Sport

DALUNG EXTOLS SUPER FALCONS FOR WINNING WAFU CUP

minister of youth and sport solomon dalung

The minister of youth and sport barrister solomon dalung exolled the national women team super falcons for winning the wafu cup in abidjan on saturday.

the super falcons defeated the host nation cote D” ivoire 5-4 in the penalty shootout ensure A- 1 draw in regulation time at the stade robert champrouxIn a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media, Nneka Anibeze, Dalung said the team’s victory is a reinforcement of the Super Falcons’ dominance of women’s football in Africa. “I congratulate the Super Falcons for lifting the WAFU Women’s Cup in Cote D’Ivoire. I commend them and their officials for their excellence, team spirit, outstanding display and unity of purpose. I urge you to continue in like manner as you approach the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next month. The task ahead is quite enormous but we are upbeat that you will make the country proud in France at the World Cup, Dalung said.

Cristiano ronaldo deserve ballon dor more than messi, claims cahill

juventus super star cristiano ronaldo

The Australian has backed the Juventus star for more individual silverware after his bold move to Serie A

While Lionel Messi is the strong favourite to claim the next Ballon d’Or after another stunning season with Barcelona, Tim Cahill has instead backed his rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the award.

Both players are currently locked on a record five Ballon d’Or titles and it is the Argentine that appears on track to pick up his sixth later this year.

Messi scored 36 goals in La Liga this season as Barcelona claimed another league title and he chipped in with a further 12 strikes in the Champions League. 

Flying Eagles Taking Qatar Today

the flying Eagles of Nigeria

today the 24th of may, 2019 the fliying Eagles taking are going to start there Encounter against the Arab site Qatar. the flying Eagles who also participate in neitheland 2005,columbia 2011,and turkey 2013 and reach the final once in 2005 against argentina on penalty favour during the match.

the nigeria team have never won the tournament inspite participating.and the flying Eagles is regular at the U-20 world cup and this is their 12th appearance at the tournament .they will be desperate to make amend for 2017, when they missed out, but do they have the quality to go once better than 1987 and 2005 when they were defeated.

NIGERIA U-20 BATTLE WITH USA TODAY

the flying eagles of nigeria

is a big day today as the nigerian site the flying eagles taking on usa in poland, the flying eagles will play there second match .if grab point they will be heading to the championship knockout stage is the objective of the Nigeria U-20 boys, flying Eaglesas they confront team usa. the venue will contain 15000 capacity bielsko- biala stadium in the city of the same name , a facilityconstructed on the site of the old facilities and which hosted the last international march 2018, when poland tackled england in an u -20 match. coach paul Aigbogun is banking on the flaming form of his boys , who amassed four goal against qatar in tychy on friday , to consume a desperate team usa still looking for first point of the finals the Americans lost 1-2 to ukraine also on friday .

we had a great game against qatar and we want to stay in that spirit all though the championship . we will not make the mistake of under rating any team.our approach remains taking it on game at a time. we go in there and fulfill our game plan of achieving victory . it is not going to be easy match the American Are in good form and we need the three point to assure our place in the round of 16 . Aigbogun said yesterday.

2019 Afcon stadiums were it will be played

afcon 2019 stadium

The six stadiums that will be used for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this summer

2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) hosts Egypt, are no strangers to hosting major sporting events as the country has one of the best stadia infrastructures available on the continent.

The expansion of the competition from 16 nations was always going to prove a hosting challenge and when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced its decision to strip Cameroon of the right to host the 2019 Afcon finals after lengthy delays in preparations, Egypt and South Africa were the only realistic options with only seven months to go until the first match kicked off.

Caf was convinced by Egypt’s enthusiasm and infrastructure readiness and announced Egypt as hosts in January 2019, after which the Egyptian Football Federation revealed these stadiums as the six venues to host Afcon 2019 matches. 

Nigeria site lost to the united state by two goal to nothing

the nigeria team flying eagle were defeated 2¨0 by the usa in the on going fifa under 20 world cup in poland. the match was played at bielsko biala stadium. sebatian soto score the both goal that put the usa in the lead.

super falcons beat korea republic 2 Nil

the super falcons of nigeria

yesterday june 12 as the super falcons came in a suprise to beat korea republic by two goals to nothing, the goal came from azizat oshoala as she double the league with 15 minute left of the game,after using her strength to past the korean hwang and roll the ball across the goal line.

It was a deserved win for the Super Falcons as they open their France 2019 account. They did everything asked of them. Kept their concentration in defence, worked hard in the midfield and finished off their chances in attack.

It was all the more disheartening for the Taegeuk Nangja as they dominated possession throughout only to fall victim to two quick counter-attacks.

Azizat oshoala wins player of the match

Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala has been adjudged the Player of the Match, following their 2-0 win over Korea Republic at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup in France.

Barcelona new signing sealed victory for Nigeria as she raced onto a pass down the right and into the penalty area ahead of her marker.

Oshoala, the former Liverpool and Arsenal forward, took the ball around the goalkeeper before clipping an angled effort back over the line.

Speaking shortly after the tie, Osholala said; At first, I think we were a little bit scared of losing and going out. But after a while we just decided to go for it. I always say that I’m never under pressure – I just go on the pitch and do my job.

It’s an 11-player game and I just look to enjoy the game, have fun and do the right thing for my team. The group is wide open now. We just have to concentrate now on making sure we get the points we need against France.

Super eagles against Guinea will be under probability base on bonuses

Nigeria winger Ahmed musa

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr called for “serenity and harmony” among his players as they face Guinea amid talks with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid allowances and bonuses.

Winger Ahmed Musa did not appear as scheduled for the Super Eagles’ pre-match news conference ahead of their Group B match following reports the squad did not receive a bonus payment for the 1-0 victory over Burundi.

Rohr confirmed that Musa missed the media appearance to meet with the NFF but said he hoped the situation would be resolved quickly to allow them to focus on their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which continues against Guinea on Wednesday.

“My player [Musa] couldn’t attend the press conference today because they have a very important meeting,” said Rohr.

“I just hope the situation can be resolved so we can focus on what we have in front of us, and that the situation around the team will be a good one with the serenity and harmony that we need.”

Odion Ighalo came on as a substitute against Burundi and scored within four minutes of his introduction to settle a tight match at Alexandria Stadium.

Guinea started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Madagascar, and Rohr said the prospect of clinching qualification for the next round with a second successive victory would motivate his players.

“I think that we are ready because the players are coming back and becoming fit now, and Guinea have the pressure because they have to win this match,” said Rohr.

“I think that this match is the most difficult in our group when you see the players they have playing in such big teams like Liverpool, Napoli, Bordeaux. A lot of them have been educated in France with the French football philosophy.

“But we are in a positive situation because we are top of the group with three points we want to stay on the top of the group.

“If we win we are sure to be qualified already and this is a big motivation for our players.”

Guinea defender Issiaga Sylla, who plays his club football for Toulouse, indicated his side would go for broke to get the result they need to keep their campaign alive.

“We don’t have anything to lose,” he told reporters. “We’ll play with all our strength against Nigeria. It’s going to be difficult but we’ll do everything we can.

“We have a lot of players that can make the difference.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nigeria – John Obi Mikel

Substituted after just under an hour against Burundi, Mikel admitted his side struggled to break down their opponents and will be keen to make amends against Guinea.

Guinea – Sory Kaba

Forward Kaba has scored in Guinea’s last two games, including netting in the 34th minute of the draw with Madagascar, and will be a marked man against Nigeria.

KEY OPTA FACTS

– Nigeria and Guinea’s only previous AFCON encounter came in March 1976 in the group stages (1-1).
– Guinea are unbeaten in their last four meetings against Nigeria in all competitions (W3 D1), after winning none of their previous eight games against the Super Eagles (D4 L4).
– Nigeria have won their last five games in the tournament, their longest streak ever in their history, never conceding more than one goal in each of their five encounters.
– Guinea are winless in their last six games in the Africa Cup of Nations (D5 L1), their last success in the competition coming back in January 2012 against Botswana (6-1).

Afcon 2019:Soccer fans task Super Eagle crew on defensive issue

Soccer fans in Minna on Tuesday advised the technical crew of  Super Eagles to improve on the team’s defence and attack in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. The football enthusiasts who spoke to  Newsmen urged the crew to ensure a formidable defence and sharper attack than the current one in subsequent matches. The team defeated their Burundian counterparts 1-0 on June 22 in their Group B opener at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt.

Mr Suleiman Isah, President, Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) and journalist with the Authority Newspapers, commended the Nigeria side and their handlers for a good start by winning their first game. “I am happy that we won our first match but our players and coaches led by Gernot Rohr must work hard to fortify our defence and sharpen our attack to play on target for goals. “This is the beginning, you know that if our team eventually goes beyond this stage, they will meet other strong side such as Egypt, Cameroon, Algeria and others,” he said. Isah noted that it was not an easy task for Nigeria to break the Burundians’ defence at the end of 90 minutes to win the game. “It took us time to score, so we must work harder to make a good impact in this competition,” he said. He said that Rohr got a good understanding of the match and used it to our advantage. “The great change between Mikel Obi and Ahmed Musa demonstrated the ability of the technical adviser to read the game.

“It shows that he may get it right this time around but with hard work,” he said. Similarly, Malam Aliyu Lawal, Correspondent, Radio Nigeria, Kaduna, said that the Super Eagles players and their handlers needed to be more serious and committed if they want to bring the trophy home. “It is not going to be an easy task to bring the Cup home but it is possible if they work hard. `So far so good, we are now leading the group B with three points after defeating Burundi by a lone goal in our opening match,” he said. The Radio Nigeria’s correspondent said that other opponents in the group, Madagascar and Guinea played 2-2 draw to the advantage of Nigeria, “so we are topping the group.” Lawal advised the technical crew to substitute Mikel Obi and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to enable the team defeat Guinea on Wednesday. He argued that the goalkeeper made some tactical mistakes by creating unnecessary chances for the Burundians which they did not utilise. “We don’t have to gamble with him again,” he said. Lawal said that there was the need for the players to be more coordinated and tactical in their next match and continue with their mass defence and mass attack strategy. “I am satisfied with their formation only that our strikers need to be much more aggressive in their pursuit for goals. “The coach should train them the more on aiming at target because they have wasted a lot of chances in their first match which need to be converted to goals.” Also, Mr Daniel Atori, New Telegraph Newspapers Correspondent, also lauded the victory sayig that a lot of work needed to be done by the technical crew, especially in the defence and forward. “The team should be focused and exhibit discipline so that they can achieve their desire of winning the competition. “I want the technical crew of the Super Eagles to work more on the team in order to convert chances created in previous matches to goal in next match,” he said. Atori said that Nigeria’s next match against Guinea must be won so that the coach can use other players who would have a feel of the competition in the last game against Madagascar.

Nigeria Next Match Comes up by 3:30pm Nigeria time

Super Eagles

The Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2019 will on Friday commence in Egypt.

However, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their quest for a fourth title when they take on Burundi on Saturday, June 22.

The Super Eagles are also billed to take on debutants Madagascar as well as Guinea who were runners up in 1976.

Full 2019 Afcon 2019 Super Eagles Fixtures

22nd June 2019 (Saturday)

Nigeria v Burundi (06:00pm/Nigeria/West African Time)

26th June 2019 (Wednesday)

Nigeria v Guinea, Alexandria Stadium (03:30 pm/Nigeria/West African Time)

30th June 2019 (Sunday)

Afcon 2019: ‘We are jokers’ – Nigerians give credit to Madagascar after humiliating defeat

odion Ighalo

Gernot Rohr’s men were outclassed by the debuting nation in the battle for group supremacy in AlexandriaMore

A 2-0 loss to Madagascar on Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations outing has left Nigerians fuming on social media.

A first-half effort from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and a Carolus Andriamatsinoro deflected free-kick in the 53rd minute was enough for the Barea to grab a famous win against the three-time African champions.

Although the Super Eagles qualified for the Round of 16 as Group B runners-up behind Nicolas Dupuis’ men, football enthusiasts across the country are far from happy after the embarrassing loss.

Buhari shocked by non- payment of Super Eagles Bonuses.

president buhari on super eagles bonuses

President Muhammadu Buhari was shocked over the non-payment of the allowances of Super Eagles, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has said. Lalong who was in Egypt to watch the AFCON met with the president at the State House, Abuja yesterday.

He told reporters that: I came in to have a discussion with Mr. President, of course many of you know that I just came back from Egypt where we went to cheer our Super Eagles and I also brought him the concerns of our players over there and he promised to handle the matter immediately because football is a unifying factor in Nigeria and we shouldn’t joke with it, if they bring back the cup, it will cement our relationship and that is one of it, he said.

Asked to share the concerns, he said: Well, many of the concerns raised were that their allowances were not paid and Mr President expressed surprise that he approved these allowances and wondered why they are not paid to them.

I was a footballer. It’s not like before when you play football out of patriotism, now it’s combined with the economic aspect. When you bring people, definitely from the ministry, you must ensure that their allowances are paid. “We went there for the joy of it and the day we were there they won their match but when we left yesterday, (Sunday) I understand they lost to Madagascar. Defeating Guinea and allowing Madagascar to defeat us is a surprise, but I think with good motivation, these boys would bring back the cup,” he said. Related 

Another Event is About to Happen super Eagles Facing cameroun

Nigeria super Eagles

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have emerged as the Round of 16 opponents for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles were beaten to the top spot in Group B by Madagascar and that meant they would be facing the second-placed team in Group F.

While Cameroon were dictating the pace in Group F before the final set of games on Wednesday, the Lions dropped to the second spot after they were held to a barren draw by the Benin Republic and Ghana got a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea.

Both Ghana and Cameroon amassed five points in the group phase.

Though the Super Eagles trounced Cameroon en route to qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup, the Lions are bad customers for Nigeria at past editions of the AFCON.

In the last three games between Cameroon and Nigeria at the Nations Cup, the Lions have emerged victorious.

Cameroon, who have five AFCON titles compared to Nigeria’s three, are the defending champions.

I will do It for keshi- Ahmed Musa

Ahmed Musa is one of the three players in the current Nigerian team competing at the Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019 that were in the last Super Eagles squad to clinch the title under the late Stephen Keshi in South Africa in 2013.

Just over three weeks after the Nigerian people commemorated three years of Keshi’s passing on, Musa who was one of the players who played a pivotal role in the 2013 conquest says he is driven by his memory to try and win this year’s crown.

If we win the title, I am going to dedicate it to the late Stephen Keshi

It was such a happy occasion when we won in 2013 and we said as a team then that there is no bigger honour than winning something for your country. Now, it is the same for us this year after missing out over the last two editions,” Musa told CAFOnline.com.

“If we win the title, I am going to dedicate it to the late Stephen Keshi because he was like a father to me. It’s not that easy losing someone so special to you and the memories I have left of him are like a motivator,” Musa further stated.

The charismatic Keshi led a squad built on belief to clinch the crown with an inspired 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in a tough final, earning them their third continental title. The tactician, fondly referred to as ‘The big boss’ unfortunately suddenly passed away on June 7 2016.

Under his belt, apart from clinching the AFCON title with Nigeria in 2013 helped them to reach the rund of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Keshi also led Togo to their first World Cup in 2006.

“There are so many lessons I draw from him as a person and as a coach and that is what always keeps me going. We really miss him as players and as a country and we always pray for him. It would be an honor for us if we won this for him,” added Musa.

The other two players who were in Keshi’s 2013 squad include captain John Obi Mikel and defender Kenneth Omeruo who scored the goal that earned the Super Eagles a last 16 berth in this year’s tournament.

Musa believes that with hard work and self belief, Nigeria can fight for the title though he reckons it will not be easy.

“We don’t fear anyone. For us is just to take a game at a time, focus as a team and give our best. There is no easy team at this AFCON and we know if we are to win, it will come as a result of very hard work,” Musa noted.

Nigeria face perennial rivals in the Round of 16 clash on Saturday in Alexandria, a game Musa and his colleagues know they have to win to remain on course for the title.

Nigeria vs South Africa 7:00pm Nigeria time Tommorow

Nigeria, known by the nickname ‘Super Eagles’, will be appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2013. 

However, that appearance six years ago, at the finals in South Africa, saw the West African powerhouses win the continental championship for the third time, adding to triumphs in 1980 and 1984. 

Overall, Nigeria have appeared at 17 previous AFCON and finished in the top three in no less than 14 of them – an incredibly consistent standard of excellence. 

The Super Eagles are managed by German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge since 2016 and oversaw their qualification for both the 2018 World Cup and this year’s AFCON.

odion ighalo win man of the match

Odion Jude Ighalo of Nigeria wins man of the match award during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 06 July 2019

Super Eagles Victory against bafana bafana

super eagles yesterday qualify for the on going semi final in Egypt which will come off on sunday 14 july, 2019. the goal which came from the winger chikwueze and troost ekong. there which came as a surprise with the 2 nill victory the super eagles will on sunday face either code “ivoire or algeria.

Sport Nigeria vs South Africa: What Villarreal said about Chukwueze’s performance, Super Eagles’ AFCON match victory

Nigeria vs South Africa: What Villarreal said about Chukwueze’s performance, Super Eagles’ AFCON match victory

Spanish football club, Villarreal has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for booking a place in the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2019 semi-finals.

This was as the club congratulated Samuel Chukwueze for his great performance during the Super Eagles quarter-final match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, yesterday.

Chukwueze gave the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead before the break following an assist from Alex Iwobi.

However, South Africa levelled in the second half, thanks to Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) decision.

With the match looking to head into extra time, William Troost-Ekong forced the ball over the line in the final minute of play.

Reacting to Super Eagles’ victory, Villarreal FC congratulated the team for booking a place in the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, semi Finals.

Nigeria vs Cameroon : Buhari congratulates Super Eagles over victory

Nigeria’s forward Odion Ighalo celebrates his second goal with teammates during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Alexandria Stadium in the Egyptian city on July 6, 2019. ( AFP) President Buhari in a three paragraph statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina said he “recognises the hardwork, team spirit and sportsmanship the boys have exhibited in the tournament, which are good signs for a team destined to excel.” He said with yet more hurdles to scale before lifting the diadem, the team and their handlers should remain focused and determined, assuring them of the fervent prayers and support of all Nigerians

MIKEL OBI RETIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

John obi mikel

Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel has announced his retirement from the senior national team after after 13 years of service.

The 32-year old midfielder who was part of Gernot Rohr’s squad that won the bronze medals of the AFCON 2019 in Egypt for a record eight time announced on Instagram that he was glad ending his career in Egypt where it all began with the senior national team in 2006.

“Egypt is a country where I have started and have finished my national career. In 2006, i played my first official Championship for my country. 2019 Africa Cup of Nations marks my last Championship for National Team with Super Eagles, Mikel posted on Instagram Thursday afternoon.

Brazil name squad for Eagles friendly today

the super eagles of Nigeria

The Nigeria Football Federation are shopping for an African team to play the Super Eagles on October 10 after confirming an international friendly game against Brazil in Singapore on October 13.

The game between Nigeria and Brazil was confirmed by both federations on Tuesday. The game is the first meeting between both sides in 16 years.

Both teams last clashed in a friendly at the Moshood Abiola national stadium in Abuja in 2003 with the Selecao thrashing the Eagles 3-0.

Goals from Gil, Luis Fabiano and Adriano condemned Nigeria to their first defeat at the stadium.

The game, which is the second friendly for the Eagles after their 2-2 draw with Ukraine in Dnipro, will hold at the 55,000 capacity National stadium, Kallang, Singapore.

The South American giants will play another African side Senegal three days before they clash with the Eagles.

According to Brazil’s team coordinator, Juninho Paulista, the choice of both games is in line with Brazil’s policy to play against the top 50 teams ranked by FIFA whenever possible.

“We chose two of the best African teams because they offer high level competition. It was a wish of the Technical Commission, so we went after these opponents,” Paulista told Brazil’s official website.

But the choice of Brazil playing both African countries has not gone well with Brazilian fans, who took to Twitter to express their disappointments at the quality of the opponents.

“While the Europeans are facing each other, we are facing level B and the worst, it doesn’t even come in with such favouritism,” @manasefraim tweeted.

“These friendlies with these expressionless teams only devalue the Brazilian team,” @nicholeayu also tweeted.

“When will you have a real confrontation against oppositions of weight? Shame,” @jaovsilvaa said.

“Now, I’m relieved with the preparation for the World Cup. But how about a harder opponent? New Caledonia, Vietnam, something like that,” @fragagercossimo added.

The former African champions will use the game as part of their preparation for November’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Benin and Lesotho.

“We are happy to have sealed this encounter with Brazil, the five-time champions of the world. It is not every day that you get to Brazil, and I think it is very good for our young team,” Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said in a media statement.

“The NFF must also commend Eurodata Sport, our FIFA-licensed match agent, for pulling this off.

“Having said that, the focus now is on getting an African team for the Super Eagles as a second match for the FIFA window in October, ahead of their 2021 AFCON qualifying matches in November.”

After hosting the Squirrels of Benin Republic on November 14, the Eagles will fly to Maseru for a Day Two encounter with the Crocodiles of Lesotho on November 19.

Lionel messi beats virgil van Dijk and cristiano Ronal do to Fifa’S Best men’s player Award

the barcelona’s lionel messi was awrded the best men’s player at the best fifa football awards for a recrd sixth time on monday night.

the accolade come s afteer a 2018 19 season in the Argentinian scored 51 goals for is club.

messi, 32 beat off competition from liverpool defender virgil van Dijk and juventus ace Cristiano ronaldo to land the prestigious best men’Ss player award.

the 32 years old Argentine helped barcelona win La liga and reach the semi finals of the champions league.

real madrid playmaker luka modric pipped Ronaldo to the award last year with 29.05 perc ent of the votes, with mohammed salah third in the standings.

elsewhere,Liverpool manager jurgen klopp was named mens coach of the year.

klopp was nominated for the award along with two other premier league bosses – manchester city s pep guadiola and tottenham mauricio pochettino

the German led the Reds to a sixth European crown last season, as well as.

best fifa football awards 2019: jurgen klopp wins best coach gong aheadof pep guadiola and mauricio pochettino

Jurgen Klopp has landed FIFA’s best men’s coach award after leading Liverpool to Champions League glory

The German claimed the award ahead of Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose team Liverpool defeated in the Champions League final, and City’s Pep Guardiola.

Klopp said at the ceremony at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala: “Mauricio – we won that game, that’s why I’m here, not you.

“That’s how football is, but we all know what an incredible job you did, what an incredible job Pep did, what so many coaches out there did.

“I have to say thank you to my outstanding club Liverpool FC, to the owners, I have to say they gave me an incredible team, and I have to thank my team, because as a coach you only can be as good as your team is

Real Madrid Yesterday Escape loss in Champions League

Real fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at the

e Bernabeu – but the result is a further setback for Zinedine Zidane.

The hosts were jeered off at half-time by their own supporters after Club Brugge took a 2-0 lead. Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis scored both, twice getting in behind the Real defence to finish – the second with a delightful chip over goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real rallied after the break – during which Courtois was replaced by Alphonse Areola – and the sub keeper’s super save to deny Dennis sparked a comeback, with Sergio Ramos and Casemiro scoring headers either side of a red card for Ruud Vormer.

Relive the action LIVE with Ben Hayward at Santiago Bernabeu!

18 hours agoWelcome to Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Champions League group game between Real Madrid and Club Brugge. Stick with us for all the build-up ahead of kick-off. Ben Hayward is at the Santiago Bernabeu to guide you through the game. 

18 hours agoTeam news

Photo: Reuters

 Gareth Bale has been rested for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash at home to Club Brugge as Isco and Marcelo return to the squad after injury.
The Welshman played the whole 90 minutes for Los Blancos in their 0-0 draw away to Atletico in the Madrid derby on Saturday, but he is not on the 19-man list for the Group F clash.
James Rodriguez has a knock and also misses out, but Marcelo and Isco are in the squad for the first time after recovering from their respective injuries.
Luka Modric could make his first start since recovering from an adductor problem. The Croatian midfielder returned to action as a substitute in the derby on Saturday.
There is no place for young forward Rodrygo as the Brazilian continues with the the youth team, while Ferland Mendy is still out and Marco Asensio remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Brahim Diaz is available again after injury, but is not included on the list for tonight’s game.
“I have 25 players and it annoys me that I have to leave so many out of the squad,” Zidane said on Monday.
“They train all week and then have to watch the game at home. But he’ll have his chance. The season is long.”
Alvaro Odriozola and Mariano Diaz also miss out.17 hours agoReal Madrid team newsStarting XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Lucas Vazquez, Benzema, Hazard. Subs: Areola, Eder Militao, Marcelo, Valverde, Jovic, Isco, Vinicius Jr.Advertisement17 hours agoClub Brugge team newsStarting XI: Mignolet; Mata, Mechele, Deli, Ricca; Rits, Vormer, Vanaken; Diatta, Dennis, Tau. Subs: Horvath, Kossounou, Cools, Sobol, Schrijvers, Diagne, Openda16 hours agoClub Brugge fans in good voice as Real Madrid’s trickle in late It’s warm and sunny for an early kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu and the mood is somewhat strange here. Fans in Madrid not used to Champions League games at this hour and there are not very many inside the stadium just yet. Many would still be working at this time. In fact, there are probably as many Club Brugge fans here as Real Madrid supporters at the moment, and the Belgians are in good voice up in the corner of the ground as the players warm up on the pitch.16 hours agoLuka Modric returns for Real Madrid; Isco & Marcelo on the bench after injury Luka Modric makes his first start after injury. Marcelo and Isco are available again, but start on the bench. Lucas Vazquez is in for Gareth Bale, who is rested. Nacho starts at left-back with Ferland Mendy out and Marcelo not ready for 90 minutes.  AdvertisementKICK OFF16 hours agoReal Madrid get the match started!16 hours ago1 min: Eduard Sobol brings down Lucas Vazquez inside 25 seconds…16 hours ago2 mins: Lucas is on the right tonight, with Bale rested, and Eden Hazard on the left as Karim Benzema plays centrally…Advertisement16 hours ago3 mins: Casemiro brings down Percy Tau and the Brazilian is fortunate to escape without a yellow card…16 hours ago4 mins: Good possession from Real Madrid early on…16 hours ago5 mins: Karim Benzema and Luka Modric link up on the left side and win a corner. From it, the French forward rises brilliantly, but heads just wide…Advertisement16 hours ago6 mins: The sun has gone down behind the stands at the Bernabeu and visibility is better now. There is also a cool breeze. Both sets of fans in good voice so far, especially the visitors…16 hours ago7 mins: Madrid fans with their usual chants to remember Juanito, who wore the number 7 here and tragically died in a car crash in 1992. Back in his day, the Bernabeu was a fortress on nights like these…16 hours ago9 mins: Club Brugge have the ball in the net, but it looks like it will be ruled out for offside…Advertisement16 hours ago10 mins: VAR is checking. We wait…GOAL!16 h: It took a long time for Santiago Bernabeu! Percy Tau was just onside when he ran down the left and he crossed for Bonaventure, who was level. The striker mis-kicked his effort, but it wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois and went in. Unbelievable!Advertisement16 hours ago13 mins: That’s the first goal Real Madrid have conceded since Paris! No goals scored and four conceded so far in the continental competition for Los Blancos in 2019-20…16 hours ago15 mins: The Belgian fans in great voice and the goal has given their team a huge lift. Real Madrid a little rattled at the moment…

CHAN 2020: Eagles failure due to bad luck – Sikiru

Alimi Sikiru labelled Nigeria’s 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan) miss as after they defeated Togo 2-0 in the second round, second leg fixture on Saturday. who fail to qualify for the chan competition which will come on next year.

A 4-1 first-leg defeat at Stade de Kegue ensured aggregate scores stood at 4-3, thus denying Imama Amapakabo’s men a place in the tournament billed for Cameroon.

“It feels really great scoring two goals against Togo, at the same time it’s disappointing not qualifying for Chan 2020,” he told Goal. “We put in our best, we did everything right, we executed our coaches’ tactics but we were just unfortunate not to make the championship.

The competition could have been a great platform for us – the Nigeria Professional Football League players to showcase our talent before the entire world. “However, we have missed that chance and we will return to our respective clubs to prepare for league resumption.

Dare tasks panel to probe Doha poor outing

Mr. Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development.The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has tasked the newly inaugurated review panel to expose facts responsible for Team Nigeria’s failure at the just-concluded World Athletics Championships held in Doha, Qatar.

The minister inaugurated the committee on Monday in fulfillment of his promise that Nigeria’s poor performance and disqualification scare of Blessing Okagbare and Divine Oduduru would be investigated.

The Athletic Federation of Nigeria earlier took responsibility for the mix-up and apologised to Nigerians.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the minister told members of the panel that “the the assignment would be tasking and daunting.”

He also told them that as they had limited time with which to send on their report, but tasked them “to go for the facts and figures.”

“We need to know why Nigeria which topped the athletics medals table at the 2019 African Games in August came a distant ninth with just one bronze medal on Africa’s standing at the championships just about a month later.

“Other African countries, like Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and even Namibia, did better than Nigeria at the Championships,” the minister said.

The minister expressed optimism in the ability of the committee to do a thorough job owing to the experiences of some of the members with first hand information, interpersonal contacts with some of the athletes and officials amongst others.

Prof. Ken Angwueje was inaugurated as the chairman of the committee, while the members are Dr. Umar Bindir, Rotimi Obajimi, Ibrahim Galadima, Dare Esan, Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, and Maria Wophill as secretary. 

Arsenal were defeated by sheilfield united in yesterday Encounter

Sheffield United claimed the scalp of Arsenal to move up to ninth in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane.

The Blades had not won in the league at home since August 18 and had lost their last three top-flight outings in front of their own fans.

However, Lys Mousset’s first-half goal got the world’s oldest football stadium rocking and, along with some stoic and organised defending, it proved enough for a famous triumph.

It was only Arsenal’s second loss of the season but their troubles on their travels continue – Unai Emery’s team have not won away in the league since the opening day – as the Gunners missed the chance to go third in the table.

Arsenal thought they should have had a penalty after six minutes when John Egan pulled Sokratis back by his shirt as the hosts defended a corner.

Referee Mike Dean seemed to have a good view of the incident but he was unmoved, although television replays appeared to show Egan had got away with one.

The Gunners should have taken the lead midway through the first half. Nicolas Pepe started a swift, slick counter attack deep inside his own half and he should have finished it too.

The attack developed down the left and Sead Kolasinac whipped a pin-point cross into the six-yard box where Pepe was arriving at the far post, but the Ivorian went for the ball with his left foot rather that his right and somehow touched it wide.

The Blades capitalised on their good fortune after half an hour when Mousset turned the ball home from close range after Jack O’Connell had headed Oliver Norwood’s corner back across goal.

The hosts could have had a penalty when George Baldock went down under a challenge from Kolasinac, while immediately at the other end Arsenal felt aggrieved for the second time when, rather than point to the penalty spot, referee Dean booked Bukayo Saka for diving after he went to ground following a coming together with Egan.

Arsenal assistant coach Freddie Ljungberg was so incensed by the decision that he also received a yellow card for his protests.

Dean Henderson ensured his side went into half-time ahead when he pushed away Granit Xhaka’s 30-yard strike in first-half injury time.

Arsenal made a change at the break with Dani Ceballos replacing Joe Willock. The Spaniard, on loan from Real Madrid, gave the home defenders something new to think about early in the second half, coming in-field from the left and finding pockets of space.

He might have equalised after an hour but scuffed his shot from Saka’s cross and, in the end, it was a routine save for Henderson.

At the other end the Blades remained a threat and Baldock sliced an attempt wide before John Fleck’s driven effort rippled the side-netting, with many inside Bramall Lane thinking it was 2-0.

Fleck then hit a swerving shot from long distance that was spilled by Bernd Leno, who managed to regather the ball before the onrushing David McGoldrick could pounce.

Emery brought on the fit-again Alexandre Lacazette, out since September with an ankle injury, midway through the second half, with Xhaka making way.

The Frenchman soon won a free-kick in a dangerous position just on the edge of the box. Pepe took it but his curling effort over the defensive wall was seen all the way into the hands of Henderson.

The hosts withstood some pressure late on as the Gunners searched for an equalising goal. Kolasniac headed over the crossbar and Calum Chambers flashed a shot across the face of goal but Chris Wilder’s team saw it out for a deserved win.

Golden Eaglet come strongly day after to score Hungary 4-2 in on going FIFA U-17 World cup in Brazil

Nigeria golden Eaglet against Hungary

Nigeria notched a 4-2 comeback win over Hungary Saturday night at Goiania’s Estadio Olimpico in the Group B opener of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2019. A trio of Golden Eaglet goals in the 79th, 81st and 85th minutes were decisive for the five-time U-17 world champions.

Nigeria 

Despite conceding the opening goal three minutes into the match, Nigeria were quick to regain control of the tempo on the pitch. Captain Samson Tijani was fundamental in connecting his side’s attacking moves. He scored Nigeria’s first and final goals: a converted penalty in the 20th minute and a free-kick that took a friendly deflection in the 85th minute. Sandwiched between those were close-range headed goals from Usman Ibrahim (79′) and Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi (81′).

Hungary 

The Hungarians got off to a dream start, catching their opponents off guard when midfielder Gyorgy Komaromi tapped in David Laszlo’s looping cross unmarked at the far post. They struck again only eight minutes after Tijani’s penalty goal – this time Samuel Major made a late, charging run into the center of the box and scorched the back of the net from 15 yards. But after absorbing Nigeria’s pressure well for most of the evening, Hungary relented in the final 15 minutes.

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATE GOLDEN EAGLET OF NIGERIA AND URGE TO DO MORE IN BRINGING THE TROPHY BACK HOME

The President, in a message to the Nigerian Golden eaglet said that they should do more and work hard to return the trophy for the 6th term in is message after the Nigerian side vanquish the Hungary in the event.

The President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying: ”It was a wonderful display that I am very proud of. “You showed that there is nothing that cannot be achieved with determination and perseverance.

I have followed your journey leading to your arrival in Brazil for the competition. I have equally noted your determination and confidence throughout your preparations. “I have no doubt in my mind that you are determined to win the competition for an unparalleled sixth time.

Garba stated that President Buhari had assured the Golden Eaglets of his continuous personal support and that of Nigerians for the entire period of the tournament. He also urged the team to continue demonstrating the resilient spirit of the Nigerian, and bring the cup home, adding that he would personally be monitoring their progress in the tournament.

The president equally congratulated the handlers of the team, urging them to be sensitive to the needs of the youngsters in their burning desire to bring victory and honor to their fatherland. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the other match of the opening day, host nation Brazil pounded Canada 4-1 in Brasilia. Nigeria will go up against Ecuador in their next match on Tuesday at the same venue. Victory is certain to take the Eaglets to the Round of 16, ahead of their final Group B encounter with Australia.

golden Eaglet of Nigeria to play Equador today by 9pm Nigerian time.

NIgerian golden eaglet to play equador in brazil today in the on going fifa under 17 world cup the nigeria side who come strongly to defeated hungary in there last encounter was also the opener of the game. the 5 time champion who are impressive in the history of the tournament.

How Terry Stopped Chelsea From Signing Aguero before He joined Man city

Sergio Aguero

sergio Aguero could have formed a superstar striker force with didier drogba at chelse – but john terry blocked the signing. the blues were seraching for a fr4ont man to boost their aging attack in the summer of 2009 – with talisman drogba and the previous seasons top scorer nicolas Anelka both over 30 years old.

then Atletico Madrid striker Aguero seemed to fit the bill having crashed 19 and 17 goals in his previous two La liga campaigns , to go alongside healthy returns in champions league and UEFA Cup.

the west london outfit made enquiris to sign the promising Arrgentine in the 2009 summer but were put off by the 40 million pound price tag, according to the athletic.

then chelsea and Atleti were drawn againts each other in the Champions league group stages.

No love lost as angry NFF cautions Rohr on ‘incessant breaches of contract’

super Eagles coach gernot rohr

Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr looks on before the 2018 FIFA World Cup group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, yesterday asked Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Mr. Gernot Rohr to explain reasons behind several breaches of the contract that he signed with the body, which forbids him to divulge to the public/media information on some aspects of the contract. Speaking in Abuja, NFF’s Technical Director, Mr. Bitrus Bewarang accused the Franco-German coach of constantly making public issues which are not technical in nature, a practice the former Super Eagles assistant coach said is ‘highly unprofessional.’

Ronaldo return to form helps Juventus rise to top again

MILAN (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to form has coincided with Juventus taking a firm grip on Serie A.

Ronaldo did not score at all in November, but he scored twice as Juventus beat Parma 2-1 on Sunday to take his tally to 11 in his last seven league matches.

The win also put Juventus on course for a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title as the Bianconeri moved four points above Inter Milan. They were two points behind the Nerazzurri a month and a half ago.

Ronaldo has struggled with injury this season and missed three Serie A matches, playing through pain in others.

The 38-year-old Portugal forward has nevertheless scored 16 goals in 17 matches, becoming the first Juventus player to have that many goals after 20 matches since Omar Sivori in 1960.

Ronaldo is also the only player to have scored at least 15 goals in one of Europe’s top five leagues in each of the last 14 seasons.

“Cristiano is in another class,” Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri said. “Sometimes he poses you a little bit of a problem but he will solve 100 others for you.”

INTER’S LU-LA

While Juventus managed to grind out results in November when Ronaldo wasn’t scoring, Inter struggles when its top scorers are not on form.

There have been three matches since December where neither Romelu Lukaku nor Lautaro Martínez have managed to find the back of the net. All three ended in draws.

The latest was a surprise 1-1 result at relegation-threatened Lecce on Sunday.

That is also down to a general drop in pace in the team as, prior to that, Inter had managed to win the previous four matches where Lukaku and Martínez didn’t score.

“The final result stems from the fact that we’re a team that needs to go at 200 kph. We cannot afford to be off the pace,” Inter coach Antonio Conte said. “It’s evident that if we go at an average pace, if we go into cruise speed, we become a normal team and aren’t able to get a result.”

RED CARD

Mario Balotelli’s match lasted only seven minutes on Sunday and he could now find himself with even less playing time in the coming weeks.

Balotelli came on as a substitute in the 74th minute of Brescia’s 2-2 draw against Cagliari but shortly afterward was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and then immediately shown a second after repeatedly swearing at the referee.

Depending on what referee Antonio Giua writes in his report, Balotelli could be suspended for several matches.

The forward will certainly miss Brescia’s next match, against former team AC Milan.

“I think the yellow card was too harsh. Mario didn’t feel it was right, and his protests didn’t seem excessive to me,” Brescia coach Eugenio Corini said. “It’s a pity because he came on with the desire to make us win the match.”

Balotelli was banned for the first four matches of the Serie A season following a red card in his last match with Marseille last season.

“It’s incredible how one episode can always drastically change from too negative or too positive everyone’s opinion on the character or professionalism of a person,” Balotelli wrote on his Instagram story after the match. “I will continue with my daily work this time, too. It’s not a problem. You can continue to judge me as you wish.

Daniel Amokachi As New Ambassador of the Nigerian football

Amokachi who is the member of 1994 squad of the super Eagles as they win the trophy

under the coach westerof who was the coach them and also participate in the 1994 world cup

on Tuesday signed by the President’s Spokesman, Garba Shehu, recalled that Amokachi, a member of the 1994 Super Eagles Team that won the African Nations Cup in Tunisia, was also in the Nigerian Olympic Football Team to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that won the Gold Medal.

It also noted that in addition to his football exploits in Europe, particularly in England where he won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, Amokachi after retirement has managed Nasarawa United and Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

The statement added that,

6th Feb 2020suleimannuradeen39Leave a Comment on NEW SUPER EAGLES KIT WILL TEAR THE WORLD

NEW SUPER EAGLES KIT WILL TEAR THE WORLD

Nike Company Have Now revealed the new Jersey that will be worn by Super Eagles of Nigeria in 2020. This unveiling was done in New York ahead of the Super Eagles’ African cup of Nation Qualifiers match at home against Sierra Leone.

the Senior Director, General Communication for Nike Heid Burgett Posted the new jersey on his Twitter page this evening as it was planned to be revealed.

Nike were also the makers of the super Eagles Existing outfit that caught the attention of the whole world during the previous world cup in Russia , the shirt sold out as they were voted the best by FIFA.

Yobo replaces Amapakabo as Super Eagles assistant coach

A former captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo has been appointed assistant coach of the senior national team. The appointment was announced yesterday by the Nigeria Football Federation in a press statement.

Yobo, who played for the Nigeria U20 boys – Flying Eagles – during the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup) in 1999, won his first cap for the senior team in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match away to Zambia in Chingola in April 2001, and played in three FIFA World Cup finals in 2002, 2010 and 2014.

The attack -minded defender also played in six Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013, capping it with leading the Super Eagles to their third continental title in South Africa in 2013.

Manchester United suspend talks with Shanghai Shenhua over extending Odion Ighalo’s loan 

Manchester United have suspended talks with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua over extending Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo’s deal with the club due to uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to Daily Mail UK, United want to retain the striker after he scored four goals in eight games, but the issue has been complicated by the global football shutdown as Ighalo’s loan is due to expire on May 31.

Shanghai Shenhua is ready to offer the 30-year-old a new contract worth £400,000 a week, and want the striker back as the Chinese Super League is set to resume soon. The Premier League, however, have yet to set a date ahead of a key vote among clubs on Monday.

According to the report, United want to know when the season will resume before committing to a new deal for Ighalo who have been paying £130,000 a week during two months of football inactivity due to the pandemic

According to Daily Mail, ”Another factor is the return to fitness of Marcus Rashford and, to a lesser extent, Paul Pogba in that time. It was Rashford’s lay-off due to a back fracture that led to United signing Ighalo in the first place.”Ighalo is the first Nigerian to play for the Manchester United first team.

Lionel Messi can only leave Barcelona if €700m release clause is paid, says La Liga

Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill has the latest as Lionel Messi fails to report for Barcelona coronavirus testing

La Liga has dashed Lionel Messi’s hopes of leaving Barcelona on a free transfer by stating his release clause will have to be paid if he is to leave the Nou Camp.

Messi notified Barcelona this week he intends to walk away from the club by exercising a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free at the end of each season.

Wolves complete ‘£37m’ signing of Portuguese right-back, Nelson Semedo from Barcelona

Wolves have completed the signing of Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo for a club-record fee that could rise to £37million. 

The Premier League club announced the deal on Twitter on Wednesday September 23, that the 26-year-old Portuguese defender has signed a deal that will keep him at Molineux until June 2023, with an option to extend it to June 2025.

Speaking to the club’s official website after the move was completed, Semedo said: ‘I chose Wolves because it’s a very good team that plays very good football. Last year they did a very good season and it’s a very important team in England, in also Europe. I hope this year we can do very good things.

‘Coach Nuno is a very good coach. He did very good things here in Wolves, and in other teams too. For sure I’m going to learn a lot from him.

‘The team did very good things the last three years. I’m ambitious and I hope this year we can do very good things, reach the top six and, if it’s possible, do something special.

‘I’m very happy to be here. I’m excited to get started and thank you very much for your support and we’re going to enjoy it together.’

“It’s hard to lose the way we lost tonight. First and foremost well done to Aston Villa, we have to give them the credit they deserve. It was one of those performances where we weren’t 100% at it from start to finish,” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said after the match.

“Overall, we’re all disappointed, we shouldn’t have lost with the numbers that we did but it’s about sticking together and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”

If there was an element of good fortunate about Watkins’ first goal in a Villa shirt, his second was all his own fine work as he cut inside before firing into the top corner to stun the champions and make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.

HUMILIATING AS ASTON VILLA TRASH LIVERPOOL 7-2

Liverpool started badly at Villa Park as a poor pass from Adrian — deputising for Alisson in goal for the visitors after the Brazilian picked up a shoulder injury — gifted Watkins the opener in the fourth minute.

“It’s hard to lose the way we lost tonight. First and foremost well done to Aston Villa, we have to give them the credit they deserve. It was one of those performances where we weren’t 100% at it from start to finish,” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said after the match.

“Overall, we’re all disappointed, we shouldn’t have lost with the numbers that we did but it’s about sticking together and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”

If there was an element of good fortunate about Watkins’ first goal in a Villa shirt, his second was all his own fine work as he cut inside before firing into the top corner to stun the champions and make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.

Villa continued to attack after the break and scored a fifth 10 minutes into the second half as Ross Barkley scored his first goal for his new club.

Salah pulled another goal back for the visitors but Villa captain Jack Grealish added another two to seal an historic victory for a club who only avoided relegation from the Premier League last season on the final day of the season.

Villa rained in 18 shots in all on the Liverpool goal and could have added more before the final whistle as they climbed to second in the standings after a third successive win. Liverpool are fifth.

“I think when the first one went in I pinched myself a bit because of how early it was,” Watkins said. “I’m delighted to contribute and that we won at the end of the day. It’s unbelievable to score and get a hat trick.”

The lopsided scoreline also means Liverpool are the first reigning Premier League champions to concede seven in a game in English football’s top division since 1953.

Leicester Lead English Premier League After Victory Over Chelsea

Leicester City claimed top spot in the ongoing 2020/2021 English Premier League (EPL) on Tuesday with a 2-0 win against Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.

Wilfred Ndidi fired the hosts in front after six minutes and James Maddison added the second four minutes before half time to secure the triumph.

Leicester City, shock champions in 2016, are now ahead of previous leaders Manchester United by one point with a total of 38, while Chelsea have slipped to eighth on 29 points.

Manchester United have a game in hand on Leicester City while Manchester City are third, three points behind the leaders having played two matches less.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers played down their position by saying it’s “too early” to call them title contenders.

“No one is jumping through hoops, but it shows in the first part of the season consistency has been good and performance levels have been very high,” Rodgers said.

“We looked very dangerous in the game. Two very good goals. We really deserved it.”

West Ham United moved up to seventh as Michail Antonio’s second-half strike earned a 2-1 home victory against West Bromwich Albion.

Jarrod Bowen put the Hammers ahead on the stroke of half time when he directed Vladimir Coufal’s cross into the net with his chest.

Matheus Pereira levelled early in the second half with a long range strike but Antonio sealed the win on 66 minutes with a close-range volley.

On West Brom’s side, the club could be investigated by the Premier League after not bringing Robert Snodgrass to play against his former side.

Snodgrass made the switch from West Ham earlier this month and made his West Brom debut in the 3-2 win against Wolves.

Part of Snodgrass’ agreement included a clause where he could not compete against the Hammers, according to West Brom manager Sam Allardyce, but this is against Premier League transfer policy.

“If the Premier League want to know about it they can contact us privately and we will tell them,” West Brom manager Sam Allardyce said.

“It is up to the Premier League to let us know if we have done anything wrong and then I will answer whatever questions they decide to ask me.”

David Moyes’ side are now two points behind a top four place with a tally of 32 points, while West Brom sit second-bottom on 11 points.

“We’re showing some growth in how we play and what we do,” said Moyes.

“I’d like to dream a lot, but we’re very humble and understand we’re West Ham.

“We’re not going to start shouting things too soon because history has shown we haven’t always backed it up and I want to be the one to back it up.”

Chelsea were stunned from the start against Leicester City when Ndidi’s strike from the edge of the penalty box crashed in off the post to put the hosts in charge.

Frank Lampard’s men were given a penalty kick when Jonny Evans tripped Christian Pulisic, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the foul was outside the area.

“I thought it was a penalty kick but I’m not going to lean on those things. We weren’t good enough,” Lampard said.

“Disappointing goal [to lose] from a set-piece and the second goal is just not good enough.”

Leicester City pounced moments after the penalty kick incident when Maddison clipped a half-volley past Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to double Chelsea’s misery before the break.

The visitors were all out of luck in the second half and they were thwarted by VAR again in the 85th minute when Timo Werner’s goal was ruled out for offside.

With Chelsea only winning twice from their last eight games, Lampard admitted he is “worried about the slump.”

“It’s a young team and it’s a big lesson,” he added. “You’ve got to get yourself out of the hole.”(dpa/NAN)

Britain’s Prince William attacks ‘despicable’ racist abuse of footballers

Britain’s Prince William has branded racist abuse directed at footballers “despicable” and said it “must stop now” after Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford became the latest player to be targeted.

William, who is the president of the Football Association, spoke out on Sunday after the Professional Footballers’ Association accused social media companies of lacking the willingness to clamp down on racist posts.

Chelsea defender Reece James, West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers and Rashford’s team-mates Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial have all suffered online racist abuse over the past week.

Rashford was then targeted after United’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday, prompting a police investigation.

William tweeted: “Racist abuse — whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media — is despicable and it must stop now.

“We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated, and those who choose to spread hate and division are held accountable for their actions. That responsibility extends to the platforms where so much of this activity now takes place.”

The PFA called on social networks to demonstrate they were truly committed to tackling a problem it says has been “at crisis point” for two years.

“Every effort must be taken to protect them (professional footballers), and all other users, from racist abuse while using social media,” it said in a statement.

“Offline consequences for online hate crimes must be pursued whenever possible.”

Greater Manchester Police said a number of abusive comments directed at United players had been reported and the force would be “investigating these crimes thoroughly”.

Rashford, a high-profile campaigner against child food poverty, said the remarks showed “humanity and social media at its worst,

“I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am,” he tweeted.

“No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.”

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Sawyers.

Neymar makes PSG pledge: I want to stay, and I hope Mbappe does too!

Neymar has given the firmest indication yet that he will sign a new Paris Saint-Germain contract and urged Kylian Mbappe to make the same commitment.

Brazilian superstar Neymar joined after being bought out of his Barcelona contract for 222million Euros in 2017, making it the most expensive transfer in football history.

He has been repeatedly linked with a return to Spain, either at Barcelona or Real Madrid, but the prospects of such a move now appear remote as those clubs battle with the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Neymar and Mbappe, a player who has also been linked with both LaLiga giants, are contracted to PSG until the end of the 2021-22 season.

The Brazil forward has been unsettled in the past in Paris but now sees his future in the French capital, as he told TF1’s Sept a Huit programme: “Yes, I’m very happy today.

“I feel happy. That’s changed a lot. I couldn’t say exactly why.

“I don’t know if it’s me or other things that have changed, but today I feel good. I’ve adapted, I feel more calm and I’m very happy here.

“I want to stay at PSG and I hope Kylian stays too. Of course, that’s the wish of all the fans of Paris.

“We want PSG to be a great team. I want to continue what I’ve always done in Paris, play football and be happy.”

His comments came in an interview conducted ahead of Sunday’s shock 3-2 defeat to Lorient, in which Neymar scored two penalties.

That outcome gave new PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino a first defeat, and he will want his side to get back on track against Nimes on Wednesday before facing great rivals Marseille on Sunday.

If Neymar and Mbappe stay, and if rumours of a move for Lionel Messi come to fruition, then the Ligue 1 giants will have the most feared forward line in world football next season.

Since arriving at PSG in August 2017, Neymar has scored 53 goals and provided 29 assists in Ligue 1, while Mbappe has hit 78 league goals and registered 26 assists.

According to Neymar, his and Mbappe’s connection could hardly be any closer.

“We have a relationship of brothers. Me, I’m the eldest. We really like playing together,” said Neymar.

“I call him ‘Golden Boy’ because he’s really golden. He has a huge heart. As a footballer, everyone knows what he’s worth, but even off the pitch he’s incredible.”

Aguero Close To Barcelona Deal, Says Manchester City Boss

Sergio Aguero is close to agreeing a move to Barcelona that would unite him with fellow Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, according to Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.

City’s record goalscorer, who has spent a decade at the Etihad, scored a quickfire double in the champions’ 5-0 win over Everton in his final Premier League appearance for the club on Sunday.

The goals took his Premier League tally to 184.

The 32-year-old forward is set to leave the Etihad as a free agent after Saturday’s Champions League final against Chelsea.

“Maybe I reveal a secret,” Guardiola told the BBC. “Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona.

“He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.”

If the move goes ahead, it would be Aguero’s second spell in Spain – he made his name at Atletico Madrid before the move to Manchester in 2011.

Aguero’s final season at City was dogged by injury and a coronavirus infection but Guardiola believes the striker has a lot to offer the Catalan giants.

Barcelona had a disappointing season, finishing third in La Liga and falling in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy,” said Guardiola. “And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”

Super Falcons come from behind to crush Australian World Cup hopes

Uchenna Kanu (1st R) of Nigeria celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s first goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia. (Photo AFP)

Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday came from a goal down to hand FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host Australia a crushing 3-2 defeat at the Lang Park Stadium in Brisbane.

Emily van Egmond had put the Matildas in front in the first minute of first half added time. But just when it seemed like the Aussies were going to go into the break ahead, Uchenna Kalu restored parity for the Nigerians in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time.

Osinachi Ohale then put the Super Falcons in front on 65 minutes before Asisat Oshoala, who came into the fray as a 64th minute substitute, capitalised on a mix-up in the Matildas’ backline to make it 3-1 for the Super Falcons.

Alanna Kennedy then pulled one back for Australia in the 10th minute of second half stoppage time but it was too little too late for the World Cup co-host.

Randy Waldrum, Head Coach of Nigeria, speaks to players in the huddle prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia. (Photo: FIFA)

It was the first time in World Cup history that Africa’s most successful national team would be coming from behind to win a game at women’s football biggest stage.

The 90th minute introduction of Onome Ebi meant that the 40-year-old Nigerian defender became the second oldest player to appear at the World Cup.

The oldest player is Brazil’s Formiga, who lined up against France in 2019 aged 41 years 112 days.

The Super Falcons now need only a draw to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds, while Australia will need to beat Canada to advance.

800 Wrestlers For Olympic Trials At Diri Classics

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has expressed readiness for the 2nd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics as over 800 wrestlers from different states and…

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has expressed readiness for the 2nd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics as over 800 wrestlers from different states and clubs across the country compete for honours.

The National Classics which will be held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, in Yenagoa from August 4 to 10, will also serve as trials for the forthcoming 2024 Olympic qualifiers in Serbia.

Speaking with Sport Writers yesterday, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, said that Nigerians should expect Nigerian wrestling at its best in the National Classics.

Igali, who is also the Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Bayelsa State, noted that the records in the Nigeria Wrestling Federation at international events speak volumes for the federation, adding that the nation’s athletes are prepared for the Classics in Yenagoa. 

While reflecting on the talents at the disposal of the Wrestling Federation, Igali stressed that the future of wrestling in Nigeria is bright.

He singled out for commendation the magnanimity of the Bayelsa State Government for the continuous sponsorship of the National Wrestling Classics since 2019. 

A board member of the Wrestling Federation, Jackson Bidei, also expressed optimism as the National showpiece gets set in Yenagoa.

According to the wrestling legend, Yenagoa will be agog as the 36 states and the FCT, 20 clubs as well as Military and Paramilitary athletes battle for laurels.

Top scorers in 2023: Osimhen emerges as biggest challenger to Haaland

• Lazio-striker-Victor-Osimhen

Erling Haaland has seen off Karim Benzema and 2022’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe now has some catching up to do…

Mbappe led the 2022 top goalscorers list by six goals from the old man at Barcelona. But he could not win France the World Cup, the daft fraud.

The criteria: All club goals in all competitions for clubs in Europe’s top 10 leagues.

10) Enner Valencia – Fenerbahce (18 goals)After ending 2022 with a few World Cup goals, Valencia continued his irresistible pursuit of the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot to finish six goals clear of his closest competitor, earning a move to Internacional in the process.  

9) Marcus Rashford – Man Utd (19 goals)

The Tories’ least favourite football personality not named Gary Lineker is thriving. The youngest English or Man Utd player to score 25 goals in European competition is not half bad. Nor is that new contract.

8) Harry Kane – Spurs/Bayern Munich (19 goals)

The fraudulent one-season wonder produced a 30-goal Premier League campaign for that Tottenham team. Is he actually… good? His stats last season were ridiculous. And he has opened his account for Bayern.

7) Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan (22 goals)

There was disappointment in the Champions League final but Martinez put together his third 20-goal Inter season, and the most prolific campaign of his entire career thus far. And this one started with a double v Monza.  

6) Karim Benzema – Real Madrid (22 goals)

Scored in his final appearance for Real Madrid before swanning off to Saudi at the grand old age of 35. He will not add to these numbers.

5) Alexandre Lacazette – Lyon (22 goals)Scoring one of two four-goal hauls – poor Elye Wahi – in a ludicrous game between Lyon and Montpellier certainly boosted the numbers of Lacazette, who eventually came up two short in the French Golden Boot race.  

4) Kylian Mbappe – PSG (22 goals)

No goals in defeats to Bayern Munich, Rennes, Lyon or Nice kept him well off the pace in 2023, though 10 goals in the last eight Ligue Un games put the bully back on a flat track. Finished the Ligue Un season as champion and top scorer. After a summer of drama, opened his account from the penalty spot.

3) Mauro Icardi – Galatasaray (22 goals)Galatasaray have made Icardi’s loan move from PSG permanent after an excellent season which powered the Lions to the Turkish title and he was paid them back with a double against Trabzonspor already.  

2) Victor Osimhen – Napoli (26 goals)

Scored the title-clinching equaliser against Udinese, then one more for good measure in the procession of a win over Fiorentina, before confirming the Serie A Golden Boot with a late flourish. Started this season with a double against Frosinone because he is the real deal.

1) Erling Haaland – Manchester City (27 goals)

A 52-goal debut campaign. His first season in the Premier League was ridiculous from Haaland and his second started with a drought-ending brace against Burnley.

Spain’s captain at Women’s World Cup Olga Carmona learns about father’s death after winning trophy

Spain’s captain and World Cup final goalscorer Olga Carmona was delivered some heart-breaking news after the match against England, about her father’s passing.

Carmona scored the winner against England as Spain won their first Women’s World Cup on Sunday, August 20.

The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) disclosed that Carmona learned of her father’s passing after the match.

Tragically, Carmona’s father had been battling a long illness and had succumbed to it on the previous Friday. However, to allow their beloved captain to concentrate on the most significant match of her career, Carmona’s family and close friends had chosen not to inform her of this painful loss.

“The RFEF deeply regrets to announce the death of Olga Carmona’s father. The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final,” the Spanish FA said on social media.

“We send our most sincere embrace to Olga and her family in a moment of deep sorrow. We love you, Olga, you are Spanish soccer history.”

During the World Cup’s group stage, Carmona’s mother and brothers had been with her in New Zealand to support her. However, upon hearing the devastating news, they hurried back to Spain.

Saudi club Al-Ettifaq ‘considering offering Mason Greenwood a £10m-a-year deal’ as he prepares to leave Man United

Saudi club, Al-Ettifaq is reportedly considering offering a £10m-a-year deal to winger Mason Greenwood.

United announced on Monday, August 21, that Greenwood is set to leave Old Trafford following the conclusion of their internal investigation into his conduct, after attempted rape charges against him were dropped in February.

Saudi club, Al-Ettifaq is reportedly considering offering a £10m-a-year deal to winger Mason Greenwood.

United announced on Monday, August 21, that Greenwood is set to leave Old Trafford following the conclusion of their internal investigation into his conduct, after attempted rape charges against him were dropped in February.

Al-Ettifaq, who have won their first two league games this season, are considering offering Greenwood a £10m-a-year contract.

This would be a significant increase on his current United deal which sees him earn £75,000-a-week, equating to approximately £4m-per-year.

Should he move to Al-Ettifaq, Greenwood would join up with Gerrard, who was appointed the club’s new manager last month.

He would also have a familiar face as a team-mate in the shape of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Henderson completed his £12m switch to Al-Ettifaq in July and is the club’s highest earner after agreeing a staggering £700,000-a-week deal.

Al-Ettifaq face competition for Greenwood’s signature, though, as the forward contemplates his next move.

The Sun claims there are also other Saudi clubs showing interest in the England international, while Turkish giants Galatasaray are also monitoring his situation.

Mail Sport revealed on Monday that former United boss Jose Mourinho is also an admirer of Greenwood, and could look to add him to his squad at Roma.

‘I want to start a family’ – Super Falcons star, Francisca Ordega

Super Falcons forward, Francisca Ordega has expressed her readiness to “start a family.”

The 29-year-old said she plans to be married with children before the next four years.

She stated while responding to a question about whether she thinks she would make it to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, in a recent interview with EaglesTracker.

Ordega said, “Four years? I think I will be pregnant, I think I will have my babies then. Four years, I might have babies. I love babies. I might really.

“I might have babies. I don’t want to play football forever. I’m a woman. I’m beautiful. I don’t wanna play football forever. I want to start a family. I’m not saying in the next four years but if una no see me make una know say I don…[smiles].

“It can happen in the next one or three months. It doesn’t matter. It is what you want that God will give to you.”

Mason Greenwood ‘fears he will be unable to join a club in Saudi Arabia due to a feud with Cristiano Ronaldo’ after he described the Al-Nassr star’s career as ‘dead’

Mason Greenwood reportedly fears he has no chance of continuing his career in Saudi Arabia due to an ongoing feud with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 21-year-old is currently looking for a new club following news on Monday that he would leave Manchester United after they conducted an internal investigation into his future.

Greenwood, who was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted rape, will not play for United again and is likely to depart on loan or see his contract settled.

The Crown Prosecution Service subsequently dropped the charges in February of this year after key witnesses withdrew and new material came to light.

According to The Sun, Greenwood – who has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia – believes that avenue may not be possible after a comment he made about Ronaldo when he was younger

While the Portuguese superstar was playing for Real Madrid, where he won numerous honours and highlighted his status as one of the greatest players of all-time – Greenwood was reported to have openly said Ronaldo’s career was ‘dead’ – slang for ‘finished’ – when referencing the 38-year-old’s perceived decline.

HOW FAR NAPOLI CAN GO THIS SEASON AS AC MILAN SIGN CHUKWUEZE AND PULISIC.

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE NEWLY AC MILAN SIGNING

Italian giant have sign former Villareal winger this summer for €28 million , chukwueze who score

nine goals of the season before leaving villareal.

Chukwueze, who joined the Rooseneri from LaLiga club Villarreal, penned a five-year contract.

AC Milan paid €28 million, including add-ons, for the player.

The Nigeria international will wear jersey No. 21 at his new club.

The 24-year-old is AC Milan’s seventh signing of the summer.

Chukwueze joined Villarreal from the Diamond Football Academy in 2019.

IN ADDITION:

Christain Pulisic

AC MILAN have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Christian Pulisic in a deal worth up to €22million ($24.2m, £18.8m).
The fee is set to be an initial €20m plus €2m in add-ons, with a meaningful sell-on clause in the event of a future transfer.
Milan made a second bid for Pulisic in a package worth up to €22m on Wednesday, having previously tabled a $15.3m offer for the USMNT captain.

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Pulisic who share on Milan tv .youtube. switch.

HOW FAR NAPOLI CAN GO THIS SEASON AS AC MILAN SIGN CHUKWUEZE AND PULISIC.

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE NEWLY AC MILAN SIGNING

Italian giant have sign former Villareal winger this summer for €28 million , chukwueze who score

nine goals of the season before leaving villareal.

Chukwueze, who joined the Rooseneri from LaLiga club Villarreal, penned a five-year contract.

AC Milan paid €28 million, including add-ons, for the player.

The Nigeria international will wear jersey No. 21 at his new club.

The 24-year-old is AC Milan’s seventh signing of the summer.

Chukwueze joined Villarreal from the Diamond Football Academy in 2019.

IN ADDITION:

Christain Pulisic

AC MILAN have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Christian Pulisic in a deal worth up to €22million ($24.2m, £18.8m).
The fee is set to be an initial €20m plus €2m in add-ons, with a meaningful sell-on clause in the event of a future transfer.
Milan made a second bid for Pulisic in a package worth up to €22m on Wednesday, having previously tabled a $15.3m offer for the USMNT captain.

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Pulisic who share on Milan tv .youtube. switch.

WOW
“I’m delighted to be here, and I’m excited and honoured. Everything truly is special at AC Milan. You can breathe in the history, and you just want to come here. The initial talks started when I was away on international duty and, although it took a bit of time to get the agreement sorted, I made the decision to accept early on. I spoke to Pioli and got a real sense that he wanted to have me, and I’m grateful to him. For me, it’s a new start. I also spoke to a few members of the ownership. AC Milan are really well supported in the US; ever since I was a kid, I can remember the passion for these colours there.”

WINNING
“I’ll try to help the team with the aim of winning trophies. I’ll be looking to grow and raise my level. I’ll have to learn a lot of things, including from a tactical perspective, but I can’t wait. It’ll be great to play in the Champions League in this shirt. Last season, I followed the great run the Rossoneri went on. Thanks to my time at Chelsea, I have experience in the competition. I’ll give everything.”

THE NUMBER 11
“It’s a number I like. I know that a legend in the form of Ibrahimović wore it, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I don’t want to compare myself to Ibra or fill the void left by such a great champion, but it was free and I chose it.”

BACK TO THE PAST
“My last two seasons at Chelsea were complicated; for many reasons, I didn’t fully show what I can do. Now, I want to start afresh at a big Club. I spoke with Tomori, Giroud and Loftus-Cheek and have an excellent relationship with them. With a player like Giroud, there will be an excellent understanding out on the pitch.”

THE ROSSONERI ATTACK AND LEÃO
“We have a very strong and competitive attack. In general, the team is full of talent. I’ll try to make a contribution in attack. I’ve often played out wide, especially on the right flank, but I can also cover other positions, like the attacking playmaker role. I’m a particularly strong dribbler, which helps me provide assists and score. It’ll be a pleasure to have Leão as a teammate; he’s just incredible.“

THE DERBY JUST BEFORE HIS BIRTHDAY
“I didn’t know… the best gift would be a victory.”

WOW
“I’m delighted to be here, and I’m excited and honoured. Everything truly is special at AC Milan. You can breathe in the history, and you just want to come here. The initial talks started when I was away on international duty and, although it took a bit of time to get the agreement sorted, I made the decision to accept early on. I spoke to Pioli and got a real sense that he wanted to have me, and I’m grateful to him. For me, it’s a new start. I also spoke to a few members of the ownership. AC Milan are really well supported in the US; ever since I was a kid, I can remember the passion for these colours there.”

WINNING
“I’ll try to help the team with the aim of winning trophies. I’ll be looking to grow and raise my level. I’ll have to learn a lot of things, including from a tactical perspective, but I can’t wait. It’ll be great to play in the Champions League in this shirt. Last season, I followed the great run the Rossoneri went on. Thanks to my time at Chelsea, I have experience in the competition. I’ll give everything.”

THE NUMBER 11
“It’s a number I like. I know that a legend in the form of Ibrahimović wore it, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I don’t want to compare myself to Ibra or fill the void left by such a great champion, but it was free and I chose it.”

BACK TO THE PAST
“My last two seasons at Chelsea were complicated; for many reasons, I didn’t fully show what I can do. Now, I want to start afresh at a big Club. I spoke with Tomori, Giroud and Loftus-Cheek and have an excellent relationship with them. With a player like Giroud, there will be an excellent understanding out on the pitch.”

THE ROSSONERI ATTACK AND LEÃO
“We have a very strong and competitive attack. In general, the team is full of talent. I’ll try to make a contribution in attack. I’ve often played out wide, especially on the right flank, but I can also cover other positions, like the attacking playmaker role. I’m a particularly strong dribbler, which helps me provide assists and score. It’ll be a pleasure to have Leão as a teammate; he’s just incredible.“

THE DERBY JUST BEFORE HIS BIRTHDAY
“I didn’t know… the best gift would be a victory.”

Tobi Amusan loses 100mH World Athletics championship final, finishes 6th

World Champion Tobi Amusan has failed to defend her World title after finishing 6th in the final at the ongoing World Athletics Championship in Budapest on Thursday.

Jamaica’s Danielle Williams won the title in a season-best of 12.43s while Olympic champion, Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn came second in 12.44s and USA Kendra Harrison came third in 12.46s while World champion, Amusan came 6th in 12.62s in her third consecutive final.

At the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, USA, Amusan came first with a 12.40 (African record) before setting a new world record of 12.12 to smash the 12.20 world record set by Kendra Harrison in 2016.

The world hurdles record holder missed out on the chance of becoming the fourth woman after USA’s duo of Gail Devers and Michelle Perry, and Australian Sally Pearson, to claim at least two gold medals in the women’s 100m Hurdles at the World Championships.

It was a third consecutive final for the Nigerian athlete who competed against Olympic champion, Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, the duo of Kendra Harrison and Nia Ali from the United States of America, and the Jamaican duo of Ackera Nugent and Danielle Williams at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.

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Amusan, who despite the loss retains her world record, qualified for the final on Wednesday by clocking 12.56s to finish ahead of Jamaican Achkara Nugent’s 12.60s after she started her title defence by clocking12.48s (0.4) to win the fifth heat of the women’s 100mH on Tuesday.

Recall that Amusan was cleared last week by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after fears had emerged that the sprint champion would not be cleared in time to defend her title at the championship in Budapest.

However, a disciplinary panel cleared Amusan of any wrongdoing two days before the commencement of the championship.

“A panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal, by majority decision, has today (Thursday) found that Tobi Amusan has not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period,” the statement read.

Amusan was one of Nigeria’s medal hopefuls at the championship after a tough start as Ese Brume finished fourth in the women’s long jump event on Sunday.

A loss in the final for Amusan who looked out of form after a turbulent preparation period means that as it stands, Team Nigeria is yet to record a medal on Day 6 of the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Amusan was a huge medal hopeful as the world hurdles champion enjoyed a superb run of form and set the current world record for the women’s 100m hurdles of 12.12 seconds at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Oregon and a world title that followed in a record time of 12.06.

She also retained her Commonwealth Games title with a new Games’ record of 12.30s and defended her Diamond League title in a record-breaking season that saw her set impressive records and win the Nigerian, African, Commonwealth, World, and Diamond League titles.

Manchester City CONFIRM the £55m arrival of Belgian winger Jeremy Doku from Rennes

Manchester City have formally announced the signing of rapid winger Jeremy Doku

Doku had been on City’s radar from the middle of last season but interest intensified following Riyad Mahrez‘s unexpected departure to Al-Ahli last month.

‘Manchester City are the best team in world football, so to be joining them is something very special for me and my family,’ Doku said. 

‘I am a young player with so much learning and improving to do. Working with Pep (Guardiola) and his staff, and playing alongside these world-class players, will make me a much better player. I feel sure of that.’ 

Doku has signed a five-year contract with the Treble winners as they strengthen their squad

Pep Guardiola’s side have agreed a £55million deal with Ligue 1 Rennes to sign the wideman

This comes after Riyad Mahrez departed the club to join Al-Ahli earlier in the summer window

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The Belgian, who has 14 caps for his country, comes recommended by compatriot Kevin De Bruyne – who is injured – and will inject pace into a City team that Guardiola believed needed additional dynamism.

Doku has suffered several hamstring injuries while at Rennes but his signing signifies a boost for Guardiola, who admitted at the weekend that his squad needed more bodies. 

‘In terms of raw attributes, he has everything a winger needs. He has outstanding pace and he is exceptional in one-on-one situations,’ City director of football Txiki Begiristain said of Doku. 

‘I honestly believe working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will see him develop into a world-class attacking talent.’ 

The move also has an impact on the futures of Cole Palmer and James McAtee, the two highly rated academy products who are yet to decide where they will play their football this season.

Both are wanted by a host of clubs in England and abroad, with Guardiola saying last week that Palmer will either remain with City or leave permanently, revealing that a loan is not an option.

Doku scored six goals for Rennes in Ligue 1 last season and is known for his intense pressing in the final third – a staple of the style of play under Guardiola. 

He scored as Rennes beat Metz 5-1 on the opening day of the campaign but was an unused substitute during last Sunday’s draw with Lens as a switch to the Etihad Stadium edged closer.

Doku has hailed his new club as the best side in the world

City have now got the deal over the line, though are still searching for a central midfielder after their quest to sign Lucas Paqueta stalled with betting allegations against the West Ham man last week.

Doku’s arrival will take City’s spending beyond £150m for the summer, with Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic already impressing during their first few appearances. 

They will have recouped around half of that spend in sales, with Aymeric Laporte set for Al-Nassr for £23.5m.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Sadio Mane may have cost Liverpool the chance to sign Doku for a fraction of the fee that has been agreed between Rennes and rivals City.

Doku is one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe right now having attracted interest from several big clubs including Tottenham, City, West Ham and Liverpool. 

A graduate of the Anderlecht academy, he joined the French outfit back in 2020, notably scoring six goals in 29 league appearances last season. 

The deal will likely come as a blow to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who reportedly had the chance to sign him for 100th of the price that Man City are set to pay for him back when the winger was 15 years old. 

Had Doku decided to join Liverpool, he may have inherited Mane’s position on the wing, yet the Senegalese international reportedly could have urged the Belgian international not to join. 

France boss, Didier Deschamps says he has no reason not to pick Benjamin Mendy after former Man City defender was cleared of rape and attempted rape

France coach Didier Deschamps has said he has no reason not to select Benjamin Mendy but stated that the defender’s return isn’t on the agenda at the moment.

The former Manchester City left-back was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape by a jury at Chester Crown Court last month.

Mendy had been found not guilty of sexual offences against a number of women earlier this year.

After the jury was unable to reach verdicts on the two charges there was a retrial, with Mendy being found not guilty.

After not playing for City for almost two years following his arrest in 2021, he left the club when his contract expired at the end of June this year.

Mendy signed for Ligue 1 club Lorient last month.

Deschamps was asked whether he would consider calling Mendy up and stated that it is possible but it isn’t currently on the agenda.

As reported by French Football Weekly, Deschamps said: ‘From the moment that justice found him not guilty, I don’t see why I should consider him as non-selectable, even if his return is not on the agenda.’

After not playing for City for almost two years following his arrest in 2021, he left the club when his contract expired at the end of June this year.

Mendy signed for Ligue 1 club Lorient last month.

Deschamps was asked whether he would consider calling Mendy up and stated that it is possible but it isn’t currently on the agenda.

As reported by French Football Weekly, Deschamps said: ‘From the moment that justice found him not guilty, I don’t see why I should consider him as non-selectable, even if his return is not on the agenda

Spain’s FA president, Luis Rubiales ‘considering resigning’ as he’s handed a ‘quit or be banned’ threat by the government for kissing women’s star Jenni Hermoso after World Cup win

Spanish FA’s controversial president, Luis Rubiales is reportedly considering resigning from his position after coming under mounting pressure in the wake of his behaviour at the World Cup final.

Rubiales hit the headlines on Sunday following Spain’s 1-0 triumph over England as kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth and also appeared to grab his crotch around Spain’s queen and her 16-year-old daughter.

He was widely condemned for his behaviour and, despite initially branding his detractors as ‘idiots’, he eventually apologised for committing an act that Hermoso said she didn’t like.

Earlier today, it was announced on Thursday that FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the beleaguered football chief, although he has so far refused to step down.

Meanwhile, AS also reported the government have handed Rubiales the option of resigning – and if he refuses to – they will declare him ‘unfit for office’ and ban him, with reports stating a suspension could range from anywhere between two to 15 years.

Rubiales has lost significant support from a variety of stakeholders within Spanish football over the week, including FUTPRO – a union that represents Hermoso, who insisted his behaviour cannot go unpunished.

Hermoso also rejected the chance to appear in Rubiales’ apology video, despite his pleas that ‘my position is at stake, do it for my daughters’.

Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, has similarly called for his dismissal and lodged a complaint with the president of the country’s sports council (CSD) after Rubiales’ ‘very serious actions and behaviour’.

At the time of writing, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, and Getafe have all called for him to resign.

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On Friday, the Spanish Football Federation will hold an emergency meeting, where Rubiales will face questions over the fiasco ‘as a matter of urgency’.

The government are reportedly waiting to see what the result of this meeting is before acting but Miquel Iceta, the Spanish Minister of Sports, has insisted the government ‘cannot look the other way’ and that the results of the meeting ‘must be up to the task’.

Meanwhile, the Basque Football Federation confirmed they would not be attending the assembly, despite being Rubiales’s most trusted body, as reported by AS.

Barcelona, Sociedad, Osasuna, Getafe, Las Palmas, and Deportivo Alaves will also not attend the emergency meeting.

Other members are considering following suit and even leaving the board of directors.

‘Given the seriousness of what happened in the delivery of trophies for the World Championship final, and the subsequent management as a result of the events, the Basque Football Federation will not attend the RFEF (Spanish Federation) Assembly,’ a statement read.

West Ham confirm the signing of Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus in a £38m deal from Ajax

MUHAMMED KUDUS

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mohammed Kudus.

The Hammers fought off intense competition from some of Europe’s leading clubs to secure the services of the exciting Ghana international attacker from Ajax.

The 23-year-old joins the Irons on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, becoming the Club’s fourth major summer signing following his former Ajax teammate and Mexico international Edson Álvarez, Greece defender Dinos Mavropanos and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

A strong all-round player and prolific dribbler capable of making and scoring goals, Kudus has established himself as one of European football’s most sought after young players. Now, he has brought his talents to London Stadium.

“I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid,” said Kudus, who will wear the No14 shirt at West Ham.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.

“I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”

David Moyes is looking forward to working with Kudus, who scored four goals in six UEFA Champions League group-stage appearances for Ajax last season.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United,” said the manager. “He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.

“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and Tim deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”

Born in the suburb of Nima in Ghana’s capital city Accra in August 2000, Kudus joined the famous Right to Dream football academy at the age of ten. He spent seven years there before joining Danish club Nordsjælland at 17 in January 2018. The 5’9 player established himself as a regular at Nordsjælland. Playing as a striker or in a midfield role, he scored 14 goals in his 57 appearances across three seasons.

Kudus’ performances for Nordsjælland attracted the attention of Ajax, with then-head coach Erik ten Hag praising his ‘incredible potential’ following the then-19-year-old’s switch to Amsterdam in July 2020. That praise proved well-founded as the youngster scored one goal and assisted three more in his opening three appearances for the club.

The 2022/23 season saw Kudus take his game to a new level, with goals against Liverpool, Napoli and Rangers in the Champions League, eleven more in the Dutch Eredivisie and one each in the UEFA Europa League, Dutch Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield, taking his total to 19 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, given those numbers, Kudus also started all three group games for Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar, where he netted twice in a 3-2 victory over South Korea. All in, he has seven goals and three assists in 24 caps for his country.

One Erling Haaland truth is clear as Manchester City find a way without Guardiola and De Bruyne

The Manchester City fan who mobbed Erling Haaland in the club’s 2-1 Premier League win against Sheffield United is a world-champion boxer.

City moved to the Premier League summit after beating Sheffield United courtesy of a late Rodri rocket late in the game.

Jayden Bogle appeared to have secured the Blades‘ first point of the season after netting for the home side in the 85th minute.

However, four minutes later Rodri’s left-footed effort won it for the defending Premier League champions in dramatic style.

Of course, Haaland took centre stage in the encounter, having struck the post from the penalty spot in the first half, one of three big opportunities squandered by the Norwegian.

However, the 23-year-old ultimately claimed his customary goal, meeting Jack Grealish’s left-wing cross midway through the second half to nod City in front.

Upon finding the net Haaland was mobbed by a fan and on closer inspection it emerged that this was no ordinary City supporter. It was former world boxing champion Terry Flanagan.

As last year’s Golden Boot winner celebrated in front of the away end, Flanagan saw his opportunity and leapt onto the striker’s back, with the rest of Haaland’s team-mates then joining in the celebrations.

Folarin Balogun sign for Monaco from Arsenal For 38 million Euros.

Arsenal striker,  Folarin Balogun has completed his £38m move to Monaco.

The American international underwent medical tests in Monaco on Tuesday and now returns to the league where he shone last year.

Balogun came through the Arsenal youth academy and is one of their most highly rated academy graduates. The Gunners have kept a significant sell-on clause in the player’s contract, which means they will be entitled to a percentage of any future fee that Monaco get for him. 

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Monaco have been away from challenging for the Ligue 1 title since their win in 2016. And with a talented striker like Folarin Balogun who can score regularly, they could finally work their way back towards the top of the table if they can build another impressive squad. 

He had attracted interest from London rivals Chelsea, with Inter Milan also enquiring this summer.

The 22-year-old had a strong loan at Reims last year, scoring 21 goals and finishing fifth in the race for the Golden Boot. 

Arsenal hold talks over the signing of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal have reportedly ‘held talks’ over the signing of Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen

This was revealed by popular sports website, FootballTransfers, on Tuesday, August 29.

FootballTransfers disclosed in an exclusive report published on its website that Arsenal Sporting Director, Edu Gaspar, reached out to the Serie A club owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to inquire about the availability of Osimhen.

“We are informed that Arsenal sporting director, Edu Gaspar, contacted the owner of the Serie A club, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to ask about the availability of the player, having been given encouragement by the 24-year-old’s agent, Roberto Calenda.”

It added that Arsenal hope to bring in the Nigerian player in 2024.

“We understand that the club wish to bring in a world-class No.9 in 2024. The Gunners’s squad last season shared the goals throughout, with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka all scoring 15 each, while Gabriel Jesus, who contended with a serious injury, managed 11.

Eddie Nketiah and Granit Xhaka scored nine a piece, the latter of whom departed to Bayer Leverkusen this window.

“We are told that Osimhen, whose contract is up at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in 2025, is not believed to be wanting to sign fresh terms with his current employers,” FootballTransfers reports.

This comes after the Nigerian international netted his 100th professional career goal from the penalty spot against Sassuolo on Sunday, August 27.

Man City Reach Verbal Agreement On £47m Nunes Deal

Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Wolves over a £47.3m deal to sign midfielder Matheus Nunes. The deal for the 25-year-old has not…

Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Wolves over a £47.3m deal to sign midfielder Matheus Nunes.

The deal for the 25-year-old has not been formally agreed yet, but if completed, there will be no add-ons.

City had a previous bid for the Portugal international rejected last week, with Wolves believed to be wanting in excess of £60m.

Nunes has been absent from training recently after making it clear he wants to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

In addition, Wolves have agreed to sign City’s England Under-21 international Tommy Doyle on loan, with the option of a £4.3m transfer that would include a huge sell-on clause for City.

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Chelsea head into the international break in incredibly disappointing fashion after Anthony Elanga have Nottingham Forest a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues went into their third home match in the space of eight days looking to seal a hat-trick of victories, against a Forest side who have so often struggled on the road since their return to the Premier League. They won just once away from home last season in the League – that tally has already been matched.

After a goalless first-half, Forest took the lead within three minutes of the restart, as Taiwo Awoniyi played the ball through to Anthony Elanga and he passed a finish into the bottom corner. Mauricio Pochettino turned to his bench heading into the final half an hour, as Cole Palmer was handed a Chelsea debut after his £40m deadline-day move from Manchester City. Eight minutes of added-time gave the Stamford Bridge faithful hope of a late charge, but Forest held firm for an historic victory in west London.

16 Conclusions on Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United: Rice, Ten Hag cowardice, Havertz, Hojlund, Onana

Arsenal have Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes to thank for their victory, but not Kai Havertz. Manchester United were fine but Erik ten Hag is a coward.

1) That was an objectively hilarious way for the final stages of an association football game to play out.

2) No protagonist was more suitable in terms of deciding that match than Declan Rice. A sublime, relentless performance was already the best of any on the pitch before Manchester United allowed him time and space to bring the ball down from a corner, consider his options, read the fine print of the payment structure on his West Ham move and score the winning goal.

Rice was dominant in the centre, helping maintain Arsenal’s intermittent periods of authority with an unrivalled rest defence which slowly suffocated Manchester United. Those drives forward were purposeful and incisive. Everything the hosts did in the build-up ran through him. That degree of maturity and control at 24 with no prior expertise in a proper Big Six game of this magnitude is not normal.

How refreshing it is to see a player back himself to perform at a much higher level and provide immediate justification. Some felt Rice does not offer enough in attack, that he was not a complete enough all-rounder, that he lacked a certain experience. After an international break in which he will presumably continue to excel for the fourth-ranked nation in the world, Rice shall make his Champions League debut as the most important player for the second-best team in England. It has been a long time coming.

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Arsenal’s Declan Rice, center, celebrates with teammates© Provided by Football365

Arsenal’s Declan Rice, center, celebrates with teammates

3) Those margins have rarely been finer. In an alternative universe Manchester United are celebrating an almost perfect away game: soak up pressure, defend deep, attack with pace and numbers on the counter and bring on fresh legs to make the difference late on. The line between a 3-1 defeat and the 2-1 win Alejandro Garnacho seemed to have earned is infinitesimal, the sort only Stockley Park should chew over.

The game plan was well-crafted and largely executed effectively. That will be lost in the narrative void that is an international break dominated by outcome bias discourse but Manchester United played well and any attempt to shift the crisis baton onto them over the next fortnight should be resisted. There were enough signs of improvement on what came before both this season and in general away at any competent side last campaign to be satisfied, provided it continues.

4) With that said, Erik ten Hag is an absolute coward for trying to pin anything on the referees.

“I thought we played a very good game but everything went against us,” he said. “It was not offside. It was the wrong angle. It was a penalty on Hojlund, then we concede a goal that’s a foul on Jonny Evans – clear and obvious.”

Conspiracy-fuelling rubbish. And nothing particularly different to the card most managers try and play while everyone praises them for Building A Siege Mentality and bravely taking the flak away from the players (and dumping it onto the most abused party in the entire sport).

This is a risible part of the modern game now. But equally: don’t spend millions to formulate an approach based entirely on fine margins, then cryarse when some – and absolutely not all – of them go against you in a pretty even game. There doesn’t even need to be any blame for losing away at Arsenal so why create it?

5) There was nothing Andre Onana could realistically be expected to do differently with any of the Arsenal goals. It was a delightful finish from Martin Odegaard, Rice’s shot was deflected through a mess of legs from about 10 yards out and Gabriel Jesus was never going to be thwarted in that situation.

But it is pretty boring to focus on the way this goalkeeper kept goal. One of the most fascinating plots of the entire game was his display, not only in how Manchester United consistently used him as a safety blanket in possession but how Arsenal reacted to that.

The commentatorial disbelief that the Gunners were not pressing the Cameroonian enough was a weirdly manufactured talking point. Arsenal tried to put Onana under a bit of pressure in the opening half an hour but he just dropped a shoulder and left Eddie Nketiah running. The hosts quite justifiably deemed it far safer to let Onana prowl 30 yards from his goal under no duress rather than committing an extra player too far forward and playing a higher defensive line, allowing the keeper to exploit the subsequent spaces in behind.

Considering the sheer volume of long passes Onana tried to play to Marcus Rashford, it is difficult to argue Arsenal should have done anything different. Other teams might fall into the trap and allow the keeper to showcase his range, but not this one. But either way, it is great fun to see a Manchester United keeper leave his line, never mind venture about a third of the way down the pitch.

6) The plight of Kai Havertz continues. Even in the elation of victory the separate bandwagons of believers and doubters in the German merrily chugged along, yelling slurs at the other and calling them “washed” or “mid” or something or other.

He treated the Emirates to all the hits: misplaced six-yard passes, an airshot in the penalty area, a good block on a Christian Eriksen shot and a penalty won then overturned, gloriously suiting the agendas of everyone as Havertz either did wonderfully to drive into the area or dived because he was too timid to shoot.

It still does not look like a natural fit and strikes a little bit as Mikel Arteta trying to reinvent the midfield wheel. But the problem seems to be one of nonchalance. Not a lot Havertz does appears from the outside to have much urgency. It often just looks sloppy, much like the lazy pass Eriksen intercepted to create the Manchester United goal.

Let the debate rage on.

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7) Phenomenal work from Sky Sports to show a Manchester United touch map graphic showing about two dots in the Arsenal half just before Rashford’s goal. Glorious assist.

8) Eriksen leading a scintillating counter-attack is a very funny sight and it was no surprise to see him offload quickly – and perfectly into Rashford’s path, it should be added.

From the left – fuelling another tiresome discussion – Rashford cut inside and clipped a wonderful shot past Aaron Ramsdale, who could only tip the ball onto the post on its journey in.

The England forward remains a cheat code on the counter and the way he created separation from Benjamin White before shooting was masterful. His and Antony’s tracking back was also noteworthy as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the excellent Diogo Dalot received plenty of support and protection. Manchester United’s wide players were very good.

9) The risk-and-reward factor of playing Eriksen in a midfield two was laid bare within 35 seconds of kick-off, as Arsenal immediately equalised with a sumptuous move. Fine link-up play between Gabriel Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nketiah created the sort of opportunity Martin Odegaard feasted on last season: a lay-off he could run onto, unmarked in the area with one side of the goal gaping.

It was Eriksen’s responsibility to track the run but the Dane has never been famed for his defensive instincts. And even then he made more tackles than Casemiro, who was mostly bypassed. Sofyan Amrabat is needed and frankly the discipline of Scott McTominay might be too.

10) It was a great cut-back from Martinelli, who showed the peace of mind necessary to find Odegaard on the edge of the box. In the first minute the winger was in a similar position with Odegaard and Nketiah as support but a wasteful cross frustratingly bisected them and the moment passed.

Martinelli was bright throughout, his flick earlier in the move for the first goal absolutely crucial and that battle with Wan-Bissaka a quiet classic. But his understanding of and combinations and relationship with Havertz is one of the German’s main problems currently. Their wavelengths are diametrically opposed and neither seems to have a grasp on the other’s movements or inner machinations yet.

Havertz was constantly making overlapping runs that Martinelli never used. The latter just never seemed to notice the former; it would genuinely be a surprise if they shared more than a handful of completed passes with one another. Arteta has to address that malfunctioning part of the attack.

11) Nketiah enjoys this fixture. He was very good in a selfless, tireless role and his hold-up play has improved exponentially. Arsenal did not have to use that option frequently but it was eminently reliable on those few occasions.

The desire and technique Nketiah showed to get two Manchester United defenders booked was brilliant. Victor Lindelof horribly misjudged one high ball which the Arsenal forward kept in and nudged down the byline before being brought down; Lisandro Martinez injured himself getting turned on the halfway line and clattering Nketiah as the forward dropped deep to knit together an attack he instantly leapt off the ground to join.

An England debut next, and not a moment too soon on this form.

12) The penalty, then. Excellent from Rice in the build-up and positive work from Havertz, who drove into the space between Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro before going down.

Was it definitely a penalty? No. There was contact and both Manchester United players seemed to impede Havertz at least a little bit, but it was minimal and could have gone either way. But here’s the key: was it definitively not a penalty? Because that is where the supposed high line exists with VAR. That was no clear and obvious mistake from the officials so overturning the penalty was ultimately just re-refereeing the game and making a 50/50 call the other way.

Debating VAR and referee stuff does, however, remain incredibly tedious. So there.

13) When Martinez went off, Ten Hag had the opportunity to do the funniest thing. But the Dutchman bottled it by bringing Harry Maguire on instead of Jonny Evans.

As it was, Leicester’s 2018/19 central-defensive partnership was reunited in the closing stages when Jonny Evans was introduced. That is a deeply unserious football club.

14) What a massive shame Peter Drury messed up his Rasmus Hojlund bit. Anthony Martial definitely didn’t make a debut impact against Arsenal in 2018. It was Liverpool, three years earlier. Did he get it mixed up with Rashford’s debut? Even that was in 2016. Weird.

Absolutely no notes on Roy Keane’s increasingly high-pitched pre-match chat about “going into battle” and “kicking lumps out of each other” when seeing a few opposition players shake hands in the tunnel, by the way.

But to Hojlund, who had an encouraging half-hour cameo. It was immediately clear to see the difference in Manchester United with a proper central focal point who offered some mobility and purpose. The flick for Garnacho’s disallowed goal was superb and there was more than enough there to suggest Ten Hag hasn’t just been completely conned. Based on that display, Hojlund will be very good for them indeed.

15) That third Arsenal goal was a thing of beauty: Rashford feigning a challenge at a high ball, pulling out and then losing a 50/50 with Reiss Nelson was pretty weak on the attack at 2-1 down in stoppage-time; Fabio Vieira’s pass to Jesus was perfect; the cut-back and finish from Jesus was impeccable; the lunge, eternal slide and collapse of Evans’ head into the Emirates turf as the Brazilian wheeled away was the single most existential thing ever.

Vieira is carving out quite the niche from the bench. It is a nice little wrinkle from Arteta instead of just copying the whole Pep Guardiola ‘awful in the first year, amazing after that’ blueprint for new signings. The problem is that he warrants a start now.

16) But props to whoever had Gabriel Magalhaes down as the game’s most influential player.

He was excellent at centre-half, handling the threats of Rashford, Martial and Hojlund well. Manchester United were much more threatening when they had less of the ball and Gabriel, on his first start of the season, barely put a foot wrong.

Beyond that, his personal offside trap to catch Garnacho for the disallowed goal might just be the most daring and brilliantly implemented plan ever devised, and the tussle with Evans from that corner created the Rice goal. That is how a centre-half can turn a 2-1 defeat into a 3-1 win without scoring, folks.

Given Nigeria’s pedigree in football, the country should not be in such predicament – Sports Minister Enoh fumes over non-listing of Nigerian referees for AFCON 2023

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has stated his displeasure over the non-inclusion of Nigerian referees among the match officials listed for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that will be hosted by Cote D’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11/2024.

The 34th Africa Cup of Nations is billed to take place across five cities in Cote D’Ivoire. 

Three-time African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, topped Group A of the qualifying series to secure participation.

Speaking on the situation, an appalled Enoh said;

“Given Nigeria’s population and pedigree in football, the country should not be in such a predicament, I will hold engagements with bodies related to the matter and see how we can remedy this going forward.”

“I was duly informed that at the last AFCON (2021), Nigeria had only one assistant referee listed amongst the match officials. Two years prior, we didn’t have any centre referee too. Going into the next AFCON, we still won’t have any Nigerian official.

“I am going to interrogate this matter. We will have engagements with the NFF, the  Referees’ Association, and the League Board because we need to get to the bottom of this,” the minister reiterated.

Travis Kelce finally breaks his silence on Taylor Swift rumors and reveals he has invited her to watch him play an NFL game

NFL star, Travis Kelce, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, has finally broken his silence on his rumoured romance with Taylor Swift, revealing that he has invited the pop superstar to come watch him play.

Kelce’s apparent fling with Swift has been the talk of town for some time.

Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show about his rumoured romance with Taylor Swift, he said: ‘It’s hilarious how much traction this has actually got. ‘I think right now it’s like that old game at school, “Telephones”, where everyone is just whispering in each other’s ears and hearing some random stuff… no-one actually knows what’s going on.”

‘Especially when you’ve got Jason Kelce going on national television and telling both sides… he doesn’t know, it’s true, it’s this and that. He goes on Thursday Night Football and the first thing he brings up is “Catching Kelce”, and then not even a week later he’s telling everyone it’s 100 per cent true.

‘The guy is ridiculous, he can’t stay out of the fricking headlines. He was on the show yesterday saying everyone thinks he’s the Ian Rapoport of my dating relationships… everyone, please stop asking my brother about my love life.’

Kelce later revealed that he has been speaking to the pop star and has invited her to come watch him play.

‘It’s life, baby,’ he continued. ‘I threw it out there, I threw the ball in her court. I said, “I’ve seen you rock the stage in Arrowhead, you might have to come see me rock the stage in Arrowhead, and see which one’s a little more lit.”

‘We’ll see what happens in the near future. Alright, nowwwww.’

Until Thursday afternoon, all of the news regarding the potential romance between two-time Super Bowl winner Kelce, 33, and pop sensation Swift, also 33, was either rumors spread in the media or by his brother Jason.

It was reported earlier this month that they had been ‘quietly hanging out,’ before his brother Jason  Kelce admitted on the WIP Morning Show that he believed the news to be ‘100 percent true.’

‘I think things are going great and I think it’s 100 per cent true,’ the 35-year-old said.

Sheffield United’s longest serving player Maddy Cusack d!es aged 27

Sheffield United footballer, Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the club has revealed.

Cusack, named vice-captain last month, had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Women’s Championship and was the longest-serving player in their current squad.

A statement on the club’s official website read: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.

‘Maddy, a women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.

‘A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women.

Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.’

‘The club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.’

Cusack joined the Blades halfway through their first campaign in the women’s second tier in January 2019 and last season became the first woman to reach 100 appearances for the club.

The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July.

Reactions as footballer Michelle Alozie refers to a woman as her “husband”

Super Falcons star, Michelle Alozie, got people talking and typing after she shared a photo she took with a lady and referred to her as “my husband”. 

In the picture, the woman is seen hugging Alozie from behind. 

The Nigerian footballer captioned the photo: “Happy us over them day.” 

She added: “to my husband”. 

The photo quickly made its way to X as Nigerians speculated about her sexuality. 

Alozie has now clarified. Apparently, it is the others lady’s birthday and she was simply celebrating her. 

“I like guys. Lol. Relax” Alozie wrote. 

See her response below.

Victor Osimhen completely blanked his Napoli teammates during team meet-up after social media insults

Victor Osimhen completely blanked his Napoli teammates upon arriving at the club’s team hotel ahead of their Serie A game amid the social media insults.

The star forward’s agent has threatened to take legal action against Napoli after they bizarrely mocked their own player on social media.

The posts, which were shared on TikTok, have since been deleted as Osimhen waits for an apology.

He’s deleted nearly every single Napoli-related post from his Instagram in wake of the brutal online taunts.

Despite the uproar caused by Gli Azzurri, the 24-year-old has been included in their squad for tonight’s home game against Udinese.

Ahead of potentially leading the line at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Osimhen is still in an angry mood.

That’s judging by a video that has surfaced online which shows the Nigerian blanking his teammates as he enters the club’s team hotel.

The clip shows Osimhen shaking team manager Giuseppe Santoro’s hand before ruthlessly ignoring Diego Demme and Piotr Zielinski.

Demme holds his hand out for a handshake but is blanked by Osimhen, who walks past his teammates and into the hotel.

On the legal action against Napoli, his agent Roberto Calenda said: “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.

“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.

“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” he added.

“A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.”

Osimhen, who has scored three goals in six appearances this season, has since been linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal.

NFF appoints Chris Danjuma as Head Coach of Falconets

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Chris Danjuma as Head Coach of the U20 Women National Team, Falconets, following a screening and interview process by the NFF Technical Committee.

According to the NFF, the screening process began with a one-week public notice which requested for applications from suitably qualified persons, after which short-listed candidates were contacted and interviewed by a panel of the Technical Committee.

Danjuma, who has taken temporary charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, in the past, led the Falconets to the quarter-finals of last year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Costa Rica.

He will be assisted by former U20 and U17 girls’ assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi, and former Super Falcons’ midfielder Effioanwan Ekpo, the NFF said on Wednesday.

Ekpo, who represented Nigeria for 10 years between 2000 and 2010, featured at the 2003 and 2007 FIFA World Cup finals in USA and China respectively, at the 2004 and 2008 Women Olympic Football Tournaments in Athens and Beijing respectively, and was a Women Africa Cup of Nations gold medallist on three occasions. She also featured at the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers.

Yahaya Audu, will be the goalkeeper trainer of the team.

The Falconets will commence their 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a second round, first leg encounter against Mauritius in Saint Pierre on Sunday, 8th October, with the return leg scheduled for the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 14th October 2023.