The Presidency extends congratulations to heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua for his knockout victory against Francis Ngannou. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, suggests potential future matchups with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua secured victory with a powerful right hand in the first round and a right-left hook combination early in the second, ultimately leading to the referee halting the contest after another strong right hand. Posting on X, Onanuga wrote: “Congratulations Anthony Joshua a.k.a AJ for knocking out Francis Ngannou in the second round of the heavyweight bout in Riyadh. AJ after the…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Borussia Dortmund has reportedly earned qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following RB Leipzig’s 2-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The tournament, expanded to include 32 teams from the initial seven, will mark Dortmund’s participation in the inaugural new format starting next year. The club made the announcement on their official website, stating: “It has been confirmed since Wednesday late evening that Borussia Dortmund has secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. “The revamped competition, featuring 32 clubs, is scheduled for the summer of 2025 and will be…
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea squad has encountered yet another setback as the latest injury update reveals concerns for three pivotal players. In the official club update posted on the website, Vice Captain Ben Chilwell’s injury was confirmed by Pochettino during his pre-match conference. Although the full extent of his injury remains uncertain, Chilwell is highly likely to miss the upcoming clash against Newcastle on Monday, pending further assessment results. Center-back Levi Colwill has also been ruled out due to injury and has not participated in training since the Brentford game, having picked up a toe injury. To offset these setbacks, Chelsea…
La Liga has reportedly dismissed the case involving Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Getafe loanee Mason Greenwood, related to an alleged slur. The incident occurred on February 1 during a match in the top tier of Spanish football, where the two England-capped players crossed paths. Bellingham delivered a robust challenge to Greenwood during the game, and he was caught on camera mouthing something afterward. Getafe reported the incident, claiming that Bellingham used a derogatory term, accusing Greenwood of being a “rapist.” La Liga initiated an investigation and enlisted a lip-reading expert. According to Marca, the matter has been withdrawn, indicating…
England’s all-time top appearance maker, Fara Williams, has expressed significant concerns about the lack of diversity within the current Lionesses squad. Williams, who holds the record for the most caps in England football history, emphasized her disappointment with the predominantly white composition of the team. During her two-decade-long career with the Lionesses, Williams experienced a more diverse England team, highlighting the contrast with the current squad. Speaking at Wembley ahead of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, she stressed the importance of representation and relatability within the national team. Williams recalled that when she began her career, the England team…
Here are three reasons why Francis Ngannou could potentially cause an upset against Anthony Joshua in their highly anticipated matchup: 1. Physical Dominance: Francis Ngannou is considered a physical powerhouse compared to Anthony Joshua. Some speculate that the Cameroonian, at 37 years old, might surprise everyone and defeat Joshua. There’s a belief that Ngannou’s psychological strength, possibly greater than Fury’s, could be a significant factor in the fight. Ngannou’s inherent strength is a cause for concern, as he possesses the ability to break through a formidable guard, unleashing powerful punches that could pose a serious threat to Joshua. 2. Counterpunching…
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, has indicated that Ibrahima Konate will undergo assessment ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City. In their Europa League last-16 tie against Sparta Prague on Thursday night, Liverpool secured a dominant 5-1 victory. However, the positive outcome was marred by Konate pulling up after a swift counter-attack by the hosts. Konate had to be substituted, with Virgil van Dijk taking his place. Additionally, Joe Gomez was replaced at halftime, a move characterized as a precautionary measure. Klopp acknowledged that while Gomez’s situation seems manageable, there is uncertainty surrounding Konate’s availability for the weekend…
Only five players have had the unique experience of playing under both the current Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, and the departing Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp. This special connection between the two elite coaches will come to a culmination on Sunday as they face each other for the final time in the Premier League. As Klopp bids farewell to Liverpool at the end of the season, the matchup holds immense significance, with Merseyside eager to send him off with a second Premier League title. However, Manchester City, led by Guardiola, stands as a formidable obstacle to this aspiration, aiming to…
A Chelsea player has been notably urging the club to grant his departure during the upcoming summer transfer window. As Chelsea seeks to offload several players by the end of June to maintain financial stability and comply with profit regulations, the prelude to June promises a flurry of rumors and speculations. One prominent figure in these narratives is Romelu Lukaku, the striker currently on loan at Roma. Lukaku, relishing his time in Serie A, expressed his desire to continue his stay there. In a recent interview following his goal-scoring performance in Europe, Lukaku’s statements can be interpreted as a plea…
Former Crystal Palace midfielder Jobi McAnuff has identified Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain as one of the top three wingers globally. According to McAnuff, the other two standout players in this category are Mohamed Salah from Liverpool and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal. When asked to name the current best wingers worldwide, McAnuff expressed his opinion, stating (as reported by TBR Football): “Saka, Mbappe – can we place him on the left side? And then Salah, man. I’m still putting him up there; he’s still representing.” All three athletes have showcased impressive performances for their respective clubs throughout the ongoing season.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has conceded that his team consistently faces challenges when playing against Brentford. The Gunners are set to host Thomas Frank’s side this Saturday in a bid to secure the top spot in the Premier League. Despite Arsenal’s impressive form with 24 goals in their last five top-flight games, Arteta expresses concern about Brentford. The Bees held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in their recent fixture, and their ability to trouble top teams is a cause for caution. Brentford managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the reverse fixture last season. Arteta, acknowledging the significance…
The Ballon d’Or stands as the pinnacle of football accolades, revered by the sport’s luminaries since its inception in 1956 by France Football. A testament to exceptional talent and outstanding performances, Lionel Messi holds the record with eight wins, closely followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five. Notable figures like Ronaldinho, Van Basten, and Zidane have also graced the prestigious list of winners. As the 2024 season unfolds, the anticipation for the Ballon d’Or intensifies, with remarkable performances shaping the landscape of contenders. The ranking criteria consider individual prowess, fan appreciation, and overall impact on respective teams. 1. Kylian Mbappe: Leading…
Reports suggest that as Jurgen Klopp prepares to part ways with Liverpool after a nine-year tenure, two enticing job offers may be on the horizon for the German football manager. Speculation surrounds potential roles with the German national team and Bayern Munich. According to The Daily Mail, a notable career shift may be in store for Klopp, with BBC and ITV reportedly vying to include him in their punditry teams for the upcoming Euro 2024. Both broadcasting giants are purportedly “desperate” to secure Klopp’s expertise for the competition held in his native Germany. The strategic move aims to enhance viewership…
Manchester City standout Kevin De Bruyne delves into the circumstances surrounding his departure from Chelsea. The Manchester City star, Kevin De Bruyne, has shared insights into his exit from Chelsea, aiming to clarify any misconceptions about the role played by former manager Jose Mourinho. Addressing Mourinho’s Involvement The departure of De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah from Chelsea has often been linked to Mourinho, leading fans to attribute their exits to the Portuguese manager. In a bid to set the record straight, De Bruyne has spoken out, supporting Mourinho’s assertion that he wanted to keep the talented midfielder at the club.…
Vincent Enyeama, the former Nigerian international, has expressed his eagerness to join the coaching staff of the Super Eagles if given the opportunity. Despite his surprising retirement in 2015 after amassing over 100 appearances, the 41-year-old, renowned for his stellar performances with the national team, conveyed in an interview with Lagos Talk that he is prepared to contribute his wealth of experience from his European career to assist the team. Regarding the prospect of becoming a goalkeeper coach, Enyeama mentioned, “First of all, I’m not yet certified. If they want me to follow a path similar to Zidane, who wasn’t…
The Spanish Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing a five-year prison sentence for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on charges of tax fraud, as reported by Relevo. The Italian coach faces two accusations of defrauding the Treasury of over €1 million during the years 2014 and 2015, encompassing his initial tenure at Madrid. The Prosecutor’s Office is now seeking a prison term of four years and nine months for Ancelotti. The allegations stem from Ancelotti declaring only his remuneration from his managerial role at Madrid in his tax return, neglecting to include earnings from image rights. The specific amounts in question are…
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has cautioned the Spanish club against deceiving its supporters and has urged them to maintain openness and transparency regarding their current situation. Barça finds themselves approximately €200 million beyond their LaLiga-mandated annual spending limit of €204 million. This financial constraint prevents the Catalans from registering any potential new players or contract renewals. Piqué expresses skepticism about the club’s short-term prospects and emphasizes the importance of honesty with the fans. He states, “The fans want honesty and transparency. If the reality is tough, then say it. What you cannot do is sell smoke and mirrors and…
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has declared Wizkid as his preferred Nigerian artist. Expressing his preference in the latest episode of ‘Would You Rather…,’ Iwobi mentioned that he resonates more with the Starboy boss than Burna Boy. The former England youth player disclosed, “I prefer Nigerian music to English. Wizkid is my favorite Nigerian artist. I feel him more than Burna [Boy]. I have always been a big fan of Wizkid.”
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has acknowledged that Edinson Cavani “endured the most” after he approved the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the club. Ronaldo rejoined Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 from Juventus, with United paying £12.8 million for the then-36-year-old forward. He was integrated into a squad that already included Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood. Ronaldo’s return caused some disruption in the United dressing room and did not work out for Solskjaer, who was dismissed just three months later. Solskjaer maintains that he doesn’t regret the decision but admits that there were…
Chelsea has received advice to reconsider their interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and prioritize acquiring a striker with Premier League experience during the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite being front-runners for the Super Eagles striker, Chelsea faces competition from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain for Osimhen’s signature. Tim Sherwood suggests that Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino should redirect his focus to signing Brentford attacker Ivan Toney, emphasizing the importance of securing players with Premier League experience. Sherwood states, “This would be a sensible signing if they would take Ivan Toney. They (Chelsea) have taken players who are a little…