Joao Felix has emphasized that he is “not the villain” in his ongoing disagreement with his parent club, Atletico Madrid, following his scoring exploits against them while playing for Barcelona. The Portuguese forward moved to Barcelona on a straightforward loan deal on the final day of the summer 2023 transfer window. Throughout much of the window, Felix attempted to secure a transfer to the Spanish champions, citing it as a lifelong ambition. According to La Liga regulations, loaned players are permitted to compete against their parent clubs. Felix notably scored the solitary goal in a 1-0 triumph against Atletico in…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Real Madrid has announced that they’ve officially lodged a complaint against referee Juan Martinez Munuera for what they describe as “voluntary and deliberate” disregard of racist abuse directed at winger Vinicius Junior. Vinicius, a standout player for Madrid, has unfortunately faced several instances of racial abuse since his arrival in Spain. Following Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Osasuna, in which Vinicius scored twice, Real Madrid accuses Munuera of intentionally omitting any mention of the racial abuse directed at the 23-year-old in his match report. In their statement, Real Madrid expressed their disappointment, stating, “After the serious insults directed, once again, at…
Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has commended Portuguese prodigy Joao Neves amid speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford. With manager Erik ten Hag seeking reinforcement in midfield, the Red Devils are anticipated to be active in the transfer market this summer. The midfield area has been a concern for Ten Hag, particularly with the potential departures of current options such as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Benfica’s 19-year-old sensation, Neves, has emerged as a potential target for United, much to the satisfaction of Fernandes, who has previously shared the pitch with him for the Portugal national team. Their…
Nike has recently unveiled the highly-anticipated Nigeria 2024 home and away kits, sparking excitement among football enthusiasts. With their trademark combination of innovation and style, Nike’s latest designs for the Nigerian national team are captivating and attention-grabbing. The Super Eagles will sport these new Nike-designed jerseys in their upcoming international friendly matches against and Mali. The unveiling of the new Super Eagles home and away jerseys took place on Nike’s official platform. The images of the jerseys were accompanied by a statement which read, “Nike has released Nigeria’s new 2024 home and away kits 🇳🇬. It marks the return of…
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, has expressed his concerns regarding the injuries sustained by three of his players following their FA Cup defeat against Manchester United on Sunday. Klopp revealed that Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo all picked up knocks during the game. With the trio scheduled to depart for international duty, Klopp is apprehensive about their fitness. Speaking to BBC Sport, Klopp stated, “Now, the boys go on international duty. We hope they come back healthy. Lucho [Diaz] felt his groin, Darwin hamstring, Cody twisted his ankle. They play again in four or five days, it’s crazy. Hopefully…
On Monday, Arsenal announced that their goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo has embarked on a work experience loan with Isthmian Premier League side Cheshunt FC until the conclusion of the season. This confirmation came through a statement released on the Premier League North London club’s website. Okonkwo, who joined the Gunners’ academy in April 2018, is 18 years old and has previously enjoyed successful work experience loans with Hitchin Town and Leatherhead. “We wish Brian all the best for his loan spell at Cheshunt and look forward to seeing his continued development,” read a portion of Arsenal’s statement.
Arsenal’s defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, will be absent from Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against England and Spain due to injury. Gabriel has departed the national team camp following the injury setback. The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, notably forming a formidable defensive duo with William Saliba, contributing to the team’s impressive defensive record in the Premier League. Brazil’s head coach, Dorival Junior, confirmed Gabriel’s withdrawal from the squad but refrained from disclosing the specific nature or severity of the injury. Junior informed the media, “I had previously mentioned that we would be working with a slightly expanded…
Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernandez, faces the possibility of a three-game suspension following his second red card of the season in LaLiga. Xavi was ejected during the first half of their 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid last weekend for dissent. Initially cautioned for his protests, the former Spanish midfielder was subsequently sent off by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez for continuing to express his discontent from the touchline. In principle, Xavi would receive a two-match ban for his direct dismissal. However, Diario Sport suggests that due to this being his second red card incident, the league may impose an additional…
Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, have confirmed that Victor Osimhen will be absent from the Super Eagles’ friendly matches against Ghana and Mali due to injury. Although Osimhen was listed as a substitute in Napoli’s 1-1 draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday, he did not participate in the match. Caretaker manager Francesco Calzona attributed his absence to inflammation from a previous injury scar. Despite ongoing rehabilitation, Osimhen’s name was notably absent from Napoli’s list of players released for international duty. Additionally, injuries have also sidelined Tyrone Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho from the upcoming friendlies. Furthermore,…
Chelsea secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a tense 4-2 victory against Championship leaders Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues initially took a comfortable lead, with Marc Cucurella tapping in after a slick move orchestrated by Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. However, Chelsea squandered chances to extend their lead, including a penalty miss from Raheem Sterling. Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Leicester fought back fiercely. Axel Disasi’s unfortunate own goal reduced the deficit before Stephy Mavididi’s stunning strike leveled the score. As the game intensified, Leicester’s hopes suffered a blow when Callum Doyle was sent off for fouling…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino addresses the reaction from fans towards Raheem Sterling following their FA Cup win at Stamford Bridge. Despite Chelsea taking the lead in the 13th minute, Raheem Sterling’s missed penalty soon shifted the atmosphere, with fans expressing their frustration through boos directed at the winger. Pochettino, however, urged fans to support all players. “We need to support him, he’s an amazing player,” Pochettino emphasized. “He has over 10 years of experience in the Premier League. Despite some missed opportunities, his contribution was positive. As a team, we must stand by each other.” Acknowledging the fans’ right to…
Amad Diallo emerged as both hero and villain in Manchester United’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. After Scott McTominay’s early goal gave United the lead, liverpool turn the deficit into a lead through goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. United’s substitute Antony leveled the score, forcing the game into extra time. Despite Liverpool taking the lead again with Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike, Marcus Rashford’s late equalizer kept United in the game. Then came the moment of magic from Diallo, who netted the decisive goal in extra time, securing United’s spot in…
Barcelona ascended to second place in La Liga with a commanding 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski, and Fermin Lopez found the net, securing a surprisingly comfortable win for Barcelona, marking the first defeat for Atletico at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano this season. The triumph propelled Barcelona two points clear of the formidable Girona in the league standings, albeit still trailing eight points behind the frontrunners, Real Madrid. The match began with Atletico Madrid dominating proceedings, their high press causing significant trouble for Barcelona. In the early stages, a Pablo Barrios opportunity arose from a Marc Andre ter…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has acknowledged Amad Diallo’s merit for more playing time following his impressive match-winning goal against Liverpool. Despite expectations for Diallo to become a pivotal figure for Man Utd in the 2023/24 season, a knee injury sidelined him for the first half of the campaign. Since his return, the 21-year-old has encountered limited opportunities under Ten Hag, featuring for just 46 minutes in the Premier League. However, Diallo seized the chance to shine during Man Utd’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool. Entering the game as a substitute in the 86th minute, he played a…
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stormed out of an interview following his team’s 4-3 loss to Manchester United, which saw United secure a spot in the FA Cup semi-final with Amad Diallo’s 120th-minute winner at Old Trafford. During the interview with Danish outlet Viaplay, Klopp was questioned about Liverpool’s energy levels, particularly in extra time. Responding sharply, Klopp criticized the question’s premise, citing the rigorous schedule both teams have faced in recent matches. Expressing disappointment with the line of questioning, Klopp deemed it a “bit of a dumb question” and highlighted the demanding nature of professional sports. As the interview continued,…
Manchester United winger Antony has confessed he found Erik ten Hag’s decision to deploy him as a left-back in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Liverpool “a bit strange.” Initially benched for the FA Cup quarter-final, Antony entered the fray with 20 minutes remaining and made a significant impact, scoring a crucial goal to send the match into extra time. During the extra period, United fell behind to Harvey Elliott’s strike, prompting Ten Hag to adopt an all-out attacking approach. In a tactical reshuffle, Antony was asked to fill the left-back role alongside Harry Maguire, who had moved into attack, while Diogo…
Former Nigerian international, Samson Siasia, has refuted claims of applying for the vacant position of Super Eagles head coach. Speaking to Complete Sports, he emphasized that he cannot be considered for the role due to his suspension by FIFA. Siasia received a ban after being implicated in accepting bribes to manipulate match outcomes. This five-year suspension is scheduled to conclude in August 2024, rendering him ineligible for any sports-related roles until then. “I did not submit an application for the Super Eagles coaching position because I am aware of FIFA’s ongoing suspension on me. “I am unsure where the reports…
The FA Cup semi-final draw has been announced, pitting Chelsea against Manchester City in what promises to be a formidable clash at Wembley next month. For Mauricio Pochettino’s team, this draw presents the toughest challenge, facing the reigning champions in a high-stakes encounter. The draw unfolded live on ITV following Manchester United’s remarkable comeback victory over Liverpool, with Amad Diallo securing a dramatic 4-3 win deep into extra time. Earlier in the day, Chelsea secured their spot in the semi-finals with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester City. Despite initially leading 2-0, they faced a spirited fightback from the Championship…
Bay FC scripted history with their inaugural goal in the 17th minute, courtesy of Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala. The African football luminary left an indelible mark in Bay FC’s annals, being the first to find the net for the newly minted National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit. In their debut clash against Angel City FC, Oshoala, the reigning African Player of the Year, surged Bay FC ahead, igniting jubilation among the fervent BMO Stadium spectators. Skillfully maneuvering the ball into the upper right corner of the net, Oshoala eluded the outstretched arms of Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. This commanding…
Manchester United’s winger, Amad Diallo, faces a one-game ban from the Football Association (FA). Amad’s late goal secured a crucial victory for United against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. However, he was subsequently sent off for removing his shirt during the celebration. The 21-year-old received a second yellow card for the incident and had to leave the pitch before the match concluded. Having come on as a substitute in the 85th minute, Amad will now miss United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford following the international break. Reflecting on the situation, Amad admitted that he “forgot” about…