Rangers will receive N150 million in prize money for clinching the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. The Flying Antelopes secured their eighth NPFL title with a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday. Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo scored the goals in front of a packed crowd at ‘The Cathedral’, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. This victory marks Rangers’ first title in eight years. The team will be presented with the trophy after their final match of the season against Plateau United in Jos this weekend. Additionally, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side will…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Pastor Peterside Idaho has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sanction Victor Osimhen unless he apologizes for disrespecting Finidi George. Osimhen, the Napoli striker, criticized George harshly during an intense Instagram Live session, visibly upset over comments reportedly questioning his commitment to the national team. Idaho, a former BCC Lions of Gboko player, strongly criticized Osimhen for his “irresponsible” behavior and emphasized the need for a public apology to George, suggesting a potential ban from the national team otherwise.
Following the conclusion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to acquire a 25 percent stake in the club, a new decision-making structure will be established for United’s transfer strategy. According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe will soon finalize the changes, which could significantly reduce ten Hag’s control over player acquisitions. During ten Hag’s tenure, United have spent over £400 million on players such as Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Casemiro, and Rasmus Hojlund, with varying levels of success. Ratcliffe is expected to shift the focus towards a more strategic and financially prudent approach. A potential new hierarchy at United could see key figures, such…
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been offered the chance to become the highest-earning defender in the world with a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, according to reports. Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer. He plans to discuss his future with Liverpool only after Euro 2024, though he has already had informal talks with new Reds boss Arne Slot. According to MARCA, Van Dijk’s expiring contract has made him an attractive target for Al Nassr, who are keen to strike a deal. Van Dijk’s…
Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. United are in the market for at least one new centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane. Additional reinforcements are anticipated due to uncertainties surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans. The 21-year-old Branthwaite caught the attention of United after an impressive season, featuring in 41 matches across all competitions. According to The Times, United have initiated talks for a potential summer transfer. Personal terms have reportedly been settled with Branthwaite’s representatives, aiming for a contract worth between £150,000 and £160,000 per…
Despite leading Borussia Dortmund to an unprecedented UEFA Champions League run this past season, coach Edin Terzic has chosen to part ways with the club. Terzic, who initially took over as interim manager in 2020 and became permanent coach in 2022, guided Dortmund to a strong performance in the 2022-2023 Bundesliga season, narrowly missing out on the title to Bayern Munich on the final day. In the 2023-2024 season, Dortmund finished 5th in the Bundesliga but reached the UEFA Champions League final, where they were defeated 2-0 by Real Madrid. Announcing his resignation, Terzic expressed his difficulty in leaving the…
Manchester City clinched their sixth Premier League title in seven years during the 2023-24 season, yet under Pep Guardiola, no player’s position is assured. Throughout Guardiola’s eight-year tenure at the Etihad, he has shown a willingness to offload players, with Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Ilkay Gundogan all departing permanently last summer. Here are five players who might leave Man City this summer: 1. Jack Grealish: Signed for a British record fee of €117.5 million in 2021, Grealish has not consistently lived up to expectations at the Etihad. Despite his role in City’s treble-winning squad, he is no…
Manchester United have received a £40 million bid from Juventus for Mason Greenwood, according to reports. Greenwood, an England international, has not featured for United since January 2022, following legal issues that were later resolved. He spent the last season on loan at Getafe in Spain, where he showed promising form. While Greenwood was expected to return for United’s pre-season, a move to Juventus appears increasingly likely. Personal terms have been agreed upon, and the player has reportedly given his approval to join the Italian club. United are likely to view the fee positively, considering their modest summer transfer budget.…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to end Finidi George’s tenure as Super Eagles coach following a meeting with him. The NFF announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser after the team’s poor performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. In a statement released after an executive committee meeting on Wednesday, the NFF apologized to Nigerian fans for the Eagles’ “dismal output and very poor returns” of just three points from a possible 12 in the first four qualifiers. The federation stated, “We have resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the…
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has praised Arsenal’s William Saliba, calling him one of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs. Mbappe believes Saliba has the potential to start for France at Euro 2024 and has become a crucial player for Arsenal. Saliba’s standout performances over two consecutive seasons with the Gunners have secured his spot in France’s Euro squad. However, he currently trails Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate in Didier Deschamps’ selection hierarchy. “I have known him since he was very, very young,” Mbappe told Ouest-France. “We were in the same primary school in Bondy. We played football…
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid are looking to bolster their squad this summer in preparation for the future. Recent reports indicate that the club has identified River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono as a promising talent and is close to securing an agreement for his transfer. Real Madrid close to sealing agreement to sign new midfielder. Franco Mastantuono could soon become a Real Madrid player. The 16-year-old midfielder has impressed for River Plate during the 2023/2024 season, scoring 3 goals and providing an assist in 19 games. His performances have attracted Real Madrid’s attention, and the club has been closely monitoring…
Former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf has backed Arsenal’s Declan Rice to excel at Euro 2024. Seedorf praised Rice’s strong tackling abilities and shooting technique. Rice was a standout player for Arsenal last season, helping Mikel Arteta’s side secure second place in the Premier League. Speaking with Wettfreunde (via DAZN), Seedorf said, “He is strong in tackles, moves between the lines with a lot of cleverness, and has a strong shooting technique. He clearly has what it takes to become one of the big stars of this European Championship.”
Interview with Benin Coach on Nigeria Match and World Cup Prospects Before the game against Benin Republic, Nigeria were the favorites, especially as both sides were playing on neutral ground. How did you turn things around for your team? As a team, we knew we had to perform exceptionally well. I was familiar with the Nigerian team and many of their players. Our biggest motivation was the necessity of winning this game to keep our World Cup dreams alive. Despite being a smaller nation, I told my players that anything is possible if we win these two games. Playing on…
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has selected the player he believes will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Speaking to TNT Sport, Mourinho was quizzed on various topics ahead of the European Championship kicking off this weekend. In a rapid-fire interview, the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss predicted Portugal to clinch the Euros with England finishing as runners-up. He also forecasted that England’s captain Harry Kane would secure the top scorer title, while his teammate Jude Bellingham would be named Player of the Tournament. Regarding the Ballon d’Or, Mourinho straightforwardly stated “Vinicius Jr.” Vinicius is a prominent candidate for the…
Paulo Dybala’s future at Roma is uncertain amid swirling transfer rumors surrounding the Argentine and former Juventus forward. The 30-year-old, who joined the Giallorossi on a free transfer two years ago, is awaiting clarity from the club regarding his future. Dybala accepted a pay cut to join Roma, signing a three-year contract worth €4 million per season. Since his arrival, Dybala has been a standout performer, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. His €12 million release clause makes him an appealing target in the transfer market. Currently enjoying a holiday in Miami and preparing for his upcoming wedding next…
After a disappointing season, Chelsea are determined to turn their fortunes around for the upcoming campaign. Despite finishing 6th in the Premier League standings, the Blues missed out on UEFA Europa League qualification due to Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City. As a result, Chelsea will participate in the Europa Conference League next season. In response, the club has undergone significant changes, starting with the appointment of new head coach Enzo Maresca. Additionally, Chelsea are actively pursuing new players to bolster their squad with added talent. Reports suggest Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa striker…
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has acknowledged that his club is likely to miss out on signing Rafa Silva, who appears set to join their domestic rivals, Galatasaray. The Portuguese forward is coming off a stellar season with Benfica, having scored 22 goals and provided 15 assists across 52 matches in all competitions. Silva’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season. According to Mourinho, he is now nearing a move to Galatasaray. Mourinho told RTP Portugal (as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano): “Rafa Silva to Fenerbahçe? He’s a great player, but I’ve heard he’s close to…
Lionel Messi has acknowledged that Inter Miami will be his final club before retiring from professional football. The 36-year-old joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side in 2023 after departing Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of 2025. Speaking to ESPN Argentina, he stated: “I’m not ready to leave football. I’ve dedicated my whole life to this, I enjoy the training, the matches. The fear that it will all end is always there. I believe Inter Miami will be my last club.”
British broadcaster Piers Morgan has ridiculed Manchester United’s reported decision to retain Erik ten Hag as their manager. Ten Hag faced significant criticism following a disappointing 2023-24 Premier League season, which saw the team finish eighth in the league and exit the UEFA Champions League during the group stages. Despite securing the FA Cup, speculation had emerged about his potential replacement. However, renowned journalist David Ornstein announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account on June 12 that Manchester United’s end-of-season review concluded with the decision to keep the 54-year-old Dutchman in charge. Ornstein added that Ten Hag will remain at…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to sign a new two-year contract extension with the Premier League club. This decision comes just a day after uncertainty about his future was resolved. Following a review by senior officials to determine whether to retain the manager, United have decided to support Ten Hag with a new two-year deal. According to the Telegraph, this new contract will replace his current one, which expires in 2025. As a result, the Dutchman will remain with the Red Devils for three more years starting this summer. Despite finishing eighth in the league, United won…