Waking up this morning was one of the hardest thing for me to do. It was a long weekend starting from Saturday through the Christmas break and Boxing day. Four straight days of not being in the office but with just one Arsenal match to watch.

It was a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Tony Pulis’ West Brom. The Gunners needed a late winner from Olivier Giroud to seal three points. It was Ozil’s 202nd assist of his career. Ben Forster was everywhere. Sanchez will be mad at him for keeping his chances away. It would have been civil war once again among Arsenal fans if the Gunners failed to win on Monday.

Chelsea didn’t need Diego Costa to run over Bournemouth. Wilshere did his part but Hazard and Pedro were having none of it. Mourinho could smile again with victory over Sunderland. Zlatan had a hand in all three goals. Did you see Mkhitarian’s goal? (forgive my spelling, these names though). Swansea had to sack Bob Bradley after a 4-1 home defeat to Westham. MLS is not EPL. Reigning Champions Leicester City also fell at 0-2 at home to Everton. Everything is changed.

The North-East trade winds arrived late in Lagos but it has not affected the transfer window in the Nigerian Professional Football League. The rumours continue to fly over our rooftops and will continue until the new season begins. I have not heard of any transfer deadline yet but I wouldn’t expect transfers after January 31. You never can tell, the NPFL is unique. Will Udoji be with Kano Pillars or Rangers next season? Will the NFF and the NWPL give us a 2016 champion? Are you also looking for a 200k striker in the NPFL?

While we await the beginning of the 2016/17 NPFL season on the 14th of January, the LMC have informed the public of a proposed youth league. Awesome. I look forward to the realization of such project. It is time we mix sports with our academic curriculum in Nigeria.

The transfer window opens up within days in Europe. Will Wenger add to his squad? I don’t think so. Will there be an official unveiling of Ndidi to Leicester City?

2016 is coming to an end. We hope for a better 2017. The boss is here…

@AmosCP

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