Category: Sports

  • Five things learnt from Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Man Utd

    In a end-to-end encounter an injury-raved Man Utd side lost 1-0 away to Tottenham Hotspur.

    A running theme of the season continued as United created chances and couldn’t put them away. Here are five things we learnt from Utd’s 12th loss of the season:

    1) Spaces in midfield

    The midfield is almost picking itself with injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, Ruben Amorim turned to Casemiro.

    It’s clear the Brazilian is incapable of marshalling the 40 yards he was able to do in 22/23 and looked rusty. During the first half, United were lucky their pressing system and shape without the ball wasn’t punished more as the distances between Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were huge. A better team would’ve scored more, as it paints a bleak picture of what could be to come with Mainoo and Ugarte out.

    2) Goalscoring difficulties continue

    Such is the nature of playing Tottenham Hotspur, they do afford you space. United just couldn’t take advantage. Alejandro Garnacho’s guilt-edged one-on-one chance should’ve at least hit the target but the Argentinian somehow scuffed his effort over the bar.

    With Amad Diallo out, a forward is going to have step up and score goals for a team who are the 5th lowest scorers in the league.

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    3) Good Performances from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu

    A silver lining to another disappointing defeat was the performances of Josh Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu on his Premier League debut.

    At the very least, Zirkzee’s overall game, link-up play, confidence in tight spaces and football IQ is good, so if he isn’t firing on a goalscoring front the Dutchman still offers something in attack. Dorgu on the other hand looked comfortable on his wing and made good overlapping runs, unfortunately they were largely ignored by Garnacho.

    4) Helter Skelter Pace

    For elite sides like Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd, the quality level particularly in the final 20 minutes dropped off hugely. The game was akin to a pattern of ‘you attack, we attack’ with both sides running up the pitch attempting to score, before the move broke down and the other team would take their turn to fluff their lines in attack.

    There was still space to exploit in behind Tottenham Hotspur in the 2nd half, after an initial flurry, United never calmly got the ball down and played, often rushing the pass.

    5) Unused Youthful Bench

    Without sounding bleak, there isn’t too much to be positive about right now at Manchester United. Playing footballers from the academy is a tradition in the club and could’ve given the fans something to hold onto.

    Though it might’ve felt like Amorim was forced to have a bench full of players from the academy (bar Victor Lindelof), many anticipated seeing youth team players get first team minutes.

    This wasn’t the case and despite giving Chido Obi-Martin two minutes at the end of the game, a lack of substitutions may have hindered Utd in the second half when legs were tiring.

    If there was a game to slowly ease academy players in, this may have been it. Tottenham had space and couldn’t put United away, mistakes were made by many players all across the pitch.

    Against teams like Everton, Ipswich Town and Arsenal, these are games where the youth players when thrusted in may find it more difficult physically.

    Source: Centred Devils

  • SHOCKING TWIST! Nigerian star at the centre of explosive Turkish Football scandal

    Nigerian international and Galatasaray defender Tosin Demehin has become the focal point of a major dispute in Turkish women’s football.

    Trabzonspor are demanding a forfeit victory against Galatasaray over an alleged yellow card mix-up involving the Super Falcons star, as reported by Ajansspor.

    The controversy arose after Trabzonspor appealed to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to overturn their 1-1 draw with Galatasaray in the 16th round of the Women’s Super League. The club argued that Demehin had been ineligible to play.

    The Nigerian defender, who featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, was shown a yellow card during Galatasaray’s dominant 8-1 win over Ünyegücü in the previous round. This booking, issued in first-half stoppage time, meant she had accumulated enough cautions to trigger a one-match suspension—ruling her out of the Trabzonspor clash.

    Demehin playing for the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    However, ahead of the match, Galatasaray challenged the ruling, claiming the yellow card had been mistakenly attributed to Demehin instead of her teammate, Kadiata Diallo. The club lodged an appeal with the Disciplinary Board, which subsequently updated the official TFF records to transfer the booking from Demehin to Diallo, thereby clearing the Nigerian defender to play against Trabzonspor.

    READ MORE:Super Falcons Showdown: Echegini leads PSG past Onumonu’s Montpellier

    Trabzonspor, however, have strongly contested this decision, insisting that official observer reports and match footage confirm Demehin was correctly booked. The club has formally requested that the TFF award them a forfeit win, arguing that Galatasaray fielded an ineligible player.

    Demehin’s Galatasaray Journey

    Demehin joined Galatasaray last summer on a one-year deal after an impressive spell at French club Stade de Reims, where she played a pivotal role in their fourth-place finish in the D1 Arkema last season.

    Nigerian international and Galatasaray defender Oluwatosin Demehin has become the focal point of a major dispute in Turkish women’s football.

    Demehin in action for Galatasaray.

     

     

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    Before moving to Europe, the 22-year-old honed her skills in Nigeria, featuring for Sunshine Stars and Rivers Angels.

    However, her debut season in Turkey has now been overshadowed by this eligibility controversy. The TFF’s upcoming decision could significantly impact her early days at Galatasaray and set a precedent for handling disciplinary matters in Turkish women’s football.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United youngster with immense potential makes debut against Tottenham

    Manchester United’s ongoing injury crisis has forced manager Ruben Amorim to rely heavily on academy talent, with several youngsters stepping up to fill the gaps in recent weeks.

    With key players missing, particularly in midfield and attack, United’s squad depth has been tested, and Amorim has had to turn to Carrington’s rising stars to bolster the first team.

    Despite expectations for their attacking signings, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for consistency, leaving United without a reliable goal threat.

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    Hojlund’s hot-and-cold form and Zirkzee’s lack of impact have left United lacking a clinical edge, with a negative goal differential highlighting their struggles in front of goal.

    This situation has left Amorim with no choice but to give opportunities to promising academy prospects, hoping that youth energy can inject life into the struggling attack.

    With United missing several senior players due to injury and illness, the match against Tottenham saw the latest academy star get his chance in the first-team setup.

    As United chased a late equalizer against Spurs, Amorim introduced a young forward who has been making noise in the club’s youth setup.

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    Chido Obi-Martin made his senior debut for United in the closing minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.

    The 17-year-old, who joined United from Arsenal’s academy last October, has been a standout performer for the club’s youth teams this season.

    Obi replaced Casemiro in stoppage time, marking his first-ever competitive appearance for the senior squad.

    Although his time on the pitch was brief, his rapid rise through the academy ranks suggests he could have a bright future at Old Trafford.

    His impressive performances at the youth level, including multiple hat-tricks in the FA Youth Cup, have put him firmly on the radar for future first-team opportunities.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Rangers show nerves of steel to halt Remo Stars unbeaten run in Enugu

    Remo Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat against Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, bringing an end to their nine-game unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day 24.

    Isaac Saviour broke the deadlock for Rangers on the hour mark, curling a stunning free-kick into the net from 25 meters out. Kingsley Maduforo then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 49th minute, finishing off a well-timed assist from Kenneth Igboke.

    Despite the defeat, Remo Stars dominated large spells of the game, creating several chances, but Sikiru Alimi, Nduka Nworie, Ebenezer Mawuena, and Tochukwu Nnadi were unable to convert their opportunities.

    Saviour Isaac Rangers highest goal scorer this season.

    The visitors eventually pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Harun Hadi, who capitalized on a defensive mix-up inside the Rangers’ box. However, in the 93rd minute, Rangers almost sealed the win in style when Godwin Obaje struck the woodwork with a powerful effort.

    Despite the loss, Remo Stars remain top of the table with 48 points, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Shooting Stars (3SC) with 40 points. Rangers, meanwhile, climb to third place with 38 points, just two points behind 3SC ahead of Matchday 25.

    Remo Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat against Rangers, bringing an end to their 9 game unbeaten run in the NPFL.

    Remo stars head coach Ogunmodede is hoping to win the club’s first ever league title despite losing to Rangers

    Heartland Edge Shooting Stars in Owerri

    At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Heartland secured a 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars.

    The hosts took the lead after 30 minutes when Chukwuma Agor’s effort, initially heading toward goal, took a decisive deflection off a defender to beat goalkeeper Lawal.

    Shooting Stars found an equalizer in the 80th minute, as Adam Mustapha converted from the penalty spot. However, Heartland regained the advantage late in the game through John Bassey, who was initially denied from the spot by Lawal. The referee, citing an infringement by the goalkeeper, ordered a retake, and Bassey made no mistake the second time.

    READ MORE:SHOCKING TWIST! Nigerian star at the centre of explosive Turkish Football scandal

    Heartland, led by former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke, move to 12th position with 32 points, while Shooting Stars remain in second place with 40 points, just two points ahead of Rangers in third.

    Bendel Insurance Dominate Niger Tornadoes

    In Benin City, Bendel Insurance cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

    Julius Emiloju opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving the home side an early advantage. The visitors’ troubles worsened just before halftime when goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo received a straight red card, forcing Tornadoes to sacrifice an outfield player for substitute keeper Yusuf Mohammed.

    Insurance made their numerical advantage count in the second half, with Uche Collins doubling the lead in the 55th minute, before Kayode Oke sealed the win in the 76th minute.

    It was a dominant performance from Bendel Insurance, who made light work of their short-handed opponents.With the win, Bendel Insurance move up to 10th position with 34 points, while Niger Tornadoes drop to 13th with 31 points.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Ruben Amorim reveals ‘careful’ plan to integrate Carrington stars

    Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham was yet another frustrating night for Ruben Amorim, who opted against making early substitutions despite his side chasing an equalizer.

    With multiple first-team players sidelined due to injury, Amorim’s options were already limited, forcing him to rely on a thin squad that struggled to break down Spurs.

    United’s midfield has been particularly hard-hit, with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer all missing, leaving Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes exposed once again.

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    Injuries have forced United to rely on makeshift solutions, but even with young talent waiting for their chance, Amorim stuck with his starters for most of the match.

    The pressure at United is unlike most clubs, and every decision is scrutinized, leaving Amorim in a difficult position as he attempts to balance short-term results with long-term squad development.

    Despite the presence of several Carrington graduates on the bench, the manager was reluctant to throw them into a high-stakes Premier League battle against an in-form Tottenham side.

    This led to criticism from fans who were eager to see more academy talent given an opportunity, especially with fresh legs desperately needed late in the game.

    After the match, Amorim explained his approach, emphasizing that he is being cautious with the development of young players in such a demanding environment.

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    “It is the hardest competition in the world.

    “I am trying to be careful with them.

    “I felt the team was pushing for the goal, and I felt I didn’t want to change.

    “But they will play,” Amorim told BBC Match of the Day.

    He acknowledged that substitutions need to be made at the right moments, adding, “You try to read the game and understand what you see in training.

    “The team were pushing for the goal, and I didn’t feel the need to change.

    “I am not worried.

    “I understand our fans and what the media think about it.”

    Amorim admitted the defeat was painful but stressed that he remains focused on the long-term project.

    “I hate to lose.

    “That feeling is the worst.

    “The rest I am not thinking about.

    “I am here to help my players.

    “I understand my situation, my job, I am confident in my work, and I just want to win games.”

    He assured supporters that academy players will get their chances, saying, “They will play during this season.

    “We will have games in the cup and Europe, and they will play.

    “I feel it.”

    Despite frustrations from fans, Amorim remains firm in his approach, believing that easing young players in gradually will benefit both the team and the individuals in the long run.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Sacked by Barau FC, Salisu Yusuf gets another chance to rescue Nasarawa United

    Former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf has been appointed as the new head coach of Nasarawa United, the club announced on Sunday.

    The Kaduna-born tactician takes over from Kabiru Dogo, who was relieved of his duties following the team’s struggles in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    Nasarawa United currently sits 18th on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches, leaving them in a precarious battle to avoid relegation. Despite winning two of their last five matches, the club’s management felt the need for a change to boost their survival hopes.

    In an official statement, Nasarawa United confirmed parting ways with Dogo, thanking him for his efforts and dedication.

    “This decision has been made following a thorough review of the Club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

    “Despite the efforts of the coaching staff and players, results have not improved to the level required, and we have taken the difficult decision to make a change.”

    Dogo, who was in his second stint with the club, expressed his appreciation to the management, staff, players, and fans, wishing the team success in the remainder of the season.

    Dogo joined the Solid miners from Kwara United.

    Salisu Yusuf Returns After Barau FC Suspension

    Yusuf, a CAF ‘A’ licensed coach, arrives with a wealth of experience at both club and international levels. The former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach previously served as the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, handling the home-based national team and working as an assistant to Gernot Rohr during his tenure.

    READ MORE:Rangers show nerves of steel to halt Remo Stars unbeaten run in Enugu

    However, his last coaching job ended in January 2025 when he was suspended by Kano-based Nigeria National League (NNL) side Barau FC due to the team’s poor performances in the ongoing 2024/25 NNL season. The club’s decision to part ways with him raised questions about his recent coaching form, but Nasarawa United’s management remains confident in his ability to turn things around.

    “The Kaduna State-born Salisu Yusuf boasts of an intimidating coaching CV, both at club and national team levels, and we hope that his arrival will help turn around the fortunes of our club in the remaining part of the league campaign.”

    Nasarawa United’s Battle for Survival

    With just 14 matches left in the season, Yusuf faces a tough challenge in guiding Nasarawa United away from the relegation zone. The Solid Miners are under pressure to pick up crucial points in the coming weeks to secure their NPFL status for next season.

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    The club reassured its fans that they remain committed to improving performances and competing at the highest level.

    “We wish to express our earnest assurances to our teeming supporters and fans that we are committed to improving our performance and competing at the highest level of club football in the country.”

    Yusuf’s first assignment will be Nasarawa United’s next league fixture, where he will look to make an immediate impact and begin the team’s push for survival.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United superstars receive MAJOR injury blow

    Manchester United’s lackluster season under Ruben Amorim faces yet another challenge as the club prepares for a crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

    United’s struggles this season have been well documented, with inconsistent performances, injuries, and squad instability preventing them from gaining momentum in the Premier League.

    Despite flashes of brilliance, the Red Devils have been unable to maintain form, and midfield issues have been at the heart of their problems.

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    Amorim has attempted to implement his pressing and high-energy system, but injuries and a lack of depth in midfield have forced him to rely on a rotating cast of players.

    One of the few bright spots has been the emergence of academy talents, with Toby Collyer stepping up as a promising young midfielder in recent months.

    The manager has been keen to integrate youth players into the first-team squad, a necessity given United’s current injury struggles.

    The club’s heavy fixture schedule has left several key figures fatigued, making squad rotation a challenge for Amorim as he tries to balance his squad for both domestic and European competitions.

    United’s midfield has already lacked consistency, and just as the team seemed to be finding some stability, a fresh injury setback has made things even more difficult.

    Heading into a key fixture against Tottenham, United now faces a serious midfield dilemma, leaving Amorim with limited options in a crucial area of the pitch.

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    According to Laurie Whitwell via X, United’s midfield crisis has worsened ahead of the Spurs match.

    Mainoo is ruled out with an injury, while Ugarte and Collyer are doubtful to be selected after picking up problems in training.

    With limited options, 19-year-old Jack Moorhouse is set to travel to London and could be included in the matchday squad for the first time.

    This would mark a significant moment for the young midfielder, who has yet to feature at senior level for United.

    Amorim now faces a tough decision on how to structure his midfield against one of the league’s biggest clubs.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Amad suffers major injury – centredevils

    Manchester United’s attacking struggles have been one of the defining issues of their season, with the team failing to produce the goals needed to compete at the top of the Premier League table.

    Under Ruben Amorim, United have shown glimpses of promise, but the lack of consistency in the final third has left the club trailing behind their rivals.

    With a negative goal differential, United’s inability to convert chances into goals has become a major concern, particularly against stronger opposition.

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    Alejandro Garnacho has struggled to replicate his best form, while Rasmus Hojlund has been left to carry the attacking burden with little support.

    United’s decision not to sign an attacker in the January transfer window was seen as a gamble, as the club prioritized a major summer investment rather than a short-term fix.

    Instead, Amorim placed faith in his existing squad, hoping that his tactical adjustments and squad rotation would be enough to see United through to the summer.

    With no major attacking reinforcements brought in, the pressure has been on United’s young talents to step up and provide depth in the forward line.

    Now, however, the club has been hit with a massive setback, further limiting their attacking options as they approach the most crucial period of the season.

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    Amad Diallo is set to miss out on the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

    Diallo has been a standout performer for United this season, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.

    In the Premier League, he has made 22 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists.

    Ivorian star winger suffered the injury in training earlier this week and is expected to be unavailable for selection for the next three months.

    This marks a significant blow for United, who were hoping Diallo could play a bigger role in the latter half of the campaign.

    With no winter signings to compensate for his absence, Amorim will now have to reshuffle his attacking options with limited depth.

    United’s hopes of securing European football now rest on their ability to find goals from an already struggling front line.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Super sub Umar Sadiq late heroics secure vital draw for Valencia

    Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq played the hero for Valencia as his late equalizer denied Villarreal a third consecutive LaLiga victory, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Estadi de la Ceràmica.

    His goal marked his first La Liga strike of the season since joining Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad.

    Villarreal entered the match in strong form, having won four of their last six matches, and were eager to close the gap to Athletic Club in the race for the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

    Their opponents, Valencia, despite recent improvements, remained mired in the relegation battle and were desperate for any points to aid their survival bid.

    The opening stages of the game were largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm in front of goal. Luis Rioja had the first sight of goal but sent his long-range effort over the bar, setting the tone for a half where clear-cut chances were rare.

    READ MORE:Semi Ajayi returns action after three-month injury layoff

    Villarreal, however, managed to break the deadlock in spectacular fashion when Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, leaving Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili helpless as the ball nestled into the far corner.

    Valencia’s persistence was rewarded late in the match, with Umar Sadiq at the center of the action.Substitute Rafa Mir’s shot was initially parried by Diego Conde, but Sadiq was in the right place at the right time to nod home the rebound, rescuing a crucial point for his team and marking a significant personal milestone with his first league goal of the campaign.

    VILLARREAL, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: Sadiq Umar of Valencia CF celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga match between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 15, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

    Sadiq goal, at 83:25, is Valencia’s latest away goal against Villarreal to win or draw in La Liga since one from Aritz Aduriz in January 2012 (86:05).

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    Sadiq’s late heroics ensured Valencia moved level on points with UD Las Palmas, just outside the relegation zone, while Villarreal were left frustrated, missing an opportunity to tighten their grip on a European qualification spot.

    The Nigerian international now has 1 goal in 11 La Liga games and 2 goals in 17 appearances across all competition this season having joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United crisis forces Ruben Amorim into bold squad decision for Tottenham clash

    Manchester United’s injury woes continue to pile up at the worst possible time, leaving Ruben Amorim with major selection headaches ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

    United’s squad has already struggled for consistency this season, with injuries to key players disrupting Amorim’s plans and forcing constant tactical reshuffling.

    The team’s goal-scoring problems have been evident, and their negative goal differential further highlights their lack of cutting edge in the final third.

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    January was seen as an opportunity for the club to reinforce their attacking options, but United ultimately chose to hold off on signings, preferring to wait for a summer rebuild instead.

    This gamble has now come back to haunt them, as injuries to key figures have left the squad dangerously thin, forcing Amorim to look toward the academy for reinforcements.

    Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury has been a massive blow, robbing United of a promising wide option who could have played a crucial role in the run-in.

    Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer are all unavailable for the Tottenham game, leaving United without crucial midfield depth in one of their toughest fixtures of the season.

    With the squad stretched to its limits, Amorim has been left with no choice but to promote several youth players to the first-team squad ahead of this weekend’s match.

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    Chido Obi, Sekou Kone, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse, and Elyh Harrison have been selected to travel with United’s first-team squad in the clash against Tottenham this Sunday, according to @AcademyScoop via X.

    Amorim has been forced to select upon the top performing United academy players to fill the holes left by the several injuries received from the first team.

    The manager is expected to give at least one of the youngsters a spot on the bench as United scramble to fill out their squad.

    With first-team players missing, this could be a defining moment for United’s academy prospects to step up on the big stage.

    Amorim’s decision underscores the severity of United’s injury crisis and the desperate need for depth as the season reaches its decisive phase.

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    Source: Centred Devils