Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been compelled to make a last-minute alteration to their AFCON squad, as Paul Onuachu steps in to replace the injured Umar Sadiq. Responding swiftly to the setback of losing Umar Sadiq, the Nigerian Super Eagles have called up the formidable striker Paul Onuachu to mitigate the impact. This move comes ahead of the imminent AFCON2023, set to commence on Saturday. Onuachu, the towering 6ft 8in striker from Trabzonspor, now seizes the opportunity to represent his country at the AFCON, taking over the role vacated by the injured Real Sociedad player. Unfortunately, Umar Sadiq’s absence from the…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Barcelona secured a spot in the Supercopa de Espana final against Real Madrid with a less-than-convincing 2-0 victory over Osasuna in Saudi Arabia. In a match far from being a classic, Xavi’s team struggled to seal the game despite dominating possession. Robert Lewandowski scored the crucial opening goal just before the hour mark, and Lamine Yamal sealed the victory at the end, providing Barcelona with their first two-goal margin of victory since September. However, it’s evident that Barcelona will need to raise their game significantly against Madrid if they hope to retain the trophy. The semi-final lacked the goal-scoring spectacle…
Jadon Sancho has expressed his delight at returning to Borussia Dortmund, describing it as a “dream” and an opportunity to reignite his career. The winger recently left Manchester United on a six-month loan to Dortmund, and notably, the deal does not include a purchase clause. In an interview with club media, Sancho shared his excitement, saying, “Very good to be back. Dortmund is home to me. Making my debut here in professional football, it’s always been a dream for me, so I’m happy to be back. Can’t wait to get started. Of course [I’m buzzing]. Can’t wait to get started.”…
Ian Maatsen has inked a fresh two-year contract with Chelsea and finalized a six-month loan move to Borussia Dortmund. Originally set to expire in 2025, Maatsen’s existing contract had prompted Chelsea to explore offers, with the player turning down a £31.5m transfer to Burnley in the summer. In a compromise, Maatsen committed to a new two-year deal, extending his association with Chelsea until 2026. However, the contract includes a release clause that will activate upon his return from Dortmund at the end of the current season. Expressing his enthusiasm for the loan move, Maatsen stated, “Borussia Dortmund tried hard to…
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has indicated a potential return to action in time for the club’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on January 21. Despite missing Liverpool’s recent cup fixtures due to a hamstring injury, Szoboszlai, who joined from RB Leipzig in the summer, is optimistic about being fit for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. However, he emphasizes the importance of a cautious approach, expressing a preference to miss an additional match if necessary to avoid the risk of exacerbating the injury. “I’m still running without a ball, but soon I will be able to carefully try training with…
The rhythm echoes through Abidjan, Ivory Coast, heralding the anticipation of the grandest football celebration of the year – the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Circle Saturday, January 13th, on your calendars for the tournament’s commencement, marked by an intense clash between hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau. A Flashback: This occasion marks Ivory Coast’s second time hosting the AFCON, the initial instance dating back to 1984. In those days, only eight teams contended over 15 days, a sharp contrast to the upcoming 24-nation spectacle. While Cameroon secured victory in ’84, Ivory Coast couldn’t replicate home-field advantage, exiting after the…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are determined to end their four-game winless streak as they confront Equatorial Guinea in the opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations this weekend in Ivory Coast. The three-time African Cup of Nations champions enter the highly anticipated Group A game following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Guinea in their previous warm-up match, aiming for victory over Equatorial Guinea to regain their winning form. NGA vs EQG: Super Eagles Squad Update, Potential Starting XI, And Kickoff Schedule for the 2023 AFCON Group Game In team news, Victor Boniface will be sidelined for the…
Nigeria’s Super Falconets have touched down in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, gearing up for the initial phase of their 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Burundi. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Sunday at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam. FIFA relocated the game to Tanzania due to Burundi’s inability to furnish a suitable venue for the encounter. Subsequently, the return leg is set to unfold at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja next weekend. The ultimate victor from these two clashes will secure a spot in the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup, slated to…
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea is exploring the possibility of acquiring Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson to address their goal-scoring challenges. In their pursuit of a consistent goal-scorer, Chelsea has considered options like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, both of whom come with substantial financial demands. Chelsea sees Evan Ferguson as a more cost-effective alternative to Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen. The 19-year-old, well-regarded in the Premier League, has showcased his quality over the past year, making him a promising option to lead Chelsea’s frontline in the long term. Ferguson’s appeal lies in the likelihood that he…
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp playfully apologized to Curtis Jones for his limited playing time after the midfielder featured in the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup semi-final win over Fulham at Anfield. Jones and Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday night. After the match, Klopp acknowledged in his post-match interview that he may have not utilized Jones enough, stating, “Curtis is extremely, extremely important to us, and he knows that. Coincidentally, I heard his interview, and the only thing that broke through was ‘I need more game time.’ I love that! So sorry, Curtis,…
As reported by football-espana on Tuesday, David Lopez has received a four-match suspension for comments made in October regarding Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias. The Girona veteran criticized the referee for his alleged “rude and insulting” behavior during the match against Almeria at Montilivi. Despite later apologizing and retracting his statements, Lopez now faces a ban. Girona expresses disappointment with the Competition Committee’s decision to impose a four-match suspension on Lopez, considering it unjust when compared to historical precedents, as noted by MD. Some within the Girona camp believe the severity of the punishment is disproportionate, possibly influenced by their current…
Renowned Italian sports journalist and football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has officially confirmed the completion of all terms between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho’s imminent return to the Bundesliga on loan. The winger is expected to leave England today as Dortmund successfully secures his return to Germany. Despite his earlier successful stint with the club, Sancho has faced limited playing time under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United in recent months. Confidence has been growing in Germany about Sancho’s return, with Romano, known for his ‘here we go’ announcements, confirming through X that the talented player is…
Liverpool owner John W. Henry is personally committed to securing the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. However, Mbappe has reservations about sharing the Real Madrid stage with Vinicius Junior, according to Mundo Deportivo. With Real Madrid growing increasingly concerned about their chances of signing Mbappe, they are contemplating shifting their focus to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, as reported by AS. Arsenal’s £22m bid for Getafe striker Borja Mayoral has been rejected, despite his impressive 12-goal performance in La Liga this season, as per The Sun. Barcelona is open to offers for every player in their squad at…
Chelsea is reportedly eyeing SL Benfica defender Antonio Silva as a potential replacement for Thiago Silva in the current January transfer window. Speculation surrounds Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for signings, especially with Thiago Silva expected to depart at the season’s end. Media rumors suggest that Chelsea attempted a transfer for Silva in the waning days of the summer window but failed. The promising Benfica defender, with 68 senior appearances and six goals, has been pivotal in their Primeira Liga campaign, securing second place with 24 appearances across competitions. Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly negotiating a deal for Silva’s move to the…
Real Madrid secures a spot in the Supercopa de España final for the third consecutive year, emerging victorious in a thrilling eight-goal derby clash against city rivals Atletico that extended into extra time. This week, Spanish football temporarily moves to Saudi Arabia for the annual mini-tournament, with the Madrid derby marking the first of the two semi-finals; Barcelona is set to face Osasuna on Thursday. The teams exchanged four goals within a pulsating opening half-hour, with Mario Hermoso giving Atletico an early lead in the sixth minute. Los Blancos then staged a comeback with two goals in nine minutes from…
Reports suggest that Anthony Martial has declined the possibility of departing Manchester United in the ongoing transfer window. Instead, he is determined to remain with the club until the conclusion of his contract. The striker, who has faced reduced playing time in recent years due to injuries and a dip in form, is now in the final six months of the long-term deal he signed back in 2019. Despite losing his status as Erik ten Hag’s preferred ‘number nine’ to £72m signing Rasmus Hojlund, Martial has reportedly decided to stay at United. Martial has rejected interest from clubs such as…
The Super Eagles have officially arrived in Abidjan for the 2023 AFCON, as confirmed by Brainnews. According to Channelstv, the Nigerian national team, led by coach Jose Peseiro and captain Ahmed Musa, landed at the Aéroport International Felix Houphouet Boigny d’Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to commence on Saturday. Before their departure from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning, the team enjoyed a dinner hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday at the State House in Marina, Lagos. The Super Eagles join other teams such as…
Chelsea encountered Middlesbrough in a challenging EFL Carabao Cup semi-final clash at Middlesbrough’s home ground, resulting in a captivating 1-0 victory for Middlesbrough and a tough start for Chelsea in the year 2024. Pochettino’s performance at Chelsea since assuming the role has been less than impressive, putting him at risk of potential dismissal if he fails to swiftly reverse the team’s fortunes. The upcoming second leg of the semi-final, to be hosted by Chelsea, presents an opportunity for redemption. A triumph against Middlesbrough would not only uplift Chelsea fans but also offer crucial support for Pochettino, who currently faces job…
Super Eagles icon John Mikel Obi is confident that the three-time African champions will emerge victorious in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament, as reported by npflupdates.com. Mikel, a key member of the Super Eagles squad that secured Nigeria’s third AFCON title a decade ago in South Africa, shared his optimism about the current team’s capabilities to conquer the 2023 AFCON. He particularly highlighted the impactful role of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, expressing belief that Osimhen would clinch the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. In an interview with CNN World Sport, Mikel stated, “Nigeria will win the…
Liverpool had to overcome an early deficit to secure a narrow aggregate lead against Fulham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. A surprise but deserved advantage came for Fulham in the 19th minute when Willian capitalized on a weak header from Virgil van Dijk, eluded two challenges, and calmly slotted in low. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to break down Fulham’s resilient defense in the first half, with only Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota testing Bernd Leno. Substitutions played a pivotal role for Liverpool, with Darwin Nunez making a significant impact off the bench.…