Barcelona)
Assist king – 5 times in league in 9 years ; 7 times in Barcelona

2017/2018
Goals – 34
Assists – 12 – Best in league

2016/2017
Goals – 37 (Best in league)
Assists – 9 (Best in Barcelona)

2015/2016
Goals – 26
Assists – 16 ( Joint best with Suarez in league

2014/2015
Goals – 43
Assists – 18 (Best in league)

2013/2014
Goals – 28
Assists – 11 (2nd best to Fareham (12) in Barcelona)

2012/2013
Goals – 43 best in league
Assists – 12 (Second to Iniesta (16) in league

2011/2012
Goals – 50 (Best in league. Record)
Assists – 15 (Best in Barca ; 2nd to Ozil (18) in league.

2010/2011
Goals – 31
Assists – 18 (Best in league)

2009/2010
Goals – 34 (Best in league)
Assists – 18 (Best in league)

Dauda backs Nigeria to defeat Iceland in World Cup

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Dauda backs Nigeria to defeat Iceland in World Cup

The shot-stopper believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to pick victory over Iceland despite their defeat to Vatreni in their opener

Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda believes Nigeria will recover from their opening day defeat to Croatia and defeat Iceland on Friday at the ongoing Fifa World Cup.

The Super Eagles suffered a 2-0 setback thanks to an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and another effort by Luka Modric from the spot at the Kaliningrad Stadium. They will have to at least win against the debutants to stand a chance of qualifying to the next round ahead of the final Group D game against Argentina.

“I know Nigeria will do well at the World Cup. They lost their first game against Croatia but I know they will bounce back in the second match against Iceland,” Dauda told 442gh .

“A lot of people tip Nigeria to do well in the World Cup because of the players at their disposal. Most of their players play for top teams in Europe and they play regularly for their teams so they can make amends,” he added.

Dauda, who won the Ghana Premier League title with Ashanti Gold in 2016, now plays club football with Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League.

Shatta Wale needs help especially from Michy, all seem not well

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Shatta Wale needs help especially from Michy, all seem not well

The much-publicised divorce between the Shatta Movement boss and his wife Shatta Michy is somehow affecting the former’s career and general well-being.

Seriously, Shatta Wale is not of himself and I believe the dude needs help because he is gradually losing it and may eventually lose everything including his money and perhaps relevance.

A man who has a good woman behind him more often stays away from troubles, unnecessary controversies and bad friends — something Shatta Wale is suffering from since Michy left home with their kid Majesty and it’s very clear.

A shot from the roof top of Shatta Wale’s home

As a strong fan of him, I can count a lot of incidents that I’ve vehemently opposed to people’s assertions about him, however, on this BJ video, it’s seriously damaging, to say the least.

Initially, I said to myself that ‘this isn’t a big case’ and that it will die naturally because, fortunately for him and unfortunately for people who don’t like him and others who hate him, his face didn’t show up so nobody (except Michy and one or two #SM guys) can tell me that he/she can recognises the d**k of Shatta on TV, likewise the moaning at the background.

Although, pictures of the lady in #SM shirt had started flooding my timeline, I believed Shatta isn’t the only person in the group and since “a woman is a cob of maize for any mouth that has its teeth,” according to Ferdinand Oyono in his book #Houseboy, others can ……

Shatta Wale hastily took to social media and in a way denied that it wasn’t him and didn’t post the video himself, while Natty Lee Gh moments ago also confirmed that he mistakenly posted that since it was his phone that Shatta was using at that time but again, Shatta in one way or the other confirmed it was him through the video—–#Jeeeeeeeeeesos!

For Christ sake, why didn’t nobody advise him to stay away from social media and relax so things can be worked out appropriately, or it was done but he doesn’t listen to advise like Kwesi Nyantakyi?

England international Dele Alli had his BJ video leaked few months ago with his face even showing but because of how he handled the situation, he left unscattered and currently playing in the World Cup with pride.

Shatta has always been my man and I like him for some reasons but he should slow down and listen to advise more often, rather than always talking and insulting others with his wealth.
Nyantakyi is/was very rich and powerful but he was brought down one-time because he didn’t adhere to an advise and never bothered to pick a certain call which would’ve prevented him from meeting the fake Sheikh in Dubai.

Today, he sleeps like a baby and even feel shy to attend functions. He had all his documents ready to sit beside Vladimir Putin and the likes in Russia in the ongoing World Cup but he’s not even getting the courage to watch it on TV with his kids and two wives.

I’m hugely disappointed and I hope my wife never hear this news about Shatta Wale because she doesn’t like him but……………I’ll be glad if Michy returns home and clear the serious impending mess that seems to be on its way.

#SM4LYF

Acquah plays down Gyan and Emma Boateng comparison

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Acquah plays down Gyan and Emma Boateng comparison

The midfielder believes Emmanuel Boateng is his own man amid comparisons with Ghana’s all-time topscorer

Torino midfielder Afriyie Acquah has played down comparison between Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan and new kid on the block Emmanuel Boateng.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Spanish side Levante, has been likened to the Black Stars all-time topscorer as his profile continues to soar, after scoring on his debut against Japan in a friendly match last month.

With Gyan now struggling with injuries, many pundits believe the youngster can step into the shoes of the former Sunderland star.

“I disagree with that comparison. Boateng is not the replacement for Gyan since their style of football is different,” Acquah told Ghanaweb.

“I cannot say Boateng can’t be like Gyan for Ghana [and achieve what he has done] but he is his own man and can be himself and still be successful.

“When he scored the hat-trick against Barcelona we were all happy and asked him how it came about but he admitted he wasn’t expecting the goals ahead of the game. He is a good player and can get far,” he added.

-Goal

Brazil will win 2018 Fifa World Cup, says Afriyie Acquah

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Brazil will win 2018 Fifa World Cup, says Afriyie Acquah

The midfielder believes Brazil have the men to lift a sixth World Cup title in Russia

Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah is backing Brazil to clinch the ultimate this time at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia after they failed to do so at the previous edition which they hosted.

The Selecao suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals in 2014, but the Torino midfielder believes the five-time champions have what it takes to reach the top once more.

“Brazil are winning the World Cup, although, it won’t be easy on the road for them,” Acquah told Ghanaweb.

“They couldn’t win it at home but have good players to do it this time. Aside them, I’m supporting two countries because of my teammates at the club level who will be playing with their countries. One is Senegal because of [M’baye] Niang and Serbia since Adem [Ljajic] is part of the squad.

“Senegal will be the African country to go far in the tournament. This is not because of Niang but because they have a solid team with good teamwork too,” he added.
Acquah also debunked reports that he has issues with Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah after missing the Black Stars’ friendly against Japan.

“My relationship with the coach is good unlike reports that were circulating. With the issue that came up before the game against Japan, I think the media didn’t understand it,” Acquah said.

“Sometimes, the coach even calls me to know of my health and progress at club level, so we don’t have any problems,” he said.

-Goal

Neymar: I’m not worth world-record €222m

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Neymar: I’m not worth world-record €222m

The Paris Saint-Germain star feels too much attention is paid to his world-record transfer fee and admits he is not worth that much

Neymar is not worth the €222 million (£200m/$262m) Paris Saint-Germain paid to sign him, the star himself says.
The Brazilian attacker became the most expensive player in football history when the Ligue 1 side paid the release clause to free him from Barcelona.

Neymar impressed in the French capital in his first year until an injury brought a premature end to his campaign.

The 26-year-old feels PSG paid over the odds for him, but says he has always wanted to be seen as a “special” player.
“I’m not proud of the transfer fee, nor of the fact I’m the most expensive player ever,” he told Spox .

“That’s just money and nothing else. I cannot help it. Personally, I would have paid less for myself.

“I always wanted to be special. That was my goal very early – actually from the moment I started playing football for a club. That was at the age of 11. It may sound clumsy, but from then on I’ve tried to get better every single day and get to my best.

“I really worked and sacrificed every day of my life to become a professional one day. That was the only dream I ever had. I dreamed of playing for Santos’s first team, being invited to the national team and one day going to Europe. It was not foreseeable at the time that I would succeed, but I kept thinking about it. There was nothing else for me.

“I’m proud that I’ve achieved my childhood goal. That was, and is, most important to me. As a player you always have to show who you are and assert yourself. Just referring to the transfer fee does not help you and says nothing about how good you really are.”

Brazil are hoping for a more successful World Cup campaign this year after crashing out at the semi-finals in 2014 with a 7-1 loss to Germany.
Neymar missed that match four years ago due to a back injury, but still feels the hunger for revenge heading into the tournament in Russia .

“I felt as beaten as the team was and was affected like everyone else,” he said. “The expectations on us in our own country were almost inhumanly high and Germany are an excellent opponent.

“We knew it would be hard. Unfortunately, it went as it did. Now we finally have the opportunity to wipe out the last World Cup. Maybe we will meet Germany again – and then hopefully we will have a real revenge.”

_Goal

Nyantakyi’s bank accounts under investigation over money laundering ‘charges’

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Nyantakyi’s bank accounts under investigation over money laundering ‘charges’

The embattled football administrator’s troubles seem not to be all over, after a fresh investigation has been launched by government

Former Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi is under intense scrutiny following an action by Financial Intelligence Centre to investigate all transactions made by him between 2014 and 2018, AshesGyamera can confirm.

It has been alleged that the one-time Fifa Council member and Caf vice president was involved in money laundering, hence all his accounts across the country are being monitored to check how monies were transferred and received.

Following the exposè by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, it was captured that Nyantakyi was showing foreign investors how to transact monies into the country on the blind side of the security services. He has since resigned from all positions he once held in football.

Therefore, chief executive officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre in a letter dated June 11, 2018 sighted by us has directed all banks that Nyantakyi dealt with in the past to provide soft copies of his accounts statements.

“Pursuant to Section 28 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749), as amended, kindly furnish us with the following information on subjects and any other connected accounts:
“1. Mandate and Account opening forms.
“2. Business Registration Document.
“3. Legible copy of photo identity.
“4. Evidence of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD).
“5. All transaction details (bank statement) from January 2014 to date.
“6. Copies of all SWIFT Messages received for the same period (if any).
“7. Copies of Verification of Beneficiary Owners form completed in respect of transfers. ”

According to the letter, all the banks have up to Thursday June 14 to provide every details requested from them.

If found guilty Nyantakyi could be sentenced with a minimum of one to three years in prison with hard labour.

Spain sack Lopetegui on eve of World Cup kick-off; read why?

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Spain sack Lopetegui on eve of World Cup kick-off; read why?

The move threatens to destabilise one of the most highly-rated teams in the tournament, with La Roja set to play Portugal on Friday

Lopetegui was announced as Zinedine Zidane’s successor in a move that surprised many just days before the World Cup in Russia is due to start.

The announcement initially claimed that the 51-year-old would take the reins at Santiago Bernabeu after the conclusion of the tournament, but La Roja have acted now after calling a hastily-arranged press conference on Wednesday.

“We have decided to fire the national coach,” Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, said. “What we have achieved in getting here is due in great part to him, and we must thank him and wish him luck.”

Rubiales insists he does not feel undermined, but has suggested that Real acted in a manner unbecoming of their status.

He added: “I don’t feel betrayed. Lopetegui has done impeccable work. How all this has been done is something else.
“I have spoken with the players and I can guarantee they will do everything, along with the new coach, to take the team as far as possible.

“Real Madrid look for the best coach, that is fine by me. I have no opinion about how Real Madrid act. But the federation have an obligation to represent all Spaniards.
“To win is very important, to have the best coach is very important, but above everything is acting in the right way. Maybe this is tough now, but in the end it will make us stronger.”

Lopetegui was unbeaten in his time in the Spain dugout, guiding his team to 14 wins and six draws from 20 matches, and he signed a new two-year contract to take him through to Euro 2020 in May.

The stunning development threatens to destabilise a team regarded as one of the favourites to win the tournament in Russia.

Spain face Portugal on Friday, and will also face Iran and Morocco in Group B.
Rubiales has not revealed who will be in charge for La Roja’s opening game of the tournament, but insists that an announcement will be made in due course.
“We are going to touch as little as possible,” he said. “We are working on it. When we know we will tell you.”

It has been reported that several Spain players were keen for Lopetegui to stay on throughout the tournament, but that Rubiales was keen to act after finding out of the manager’s agreement with Real Madrid mere minutes before the announcement was made.

_Goal

Ten people dead in gory accident near Suhum

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ten people dead in gory accident near Suhum

Another unfortunate news have reached our desk with many people perishing due to a road accident

News reaching AshesGyamera.com indicate that almost ten passengers have given up their souls following a serious accident at Mankron, a community near Suhum, off the Accra-Kumasi highway on Wednesday morning.

According to eyewitnesses many passengers on board in the two buses have sustained serious degrees of injuries and have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment and possibly surgeries to save their lives.

The two buses which collided were with the registration numbers of GS 835-15 and GN 6600-17.

One was coming to Kumasi while the other was on its way to Accra but it is however unclear what caused the accident at this moment since police are tight-lipped on the unfortunate incident.

Ghana & Kosovo excluded from Fifa Congress ahead of 2026 World Cup vote

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana & Kosovo excluded from Fifa Congress ahead of 2026 World Cup vote

The West African country will not be participating in the voting process to elect the 2026 World Cup host

With few hours to vote the host of 2026 Fifa World Cup, Ghana and Kosovo have been excluded, leaving 205 eligible voters out of 211 federations,
Goal understands.

This comes as a blow to Morocco who had won the support of Ghana over joint bidders United States, Mexico and Canada.

While Ghana’s former FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi has been handed a 90-day Fifa ban following corruption allegations, the country’s government is on the verge of dissolving the association, with two GFA officials barred from travelling to attend the congress in Russia.

Kosovo, on the other hand, will also not partake following the sudden death of its football federation’s president Fadil Vokkri on Saturday.

Bloc voting would be a huge factor to decide the eventual winner on Wednesday. CAF affiliated associations are expected to vote for Morocco while CONCACAF back the United Bid of United States, Mexico and Canada.

Also, South American associations are likely to vote for the United Bid while those from UEFA are split, with France and Belgium likely to throw their support behind Morocco.

The Fifa World Cup has been hosted once in Africa by South Africa in 2010.

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