Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Etitinwo24:VIDEO: DemoKraxy – “Shatta Sark”24:
DemoKraxy dishes out the video to his record titled “Shatta Sark” which is basically inspired by Ghanaian top heads, Shatta Wale & Sarkodie.
Enjoy the Cobbs directed video below
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE
Etitinwo24:Beautiful Nubia Set To Drop New Album
Talented singer, Beautiful Nubia, is set to drop a new album tiled,Táabákú.
The ‘Owuro Lojo’ crooner, will launch his album on Sunday, Februaru 28, 2016, with a special concert at his EniObanke Arts Centre.
His popular songs include, Owuro Lojo, Soundbender, Keere, amongst others.
Beautiful Nibia is also the lead singer for the group, Roots Renaissance, which has been described as Nigeria’s foremost contemporary folk and roots music group
Monday, 22 February 2016
Etitinwo24: 2Baba – “50/50” ft. Ice Prince & Waje
Here’s a social campaign song titled “50/50” which preaches about social, ethnic and gender equality. The song features 2Baba, Ice Prince and Waje.
DOWNLOAD MUSIC HERE
Etitinwo24: I Did Not Snub D’banj On Stage At Ben Bruce’s Party – Don Jazzy
Over the weekend, Senator Ben Bruce, had his 60th Birthday celebration and several top artistes were in attendance, to include, D’banj and Don Jazzy.
The birhday boy then revealed that his wish would be to see D’banj and Don Jazzy perrform on stage, a wish that could not come true as Don Jazzy had left the hall when D’banj was finally called on stage to perform prompting D’banj to say, Don Jazzy had been hidden even when he told him he would love to perform with him.
he don escape…E be like say dey don hide am
This statement immediately made a lot of fans assume Don Jazzy intentionally snub D’banj, but the Mavin Boss, has cleared the air
He went on social media to tell his side of the story stating for a fact that he had before now told everyone he would be retiring as an artist.
Etitinwo24: Sun Awards Crown Harrysong As The Most Creative Man Of The Year
Reggae Blues crooner, Harrysong, has been named the Most Creative Man for the year 2016 at the recently concluded Sun Award.
The event which took place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Eko Convention center, had a lot of top dignitaries in Nigeria in attendance, amongst them are Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, among others
About last nite..the sun awards..won the most creative man of the year..brothers..sisters..followers..fans ..lovers..just want u’ll to know that it’s been God all the way..don’t stop working..don’t stop praying..@fivestarmusicng #AKAGUM is a sin ??
Etitinwo24:D’banj Claims He Paved The Way For Nigerian Acts To Be Featured In International Magazines
Kokomaster himself, D’banj, has come to say he made it possible for Nigerian acts to featured in international magazines.
D’banj, took to social media to share a photo of himself on the cover of The Observer magazine back in 2012 and wrote:
The Beginning ….. I started this Gangster ish ( in Dre’s Voice )lol …. But my shout out this morning is specially for the people that work selflessly behind a Brand , back stage making the magic happen. Publicist, managers , PA’s , booking agents , lawyers , marketers, accountants and Executive producers , God bless you all . Today it’s @missamadi, A powerful , determined and hardworking Publicist. Incase U don’t know from Estelle, Genevive ,Whitney houston , to myself Bangalee to mention a few — yep this cover in 2012 to now @davidoofficial Movement , thank U so much ma for living so Selfless for the industry and seeing Potentials before Most , we need more people like you in all the aspects of the industry and without a doubt a Full TAKEOVER is Eminent… Thank U so much for believing In Us. If U are like @missamadi then Pls be sure the AFrican Creative industry needs you and yes You Need Us too .we have so much Success story to tell , Come help us Share this to the World . Have a Kokocious Week…OooSssHhhEee
Davido recently graced the cover of Fader Magazine, where he talked about so many things from his family to his music career.
Friday, 19 February 2016
Etitinwo24:VIDEO: Harrysong ft. Duncan Mighty – Akagum
Five star music hitmaker – Harrysong serves up the visuals to his previously heard single “Akagum” featuring Port Harcourt first son – Duncan Mighty
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE
Etitinwo24:Wiz Khalifa – Khalifa_BTS
Wiz Khalifa may have made headlines this past week when he and Kanye West had some choice words for one another on twitter, but what better timing for all that to go down than just days before the release of his new album Khalifa.
DOWNLOAD MUSIC HERE
Etitinwo24:Ghana bans goods from Nigeria, other countries
President Muhammadu Buhari with his Ghanaian
counterpart, President John Dramani Mahama.
Ghana has prohibited some items from entry into its domain, following Nigeria’s foot steps that restricted 41 items from access to foreign exchange.
Ghana however has placed a ban on some goods from being imported into the country. Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah stated yesterday that Ghana and Nigeria are said to account for some 68 per cent of the ECOWAS region’s Gross Domestic Product.
Nigeria accounts for almost 10 per cent of Ghana’s foreign trade volume, whereas Ghana is listed as the 9th largest trade partner to Nigeria.
Favourite investment hub
In spite of the difficulties, Ghana remains Nigeria’s largest trade partner and favourite investment hub in the West Africa sub-region, as Ghana imports the largest share of all Nigerian oil exports in the West African sub-region.
While ‘bagged cement’ is on Nigeria’s prohibition list, Dangote Cement brings in and bags some 750,000 tonnes of cement a year for the Ghanaian market, and is expected to increase this to 1.5 million tonnes by end of this quarter. The Chief Executive Officer of Ghanaian Association of Ghana Industries stated that there should be a clear letter written to the Nigerians complaining about this, and then also try and use some diplomatic means to quickly resolve it,”
“If it does not work then we must also look at countervailing measures…it could be product targeting,” he said.
“If we also make it difficult for them to export, then we would have to find common ground,” Kate Quartey-Papafio, CEO of Reroy Cables argued.
Even for those who are able to export to Nigeria, you have to get different certificates for different customers and it takes a whole lot of time to get it.
It makes the whole thing so cumbersome. You are exporting the same thing but you have to go and get certificates for each of the customers,” she said.
Nigeria has used an “Import Prohibition List” to refuse certain goods entry into that country, including a host of pharmaceutical products. Also, the Managing Director of Intravenous Infusions Limited, a pharmaceutical company, Mr Richard Okrah noted that his company could have generated an additional 25% of export turnover from the Nigerian market.
“We have been making efforts through our agent in Nigeria to get us off this list. But it is becoming a very difficult job for us,” Richard Okrah told the B&FT by phone. The company, he said, currently produces close to 6million IV fluids of various sizes per year, and that: “We have the capacity to step this up to 15 million because we are installing a new semi-automated plan that should be up and running by the middle of April this year”.
He said his company faces no such restrictions from Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire and other countries where it exports to.
Etitinwo24:Wenger might have quit if Arsenal had …
Arsene Wenger said Friday that his time as Arsenal manager could have come to an end if the Gunners had lost the 2014 FA Cup final to Hull.
Arsenal, who face the same opponents in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, found themselves 2-0 down inside eight minutes as Hull took a shock lead at Wembley two years ago.
It looked as if the north London club’s nine-year wait for a major trophy might continue but goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny drew Arsenal level before Aaron Ramsey scored the winner in extra-time.
For Wenger, Arsenal’s manager since 1996, the 3-2 victory was a landmark result after the Frenchman had come under increasing fire from disaffected Arsenal fans.
“I don’t know, honestly, I don’t know,” said veteran French boss Wenger when asked if he would have been sacked if Arsenal had lost. “It was up in the air and we had to give everything to win that final. If we had lost it I don’t know.”
“I don’t know, honestly, I don’t know,” said veteran French boss Wenger when asked if he would have been sacked if Arsenal had lost.
“It was up in the air and we had to give everything to win that final. If we had lost it I don’t know.”
“It would have been a problem if we had not won. It would have been a massive disappointment for everyone, but we won.”
Wenger, who signed a new three-year extension 13 days after the victory, added: “Usually I respect my contracts and I fight for everything. I think as well to say to you that if 17 years at a club depend on one cup final, it is better you don’t go to the final.”
The FA Cup final win over Hull marked something of a key staging post for an emerging Arsenal side.
Now they are bidding to become the first side since the 19th Century to win the FA Cup three years in a row after thrashing Premier League rivals Aston Villa 4-0 in the 2015 final.
Arsenal are also just two points behind leaders Leicester as they chase their first Premier League title since 2004.
– ‘English’ Wenger –
But although it would appear to help a leading club such as Arsenal, Wenger disagrees with plans to scrap FA Cup replays amid speculation the Premier League and FA are rawing up proposals to do away with such games.
“I am now vaccinated against the FA rules. After such a long time, I have become very conservatively English,” said the 66-year-old Wenger.
“I am quite a bit nervous about changing the rules because I like them now, I believe as well it looks like we always get more money and want to play less games. That is a little bit of a contradiction.”
“I am convinced all of the clubs can compete with the number of games we have to play, so there is no real need for me to change the rules. This is the most traditional competition in England, so let’s respect it and keep it as it is.”
Arsenal face Barcelona in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie on Tuesday, but while Wenger may rest a couple of first-team players this weekend, he was in no doubt about the importance of beating Hull.
“For me it’s an important game,” Wenger added. “The best way to prepare for Barcelona is to beat Hull tomorrow (Saturday). The momentum is important and we have to show that mentally we are capable of winning by focusing on every single game.”
Etitinwo24:Dolphins, Sharks merged, now Rivers Utd FC
The Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the government agreed to adopt Rivers United FC as its team name.
Iyaye said the government took the decision based on the current economic challenges facing the state and the nation at large.
“The government believes that if its resources were properly harnessed and concentrated in sponsoring one team, the state would benefit more.
“Therefore, the two football teams owned and sponsored by the state are hereby disbanded and merged together to form one indefatigable football team,’’ he said.
Iyaye said the name was aimed at enhancing unity among Rivers people and fostering a united community identity with the football club.
He said the government would take necessary step to register the new team with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the league Management Company (LMC) accordingly.
“All assets and liabilities of both Sharks FC and Dolphins FC have been taken over by the new club.
“It is a painful decision to be taken but we believe that the overall interest of Rivers football lovers and stakeholders will be better off,’’ Iyaye said.
The commissioner described the motto and mission of the new team as “United through Football’’ and “To be the foremost Football Club in Nigeria’’ respectively.
Rivers United which takes over Dolphins slot in the Nigerian Premier Football League will play against Enyimba International FC of Aba on Sunday in Port Harcourt as the 2015/2016 competition begins.
Etitinwo24:Chelsea’s Terry out of City Cup tie
Chelsea captain John Terry will miss Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester City with a hamstring injury, manager Guus Hiddink confirmed Friday.
The 35-year-old central defender appeared doubtful for the match after being sidelined from Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Paris St Germain in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League match on Tuesday with the injury, which he first suffered in last Saturday’s Premier League win over Newcastle.
Terry’s next appearance will be his 700th for Chelsea but Hiddink said Friday: “He will not be fit for this weekend.
“I saw him this morning. He was with the physios yesterday, trying a bit on the pitch. (But) still too many problems to be fit for the weekend.”
Hiddink is cautiously optimistic Terry will be fit to play against Southampton in the Premier League on February 27.
“We have a week, I hope next weekend he will be available,” the Dutchman said. “I cannot predict it. I think we have to be a bit cautious with him as well.”
In Terry’s absence, Branislav Ivanovic — who started alongside Gary Cahill in Paris — is set to keep his place at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
Terry has said will have to leave Chelsea at the end of the season when his current contract expires, but the west London club have indicated they could still offer him a new deal.
Etitinwo24:VIDEO: Pinky Jay – “Badman” ft. Solidstar
Badman’ was produced by the prolific E-Kelly and has that very catchy indigenous feel. Pinky Jay is a Nigerian artiste based in South Africa who is ready to take the Industry by storm…
Watch ‘Badman’ remix video feat. Solidstar and share your thoughts. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE
Etitinwo24: Pallaso – “Bubble Remix” ft. Vector
East meets West again! Team Good Music boss and Ugandan reggae Dance hall superstar, Pallaso releases the remix to his mega hit tune titled “Bubble” and he features Nigeria’s rap maestro Vector Tha Viper on this one.
Song was produced by Diggy Baur and Wani
DOWNLOAD MUSIC HERE
Etitinwo24:VIDEO: Seriki – “Good Life”
Seriki drops the visual to his club tune Goodlife. The video which was directed by Cardosso Imagery was shot in lagos. The video was released under Seriki’s owned Record Company.
Seriki announced the birth of his own record company Dreams Mansion Inc earlier this month and it seems he hit the ground running with this lovely video. One cannot but recognize the efforts this young dude puts into his craft as an indie act. In his words, “It’s been God and friends. I don’t call them fans cos my fans are more than fans to me, we relate like bosom friends and I have to thank them all for their consistent support.”
Dreams Mansion Inc. will definitely be birthing the dreams of a lot of street hustlers, that’s the whole idea, we gotta do this for ourselves
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE.
Etitinwo24:VIDEO: LeriQ – “Wish List” ft. Wande Coal.
Nigerian superstar and hitmaker LeriQ kicks off his 2016 campaign with the release of the video to “Wish list” featuring Wande Coal, the third single off his debut Album, The Lost Sounds.
The video was directed by fast rising Director/Cinematographer Mex of Mex Films and was shot on location in the Northern nigerian city of Kajuru in Kaduna State. The single which topped the iTunes chart on release has remained a fan favourite off the album. Look out for more videos off the album and brand new singles from Leriq.
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE.
Etitinwo24:E-Money Gifts Street Hawker Brand New Car And N300,000.
CEO Five Star Music, Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, was a year older yesterday, and decided to give back to the street to celebrate his birthday.
E-Money, reached out to a shoe rack hawker along Ikeja along, whom Kcee had met while he himself was on the streets of Lagos selling recharge card. Promise, the said guy upon being contacted was discovered to have been picked up by KAI officials.
The team immediately set out for the office where Promise was eventually released after several hours of pleading and promise to never hawk again.
E-Money in his generosity gave Promise a brand new Toyota Corolla car, and the sum of N300,000 to get himself a new apartment. A young man who also hawked with Promise, also benefited form E-Money’s generosity.
Kcee was contacted to confirm this story and he said it was common with the team as they loved to give back to the street.
According to Kcee:
If you follow the Five Star music family you’ll know this is what we do, it’s my brother’s birthday and he decided to give back to the street and we are grateful to God for his mercies and grace upon us.
See photos:
Etitinwo:24I Can Be In The Club With Meek Mill And Future And Be On A Level With Them – Davido Talks Sony Deal In Fader Magazine.
The singer touched on a lot of topics with his deal with Sony Music included.
On his deal with Sony, Davido revealed that the deal is an opportunity for his music to reach both European and American fans.
He further revealed that he hopes to get a spot on a huge U.S tour, a major push for a crossover single, amongst other things.
The singer will also feature non -Africans in his album with U.S rapper, Future, being one of them
According to Davido:
I know what kind of songs work. The music should have everything in it—Jamaican, African,
American, everything. Something like Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba,’ it has a cool feel to it. But are
foreigners going to come to Nigeria to listen to that all the time? No. It has to have a pop
influence.
The ‘Dodo’ crooner further added that he believes he will make a difference where others have tried and failed. This according to him is due to his understanding if both the American and African world.
I can be in the club with Meek Mill and Future and be on a level with them. I understand what
they’re talking about. I know what the trap is. These are things that some of these other guys,
they don't have it. They can’t have these conversations with the rappers, so how can they
have them with the fans?
Etitinwo24:Psquare’s Home Placed Under Locks Till Further Notice.
Just after, Jude Okoye, their manager dropped them as his artiste, reports now have it that their Omole Phase 1 home, has been placed under locks till further notice.
According to sources, this act was due to the brothers not showing up for an event they were billed to perform despite the fact that they had been paid a day before the event.
Sources further revealed that the brothers had been summoned by a court three times, but failed to show up.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
Etitinwo24:Managing Messi a ‘privilege’ – Luis Enrique.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique described the fortune to have Lionel Messi on his side a ‘privilege’ after the five-time World Player of the Year scored his 300th La Liga goal.
Messi scored twice in a 3-1 win at Sporting Gijon on Wednesday to take his tally to 301 league goals in 335 games as Barca extended their lead at the top of the table to six points.
“To be able to count on Leo is always a privilege no matter how the opponent plays,” said Luis Enrique.
Barca are now heavy favourites to seal a fifth Liga title in seven years with Atletico Madrid their closest challengers and Real Madrid a further point adrift in third.
“I am optimistic in any situation and this is a favourable one,” added Luis Enrique.
“But that doesn’t mean anything because we all know that when the final games of the season approach, especially the last 10, the teams in trouble begin to win games and it becomes very difficult to take the points.
“We are where we want to be and we depend on ourselves.”
The only negative for the European champions was another missed penalty, this time by Luis Suarez.
Messi had caused a worldwide sensation by passing a spot-kick into Suarez’s path to complete his hat-trick in the 6-1 rout of Celta Vigo on Sunday.
However, between Messi, Suarez and Neymar, Barca have now missed seven of their 15 directly taken penalties this season.
It mattered little though, as Suarez made amends with a terrific finish for his 40th goal of the season 23 minutes from time.
“We want to improve in that aspect, but those that miss them are the ones that take the responsiblity to hit them.
“We have confidence in Leo, Luis and Ney. They are great penalty takers.”
Etitinwo24: Kelvin Boj (Laylow) – “My Ride Or Die”
With his E.P still in the works and after his previous international collaboration titled “Olosho” with fetty Wap, Kelvin Boj formerly known as Laylow dishes out this chart topper titled “My Ride Or Die”. Talking good music? Then hit below
DOWNLOAD MUSIC HERE.
Eitinwo24:VIDEO: Dotman – “Yes Melo” (remix) ft. Olamide
U & I Music presents the highly anticipated visuals to Dotman’s Yes Melo Remix featuring the acclaimed king of the streets & main street, Olamide.
Already owning airwaves across the country, Dotman’s ‘Yes Melo Remix’ is undoubtedly poised to be one the major street anthems of 2016.
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE.
Etitinwo24:Peter Okoye Finally Apologizes
With the recent development, I am of the opinion that Psquare is about to drop a new album as i can only see this as a PR stunt.
Anyways, Peter of Psquare, took to twitter about two hours ago, to tender his apology to his family and fans,over his tirades of insults and what not, towards elder brother/manager, Jude Okoye
I am not perfect, I make mistakes and it hurts people. But when i say sorry I mean it. I am so SORRY for my actions. I sincerely apologize.
Etitinwo24:Lil Kesh Is The King Of The Street.
Talented singer, Lil Kesh, is the cover for the latest edition of Mystreetz Magazine.
The YBNL act, was basically chosen as the cover for his immense talent.
There have been quite a few moments that stood out in the history of the Nigerian music industry but none gathered more conversations and created solutions to several nagging questions like the moment after the winner was announced during the 2015 Headies.
While several media outlets jumped on the bandwagon to elaborate on who’s right, who’s wrong, who dissed the most and who deserved to win the award, we at Mystreetz Magazine took a different outlook to what that moment uncovered. That moment goes beyond who won and who did not.
That moment revealed to us that the Nigerian music industry has transformed to a huge global village with unprecedented numbers of followers exchanging conversation in supersonic speed. It was also an indication that the ‘Streets’ have become the major yardstick dictating who becomes endorsed, which artistes’ caller tunes transform organization’s account sheets into millions of Naira.
That moment told us that the Nigerian music industry has suddenly become one of the most viable sectors in the socio-economic activities in the country. That moment justified the saying, hard work pays. With several facts to deduce from this story, in our own words we can say: ‘….And The Award Goes to Lil Kesh.,’
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Etitinwo24:Siasia lists Iheanacho, Osimhen for Olympics.
Iheanacho
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Iheanacho
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Iheanacho
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Iheanacho
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/siasia-lists-iheanacho-osimhen-for-olympics/
Ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Chief Coach of the National U-23 side, Samson Siasia has expressed his readiness to include Manchester City 23-man squad. Siasia however, said he will like the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to streamline issues so as to avoid the situation where he will invite the player and the Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh will also invite him at the same time.
“I want to get him, but the last time I invited Iheanacho, Oliseh invited him also so it looked like we were not doing the right thing, so we need to streamline things. If the Super Eagles are inviting him, they should invite him so that we don’t send an invitation and suddenly they get another one from the Super Eagles which suggests that something is wrong somewhere. I will reach out to the team secretary to find out if they want Iheanacho for the next game, but if they don’t need him, I want him.
Siasia also spoke of Osimhen, the FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, whom the coach said his technical crew has been impressed with his performance. “Victor Osimhen is always a part of us. He is a young man that is doing very well, I was impressed with him and that was why I started him in our last qualifying game in Senegal, you have to look at the practice session and see how the players are doing to determine who plays at any time.”
The coach equally regretted what he described as the drop in form of former Golden Eaglets striker, Taiwo Awoniyi who recently joined Premiership side, Liverpool. He added that he will like him to have more playing time so as to sharpen his latent skills.
“I talked about Awoniyi because he is a good player, but what we saw in Senegal is not him, he is a good quality player but if he gets more playing time before the Olympics, he may pick up again. We want to see how much playing time he will get before the Olympics.
We have about four FIFA windows before the Olympics and we hope to use them to look at the players we think might be part of the squad for the championship.”
The former national team player nevertheless said he is yet to know the three players he will select for the games as allowed by the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
Etitinwo24:Roma to spoil Zidane’s Champions League coaching debut.
The prospect of spoiling Zinedine Zidane’s Champions League coaching debut with Real Madrid may be formidable, but Roma midfielder Seydou Keita believes his side can upset the 10-time record champions in their last 16, first leg clash.
“How we line up against them is down to the coach, but for me, we have to believe in ourselves and go on the pitch convinced,” said the Malian ahead of Wednesday’s tie in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Former Barcelona midfielder Keita knows his opponents well having won 11 matches with the Catalans in the 17 times he played against the arch Liga rivals.
“This game will be difficult, but not impossible,” added Keita of Real’s miserable record against Italian teams in the competition.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, brought back to the club recently following the sacking of Frenchman Rudi Garcia, was at the helm when the Italians prevailed over two legs in 2008.
Roma beat Real 2-1 at home, a score they would repeat at the Santiago Bernabeu before being humbled 3-0 by eventual winners Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
Real have made it to the semi-finals of the competition the past five seasons, claiming their historic 10th title, ‘La Decima’, in 2014 when current manager Zidane was assistant to Carlo Ancelotti.
Efforts to go one step further last year were rebuffed when Juventus claimed a 2-1 win in Turin and booked their final place against Barcelona thanks to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.
But there is little chance Zidane is entertaining another early exit and the former France and Juventus great comes to Rome with only one defeat from his six-game tenure so far, during which Real have scored 23 goals.
Despite it being his Champions League debut as coach, Zidane’s past experience in the competition gives him the knowledge of what it takes to succeed in Europe’s premier club competition.
“When you’re a player, you dream of playing in the World Cup, but you can dream of the Champions League every year,” said Zidane.
“We are prepared and we want to do something important in this competition.”
Although Welsh winger Gareth Bale remains sidelined with a calf strain, Real welcomed left-back Marcelo, who missed a 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend due to a a dislocated shoulder, back to their matchday squad.
With central defender Pepe sidelined, Raphael Varane will keep his place alongside Sergio Ramos despite being sent off in a poor display at the weekend when Cristiano Ronaldo hit a brace and James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos added their names to the scoresheet
Karim Benzema, who set up Ronaldo for his first on Saturday, admits it won’t be all plain sailing. “The key to the tie is us. If we are on top form we will win,” said the French striker.
“We have to take into account the speed of their forwards, but we are Real Madrid, for me the best team in the world, and we have the best defenders in the world."
Roma, it seems, have been warned. Despite Keita’s call for confidence, fans will be hoping Roma at least produce the kind of display that held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the group stages earlier this season, and not one that led to a 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in Rome last year.
On the plus side, Roma claimed a fourth consecutive league win last weekend for the first time since October.
Argentinian midfielder Diego Perotti admits, Bayern, Barcelona and Real are “all favourites for the title”.
But it seems Keita’s words are already rubbing off: “They’re not going to find it easy against us. We’ll be giving it our all, and we have possibilities to cause an upset in this tie.”
