Sam Allardyce credits Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha for providing more than just entertainment value during his tenure at Bolton Wanderers. The former Bolton Wanderers boss has singled out Okocha as the standout player he ever managed during his extensive coaching career. Allardyce secured the mercurial Nigerian midfielder on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002 after his contract expired, a move he fondly reminisced about in a TikTok video. “We signed him after the World Cup had finished from Paris St Germain,” Allardyce recounted. “We got him on a free transfer. Imagine that now, Jay Jay Okocha on a…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester United has been linked with Crystal Palace standout Michael Olise, but former Red Devil Mikael Silvestre remains skeptical about the likelihood of the transfer. Reports indicate interest from Liverpool and Arsenal as well in the French U21 international, who has made a significant impact with five goals and an assist in nine Premier League games this season. Despite a hamstring injury, Olise remains a highly sought-after player, with Manchester United considering him an upgrade on Antony, who has faced challenges in his second season. United may have an advantage in negotiations due to Palace’s interest in bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka…
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has advised the Blues to consider signing Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes during the upcoming summer transfer window. Gallas emphasized the quality of Rashford and Fernandes, suggesting that their addition would enhance Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. “Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could provide valuable options for Chelsea. They are both high-caliber players,” Gallas remarked (via Football.London). “Gallas sees Bruno as a potential solution to Chelsea’s midfield needs, particularly in the playmaking role, where the team lacks depth. “Given Chelsea’s youthful squad, Bruno Fernandes’ leadership qualities could prove invaluable during challenging periods. If…
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges uncertainty regarding the club’s resurgence despite an impressive 2-0 triumph over rivals Tottenham. Following the match, Pochettino voiced frustration over ongoing speculation about his tenure, emphasizing the necessity for managers to implement their ideas given time. Despite facing injuries to key players, Chelsea secured victory, with Pochettino emphasizing the significance of team cohesion over individual star power. Nonetheless, he remains uncertain about his future at the club and feels disheartened by continual scrutiny. Asserting the need for more time to effect change, Pochettino maintains that his presence at the club isn’t solely his decision. Despite…
Borussia Dortmund’s coach, Edin Terzic, commended Jadon Sancho’s contribution following Dortmund’s crucial 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Despite his recent return to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United, Sancho’s impact on the right wing came as no surprise to Terzic, who regularly witnesses the player’s talents in training. “We know his quality, and we saw it again today,” remarked Terzic, acknowledging the challenge of translating training form into match performance without consistent playtime. Sancho himself remains focused on the present, appreciating the warm welcome back to Dortmund, the club where…
In May, Manchester United faces a pivotal three-game stretch that could determine their Champions League aspirations. With matchups against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Newcastle United looming, United must secure vital points to maintain their position in the top four. Sitting just two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both contenders for the final Champions League spot, United faces a challenging road ahead. Their first challenge comes against Crystal Palace, a team capable of surprises despite a lackluster season, as demonstrated by their 4-1 victory over Arsenal. Following that, United clashes with Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders who…
Germany’s national football player, Jamal Musiala, shared that his father, a Nigerian, instilled in him a deep appreciation for culture. Speaking on the renowned show ‘How Hungry Are You’ hosted by Chef Serge Ibaka, the Bayern Munich midfielder expressed his fondness for Nigerian culture and his love for the traditional African dish, ‘fufu’. Although the 21-year-old has never visited Nigeria, he grew up immersed in knowledge about Nigerian and African customs. “I have always wanted to visit Africa, but unfortunately, we never found the time to go,” Musiala revealed. “My dad, being from Nigeria, constantly shared insights about the culture…
Sadio Mane expressed his joy in announcing the completion of a primary to high school, entirely funded by himself, in his homeland of Senegal. Additionally, he has invested in infrastructure to connect 16 villages in Senegal, providing them with access to essential amenities such as roads, markets, water, and electricity. This initiative also aims to create vital job opportunities for young people in the region.
Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, has provided an explanation for his team’s 4-2 defeat against Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa Conference League (ECL) semi-final on Thursday. Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat-trick secured a stunning victory for Olympiakos at Villa Park, although Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby managed to find the net for Emery’s side during the match. Following the game, Emery expressed his frustration and disappointment, acknowledging that Aston Villa didn’t perform well against the visitors and lacked control of the game. “We are frustrated and disappointed; we didn’t play well,” Emery remarked during his post-match…
According to a former Premier League CEO, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, is approaching the end of his tenure at the club. This assessment comes amid the club’s ongoing legal battle over 115 alleged breaches of financial fair play rules. Despite this controversy, Manchester City remains the frontrunner to clinch the league title after a recent 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest. However, questions linger about the potential impact on European league football if City were to secure another title while facing these charges. Premier League CEO Richard Masters emphasized the importance of maintaining suspense in the league until…
Borussia Dortmund took a significant step towards their first Champions League final since 2013 with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Niclas Fullkrug found the back of the net with a clinical finish in the first half, while Jadon Sancho showcased glimpses of his top form as his loan spell from Manchester United approaches its conclusion. Both teams had ample opportunities to score more goals, with chances created at both ends as the game progressed. However, it was Dortmund who emerged with the lead, leaving PSG with a challenging task ahead.…
Karim Benzema has returned to his former club, Real Madrid, for treatment on his ongoing muscle injuries. Benzema was absent from Al Ittihad’s recent 3-1 defeat to Al Shabab and has faced numerous setbacks throughout his debut season due to muscle issues. To address his injury concerns, Al Ittihad has arranged for Benzema to seek expert medical opinion from Real Madrid’s clinic and his former doctor in Spain. “Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid’s clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years,” Al Ittihad stated in a press release. These consultations…
Ralf Rangnick has declined the opportunity to assume the role of Bayern Munich manager at the conclusion of the season. Bayern had engaged in discussions with the Austrian coach over the past few weeks, aiming to secure his return to club management as they prepare for Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of the campaign. However, Rangnick has confirmed his decision to remain in his current position for the foreseeable future. “I am fully committed to my role as the Austrian team boss,” Rangnick stated. “I take great pleasure in this role and am determined to continue our journey successfully.…
The Premier League has revealed its shortlists for April’s Player of the Month and Manager of the Month awards. There will be a new Player of the Month after last month’s winner, Rodrigo Muniz, was not nominated. Six players from six different clubs are in contention for the prize. Similarly, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola will relinquish his crown. Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are both contenders for the penultimate award of the season. Here are the nominees: Premier League Player of the Month shortlist – April 2024: – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – Kai Havertz (Arsenal)…
According to Albanian football agent Serxhio Mezi, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is set to join French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Osimhen’s departure from Napoli is imminent, with the Nigerian international having been linked with several top clubs including PSG, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Speaking recently on the radio program 1 Football Club hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio, Mezi stated, “The Nigerian [Osimhen] will leave [Napoli], he will join Paris Saint-Germain.” Mezi also mentioned Napoli’s interest in Albion Rrahmani, who currently plays in Albania, and revealed ongoing discussions regarding Broja. He noted, “Much, however, will depend…
The Premier League is anticipated to greenlight plans for referees to provide explanations for VAR decision changes ahead of the 2024/25 season, aiming to address concerns about prolonged VAR checks and the lack of transparency surrounding decision alterations, particularly in stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield that lack large screens. According to ESPN, the Premier League is hoping to implement regulations for referees to communicate decisions to crowds prior to the 2024/25 campaign. Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), discussed these plans on Match Officials Mic’d Up, a program where VAR decisions…
Former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has asserted that Manchester United were initially hesitant to part ways with their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. The Portuguese international went on to become an iconic signing in the annals of Los Blancos’ history, completing a then-world record €94 million transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. At the time of the transfer, Ronaldo was the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and stood among the elite talents in the English Premier League. Under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United were understandably reluctant to part with their prized asset. In a recent interview…
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has shed light on why Real Madrid has been dominant in the UEFA Champions League over the years. Real Madrid holds the record for the most Champions League titles, having secured the prestigious trophy 14 times in the past. In the recent Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Carlo Ancelotti’s side managed a 2-2 draw. While Bayern Munich appeared to dominate the game and create better scoring opportunities, they failed to capitalize on them. Real Madrid, on the other hand, found themselves second-best against RB Leipzig in the Round of…
Former Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye has commented on the salary expectations for newly-appointed Nigeria coach Finidi George, foreseeing a substantial remuneration package from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). After an interim period of nearly two months without a permanent manager, the NFF introduced Finidi George as the new head coach for the Super Eagles. With his extensive background, including experience as an assistant under former coach Jose Peseiro and recent leadership in international fixtures, Finidi’s appointment has generated anticipation and hopes for a successful tenure. Referring to reports from Ojora Babatunde on X, Ibitoye highlighted the salary benchmarks…
Former Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has shared insights into Pep Guardiola’s early interactions with the squad after his appointment in 2016. Clichy, who was part of the Etihad club following his transfer from Arsenal, revealed that Guardiola wasted no time in signaling impending changes. According to Clichy, Guardiola bluntly referred to the team as “a team of fat players” and asserted that he had been observing them for a year. In a conversation with Zack Nani, Clichy recounted Guardiola’s words to the players: “I’ve known that I’ve been coming here for a year now and I’ve been watching you.…