Chief Executive Officer of the NVA Management, Chris Nathaniel said that he wants to make Nigeria the first African country to own a Premier League club. The deal is not secure yet as there are also 6 other companies who also interested including an unknown (so far) Arab company.

Mike Ashley, who once ever said he didn’t buy this club for money, is still attempts to get the bid at his demand of £400 million after just 16 months staged a £134.4 million takeover from the previous owner.

“Right now I am happy to tell you that well meaning Nigerians have responded and the consortium of Nigerian entrepreneurs has so far contributed £350 million to buy the club,” Chris said as quoted from the Telegraph.

“Ashley has stood his ground that he won’t sell the club until the money is raised to the asking price of £400 million.”

Previously the Dubai International Capital (DIC) have ruled themselves out of the running, but there’s a “New” rich consortium from the area who is now being reported as also interested on the Magpies.

However, Martins later on quickly reveal he is battling with pressures from his loved ones, who would rather prefer him playing for a top side like Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United. Martins also said the fans wanting him to quit because United was not playing in the Champions League.

“Most Nigerians support Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool. You cannot imagine how they are disturbing me,” Martins said but he is ready to stick things out and stay with Newcastle who has offering him a new contract with an improvement of 90-pounds-a-week wages.

Oba has scores 9 goals so far this season for United in all competitions, and seems to enjoy Keegan’s three-pronged attack system that gives him and Owen more of free role position in Newcastle’s 4-3-3 attacking scenario.

For me, if Oba decided to stay and ends his career with Newcastle, he will have the Champions League games not very long again. I also believe he will have more scoring chance next season rather than what he will get if he join those big-four clubs. With Newcastle, he will have the first team place every week for sure.

Meanwhile, today’s Toon transfer rumour mentioning the name of Athletic Bilbao £16m-rated 23-year-old centre-back Fernando Amorebieta. Other speculations are also including an interest from the Kop’s gaffer Rafa Benitez to sign Steve Harper in a possible exchange with Dutch hit man Dirk Kuyt.

The Journal claims that the Magpies was in the lead to bring Venezuelan-born star to St. James’ Park despite numerous interest from other premier league clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

But the Basque Press write that Amorebieta has no immediate intention to end his contract with Bilbao which runs until 2011.

“The speculation is positive but it is not really in my plans to leave Bilbao,” said Amorebieta, “My future is here and I want to progress as a player. I have heard rumours since last summer but nobody has formally contacted my club.”

Both Mali and Nigeria have four points after playing all three group games, but Nigeria gets through to the quarter finals in goal difference.

Mali scores 1 goal from their win against Benin and conceded 3 goals today. Mali’s game against Nigeria ended with a goalles draw.

Meanwhile, Nigeria with four points after the win today has scored 2 and conceded 1, so they have +1 goal difference. Nigeria’s goals came from John Obi Mikel and Yakubu.

Tomorrow, Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye have their own life and death match against South Africa.