Briefs

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Nigeria look to 2010 qualifiers

NIGERIA's striker Yakubu Ayegbeni said after his team's elimination from the tournament's quarter- finals that his country is now looking ahead to the 2010 World Cup qualifiers which start in June.

"It was a tough match for two good sides but we never took the few chances that came our way," Yakubu said after Ghana beat Nigeria 2-1. "We failed to take advantage of 10-man Ghana but wish the Black Stars all the best."

The Everton forward said the team now had to focus on the World Cup where they face South Africa at home in their first qualifier in June. They also have Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone in their group

Ticket chief remains

KOFI Amoah, chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations, has refuted reports that they have sacked Andy Sam, who is in charge of tickets for Ghana 2008.

"Sam has not been sacked. He is still in charge but we have made changes in the ticketing department for better results," Amoah said.

"As the tournament enters its crucial stage, we need to organise for the better. The public deserve more. We hope the new system will give better service to the public," he added.

Reports said Sam had been sidelined for a poor performance and ordered to hand over his position to the National Council of Sports (NCS).

"The government wants everybody to watch the matches," Amoah said.

Adebayor fills Henry's void

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger admits striker Emmanuel Adebayor has helped fans quickly forget the influence of former star Thierry Henry. The Togo forward took his season's goal tally to 21 after scoring twice in the 3-1 away win over Manchester City.

"Thierry Henry is a world-class player and we will not forget him," said Wenger of his 21-goal forward. "It is a massive compliment to Adebayor to say he has filled that void he left."

Adebayor had hardly been prolific before this season. In his previous four campaigns he has scored eight, 11, five and 12. But Wenger is a supreme spotter of untapped talent that can be nurtured, which is why he bought him from Monaco in 2006.

Now the Gunners chief is getting his return, with the giant frontman racking up 21 goals so far this season.

"There was a question mark about his attitude and spirit. Did we manage to change him or did the player himself realise he had wasted enough time?" Wenger asked rhetorically.

"I think with us he found a club where he could express his talent and realised he had a magnificent chance. He has made a big improvement this year and has become remarkably consistent. He does not just score goals but plays for the team.

"His movement off the ball and finishing have really improved. When he started with us he was not calm in front of goal but now he is really composed," Wenger said.