Heartland FC players were involved in a terrible accident yesterday. The accident happened on Friday in Umunna, near Okigwe, Imo State, as the team was traveling to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-season Tournament. Reports indicate that several players and officials sustained varying degrees of injuries. They received first-aid treatment at a nearby facility. The former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) team confirmed the accident in a statement, which read, in part, “The accident occurred at Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State. The vehicle, while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle, collided with another car that was carelessly parked…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to Facundo Pellistri’s announcement of his departure from Old Trafford, conveying his best wishes to the departing player. Fernandes told Pellistri that he “deserves the best” following Pellistri’s move to Greek club Panathinaikos in a reported £6.8 million deal. The 22-year-old Uruguayan struggled to make a significant impact at Manchester United, particularly with competition from players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo. Pellistri bid farewell to Manchester United fans on Instagram, writing, “Dear Reds, my time has come to say goodbye. It’s been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable moments and…
Chuba Akpom made history as the fourth Ajax player to score a hat-trick in a European match, achieving this feat in their 4-1 victory over Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night. The Nigerian-born striker joins an elite group that includes Mohammed Kudus in 2023, Sébastien Haller in 2021, and Luis Suárez in 2009. Akpom opened the scoring for Ajax with a brilliant solo run in the ninth minute. He netted his second goal just after the hour mark by capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. He completed his hat-trick nine minutes later with a penalty. Ajax will…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has discussed the key issue affecting the club’s £89 million signing, Mykhailo Mudryk. Since joining Chelsea in 2023, Mudryk has faced difficulties. After Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off on Thursday, Maresca highlighted that Mudryk’s main challenge is making the right choices in the final third. Maresca explained that the 23-year-old winger often makes mistakes due to decision-making rather than technical ability. He emphasized that the club will work to help Mudryk improve this aspect of his game. “Mudryk has shown moments of inconsistency since joining the club,” Maresca said. “If…
Chelsea have left the No. 9 shirt vacant amid ongoing speculation linking them to a move for Victor Osimhen this summer. The Premier League club recently confirmed new shirt numbers for several players. Raheem Sterling, who is rumored to be on his way out, saw his No. 7 shirt handed to new signing Pedro Neto. Meanwhile, Joao Felix, another new arrival, was given the No. 14 shirt, previously worn by Trevoh Chalobah. However, the No. 9 shirt remains unassigned, sparking further speculation about a potential new arrival. Chelsea are actively seeking a striker after failing to secure Samu Omorodion from…
Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international football with Germany’s national team on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper shared the news in a video posted on his official Instagram account. Neuer recently represented Germany at Euro 2024, where the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Over his illustrious career, he made 124 appearances for Die Mannschaft and was a key figure in their 2014 FIFA World Cup victory. “Today, my career with the German national team comes to an end,” Neuer stated in a heartfelt video message on Instagram.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is reportedly contemplating a bid for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, according to recent reports. Despite Sancho mending his relationship with United manager Erik ten Hag, he remains available for transfer this summer, with the club seeking £40m for his permanent departure. As the summer transfer window nears its end, United have yet to secure a buyer for Sancho. SPORT suggests that several clubs are exploring the possibility of a loan deal, with Barcelona among those interested. Barcelona see a loan move for Sancho as a potential opportunity to strengthen their squad, though the requirement to…
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been stripped of his No. 7 shirt. According to Sky Sports, the number has been reassigned to new signing Pedro Neto for the upcoming season. This decision comes as Chelsea appears open to listening to offers for Sterling. After moving from Manchester City two years ago, Sterling initially wore the No. 17 shirt before switching to No. 7 last season. Pedro Neto, who made his debut against Manchester City on Sunday, previously wore the No. 19 shirt. In addition, new signing Joao Felix will wear the No. 14 shirt, which was previously worn by Trevoh…
Matthijs de Ligt turned down offers from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before finalizing his transfer to Manchester United, according to reports. The Dutch defender, who became available earlier this summer, was the subject of extensive negotiations between United and Bayern Munich. Despite initial uncertainties, a €45 million (£38.2 million) deal was eventually agreed upon. The Athletic reports that both Barcelona and PSG expressed interest in De Ligt, but he made it clear that United were his top choice. His strong desire to reunite with former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag was a significant factor in his decision. While Barcelona had…
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has highlighted the differences between Arne Slot’s tactics and those of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp, known for his “heavy metal football” and gegenpressing, built his success on high-intensity pressing and fast breaks. In contrast, Slot, rooted in Dutch football philosophy, emphasizes short passing and building play from the back. “Under Slot, the focus is more on short passes to build from the back and create spaces to exploit,” Alisson explained to LiverpoolFC.com. “The basic principles haven’t changed much for us, but the formation and approach have shifted. It’s been beneficial for me to have more…
Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, with Al Hilal reportedly making a bid for the Portuguese defender. Cancelo returned to Manchester City after his loan spell at Barcelona ended last season. Although Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta expressed interest in a second loan in March, the Catalan club has focused on other transfer priorities and did not pursue it further. Despite Pep Guardiola’s recent statement that no inquiries had been received for Cancelo, Fabrizio Romano now reports a “formal bid” from Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal. Negotiations between Al Hilal, Manchester…
Details of Arsenal’s transfer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino have been revealed. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Merino has agreed to join Arsenal this summer. Romano announced on X that Merino will soon travel to London for his medical with the Gunners. “Here we go! Mikel Merino to Arsenal is confirmed! A verbal agreement is in place for the Spanish midfielder to join the Gunners,” Romano tweeted on Thursday. The deal is worth €32 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with favorable payment terms, and includes a contract until 2028. Arsenal has been negotiating the deal…
Ademola Lookman is now expected to remain at Serie A club Atalanta, despite recent reports linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman was reportedly left out of Atalanta’s Serie A match against Lecce on Monday after hearing of PSG’s interest, with rumors suggesting he had been offered a long-term contract worth around €3.5 million per season. However, Atalanta has yet to receive an official offer from the Ligue 1 champions. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lookman is now more likely to stay at Atalanta. The club is also keen to retain the winger, who has been named…
A recent ranking has highlighted the top contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, featuring standout players from the Euros and Copa America. According to sportskeeda.com, the list includes key figures from Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign and Argentina’s successful defense of their Copa America title, placing their captain Lionel Messi among the top five contenders. Here are the current favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or: 5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)Messi has become the first Major League Soccer (MLS) star to remain a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. This season, he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists…
The drama surrounding Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea has intensified after the club stripped him of the No. 7 shirt. Sterling has been informed, both privately and publicly by manager Enzo Maresca, that he is no longer part of the plans at Stamford Bridge. The England international is among several players who have been excluded from first-team training. In addition to Sterling, vice-captain Ben Chilwell has been told to find a new club, while players like Trevoh Chalobah have known throughout the summer that they are not in the new manager’s plans. Sterling’s agents previously issued a statement requesting “clarity”…
Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Atlético Madrid attacking midfielder João Félix. The 24-year-old Portuguese international, who spent six months on loan with Chelsea during the 2022/23 season, returns to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal worth approximately £44.5 million. Félix underwent a medical with Chelsea on Tuesday and has signed a seven-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2031. Last season, Félix was on loan at Barcelona, where he scored ten goals and provided four assists in all competitions. His arrival at Chelsea has facilitated Conor Gallagher’s move in the opposite direction. The former Golden Boy award…
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has named his teammate Kevin De Bruyne as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Speaking to Goal at the PFA Awards on Tuesday night, Rodri bypassed the usual candidates like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, he chose De Bruyne, who has already secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League with City. When asked about the “Greatest of all time,” Rodri responded without hesitation, “Kevin De Bruyne.”
Former Liverpool star Graeme Souness has predicted that Manchester City’s dominance over the Premier League title will come to an end this season. City are aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title. Pep Guardiola’s side has already kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea last Sunday. Over the past two years, Arsenal has been City’s biggest rival, and Souness believes the Gunners will finally end their 21-year title drought this season. According to Souness, Manchester City will finish as runners-up, with Liverpool securing third place. “My top three? Well, I’m going for Arsenal to win the…
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo surprised fans with a big announcement on social media Wednesday afternoon, sending them into a frenzy. The 39-year-old’s last match with Al-Nassr ended in disappointment as his team lost 1-4 to Al-Hilal in the Arab Super Cup. However, Ronaldo has already moved on and is now focusing on his next venture—his business. The football legend launched his own YouTube channel, inviting fans to subscribe. On the channel, Ronaldo plans to share not only highlights from his career but also glimpses of his daily life. “The wait is over. My YouTube channel is finally here. SIUUUbscribe and…
Manchester United is ramping up their efforts to secure Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte before the transfer window closes. After starting their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a victory against Fulham, thanks to a goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee, United is keen to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad further. The club has been targeting Ugarte, a highly-regarded 23-year-old Uruguayan, who has expressed his interest in joining the Red Devils since July. However, negotiations have been complicated due to PSG’s demands. To navigate these challenges, United has proposed a loan-to-buy deal, a strategic approach that allows them to bring in…