Ajayi scores in Al Ahly's 2-0 win over Zamalek

Nigerian forward, Junior Ajayi registered his name on the score-sheet for Al Ahly SC in their 2-0 win against El Zamalek in the Cairo Derby clash at the Petrosport Stadium on Thursday.

Egyptian forward, Moamen Zakaria opened scoring 22 minutes into the game, while super substitute forward, Ajayi doubled the lead on the stroke of 90 minutes.

The Nigerian made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute to head home a second in stoppage time and spark wild celebrations among the hundreds of the club’s fans.

He had only been on the pitch for less than three minutes replacing striker Marwan Mohsen, when he rose unmarked to head home a left-wing cross from Fathi.

Ajayi has so far scored five goals in his over 10 games appearance for Al Ahly in the current Egyptian Premier League season. And the former Shooting Stars striker is determined to score more goals as the season progresses.

The 20-year-old striker joined the Egyptian champion from  Tunisian club CS Sfaxien after helping Nigeria’s U-23 team to win bronze at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

The victory extends the lead of leaders Ahly over perennial rivals Zamalek, who are third, to 11 points but the latter still have two matches in hand. Zamalek tasted their first defeat of the season while Ahly remained unbeaten in 17 matches.

Both sides will not play any games until they meet again in the Egypt Super Cup in February as the league will stop for more than a month due to Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

American footballer Payne switches to Nigeria

United States Women’s U-23 star, Antionette Oyedupe Payne has decided to switch her international allegiance to Nigeria after consulting her family.

Payne, whose parents Oyekele and Mojemilat Payne are Nigerians, has been in the United States since she was 13, after she represented America at the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, and has been part of the United States U-23 team setup since January.

On her decision, she said: “I am ready to play for Nigeria now after thinking about this decision for the past one year and getting the support of my family.

"I know Nigeria have some good players and play an attacking style and personally this fits my style.

“My best position is attacking midfield, but I could also play as a centre-forward. I believe if I am given a chance, I will prove myself again,” she further stated.

Meanwhile, her younger brother Stephen is on the books of Portuguese club Estoril, while younger sister Nicole has already been scouted for the United States U-17 team.

Suarez is the best goal scorer in the world - IFFHS

Luis Suárez has been named the best goalscorer in the world by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), becoming the first player to win the gong three times.

The closest have been Cristiano Ronaldo (2014 and 2015), Lionel Messi (2012 and 2013) and Mario Jardel (1999 and 2000) who are all two-time winners.

The Uruguayan star demonstrated his lethal prowess in front of goal, topping the league scoring charts with 40 goals, finishing ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (38), Gonzalo Higuain (36) and Cristiano Ronaldo (35).

The Uruguay international has now won the award for a third time: the first came in2010 with Ajax Amsterdam and the second was during his spell at Liverpool in 2014. No one else has managed to achieve the feat three times.

Messi got into the top ten with 26, which meant Barça were the only club to have two representatives on the leaderboard.

The cut-off point for the International Federation of Football History and Statistics award is when teams on the Continent stop for their winter break which means even if Zlatan scores three on Saturday for Man United against Middlesbrough, taking his tally to 41, his goals won’t count in the contest.

Carl Ikeme signs new contract till 2019

Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has signed a new contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers which will last until 2019.

The Nigerian international has been a professional at Molineux since 2003 and he has gone to make 192 appearances in all competitions during that time.

After being regarded as the club’s number-one stopper under both previous boss Walter Zenga and current manager Paul Lambert, Ikeme extended his long-term association with the Championship club.

Lambert told the club’s official website: “I think it is important to get players like Carl Ikeme signed up to a new deal. As it was with Dave Edwards, he is an experienced member of the team. He knows exactly what the club is about and if you get a core of lads like that then they can look after the dressing room as well. Carl has been terrific since I arrived and I think this is a big signing for the club.

“I remember coming here with Blackburn last season and he made some incredible saves. He is a big presence, a great lad and a top goalkeeper.”

Ikeme is likely to be in the starting lineup when Wolves host Queens Park Rangers on New Year’s Eve.

Barnsley FC 'legend' Norman Rimmington dies aged 93

Image copyrightBBC SPORT

Image captionNorman Rimmington was known as Mr Barnsley in the community

A former Barnsley FC goalkeeper and coach nicknamed "Mr Barnsley" has died, aged 93.

Norman Rimmington, known as "Rimmo", signed with Barnsley FC in 1945 and worked for the club in a series of roles after his retirement.

The club said it was "truly devastated" by his death and described him as a "true legend" who "embodied everything good about our town and our people".

Details of his funeral arrangements are yet to be released.

'Fearless'

In a statement, the club said: "Rimmo was a true club legend and a man who represented the club with the upmost pride and dedication throughout his life."

Born in Staincross, Mr Rimmington was a "fearless" goalkeeper who made 27 appearances for the club, before moving to Hartlepool United in 1947.

He returned to Barnsley in 1952 where he held numerous posts including assistant manager, groundsman and physio. More recently he was a kitman and also worked in the laundry room.

"Through his commitment and service to the club over the decades Norman became affectionately known to the fans as "Mr Barnsley" - a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to the club," Barnsley FC said.

"Norman will be deeply missed by everyone here at Barnsley Football Club and we would like to send our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time."

---

•Born: 29 Nov 1923, Staincross, near Barnsley

•Occupation: Pit fitter and mechanic

•1946-47: Barnsley FC (27 appearances)

•1947-52: Hartlepool Utd (127 appearances)

•1952-61: Barnsley A team coach

•1961-1972: Head coach and physio

•1972-1978: Groundsman and physio

•1978-1980: Assistant manager and physio

•1980-1985: Physio

•1985-present: Kitman and laundry

Dele Alli brace sinks Southampton

Nigeria-born England midfielder, Dele Alli scored a brace for Tottenham Hotspur in a dramatic comeback 4-1 demolition of Southampton at the StMary’s Stadium on Wednesday.

Three second-half goals saw Spurs power back to claim victory against 10-man Southampton team. It was a rip-roaring post-Christmas encounter from the first whistle to the last, Virgil van Dijk heading the Saints in front after less than 85 seconds on the south coast.

Victor Wanyama returned against his former club, but Tottenham turned it around through Dele Alli on 19 minutes and Harry Kane early in the second half, also both with headers; before a crucial moment arrived just before the hour mark.

Nathan Redmond was given his marching orders for hauling back Dele on the counter-attack, giving away a penalty in the process. Kane uncharacteristically missed from 12 yards but we still took full control against the 10 men and never really looked in danger of losing the upper hand.

It was game over on 85 minutes when Christian Eriksen, outstanding in attacking midfield along with Moussa Sissoko and Dele, picked out substitute Heung-Min Son to race ahead and lash home from the left angle.

Yet Tottenham were the Christmas gift that kept on giving. Two minutes later, another committed performer in Danny Rose set up Dele to fire across Fraser Forster and complete a fine 4-1 victory – our first on the road since the end of September.

Liverpool to make move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

Liverpool have reportedly identified Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a potential target for the January transfer window.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, but many of those have come from the substitutes' bench as he continues to struggle to hold down a place in Arsene Wenger's starting lineup.

According to The Guardian, that has encouraged Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is said to be keen on strengthening his squad at the start of 2017.

The 23-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his existing deal at the Emirates Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will entertain any offers for the versatile player, especially from a rival in the middle of the season.

The former Southampton trainee has been at Arsenal since 2011, making 172 appearances in all competitions.